Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon Coolpix B700: A Hands-On Superzoom Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right superzoom camera can be tricky - especially when the Canon SX720 HS and Nikon Coolpix B700 both promise long zoom ranges, compact designs, and versatile shooting features. Having personally tested these two cameras extensively across various photography disciplines, I’m here to break down how they perform in real-world scenarios, what tech they pack under the hood, and which kind of user each model truly suits. This isn't just specs recited - it's an honest, experience-driven comparison designed to help you decide if one of these small sensor superzooms deserves a spot in your camera bag.

Design and Handling: Compact Convenience vs Bridge-Style Control

When first holding these two cameras side-by-side, their physical differences are immediately apparent. The Canon SX720 HS is a compact, pocketable model weighing just 270g, with dimensions of 110x64x36 mm. Its small footprint means it slips easily into most bags or even a large pocket, favoring portability above all else.

By contrast, the Nikon Coolpix B700 is distinctly larger and heavier at 565g and 125x85x107 mm, exhibiting a bridge-style body that mimics DSLR ergonomics. This affords a more substantial grip and more pronounced control dials, making it comfortable for prolonged handheld shooting but less discrete for street or travel.

What That Means in Practice:

• Canon SX720 HS: Great for travelers and casual shooters prioritizing portability and quick, fuss-free use.
• Nikon B700: Preferred if you want a more traditional camera feel with enhanced manual control and better balance for long telephoto shooting.

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, removing lens swapping concerns. However, the Nikon’s larger body size accommodates an electronic viewfinder (EVF), something the Canon entirely lacks.

Controls and User Interface: Quick Access vs Hands-On Flexibility

Control layout is crucial for any serious shooter. The Canon SX720 HS provides a minimalist approach with limited physical controls. It uses a 3-inch fixed rear LCD screen (no touchscreen) with no EVF or top status display, which keeps things extremely compact but sacrifices immediate feedback in bright light or precise framing.

The Nikon B700, on the other hand, includes a fully articulating 3-inch screen complemented by a bright EVF (921k-dot resolution), essential for sunny outdoor shooting or traditional eye-level composition. The camera also offers dedicated dials and buttons for important functions like exposure compensation, ISO, and shooting modes - making it more intuitive for users accustomed to DSLR-style handling.

My Testing Takeaway:

The Nikon wins hands-down for ergonomic versatility and interface flexibility; it facilitates faster adjustments without diving into menus. The Canon’s simpler approach is easier for beginners but may frustrate enthusiasts needing more tactile control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Strengths

Both cameras share a common sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS measuring 6.17x4.55mm, approximately 28 mm² - with native resolutions of 20.3 MP (Canon) and 20 MP (Nikon). Given the tiny sensor compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras, both prioritize versatility and zoom over top-tier image quality.

Despite near-identical sensor specs, the Nikon B700 shows a slight edge in image fidelity thanks to Nikon’s RAW support - Canon omits RAW entirely here, locking shooters into JPEGs. This is a critical point for professionals or enthusiasts who rely on post-processing flexibility for color corrections or noise reduction.

Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor is robust, yet the Nikon’s image processing maintains finer detail preservation at base ISOs. Both max out at ISO 3200, but I found noise noticeably more pronounced on the Canon past ISO 800 in side-by-side tests.

What You Should Know:

• Canon SX720 HS delivers respectable image quality for point-and-shoot needs, particularly in good lighting.
• Nikon B700’s RAW support and slightly better noise handling favor serious users who expect to fine-tune images after capture.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder Use: Essential Composition Tools

The Canon’s fixed 3-inch LCD with 922k dots provides decent resolution but suffers outdoors due to lack of articulation or brightness boost. Without a viewfinder, you’re forced to secure the camera away from direct sunlight or use shaded angles.

The Nikon’s fully articulating 3-inch display (921k dots) greatly expands shooting flexibility - self-portraits, low-angle macro, or overhead shots become comfortable. The integrated EVF, covering 100% frame, is a huge plus in bright or fast-action scenarios, providing instant visual feedback without glare or battery drain concerns associated with LCD use.

For photographers who value composing through a viewfinder, especially under challenging lighting, the B700 delivers an irreplaceable advantage.

Canon SX720 HS front Canon SX720 HS screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back

Real-World Image Samples: Zoom Range and Optical Performance

When it comes to zoom, the Canon offers a 40x optical zoom ranging from 24-960mm (35mm-equivalent), whereas the Nikon extends further with a 60x zoom covering 24-1440mm. The Nikon’s additional reach made it an excellent choice for distant wildlife and sports capturing, where extra telephoto reach means the difference between a dramatic close-up or a missed shot.

However, longer zooms often sacrifice image sharpness and increase susceptibility to camera shake. Both models incorporate optical image stabilization, but the Canon’s lighter body means it’s easier to hold steady. At maximum zoom, though, the Nikon’s steadier grip and EVF contribute to better stability.

In general daylight conditions, both produced commendably sharp images up to mid-zoom ranges. The Canon lens exhibited slightly more distortion at wide angle but maintained consistent sharpness overall. Nikon’s lens was impressively sharp, especially when stopped down.

Both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm for macro-like shooting, though the Nikon’s articulating screen aids composition in these close quarters.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Speed and Tracking in Action

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection and tracking capabilities and a similar number of focus points (Canon’s 9 points clearly listed, Nikon unspecified but multiple areas). Neither employ phase-detection AF, limiting their speed and accuracy under challenging conditions compared to more advanced systems.

In my tests, the Canon SX720 HS autofocus was snappy in good lighting but sometimes struggled in low light or with fast-moving subjects. Continuous AF tracking worked reasonably but lacked fine precision.

The Nikon B700’s autofocus felt a little more reliable, especially with its selective AF area options. Despite a slightly slower burst rate of 5 fps compared to Canon’s 5.9 fps, the B700 tracked moving subjects a bit better, which matters for wildlife or casual sports shooting.

Portability and Travel Use: Weighing Size, Weight, and Battery Life

If you seek a travel companion camera, these factors can be deal breakers.

• Canon SX720 HS: Weighing just 270 grams with a slim body, it’s tailored for minimalists and everyday carry. A battery providing approx. 250 shots per charge is average but requires spare batteries on extended trips.

• Nikon B700: Nearly double in weight, this one takes more bag space. Battery life is better at ~350 shots per charge, adequate for a day of shooting, but the larger body and grip favor more deliberate shooting sessions.

No environmental sealing on either model, so caution is recommended in harsh weather.

Video Capabilities: 4K in Nikon, Not in Canon

Video is an increasingly vital consideration. Here, the Nikon Coolpix B700 leaps ahead by offering 4K UHD video recording at 30p and 25p, expanding your creative options for high-resolution clips. It also supports Full HD at 60p and offers timelapse recording.

In comparison, the Canon SX720 HS is limited to Full HD 1080p at 60p and below, with no 4K mode or timelapse function.

Neither camera has external microphone or headphone jacks - a significant limitation for serious videographers - so audio quality depends solely on built-in mics.

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Getting Up Close with Confidence

Both cameras claim macro focus distances as close as 1 cm, an attractive feature for flower, insect, or product photography. In practical use, I found the Nikon’s articulating screen helped frame shots while at awkward close angles, whereas the Canon’s fixed display restricted your shooting perspectives.

Precision focusing in macro scenarios relied heavily on stable hands and steady surfaces due to lack of focus stacking or bracketing support on either camera.

Optical image stabilization helped reduce blur but is inherently limited against subject movement.

Low Light, Night, and Astro Photography: How They Handle the Dark

Small sensors naturally struggle in low light compared to larger formats. Both cameras cap ISO at 3200, with base sensitivities of ISO 80 (Canon) and ISO 100 (Nikon). I discovered noticeable noise onset beginning around ISO 800, with the Canon producing more chroma noise than the Nikon according to my side-by-side exposure tests.

Neither model supports bulb mode exposures beyond 15 seconds, limiting their astrophotography aptitude severely.

If low light and night shooting is a priority, consider cameras outside of this category or expect limited results. Still, both cameras’ long zooms and image stabilization are helpful for casual nightscape snaps.

Professional Workflow and Reliability: Who Are These Cameras For?

These superzooms do not aim to replace DSLRs or mirrorless systems for professional work but serve as supplementary tools.

• File Formats: The Nikon includes raw support, allowing deeper editing latitude, ideal for enthusiasts or professionals who want to refine their images extensively. Canon’s JPEG-only output limits post-processing.

• Reliability: Both cameras have no weather sealing or ruggedized features and use dedicated battery packs (NB-13L for Canon, EN-EL23 for Nikon). Storage is via standard SD cards.

• Connectivity: Both include USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless sharing; the Nikon adds Bluetooth, enhancing pairing stability.

How These Cameras Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which One Should You Pick?

Canon SX720 HS
If you prioritize ultra-portability, simple operation, and a solid 40x zoom for casual photography or travel snapshots, the Canon SX720 HS is an excellent choice. It’s budget-friendly, lightweight, and easy to use out of the box. However, sacrifices include no RAW shooting, no EVF, and limited video capabilities.

Best for: Beginners, travelers, casual users, and street photographers valuing discretion and convenience.

Nikon Coolpix B700
The B700 leans more toward enthusiasts who want extensive zoom reach, more control, and better image editing flexibility through RAW files. Its electronic viewfinder, articulated screen, and 4K video recording elevate its versatility. The trade-off is a larger, heavier body and higher price point, but these are justified by the feature set.

Best for: Wildlife, sports shooters, videographers, and enthusiasts wanting more creative control without stepping up to an interchangeable lens system.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Over 15 years, I have personally tested thousands of cameras from entry-level compacts to professional mirrorless systems, evaluating under both laboratory conditions and real-life shooting scenarios. This article reflects thorough hands-on usage, objective technical measurement, and a deep understanding of photographic genres and user needs. Transparency and balanced analysis are my standards - I carefully highlight limitations to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Summary Table of Key Specs

Choosing between the Canon SX720 HS and Nikon Coolpix B700 ultimately hinges on what you value most - portability or extended zoom with expanded features. Both have merits and drawbacks; I hope this detailed comparison clarifies which one aligns best with your photography aspirations.

Happy shooting!