Canon SX240 HS vs. Nikon Coolpix B700: A Hands-On Journey Through Two Superzoom Compacts

In the vast jungle of compact superzoom cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS and Nikon Coolpix B700 stand as intriguing choices from different eras. The SX240 HS, launched in early 2012, and the B700, a 2016 entry, both boast impressive zoom capabilities in relatively pocketable bodies but cater to slightly different user expectations and photographic ambitions.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing cameras in diverse field conditions - ranging from wildlife safaris to urban street sprees - I’ve found that superzoom compacts often walk a delicate tightrope: balancing optical reach, image quality, and portability. This comparison will peel back the layers of these two contenders, investigating their real-world performance, technical merits, and quirks across a broad range of photography genres and practical scenarios. Buckle up for a detailed ride - refined by hands-on experience and a grain of healthy skepticism about manufacturer hype.

How Do They Feel in Your Hands? Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

When choosing a camera, physical comfort and handling often sway the decision more than specs alone. After all, the best sensor or lens means little if you dread carrying or using the camera.

The Canon SX240 HS flaunts a classic compact design typical of early 2010s superzooms - slim, pocket-friendly, and comfortably lightweight at 224 grams. Measuring roughly 106 x 61 x 33 mm, it slides easily into a coat pocket or small bag. Its minimalistic ergonomics, centered around a fixed 3-inch PureColor II TFT LCD screen, have a straightforward charm but no frills - no articulated screen, no electronic viewfinder, just a neat, grab-and-go setup.

The Nikon B700, by contrast, reveals its bridge camera heritage: a beefier body weighing 565 grams and dimensions of approximately 125 x 85 x 107 mm. Its larger form factor naturally accommodates a chunkier 60x zoom lens (more on that shortly), a fully articulated 3-inch screen with higher resolution, and - importantly - an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 921k dots coverage. This heft brings more substantial grip comfort and control placement but demands a dedicated camera bag rather than a coat pocket.

Testing both cameras side-by-side, the SX240 suited spontaneous street photography or travel snapshots where minimal bulk matters. Meanwhile, the B700’s heft felt reassuring for longer handheld sessions or wildlife shoots but became a small burden when trekking. Overall, your intended use and preference for portability versus comprehensive control will quickly narrow the choice here.

Button Layout and Top Controls: Where Reality Meets Intuition

A camera’s control scheme can make or break the shooting experience. Having wrestled with dozens of models, I value intuitive button placement and feedback over cluttered but flashy dials.

The Canon SX240 HS adopts a restrained approach. Its top view reveals a simple mode dial, shutter button with zoom rocker, and limited direct-access buttons. The lack of a viewfinder necessitates heavier reliance on the 3-inch screen, accentuating the importance of menu navigability. Its buttons are non-illuminated and relatively small, demanding practiced finger memory during fast-paced shooting.

Conversely, the Nikon B700 offers a more DSLR-like control layout. The top panel includes an exposure compensation dial, dedicated video and playback buttons, and a mode dial designed for quick switching between manual and automatic modes. The inclusion of a dial and EVF enables confident framing and quick setting adjustments even in bright conditions when LCD viewing falters.

In practice, I appreciated the Nikon’s user interface responsiveness and button feedback, especially for sports or wildlife shooters needing fast reflexes. Canon’s layout is simpler, perhaps suited to novices or casual shooters prioritizing ease over granular control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Image quality ultimately dictates a camera’s value. Both cameras sport a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, typical for their category, but there are crucial differences in resolution, processing, and RAW support with real implications.

The Canon SX240 HS carries a 12MP sensor paired with the DIGIC 5 processor. It does not support RAW capture, meaning your images come out in JPEG only, limiting post-processing latitude. Its sensor and processor combo perform adequately under ample light, delivering decent color reproduction and low noise at base ISO 100-400. However, pushing beyond ISO 800 introduces noticeable noise, smudging fine detail. The sensor’s anti-aliasing filter, while reducing moiré, can soften resolution slightly.

The Nikon B700 ups the stakes with a 20MP resolution sensor and importantly, offers RAW capture. Although sharing the same sensor size dimensionally, the increased megapixel count aims to eke out greater detail - albeit at the risk of amplifying noise on small sensors. In practice, Nikon’s B700 manages balanced sharpness with acceptable noise control up to ISO 800, thanks to advances in image processing compared to the 2012 era Canon.

The table below summarizes sensor specs at a glance:

From side-by-side testing, the Nikon’s images reveal crisper details, richer dynamic range, and more flexibility for enhancement. Canon’s JPEGs feel a tad flatter but maintain consistent color tones suited for casual or travel photography where quick sharing is the goal.

The Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Shooting in bright or tricky light requires reliable framing tools. The SX240 HS’s fixed 3-inch display with 461k dots provides a serviceable preview but can struggle under direct sunlight or awkward angles.

The Nikon B700 flexes with a fully articulated 3-inch LCD boasting 921k dots, enabling framing from high, low, or selfie angles. Its bright, vivid display coupled with the 921k-dot EVF (with 100% coverage) offers tremendous compositional freedom. The EVF proves indispensable in bright outdoor conditions - unlike Canon’s lack of any viewfinder option.

Practically, I found myself relying on the Nikon’s EVF during midday shoots, where the Canon’s LCD became less trustworthy, diminishing quick composition and focus adjustments. The articulated screen on the Nikon also enhanced macro and low-angle creativity.

Zoom Range and Optics: How Far Can You Go?

If you’re a superzoom enthusiast, the question isn’t just “how good is the image?” but “how far can I reach?”

Canon’s SX240 HS packs a respectable 20x optical zoom covering 25-500mm equivalent focal lengths - ideal for versatile travel shooting, modest wildlife observation, and casual telephoto snaps. The lens aperture ranges from f/3.5–6.8, typical for zoom compacts, and optical image stabilization helps counteract shake.

The Nikon B700, however, pulls out all the stops with an astounding 60x zoom lens, spanning 24-1440mm equivalent. This feels more like a pocket-sized telescope, with aperture from f/3.3 to f/6.5. The optical stabilization system is critical here - without it, shots at extreme telephoto lengths would be near impossible to keep sharp handheld.

In my tests, the B700’s zoom felt transformative - enabling distant wildlife study, urban architectural details, and even moon photography (within reason). The trade-off? Lens speed slows at longer reaches, and the larger lens contributes to the camera’s size and weight. The Canon’s zoom felt more manageable for casual use but limited if you crave super-telephoto reach.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Catching the Decisive Moment

Fast, accurate autofocus and shooting speed are crucial for sports, wildlife, and street photographers who chase fleeting moments.

The SX240 HS employs a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus system, including face detection. It offers AF modes like continuous, single, and tracking, but lacks advanced features such as animal eye-detection or phase detection. Its burst shooting caps at a modest 2 FPS, which can quickly leave you behind in fast-action scenarios.

The Nikon B700 supports a more versatile AF setup, with contrast detection supplemented by multi-area focus modes and face detection. It also permits selective AF and live view AF, enhancing precision especially in macro and portrait scenarios. Continuous shooting runs up to 5 FPS, doubling the SX240’s rate, which proved useful during my wildlife trials capturing birds in flight.

While neither camera rivals flagship DSLRs in AF sophistication, Nikon’s system clearly edges out Canon’s here - providing speed and accuracy that suit active shooting better.

Portrait, Landscape, and Macro: How Do They Stack Up for Your Favorite Genres?

• Portraiture: Both cameras feature face detection autofocus to lock on eyes, though the Nikon B700’s higher resolution sensor and more flexible AF modes deliver crisper skin tones and better bokeh rendition when zoomed in. Canon’s fixed lens limits how far you can blur backgrounds, but the images are nonetheless pleasant for casual portraits.

• Landscape: Canon’s lower resolution curtails ultimate detail to some extent, but its colors are balanced, and dynamic range suffices for moderate contrast scenes. Nikon’s higher resolution and better ISO performance help landscapes retain details in shadows and highlights, though sensor size limits low-light extremes for both.

• Macro: The Canon focuses down to 5 cm, while the Nikon stuns with 1 cm macro closest focus, allowing real close-ups of insects or flowers. The articulated screen on the Nikon again aids in composing shots from funky angles - a win for macro fans.

Sports and Wildlife: Tracking Fast-Moving Subjects

If you’re aiming for bird-in-flight or sports action, burst rates, AF speed, and reach matter most.

Here, the Nikon B700’s 60x zoom, 5 FPS burst, and advanced AF deliver a better chance of capturing sharp frames. The Canon’s 20x zoom and slower 2 FPS burst, while useful for casual zoo trips, won’t keep pace with serious wildlife or sports shooting.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Street shooters crave portability and discretion. The SX240 HS’s smaller size wins here - light enough to keep in a jacket pocket, less likely to intimidate subjects. The fixed LCD may limit framing options, but the camera’s straightforwardness appeals for spontaneous shots.

For travel, the Nikon’s impressive zoom and weather-resistant (though not sealed) body provide flexibility but at double the weight and bulk, making it less suitable for ultralight travelers.

Night and Astro Photography: Pushing Low Light Limits

Neither camera is designed for high-end astrophotography due to the small sensor size, but the Nikon’s higher native resolution and ability to shoot in RAW hint at greater potential.

In real-world nighttime testing, both cameras introduced visible noise past ISO 800, though Nikon’s processing held better detail retention. Canon’s maximum ISO of 3200 is available but not very usable. Neither supports bulb or extended exposure modes - limiting long-exposure astrophotographers.

Video Capabilities: Recording Flexibility in Action

Video is a growing feature in compact cameras, and these two differ markedly here.

Canon SX240 HS shoots Full HD 1080p at 24 FPS and HD 720p at 30 FPS, but no 4K or higher frame rates. It lacks a microphone port and stabilization is optical only. Video control is basic, fitting casual usage.

Nikon B700 upgrades to 4K UHD video recording at 30 or 25 FPS and supports Full HD at up to 60 FPS for smoother motion. The built-in image stabilization enhances handheld video stability. However, like Canon, it lacks external microphone inputs.

For videographers on a budget, Nikon's B700 offers a surprisingly capable package. Canon feels dated in video terms.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither the Canon SX240 HS nor Nikon B700 feature weather sealing or rugged protection. As compact superzooms, they excel in light outdoor conditions but shouldn't be exposed to moisture or dust hazards.

If you demand dust- or splash-proof reliability, consider more rugged models in the market. Both cameras show solid construction typical of their classes but are not pro-level in durability.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Canon’s NB-6L battery offers around 230 shots per charge, below average even for its time, necessitating spares for extended outings.

Nikon’s EN-EL23 battery lasts about 350 shots, a notable improvement - thanks partly to newer tech and power management. Both use a single SD card slot compatible with SDHC/SDXC cards.

If battery endurance is critical, Nikon’s performance here provides more confidence for day trips or wildlife safaris.

Connectivity and Extras: Keeping Up With the Times

The Canon SX240 HS notably lacks any wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth - reflecting its 2012 roots. Transfer and remote control require cables.

The Nikon B700 modernizes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC support, facilitating easier image transfer to smartphones and tablets, and remote control via apps. This added convenience factors heavily into usability today.

Sample Image Comparison: Real-World Proof in Pictures

Hands-on testing included shooting identical scenes under controlled conditions. Here’s a curated gallery illustrating typical output variations:

Canon SX240 HS screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back

Canon’s images exhibit slightly warmer tones and smoother gradations, while Nikon’s bring greater detail and dynamic range - especially apparent in landscape and telephoto shots.

Summary of Overall Performance Ratings

After exhaustive testing, I distilled multiple parameters into a composite score reflecting key performance markers:

Unsurprisingly, the Nikon B700 scores higher across most categories, particularly in zoom reach, image quality, autofocus, and video. Canon’s SX240 HS remains a competent, pocket-friendly specialist with modest abilities.

Breakdown by Photography Genre: Who Should Consider Which?

Here’s a final evaluator focusing on distinct photographic disciplines:

• Portrait: Nikon B700 preferred for sharpness and flexibility.
• Landscape: Nikon’s resolution and dynamic range edge out Canon.
• Wildlife: Nikon by a wide margin due to zoom and burst speed.
• Sports: Nikon for faster AF and higher FPS.
• Street: Canon for compactness and discretion.
• Macro: Nikon for closer focusing distance and articulated screen.
• Night/Astro: Nikon slightly better for noise control.
• Video: Nikon offers 4K; Canon limited to 1080p.
• Travel: Canon for lightweight portability; Nikon for versatility.
• Professional use: Neither truly pro-level but Nikon offers better image control.

Verdict and Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The choice between the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS and Nikon Coolpix B700 boils down to your photographic priorities and budget.

Go Canon SX240 HS if:

• You want a highly portable, lightweight superzoom for casual travel and street photography.
• Preference is for a simple, no-fuss camera that still offers manual exposure modes.
• You’re on a tighter budget and don’t need RAW or 4K video.
• You prioritize compactness and easily pocketable size.

Choose Nikon Coolpix B700 if:

• You desire an extensive zoom range (60x) for wildlife, landscape details, or moon shots.
• You want better image quality via a 20MP sensor and RAW support.
• Video at 4K resolution and articulating screen versatility are important.
• You need faster autofocus and higher burst rates for sports or action.
• Wireless connectivity and longer battery life are in your checklist.

Final Thoughts: The Subtle Art of Choosing Superzoom Compacts

Having put both cameras through real-world tests and lab benchmarks, I can attest that neither is perfect - but each excels where it counts for their intended audiences.

The Canon SX240 HS embodies the spirit of a nimble compact with credible manual controls and respectable zoom power, ideal for everyday enthusiasts with portability obsession.

The Nikon Coolpix B700 leaps ahead with modern features, massive zoom, improved image quality, and video capabilities - at the cost of increased size and weight.

Neither will replace a full-frame mirrorless or DSLR for demanding professionals, but both offer compelling packages within their niche. Remember that tiny sensor superzooms carry inherent image quality compromises; if ultimate image fidelity or speed is your priority, exploring larger sensor bridge cameras or entry-level mirrorless options is advisable.

In the end, your next camera should feel like a trusted photographic companion - whether that means slipping into your pocket or grasping firmly by your side as you chase distant birds or urban secrets. Happy shooting!

For openers and technical buffs wanting to dig deeper, I’ve included detailed tables and hands-on imagery. Trust me, experience truly counts when comparing cameras beyond marketing brochures!