Nikon Coolpix B500 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX90V: An Expert Analysis of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

In the landscape of affordable superzoom cameras with small sensors, the Nikon Coolpix B500 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V offer compelling options, each tailored toward particular photographic needs and user preferences. Both cameras were announced within a year of each other - Nikon’s B500 in early 2016 and Sony’s HX90V in 2015 - and share the same sensor size class (1/2.3”), a hallmark for compact superzoom models aimed at enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or casual point-and-shoots.

From the outset, this comparison is built on extensive hands-on testing with both units focusing on core photographic disciplines as well as the technical subtleties that impact daily usage. This in-depth article will systematically unpack their capabilities across image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and more, drawing on rigorous evaluation criteria to help you decide which camera best fits your needs.

Physical Dimensions, Design, and Handling

The B500 and HX90V present fundamentally different chassis philosophies, with Nikon adopting an SLR-style bridge camera approach and Sony opting for a compact form factor.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Nikon B500’s larger dimensions and SLR-like grip offer a secure, comfortable hold especially for long sessions or when using the extended 40x zoom. The tactile feedback of physical buttons and dials suits users who prioritize quick access to key controls. However, the bulk and weight - including four AA batteries - make it less pocket-friendly.

Conversely, the Sony HX90V’s pocketable, minimalist form factor is ideal for travel and street photography where discretion and portability matter most. While the smaller size benefits mobility, users with larger hands may find the compact grip less comfortable over extended use. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with full 100% coverage and respectable magnification (0.5x) further enhances compositional confidence, especially in bright outdoor conditions - a significant advantage over Nikon’s B500, which lacks any viewfinder.

Sensor, Image Quality, and ISO Performance

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a common choice in small superzoom cameras, but key differences in resolution, image processing engines, and ISO handling yield nuanced outcomes.

Resolution and Detail Rendering

Sony’s marginally higher 18 MP sensor resolution theoretically offers more detail, which distinguishes fine texture rendition in landscape and portrait scenes. However, the practical benefits are tempered by the sensor’s size and the common limitations of small-sensor optics at pixel-level resolution. Nikon’s 16 MP sensor remains respectable but shows slightly less fine detail retention when images are pixel-peeped at 100%.

Noise and High ISO Usability

The Sony HX90V benefits significantly from the Bionz X processor’s more recent noise reduction algorithms, enabling usable images up to ISO 1600 with modest grain, a rare accomplishment for small sensors. Nikon’s B500 caps at ISO 3200 but introduces aggressive noise reduction artifacts beginning at ISO 800, which degrade image detail in low light.

For photographers prioritizing night shooting or indoor work with available light, Sony’s sensor-processor combo affords more flexibility, although expectations should remain realistic given physical sensor constraints.

Color Rendition and Dynamic Range

Color reproduction is largely accurate out of the box with both cameras, though Nikon tends to produce slightly warmer skin tones - a potentially desirable trait for portraiture. However, Sony’s handling of saturation and hue skews toward neutrality, allowing more extensive post-processing latitude.

Dynamic range is adequate but limited by the sensor size, with Sony edging out Nikon due to a gentler highlight roll-off and recovery in RAW workflows (where RAW is not supported, outcomes are more similar).

Lens Characteristics and Zoom Performance

Superzoom cameras live or die by their optical capacity and versatility. Here, the Nikon B500’s 40x zoom aggressively extends from 23mm ultra-wide to 900mm equivalent telephoto, compared to Sony’s 30x zoom range from 24mm to 720mm.

Telephoto Reach and Sharpness

The B500’s 900 mm equivalent long end enables framing distant subjects such as wildlife or sports events more tightly without cropping. This is an advantage for casual field photographers with occasional telephoto needs. However, at full zoom, image sharpness suffers due to lens diffraction and reduced effective aperture to f/6.5, common constraints in superzoom optics.

Sony’s HX90V trades reach for arguably better overall sharpness and contrast, particularly through the midrange focal lengths, attributable to its Zeiss-branded optics and advanced coatings. For users prioritizing image quality over extreme reach, Sony’s optics deliver more consistently crisp output across the zoom range.

Aperture Considerations and Low Light

Both cameras start at relatively bright apertures (f/3.0 for Nikon vs. f/3.5 for Sony) at wide angle, allowing reasonable light intake in daylight. At telephoto extents, apertures narrow significantly (f/6.5 Nikon, f/6.4 Sony), limiting capability in low-light conditions without ISO boosts or stabilization support.

Macro Capabilities

For close-up shooting, Nikon’s 1 cm minimum focus distance allows aggressive macro-style framing, critical for tight subject fills. Sony’s 5 cm minimum focus distance is more modest, requiring supplemental lens attachments or cropping for smaller objects.

Autofocus Systems and Performance

Accurate and reliable autofocus (AF) is vital for successful capturing, especially in telephoto zoom and action scenarios.

Speed and Accuracy

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF systems without phase detection, which inherently limits speed and tracking precision compared to modern hybrid AF systems. Testing reveals Sony’s HX90V exhibits faster autofocus lock times and improved subject tracking under good lighting, benefiting from incremental algorithm improvements in the Bionz X processor. Nikon’s B500 shows occasional hunting in low contrast or low light but performs adequately in well-lit conditions.

Autofocus Customization and User Control

Sony’s inclusion of manual focus (MF) - absent in Nikon - grants more precise operator control, beneficial for macro or landscape photographers requiring fine-tuning. Nikon’s lack of manual focus restricts compositional flexibility, relegating users to rely on autofocus accuracy and zoom cropping.

Neither camera provides specialized animal eye AF or advanced face recognition, which may disappoint wildlife shooters seeking state-of-the-art AF features.

Viewfinder and LCD Display Usability

The imaging workflow benefits significantly from quality displays and viewfinder accessibility.

The Nikon B500 relies exclusively on its rear LCD, which, despite its size and decent resolution, becomes difficult to use in bright daylight due to glare, especially given no anti-reflective coating or touchscreen support. The absence of any viewfinder significantly limits composition options outdoors, forcing reliance on an LCD frame.

In contrast, Sony’s HX90V benefits from a bright electronic viewfinder with eye sensor activation, improving shooting ergonomics in bright environments and facilitating more precise composition and focus confirmation. The tilting LCD furthers creativity in shooting angles and selfies, thanks to its selfie-friendly articulation.

Video Recording and Multimedia

Video capabilities extend the utility of these cameras beyond still images.

Sony’s support for multiple professional-grade codecs (AVCHD and XAVC S) provides superior video quality and bitrates compared to Nikon’s basic MPEG-4 implementation, appealing to enthusiasts requiring better intra-frame compression and editing flexibility.

The inclusion of 60p progressive recording further grants smoother motion rendition, beneficial for action or sports videography. Nikon’s interlaced 60i is less desirable in these contexts due to potential motion artifacts.

Neither camera supports external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control and monitoring options. Both employ optical steady shot/image stabilization, which noticeably reduces handheld video shake. However, Sony’s overall video quality, codec variety, and frame rate options make it the stronger choice for casual videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon B500’s reliance on AA batteries is a double-edged sword: while convenient for travel as spares are readily available worldwide and very inexpensive, the AA form factor contributes substantially to the camera’s weight and bulk. Nikon quotes an impressive 600-shot battery life, reflecting the efficiency of this design in practice.

The Sony HX90V’s integrated lithium-ion NP-BX1 battery offers around 360 shots per charge, which is modest but sufficient for day trips when managed conservatively. The proprietary battery requires charging via USB or dedicated charger, necessitating planning for extended outings.

Both cameras accept SD cards; Sony additionally supports Sony’s Memory Stick Duo format for versatility in legacy storage. Neither supports dual card slots, limiting redundancy for professional users.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Nikon’s B500 includes Bluetooth in addition to Wi-Fi, facilitating background image transfer to compatible smartphones with lower battery consumption. Sony relies on Wi-Fi combined with NFC for one-touch pairing with mobile devices. For photographers prioritizing geotagging, Sony HX90V’s built-in GPS is a distinct advantage over Nikon’s complete lack of location services, especially useful for travel and landscape photographers.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Both models forgo professional-grade weather sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing features, appropriate for their consumer-focused price range. Users shooting outdoors under challenging conditions should employ external protective measures.

Price and Overall Value

Real-World Photography Examples

To substantiate these technical comparisons, we captured a broad range of samples covering various genres.

Nikon B500 front Nikon B500 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

In daylight portraits, Nikon’s warmer tones can be appealing, but Sony delivers sharper, more detailed results with smoother gradations. Landscape files from Sony show better dynamic range preservation and detail in shadows. Wildlife telephotos emphasize Nikon’s extra reach but also reveal decreased sharpness at the longest focal lengths. In low light, Sony’s images exhibit finer noise control and better color fidelity.

Strengths and Weaknesses by Photography Genre

Conclusions and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Nikon Coolpix B500?

The Nikon B500 is best suited for enthusiasts prioritizing maximum telephoto reach and extended battery life with universally available AA cells. Its bridge-style ergonomics and physical controls provide a user-friendly experience for those less concerned with portability or video sophistication. Casual wildlife watchers, travelers without access to reliable charging, or budget-conscious buyers will find the B500’s combination of features attractive.

Limitations to consider: Lack of viewfinder, slower autofocus experience, no manual focus, and lower high ISO usability.

Who Should Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot HX90V?

The Sony HX90V excels as a compact travel camera with advanced features such as an electronic viewfinder, sharper optics, faster autofocus, and more versatile video options. It markedly outperforms in portability, interface usability, and low-light performance. Photographers seeking a pocketable all-round camera with enhanced compositional tools and GPS should prioritize the HX90V.

Drawbacks include shorter battery life, shorter telephoto reach, and a higher price point.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras encapsulate the compromises inherent in small-sensor superzoom designs but aim them at two different user profiles. The Nikon B500 is the telephoto champion with robust battery endurance, suited for relaxed, long shooting sessions where zoom range and battery availability trump compactness. The Sony HX90V, meanwhile, is a versatile, travel-savvy compact with enhanced user experience and imaging performance, justifying its premium for the discerning enthusiast.

When considering a purchase, weigh your primary shooting genres and typical environments - whether you need reach and battery resilience or portability and refined optics. This analysis derived from meticulous testing of autofocus timings, image quality charts, and real-world session footage should guide you to an informed decision respecting your budget and photographic ambitions.

Thank you for reading this detailed side-by-side review. Should you desire hands-on tutorials or workflow optimization advice for these cameras, professional consultation is recommended.