Well, when it comes to cameras – Sony and Nikon have been known to be the two popular manufacturers. If you are looking for the best superzoom cameras for your needs, the two best options from these two that have been attracting a few customers are the Nikon Coolpix B500 vs Sony H300. Launched in 2016 and 2014 respectively, these two have created enough interest in the superzoom category. How do these cameras compare with each other? Let us check out the features of these superzoom cameras in more exquisite detail.
What is A Superzoom Camera?
Superzoom is a new industry norm when it comes to the cameras that are not as expensive as the DSLRs but offer a better zoom capability. There are times when you need to images right from the front and close. But, you may not be able to get that close and personal – physically. That is where the Superzoom cameras can come in handy most of the times.
As per the name, these cameras offer an incredible zoom capability. Some of these cameras can get as close as 83X! Some of these superzoom cameras feature small sensors you may not find on traditional point and shoot cameras. What makes them a good option is the ability to provide a good quality even with those superior zoom capabilities.
Nikon Coolpix B500 vs Sony H300 – A Comparison
Let us check out the two superzoom cameras based on a few critical parameters. We will go with a tabulated comparison for a better understanding.
Physical Properties
| Features/ Particulars | Nikon B 500
|
Sony H300
|
| Dimensions | 114 x 78 x 95 mm | 130 x95 x 122 mm |
| Weight | 541 grams | 590 grams |
As we can find, the Nikon Coolpix B500 is smaller among the two competitors. Weight can be a significant factor as long as carrying the camera is concerned. However, both the competing devices do not seem to differ much regarding physical weight.
Sensor
| Features/ Particulars | Nikon B 500
|
Sony H300
|
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3″ (~ 6.16 x 4.62 mm) | 1/2.3″ (~ 6.16 x 4.62 mm) |
| Resolution | 4612 x 3468 | 5171 x 3888 |
| Resolution in MP | 16 MP | 20 MP |
Sensor size plays an important role regarding image quality. In our case, both the cameras offer you the same performance standards regarding sensor size. However, given the fact that Nikon B500 and Sony H300 have a two-year difference between the two of them, we would expect Nikon B500 to offer better performance. Newer sensors have been observed to come with better functionality.
Lens Specifications
| Features/ Particulars | Nikon B 500
|
Sony H300
|
| Wide Coverage | 23 mm | 25 mm |
| Telezoom | 900 mm | 875 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F 6.50 | F 9.50 |
| Maximum Wide aperture | F 3.0 | F 3.0 |
The Nikon B500 offers you slightly wider coverage than the Sony H300. Rest of the features tend to be almost similar.
Other Features
We present a complete comparison chart for the other features so that we would be able to get a clear overview of both the cameras and their strengths.
In fact, on account of these features that the B500 from Nikon takes the lead over Sony Cybershot H300 as you would be able to make out through the comparison.
| Features/ Particulars | Nikon B 500
|
Sony H300
|
| Optical Zoom | 40 X | 35 X |
| Digital Zoom | Yes, available | Yes, available |
| ISO Sensitivity | 80 to 32000 | 80 to 32000 |
| Normal focal range | 30 cm | 30 cm |
| Macro Focal range | 1 cm | 1 cm |
| Focal length | 23 to 900 mm | 25 to 875 mm |
| Max aperture | f3.0 – f6.5 | f3.0 – f5.9 |
| Max Shutter speed | 1/4000 sec | 1/1500 sec |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Presets for white balance | 5 | 7 |
| Screen | 3”- 921,000 dots | 3” – 460,800 dots |
| Screen articulation | Yes | No |
| Max video resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 |
| Storage type | SD, SDHC and SDXC | SD, SDHC, Memory Stick Duo |
| HDMI connectivity | Yes | No |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes- Bluetooth and WiFi | No |
| Battery Life | 600 shots per charge | 350 shots per charge |
Features in Favour of Sony H300 as against Nikon Coolpix B500
Here are a few features that have the upper hand over Nikon Coolpix B500 –
- Maximum resolution of 20 MP as opposed to 16 MP
- The maximum telephoto aperture of 5.90 as opposed 6.5. This ensures a faster lens performance
- Flash coverage at 8.8 meters as opposed 6.9 meters.
Features in Favour of Nikon Coolpix B500 as against Sony H300
Where does Nikon Coolpix take an upper edge in comparison to the Sony H300? Here are few comparative differences-
- Wireless connectivity options through Bluetooth and WiFi. This ensures better connectivity
- The articulating screen that provides flexibility while shooting
- LCD screen resolution at 921k dots as opposed to 460k dots
- Faster shutter speed at 1/4000 sec
- Continuous shooting capability at 7.4 fps as against 1.0 fps
- Better battery backup with 600 shots per charge as against 350 shots
- Slightly better optical zoom with 40X as compared to 35X.
- Can be controlled with a smartphone
- Full HD video recording at 1080p
The Concluding Thoughts
Well, based on the comparison above and the points scored by each of the cameras, we would consider the Nikon Coolpix B500 as better equipped to meet the needs a camera buff – whether a hobbyist or a professional.
Apart from the specific points that we have outlined here, the Nikon B500 offer you a better sensitivity and a higher resolution. A few additional features like an articulated screen add up to the usability that the camera provides you. A compact size, more battery life and a full HD resolution video recording are a few other features that would put it ahead of the competition as against the Sony H300. The connectivity features offered on the Nikon camera can be another feather in the cap for the B500 given the importance that the connected devices gain in the current scenario.
Having gone through all the specifications and the features, we would indeed conclude that the Nikon Coolpix B500 is the best catch in comparison to the Sony Cybershot H300.