FujiFilm F300EXR vs Nikon Coolpix B700: Which Superzoom Camera Suits Your Photography Needs?

In the realm of superzoom compact cameras, selecting the ideal tool often boils down to balancing zoom reach, image quality, handling, and additional features. Today, I put two compelling models head to head: the FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR (introduced in 2010) versus the significantly more recent Nikon Coolpix B700 (released in 2016). Both belong in the "small sensor superzoom" category but appeal to different segments due to their distinctive feature sets and performance nuances.

Having spent extensive hours testing these cameras across multiple photography disciplines, I will guide you through an in-depth comparison, covering everything from sensor technology to real-world autofocus behavior, and ultimately help you decide which is the better fit depending on your photographic ambitions and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

Looking at the physical profiles of these cameras, you'll immediately notice their starkly different approaches to size and handling. The F300EXR measures a compact 104 x 59 x 33 mm and weighs only 215 grams, clearly designed as a pocketable companion. This makes it an appealing choice for casual shooters or travelers who prioritize portability without sacrificing a long zoom.

In contrast, the Nikon B700 is a bridge-style camera that tips the scales at 565 grams and measures 125 x 85 x 107 mm. Its bulk and heft hint at enhanced handling and control, meant to deliver a DSLR-like experience without interchangeable lenses. If you're used to traditional cameras with dedicated grips and more extensive control real estate, the B700 feels more comfortable for prolonged shooting - especially with heavy zoom lenses attached.

The top-down controls also tell a story:

Nikon's B700 lays out quick access dials and buttons for exposure adjustments and zoom control, supporting manual focus via a dedicated ring - a boon for users who relish tactile feedback. Fuji’s F300EXR, being a petite compact, offers a more streamlined button layout but sacrifices manual focus capability and direct tactile controls in exchange for simplicity.

Ergonomically, the B700 wins overall for those who prefer direct, physical engagement with their camera, but non-experts or casual point-and-shooters might prefer the F300EXR’s minimalist, friendlier setup.

Inside the Camera: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any digital camera lies its sensor, and analyzing size and type is critical. Here, both cameras lean on small sensors by today’s standards, but their choices reveal their likely performance ceilings.

The F300EXR uses a 12 MP 1/2" CCD sensor, which was a common choice back in 2010. This sensor measures about 6.4 x 4.8 mm, roughly 30.7 mm², and benefits from Fuji's unique EXR technology designed to optimize dynamic range or low-light capabilities depending on the scene.

Conversely, the Nikon B700 sports a 20 MP 1/2.3" backside-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (about 28.07 mm²). Surprisingly, even with the smaller sensor area, the B700 offers higher resolution, likely owing to newer sensor fabrication techniques and improved circuitry.

Hands-on, the Fuji’s CCD sensor delivers decent image quality in well-lit conditions, with pleasant color science that Fujifilm is known for historically. However, at higher ISO settings (above 800), noise becomes unmistakable, and detail clumping is visible - typical of compact CCD sensors with limited light gathering.

The Nikon B700’s BSI CMOS sensor shows marked improvements in noise control, dynamic range, and detail retention, especially in mid to low light scenarios. It supports raw file capture, a crucial advantage for post-processing flexibility - something the F300EXR explicitly lacks.

I tested both cameras shooting the same outdoor scenes, capturing intricate architectural details and gradients in sky tones. The B700 demonstrated more punchy and cleaner files, with sharper renditions at longer focal lengths. The F300EXR’s images were softer and tended to lose subtle texture cues when zoomed in.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

Both models feature 3-inch LCD screens, but resolution and articulation matter!

The FujiFilm F300EXR provides a fixed 3-inch screen with a 460k-dot resolution - functional but basic and somewhat limiting for precise framing or reviewing images under bright daylight. Moreover, it does not have a touchscreen nor any articulation mechanism, restricting shooting angles.

In contrast, the Nikon B700 excels with a fully articulating 3-inch screen boasting 921k dots, allowing you to tilt and swivel the display for high-angle, low-angle, or selfie-style framing. The higher pixel density helps critically judge focus and exposure on the spot - especially important when shooting detailed superzoom images or wildlife.

Additionally, the B700 integrates a 921k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% of the frame, a feature absent on the F300EXR. For outdoor shooting, the EVF is invaluable - it guards against glare and stabilizes the viewing experience, helping sustain continuous composition during fast action.

If you prioritize versatility in framing and prefer the reliability of electronic viewfinders, the Nikon B700 is the clear winner here.

Zoom Lens and Optical Performance: The Heart of Superzoom

Both cameras are champions in reach but approach zoom ranges differently:

• FujiFilm F300EXR: 24-360mm equivalent (15x zoom), aperture F3.5-5.3
• Nikon B700: 24-1440mm equivalent (60x zoom), aperture F3.3-6.5

The Nikon’s massive 60x zoom catapults it into a league that hobbyist wildlife or sports photographers might relish. That said, the longer the zoom, the more challenging it becomes to maintain sharpness and reduce chromatic aberrations. Nikon impressively keeps distortion and aberration well controlled for such an extensive zoom range, with the tradeoff being a slight loss of brightness at extreme tele ends owing to the slower F6.5 aperture.

Fuji’s 15x zoom is much shorter, but its faster aperture in the wide end (F3.5) lets in better light for general shooting. The lens is reasonably sharp in the 24-200 mm realm, although edge softness creeps in near the telephoto maximum.

In practice, I found the Nikon’s zoom indispensable in scenarios such as birdwatching or sports events where distance is a constant factor. The Fuji is more suited for everyday “grab and go” photography, nature outings where portability counts, or travel where a lens of lesser range suffices.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Real World

Autofocus performance often defines user experience, especially in fast-paced photography.

Here, the F300EXR relies solely on single shot autofocus (no continuous or tracking). It also lacks face or eye detection and has no contrast or phase detection hybrid system - a limitation rooted in its era and sensor design. Focusing takes a little more patience, and hunting is common in low contrast or dim-light situations.

Meanwhile, the Nikon B700 offers contrast-detection autofocus with continuous and tracking modes, including face detection that covers human subjects reliably. It has a variety of AF area modes - single, selective, center, and multi-area - which give greater control. Though not as speedy as higher-end mirrorless systems, the B700’s autofocus is surprisingly competent for a bridge camera, locking focus quickly within daylight or moderate indoor lighting.

During tests with moving subjects (sports or kids on the run), the B700's continuous AF enabled more keepers. The F300EXR, given its lack of tracking, is better suited to static or slow-moving subjects.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

If capturing fleeting moments matters, frame rate and shutter speed range cannot be ignored:

• F300EXR: 2 fps continuous shooting, shutter speeds between 8 sec and 1/2000 sec
• B700: 5 fps continuous shooting, shutter speeds between 15 sec and 1/4000 sec

At first glance, Nikon's specs clearly offer more flexibility. Longer maximum shutter speed and double the burst rate allow more creative control over exposure and improved chances in action photography.

In my experience, the B700’s faster shooting speed and broader shutter range enabled shooting fast sequences during bird flight and sports with a better outcome. The Fuji’s slower capabilities make it less ideal for action-heavy assignments.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

For photographers who want video functionality, both cameras provide useful features:

• FujiFilm F300EXR records up to 720p HD at 24 fps using Motion JPEG - dated by today’s standards, pushing limited creative options. No external mic input, no 4K recording.

• Nikon B700 impresses more with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30p and 25p, plus 1080p options up to 60 fps in H.264 format. Despite lacking microphone ports, internal stereo sound and image stabilization contribute to steady, usable video clips for casual shooting or vlogging.

Typically, video shooters will gravitate towards the B700; for purely still photographers uninterested in video, the F300EXR’s capability is adequate.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practicalities for Extended Use

Fuji relies on NP-50 rechargeable batteries, while Nikon uses an EN-EL23 rechargeable pack.

• The B700 boasts 350 shots per battery charge, much higher than the unspecified rating of the F300EXR, generally expected to be lower given older battery tech and smaller physical size.

• Both cameras use SD or SDHC cards, but the Nikon supports SDXC, allowing for higher capacity cards.

• Connectivity is a crucial difference: The B700 has built-in wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) for direct image transfer and remote control - a convenient modern feature for quick sharing or tethered shooting. The Fuji F300EXR has no wireless connectivity.

From a workflow and practical use perspective, Nikon’s wireless features and longer battery life make it more convenient for travel and extended sessions.

Durability and Weather Sealing: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection. Both lack dustproof, shockproof, or waterproof ratings.

Given the older build philosophy of the F300EXR, it probably fares less well under rough, wet conditions compared to the newer B700, which at least sports a robust plastic and metal frame typical of bridge cameras.

Sample Image Quality and Genre-Specific Performance

Let me share some results from my side-by-side field tests to illustrate usage across popular photographic genres:

FujiFilm F300EXR front FujiFilm F300EXR screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back

• Portraits: The Nikon B700’s larger pixel count and better face detection produce crisper skin tones and background bokeh when shooting at wider apertures, while the Fuji’s CCD sensor delivers less refined skin rendering and struggles to isolate subjects in busy backgrounds.

• Landscape: Fuji’s EXR sensor attempts better dynamic range, but the B700’s higher resolution and CMOS sensor excel in capturing detail with clearer shadows and highlights - even handling sunrises better.

• Wildlife: Long zoom and AF tracking on the B700 are essential advantages. The Fuji’s zoom is simply not enough reach, and its focusing lags on moving birds or animals in flight.

• Sports: Similarly, the B700's 5 fps burst and continuous AF make capturing peak action feasible; the F300EXR is handicapped by slower shooting speeds and no AF tracking.

• Street Photography: The Fuji’s compact size and discretion shine here. Also, the quieter shutter sound and lighter weight suit urban candid photography. The Nikon is bulkier and more conspicuous, though the EVF aids framing in bright conditions.

• Macro: Nikon’s close focus (1 cm) and lens stabilization help for flower or insect shooting, compared to Fuji’s 5 cm minimum focus distance.

• Night and Astro: Both struggle due to small sensors, but the Nikon’s longer shutter speed range and lower noise levels give it a marginal edge.

• Video: As described, Nikon offers flexible video modes, while Fuji is limited.

• Travel: Fuji is lightweight and portable; Nikon is versatile but heavier.

• Professional: Neither targets professionals who demand full-frame sensors, raw workflow with advanced color profiles, or weather sealing - but Nikon’s RAW and connectivity offer a semi-pro step-up.

Technical Summary and Feature Scores

For an at-a-glance perspective:

Which Camera Suits Which Photographer?

This question is where all these technical and practical insights converge into actionable advice:

• Casual Shooters and Travelers: The FujiFilm F300EXR fits well. It's pocketable and adequate for everyday scenes, street, and travel photography where convenience and light weight win over zoom reach and complex controls. Beginners needing a simple superzoom without fuss will appreciate its straightforward interface.

• Hobbyist Wildlife/Action Shooters: Nikon B700 is the standout. Its 60x telephoto reach, continuous AF, higher resolution sensor, and faster shutter burst are invaluable for capturing birds, sports, or distant events. Just be ready to carry the extra weight.

• Videographers on a Budget: The B700 offers fuller video specifications including 4K and higher frame rates - to some extent bridging the gap toward casual cinematic storytelling.

• Advanced Amateurs: Those interested in raw files, better manual control, and wireless connectivity will find Nikon more appealing. Although not a professional-grade setup, it provides greater creative leeway.

• Street Photographers Who Prioritize Discretion: Fuji’s compact design favors inconspicuous shooting, useful for urban life and travel when stealth and portability rule.

The Bottom Line: Experience-Backed Verdict

After comprehensive side-by-side evaluation and many hours shooting in diverse scenarios, I have no hesitation declaring the Nikon Coolpix B700 the overall better-performing superzoom camera between these two. Its modern sensor, extended zoom range, robust autofocus, video prowess, and usability enhancements deliver tangible advantages for most photography disciplines.

That said, the FujiFilm F300EXR remains a remarkably competent compact for its generation, excelling in portability and straightforward operation - a genuine grab-and-go option. My testing affirms it can still serve users content with modest zoom and respectable image quality sans RAW. Yet its dated sensor tech and limited controls mean it's better suited for budget-conscious beginners or those prioritizing size over performance.

Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on your intended subjects, shooting style, and how much you value modern features versus portability. Neither will replace a mirrorless or DSLR - but both fulfill niche roles superbly within their small sensor superzoom category.

I hope this in-depth comparison gives you the clarity and confidence to make the best decision for your photographic journey. Happy shooting!

If you want to explore detailed specs or see enlarged sample images, feel free to browse the accompanying galleries and charts included in this review.

FujiFilm F300EXR front FujiFilm F300EXR screen back Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back