Nikon Coolpix B500 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400: The Ultimate Superzoom Shootout

When it comes to superzoom bridge cameras, these two giants - the Nikon Coolpix B500 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 - are often thrown into the ring together. Released just two years apart, they both promise outrageously long zoom ranges, an approachable SLR-style body, and a suite of beginner-friendly features. But which one earns the crown for everyday enthusiasts and aspiring wildlife snappers alike? As someone who has tested thousands of cameras in various lighting and shooting scenarios over the past 15 years, I’m here to cut through the specs and marketing fluff to deliver a nuanced, real-world comparison.

Grab your gear bag, and let’s zoom right in!

First Impressions and Handling: Size Matters, But So Does Grip

If you’ve ever tried lugging around a bridge superzoom, you know ergonomics can make or break your shooting enjoyment. Measuring their physical dimensions side by side reveals quite a bit about the design philosophies behind these cameras.

The Nikon B500 is notably more compact and lighter at 114x78x95mm and 541 grams versus the Sony H400’s chunkier 130x95x122mm and 628 grams. That translates into something closer to a gentle day hike companion for the Nikon, while the Sony feels like it requires a sturdy hand or a proper neck strap - especially over long sessions.

The B500’s body contours give it a surprisingly comfortable grip despite its smaller frame. The slight texture and ergonomic thumb rest make it easy to hold steady - the kind of design win that matters during extended shooting or long telephoto pulls. The Sony, while a bit bulkier, offers a generous grip but the heft can tire your wrist faster, particularly since the lens extends quite a bit more.

In short: If portability and comfort top your list (travel or street shooters, take note), Nikon leads here. But Sony’s bulk hints at something more robust lurking beneath.

Control Layout and User Interface: What’s Under the Hood?

Having a camera that’s easy to control means less fumbling and more shooting spontaneity. So how do these two compare at a glance?

The B500 keeps things simple with a no-nonsense top plate: a power button, mode dial, shutter, and zoom toggle - all straightforward and accessible, especially for novices. The lack of a viewfinder puts more emphasis on the rear LCD and live view composition, so Nikon smartly uses a tilting 3-inch screen at 921k dots, crisp enough for daylight framing and basic menu navigation.

Sony counters with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a rare feature in this category! Though it has a modest resolution of 201k dots, this EVF gives you a way to compose outdoors in harsh sun. The 3-inch fixed Clear Photo LCD on the back, however, is less sharp at 460k dots. Personally, I found the EVF a double-edged sword - while handy for bright conditions, its low resolution and lag don't inspire confidence for rapid-fire shooting.

Without touchscreen controls - a feature both forego - adjustments rely heavily on buttons and dials. The Sony does offer a bit more in terms of custom shooting modes and exposure controls, with shutter and aperture priority modes available in addition to full manual. The Nikon keeps manual exposure too, but shutterspeed maxes out at 1/4000s compared to Sony’s 1/2000s, a point to consider for fast-action or bright-light shooters wanting tighter exposure control.

Bottom line? Nikon’s intuitive layout is perfect for casual photographers craving simplicity, while Sony’s extra dials cater more to users comfortable experimenting with exposure.

Inside the Frame: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Specs say the sensor size for both cameras is an identical 1/2.3-inch CMOS type, but there are some meaningful differences to explore.

The Nikon packs a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution, which is a tech leap offering better low-light sensitivity and reduced noise. Sony’s H400 employs an older CCD sensor at 20MP, which traditionally captures punchier colors but suffers from inferior dynamic range and noise performance, particularly at higher ISOs.

My own low-light shooting sessions confirmed that the Nikon’s BSI sensor produces cleaner images from ISO 800 onwards, with gentler noise grain and more preserveable shadow detail. The Sony camera’s CCD shows noticeable noise at ISO 400 and above, limiting its practical range in dim environments or night shots.

Dynamic range also favors Nikon slightly thanks to modern sensor tech, although don’t expect miracle results given the relatively small sensor sizes on both. Landscape photographers who want to recover highlight and shadow detail will find both constrained, but the Nikon’s output is marginally better for post-processing tweaks.

That said, Sony’s higher megapixels give a slight edge for cropping flexibility, but the difference isn’t drastic in everyday prints or web sharing.

The Zoom Duel: Power Versus Practicality

Superzoom is the hallmark of these bridge cameras, so let’s talk focal lengths and aperture ranges.

The Nikon B500 offers a 23-900mm (equiv.) focal length - a solid 40x optical zoom with an aperture range from f/3.0-6.5. Sony goes bananas with a staggering 25-1550mm (63.3x) zoom and a similar aperture range of f/3.4-6.5.

Sure, the Sony’s zoom extends much farther - almost double the Nikon’s reach - but does raw zoom = better photos? Not necessarily. Anyone who’s used ultra-long zooms knows that image stabilization, autofocus speed, and lens sharpness all become Achilles’ heels as you creep towards 1000mm equivalents or beyond.

Both cameras sport optical image stabilization, which helps a lot, but Nikon’s shorter range paired with a more modern sensor and faster autofocus makes it the more practical choice for crisp, everyday telephoto work. The Sony’s extended zoom is tantalizing, especially for wildlife or birders on a budget, but expect to lean heavily on a tripod or manual focus assistance in challenging light.

Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Focus Features

When speed and precision matter - say wildlife or sports - autofocus capability can make or break your shot.

The Nikon B500 features contrast-detection autofocus with continuous focusing available, giving it respectable tracking for still subjects and slow motion action. Its 7.4 frames-per-second burst shooting rate is surprisingly quick for this category, making it a decent choice to capture fleeting moments. Face detection autofocus broadens usability for portraits and casual subjects.

The Sony H400 also uses contrast-detection AF and supports face detection, but with only 1 frame per second continuous shooting, it’s far less practical for action or burst shooting. The lack of continuous autofocus during burst mode means you'll often miss out on sharp shots in high-speed scenarios. Its AF system, paired with the old CCD sensor, feels sluggish compared to the B500.

If your plans include photographing wildlife in-flight, sports events, or kids on the move, Nikon’s B500 is the clear winner in autofocus responsiveness and frame rates.

The Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Since neither camera sports a fully articulated touchscreen - a modern standard for easy vlogging or awkward angles - their rear displays are worth scrutinizing.

Nikon’s 3-inch 921k-dot tilting LCD offers bright, detailed framing with sufficient viewing angles. Tilting design is especially beneficial for low or high shooting angles, which macro or travel photographers will appreciate.

Sony’s fixed 3-inch Clear Photo LCD at a lower 460k-dot resolution feels dated and less sharp in direct sunlight. The inclusion of an EVF is an advantage but, as mentioned, the display isn’t of the highest quality, and transitioning between EVF and LCD isn’t seamless.

For photographers who regularly shoot in bright outdoor conditions or need flexible angle composition, Nikon’s display wins outright. Plus, an easier-to-see screen often encourages more creative angles - a big plus for street and travel shooters.

Video Capabilities and Audio Options

While primarily marketed as stills cameras, both models offer basic HD video recording.

Nikon’s B500 shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60 interlaced frames per second, using the modern MPEG-4 / H.264 codecs. It boasts optical image stabilization during video, improving handheld recording smoothness. However, it lacks any external microphone input - a significant limitation for users serious about sound quality.

Sony’s H400 restricts itself to 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, a step down in resolution and smoothness. Yet it offers a microphone input port, enabling better audio recording with an external mic, a somewhat rare feature in this category.

Neither camera supports 4K video or advanced video features like log profiles or slow motion. For casual home movies and travel clips, Nikon’s better resolution and stabilization make it my default recommendation. But for those who might want to experiment with audio, Sony provides more flexibility.

Battery Endurance and Storage

Battery life can make or break long shoots, especially when you’re traveling or on location.

Nikon’s Coolpix B500 uses 4 AA batteries, yielding about 600 shots per charge - very respectable and easy to recharge with standard AA NiMH cells (which I personally swear by for their convenience). The downside here is bulk and somewhat heavier battery load.

Sony’s H400 opts for a rechargeable battery pack, rated around 300 shots per charge. While you get less lifespan, the smaller battery pack reduces weight and size marginally. However, if you forget a spare or your battery dies, carrying extras is less convenient than AA batteries (which you can even buy in most foreign airports).

On storage, both cameras support SD cards, but Sony offers somewhat more compatibility, including Memory Stick PRO Duo and Pro-HG Duo formats, though SD remains the practical choice for most.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing, which is standard for cameras in this price and category. Both feel well-assembled for their cost, with hardy plastics and metal lens barrels.

Considering Sony’s heavier build, it feels marginally more solid but still not rugged. Neither camera should be your first choice in rain, sand, or extreme temperatures without proper protection.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Means Focus on the Camera

Both cameras boast fixed superzoom lenses. The Nikon’s 40x zoom and Sony’s insane 63.3x are baked into the camera and non-interchangeable. This means you’re locked into their zoom and aperture range for life.

If you want more optics options down the road, stepping to mirrorless or DSLR systems is necessary - but that’s beyond the scope here. For grab-and-go shooting, the zoom and stabilization here give a lot of versatility without fuss. Just don’t expect macro magic or ultra-fast primes.

In the Field: Real-World Image Samples and Performance

Numbers are one thing - image results are another. I put both cameras through everyday shooting tests, from bright outdoor landscapes to busy streets and indoor portraits.

Nikon B500 front Nikon B500 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

The Nikon B500 delivers punchy colors with natural skin tone rendering, decent bokeh, and pleasing detail up to 400 ISO. Its autofocus reliably locked onto faces in moderately lit environments without hunting. Its optical stabilization succeeds in minimizing blur at 900mm equivalent, useful for distant shots of buildings or event candids.

The Sony H400’s photos are a mixed bag. Sharpness is decent at 100 ISO but tapers at higher ISOs where noise creeps in aggressively. The ultra-long zoom effect is impressive for small distant subjects, but softness and chromatic aberrations become apparent at full telephoto. Skin tones appear slightly washed out, likely attributed to the CCD sensor and JPEG processing.

For indoor or low light portraits, Nikon’s backlit CMOS sensor feels clearly superior, providing softer highlights and less grain. Sony’s slower shutter max 1/2000s and lower burst rates mean fast action shots are tougher to nail.

How They Rate Overall and By Genre

Piecing together all criteria, here’s how these cameras stack up through various photography applications.

Breaking down by genre:

• Portrait Photography: Nikon wins with better color, skin tones, and face detection autofocus.
• Landscape Photography: Both are limited by sensor size but Nikon provides better dynamic range and slightly better sharpness.
• Wildlife Photography: Sony’s longer zoom appeals, but Nikon’s faster AF and burst give it a practical edge.
• Sports Photography: Nikon’s higher frame rate and continuous AF make it a better choice.
• Street Photography: Nikon’s lighter body and tilting screen offer easier portability and versatility.
• Macro Photography: Neither excels but Nikon offers a closer macro focus distance.
• Night/Astro Photography: Neither is ideal, but Nikon’s BSI sensor performs better at high ISO.
• Video: Nikon’s Full HD and stabilization trump Sony’s 720p, but Sony’s microphone input is a niche advantage.
• Travel Photography: Nikon’s lighter weight, longer battery life, and compactness make it the winner.
• Professional Use: Both limited by sensor size and fixed lens, but Nikon’s better handling and image quality give slight professional edge for casual projects.

Who Should Buy Which?

Let’s get granular. For whom does each camera really suit?

Choose the Nikon B500 if:

• You want a compact, lightweight superzoom ideal for travel and street photography.
• You prioritize better image quality and low-light performance.
• Manual exposure, fast autofocus, and decent burst shooting rates are important to you.
• You want tilting LCD and easy handling for shooting at awkward angles.
• You shoot casual HD videos and want stabilized footage.

Choose the Sony H400 if:

• You crave extreme zoom reach without carrying a ton of lenses.
• You occasionally need an electronic viewfinder for bright shooting conditions.
• You’re okay with slower autofocus and limited low-light capability.
• You want external mic input for basic audio recording.
• You prefer a camera with a rechargeable battery pack over AAs.

Closing Thoughts: The Superzoom Saga Continues

Owning a superzoom camera like either of these means embracing trade-offs. They aren’t mirrorless wonders or full-frame beasts, but they offer tremendous reach and flexibility in one pocket-friendly package. From my extensive hands-on evaluations, the Nikon Coolpix B500 offers better all-around image quality, usability, battery life, and autofocus speed, making it the more balanced choice for most enthusiasts.

Sony’s H400 intrigues with its near absurd 63x zoom and EVF, but for everyday shooters, the extra weight, slower responsiveness, and weaker low-light imagery keep it from outshining the Nikon.

If your photography hobbies or profession demand more serious performance - especially in low light, high speed, or video - I’d recommend considering more advanced models or interchangeable-lens systems. But in the affordable superzoom bridge camera category, the Nikon B500 consistently delivers the best bang for your buck and the most satisfying shooting experience.

For additional perspective, here’s a neat chart I keep on hand summarizing the key differentiators:

Whether capturing your kid’s soccer game, distant wildlife on vacation, or street scenes at twilight, you deserve a camera that won’t leave you second-guessing your shots. Between these two, my seasoned vote goes to the Nikon Coolpix B500 for its well-rounded performance, intuitive controls, and practical versatility.

Happy shooting - may your next zoom be sharp and your battery never die mid-frame!