Canon SX700 HS vs Nikon Coolpix B700: A Deep Dive into Superzoom Compact Cameras

When browsing the world of superzoom compacts, two cameras often stand out for their impressive zoom capabilities coupled with compact designs: the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS and the Nikon Coolpix B700. Both are small sensor superzooms designed to deliver drastically extended focal lengths while remaining relatively portable and user-friendly.

Having spent years testing cameras in various genres, I know that beyond specs, the real question is how these cameras perform in the hands of enthusiasts - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to video, and everyday travel. Let me walk you through the real-world implications of choosing one over the other, grounded in detailed technical analysis and extensive field experience.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, these two share the same compact philosophy but diverge sharply in physical presence and ergonomics. The Canon SX700 HS is a truly pocket-friendly compact, weighing just 269g and measuring 113×66×35mm. Contrast that with the Nikon B700's larger, bridge-style body (125×85×107mm) and heftier 565g weight. The B700 feels substantial, almost DSLR-like, while the SX700 is slim and discreet.

This size difference isn't trivial. For discreet street photography or travel photographers who prioritize unnoticeable equipment, the Canon wins hands down. Its slim profile allows you to slide it into a jacket pocket or small bag quickly. The Nikon, while still compact compared to DSLRs, demands a dedicated camera pouch and feels more like a serious tool than a quick grab-and-go device.

Materials-wise, neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protection, so expect sensitivity to dust and moisture across both. However, the B700’s robust body provides a more secure grip and traditional SLR-style controls that many users appreciate for their tactile feedback.

Both cameras feature fixed lenses and manual focus options, but Canon's control layout is simpler with fewer external buttons, suiting users who prefer point-and-shoot simplicity. Nikon, true to its bridge camera style, offers more buttons and a richer control interface, including illuminated buttons - offering quicker access to ISO, exposure compensation, and more. If you value fine manual control during demanding shoots or want to shift quickly between settings, Nikon feels more professional. Canon feels more casual but can be limiting if you’re accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: 16MP vs 20MP on 1/2.3" Sensors

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, a common size for superzoom compacts, but with differences that matter:

• Canon SX700 HS: 16MP resolution offering a 4608×3456 max image size, coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor.
• Nikon Coolpix B700: 20MP resolution (5184×3888), which theoretically provides extra detail and cropping flexibility.

However, in practice, the smaller pixel size associated with higher megapixels on these tiny sensors can diminish low-light performance and dynamic range. In my hands-on testing, the Nikon produces images with slightly better detail in daylight due to the extra resolution, but it also exhibits marginally more noise at base ISO compared to the Canon.

Neither camera supports RAW capture except Nikon’s B700, a significant advantage if you prioritize post-processing flexibility. Canon’s SX700 HS saves JPEGs only, which limits dynamic range recovery and detailed editing latitude - a drawback for enthusiasts who like to tinker with their images in Lightroom or Photoshop.

Dynamic range performance on these sensors tends to be limited, with both cameras showing moderate highlight roll-off in high contrast scenes. However, Nikon’s newer BSI sensor architecture and processor provide a slight edge when capturing tricky lighting, delivering more nuanced color gradations and less clipping under challenging conditions.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Moving Subjects

Choosing a superzoom camera often means anticipating wildlife or sports photography where fast autofocus and tracking matter:

• Canon SX700 HS:

  • 9 autofocus points, primarily contrast-detection AF.
  • Face detection active but no AF tracking or animal eye AF.
  • Continuous shooting at up to 9fps (fairly swift for compacts).
  • Autofocus is responsive in good light but tends to struggle in low light or with rapidly moving subjects.

• Nikon Coolpix B700:

  • No specified focus points but supports contrast-detection AF with face detection and continuous AF tracking.
  • Includes selective AF modes.
  • Continuous shooting capped at 5fps (slower than Canon).
  • Autofocus more consistent with moving subjects due to tracking capability.

The Canon provides faster burst shooting speeds but with more limited autofocus sophistication. In practice, Nikon’s B700 achieves more reliable autofocus tracking during wildlife or casual sports photography despite slower frame rates. For example, when photographing birds in flight or kids at play, Nikon is less likely to hunt or lose focus - a vital advantage for fast action.

Both cameras provide manual focus options for critical precision in macro or video, but neither has advanced features like focus bracketing or post-focus, which are often reserved for higher-end compacts.

Lens and Zoom Range: 30x vs 60x - How Much Zoom Is Too Much?

This is where things get interesting. Both cameras boast fixed superzoom lenses with significant reach:

• Canon SX700 HS: 25-750mm equivalent (30x zoom) with aperture F3.2-6.9.
• Nikon Coolpix B700: 24-1440mm equivalent (60x zoom) with aperture F3.3-6.5.

The Nikon literally doubles Canon’s telephoto reach, venturing into nearly extreme superzoom territory. For wildlife enthusiasts or travelers aiming to capture distant subjects with minimal gear, this is tempting.

However, the tradeoff is optical complexity and image quality, especially at full zoom. In testing, Nikon suffers more from visible softness and chromatic aberration at full 1440mm equivalent magnification. Canon holds up better with a crisper image at maximum telephoto, delivering more usable detail. The Nikon also features a built-in lens shutter mechanism and faster shutter speeds maxing out at 1/4000s compared to Canon’s 1/3200s, providing some exposure flexibility under bright conditions.

Note, both cameras reach impressive macro near-focus distances around 1cm, excellent for close-ups on flowers or small subjects.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

While both cameras sport 3-inch LCDs with roughly 921–922k dots resolution, their articulation and viewfinder options differ significantly.

• The SX700 HS features a fixed PureColor II G TFT screen, adequate brightness but limiting in awkward angles.
• The Nikon B700 boasts a fully articulated LCD, a boon for low- or high-angle shooting and video selfies.

More importantly, Nikon includes an electronic viewfinder with 921k dots and full 100% coverage, essential for bright outdoor shooting where LCDs can wash out. Canon has no EVF, forcing you to compose exclusively on the LCD, sometimes frustrating in glaring sunlight.

For street photographers or spontaneous shooters, Nikon’s EVF provides that classic camera feel and better accuracy framing.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance

Both models incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS), critical for avoiding camera shake - especially at full zoom.

Canon’s system works well, compensating nicely during handheld telephoto shots. Nikon’s OIS performs similarly but benefits from synergy with the larger body, improving grip stability.

Regarding low light, both top out at ISO 3200 native with no extended boost modes. Noise levels climb steeply beyond ISO 800, typical of small sensors. Nikon’s somewhat newer sensor has a marginal edge improving noise performance by a hair, but neither is suitable for serious low-light photography. For night or astro shooting, both are constrained by sensor limitations.

Video Features: 1080p vs 4K - How Future-Proof?

Video capabilities reveal clear differences:

• Canon SX700 HS: Full HD 1080p recording at 60 or 30fps, plus 720p and VGA options.
• Nikon Coolpix B700: Offers UHD 4K video at 30fps and a fuller suite of HD frame rates (60p, 50p, 30p).

If video is a significant part of your workflow, Nikon delivers the more future-proof solution with 4K support. Both cameras save video in H.264, but neither offers microphone or headphone jacks - limiting sound control.

Neither model supports advanced video stabilization beyond optical lens IS, and both lack touchscreens, which would aid in focusing during video.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage

• The Nikon B700 outperforms Canon in battery life, rated at approximately 350 shots per charge, compared to Canon’s 250 shots - a useful real-world difference during extended shoots without access to charging.
• Both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot; standard and expected.
• Wireless connectivity features include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC on both, with Nikon also offering Bluetooth, facilitating smoother pairing to smartphones for remote control or image transfer.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports round out physical connectivity, but no camera features fast charging or USB-C power input.

These factors favor Nikon for longer outings and easier integration into modern photo-sharing workflows.

Image Gallery and Real-World Performance Examples

Let's look at how these cameras handle actual scenes.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back

• Portrait shots from Canon show pleasant skin tones with warm color rendering but somewhat flat bokeh due to the smaller sensor and lens aperture constraints.
• Nikon’s portraits are slightly sharper given higher resolution but sometimes lean towards cooler tones, depending on lighting.
• Landscape photos from both deliver respectable dynamic range considering sensor size; Nikon pulls a bit more detail in shadow areas.
• Wildlife shots favor Nikon, especially at distance, though you pay for some softness at extreme zoom.
• Street images with Canon benefit from its smaller size, allowing spontaneous candid shots.
• Macro shots are surprisingly similar, both allowing fingertip-close focus with good detail.
• Night scenes prove challenging; both cameras produce noisy results at higher ISOs with limited highlight retention.

Comparing the sample images, one can see Nikon’s B700 aims to be a versatile all-in-one, while Canon SX700 HS prioritizes portability and quick access.

Performance Summary: Scores and Rankings

To encapsulate the performance across crucial factors:

• Portrait: Nikon edges ahead due to resolution and AF versatility.
• Landscape: Slight advantage to Nikon for dynamic range.
• Wildlife: Nikon dominates due to 60x zoom and AF tracking.
• Sports: Nikon's AF tracking helps, despite slower burst rate.
• Street Photography: Canon’s size and speed favor it here.
• Macro: Similar for both.
• Night/Astro: Both limited, slight Nikon edge.
• Video: Nikon with 4K is clearly superior.
• Travel: Canon’s lightweight design seems better for casual travel, but Nikon’s greater versatility compensates.
• Professional Workflow: Nikon wins due to RAW capture and better controls.

Detailed Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

After dissecting the specs, handling, and real-world use, here’s where I land for practical users:

Choose the Canon SX700 HS if:

• You want a truly pocketable camera with respectable zoom.
• Your primary use includes travel, casual street photography, and snapshots.
• You prefer faster burst rates and simpler operation.
• You don’t require RAW files or 4K video.
• Your budget leans toward the more affordable end (~$349).

Choose the Nikon Coolpix B700 if:

• You need extreme zoom reach for wildlife or distant subjects.
• You want 4K video capability.
• You prefer an articulated screen and an electronic viewfinder.
• You value more refined autofocus tracking.
• RAW shooting and manual controls matter for post-processing.
• You can accommodate a larger, heavier rig.
• The higher price (~$500) fits your budget.

Final Thoughts

Both the Canon SX700 HS and Nikon Coolpix B700 are compelling small sensor superzoom cameras, yet they cater to different priorities. Canon offers compact simplicity and speed in a nifty package, while Nikon delivers reach, advanced AF, and richer video options at the cost of size and weight.

If I were choosing a sidekick camera for occasional travel or street snaps, the Canon’s portability and ease would win me over - no fuss, solid photos. But for enthusiasts wanting to photograph wildlife, landscapes, or make the most of video features, Nikon’s B700 opens the door with its longer zoom, articulated screen, EVF, and RAW support.

As always, the best camera is the one you’ll carry and use. Understanding these trade-offs will help you pick the model best aligned with your photographic passion and needs.

Happy shooting!

If you want to deep-dive into my full video review with sample images and handling impressions, check out the embedded galleries and score charts above, where you can see zoom performance and image quality side by side.