Nikon Coolpix B700 vs. P950: An Expert’s In-Depth Superzoom Showdown

Selecting the right superzoom camera can be a minefield, especially when two models come from the same respected brand but serve somewhat different needs. I’ve spent weeks testing Nikon’s Coolpix B700 and P950, two bridge cameras packed with long zoom lenses and a handful of impressive features. Both promise versatility and reach, but which one truly earns its place in your camera bag?

After shooting in diverse scenarios - from landscape vistas and intimate portraits to fast-paced wildlife and twilight cityscapes - I’m ready to break down their performance, handling, and real-world usability. In this detailed comparison, I’ll share insights drawn from hands-on experience and technical expertise to guide enthusiasts and pros alike toward the camera that fits their photography style and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

The moment you hold these cameras, you notice the practical trade-offs between portability and feature set. The B700 is significantly smaller and lighter, while the P950 feels more robust, with a heftier lens and body to match its extended reach.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Nikon B700’s compact 125x85x107 mm frame and 565g weight make it a nimble companion for extended handheld shooting or travel days when packing light. Its grip is comfortable for my mid-sized hands, and the controls are logically placed, albeit basic compared to some advanced competitors.

The Nikon P950, by contrast, scales up to 140x110x150 mm and tips the scales at over 1 kg (1005g). This bulk gives it a more substantial presence, lending stability when using its extraordinary 2000mm equivalent zoom. For me, the extra weight is noticeable during long hikes or walking tours but offers a reassuring balance when framing distant wildlife or sporting events.

Looking at the control layout from above, the P950 includes a more refined mode dial and dedicated buttons, allowing easier access to settings like exposure compensation and ISO. The B700 is more stripped down, which might frustrate power users but suits casual shooters who want functional simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Despite both cameras sharing the small 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm area) commonly found in superzooms, their sensor implementations and image processing differ enough to affect quality and creative flexibility.

The B700 boasts a 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, while the P950 pares resolution slightly to 16 megapixels but pairs it with a more modern CMOS design and superior image processor. This difference manifests in notable ISO performance gains for the P950, which tops out at ISO 6400 compared to the B700’s 3200.

In real-world shooting, this means the P950 offers cleaner, less noisy images in low-light conditions or shadowy forest scenes - critical for wildlife and night photography. The B700’s slightly higher resolution gives more pixel-level detail in bright, well-lit conditions such as landscape or macro work but may show more grain in dimmer environments.

Both cameras support RAW files, a boon for post-processing control over color, sharpness, and dynamic range. However, expect the P950’s files to respond better to highlight recovery and noise reduction, thanks to its updated sensor and processor partnership.

The Power of Zoom: Reach and Lens Characteristics

Here’s where these two superzooms truly flex their muscles and where photographers weigh trade-offs heavily.

• Nikon Coolpix B700: 24-1440mm equivalent focal length (60x optical zoom)
• Nikon Coolpix P950: 24-2000mm equivalent focal length (83.3x optical zoom)

The P950’s lens extends an eye-popping 2000mm equivalent, which is an incredible tool for distant wildlife, carnival shots, or surveillance-style photography. Importantly, the lens features a faster maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end, helping in low light and controlling depth of field better than the B700’s f/3.3 start.

Practically, shooting with the P950 at full zoom demands a sturdy stance or tripod. Thankfully, both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization, with the P950’s system slightly more effective, enabling sharper hand-held shots at longer focal lengths.

The B700, while not matching the extreme reach, is a delightfully versatile travel zoom with respectable aperture values and close focusing down to 1 cm in macro mode, ideal for nature lovers or urban explorers.

Displays and Viewfinders: Seeing the Moment

Display quality and usability are crucial when composing and reviewing images in the field.

Both models sport fully articulated displays, helping with high or low angle shooting and selfies. The B700 has a 3-inch LCD at 921k dots resolution, while the P950 ups the size slightly to 3.2 inches with the same resolution. In bright daylight, I found the P950’s screen marginally easier to view, benefiting from better anti-reflective coatings.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is where the P950 shines further, boasting a high-resolution 2359k-dot EVF versus B700’s 921k-dot. This brings superior clarity, color accuracy, and refresh rate, essential for tracking moving subjects or tiny wildlife at a distance.

The B700’s EVF, while functional, can feel a bit sluggish and less crisp, sometimes making framing action shots trickier.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

With both cameras relying on contrast-detection AF systems (no phase detection), their autofocus performance is understandably limited compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

The B700 offers 5 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, adequate for casual wildlife shots or quick snapshots of children at play. The P950 improves this slightly to 7 fps, which, combined with better autofocus algorithms, results in smoother tracking of moving subjects.

Within the autofocus menu, both support face detection and live-view autofocus but lack advanced animal eye-detection found in newer models. For portraits, face detection performs reliably, delivering sharp focus on eyes most of the time, though some hunting occurs in low contrast scenes or very fast action.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Background Separation

Taking portraits with a superzoom camera presents its own set of challenges, primarily due to the small sensor size and limited wide aperture control.

Both cameras struggle to produce the creamy, defocused backgrounds prized in portraiture due to their high depth of field, especially at wider angles. However, the P950’s brighter f/2.8 at 24mm and its marginally longer focal lengths help produce more pleasing subject isolation under good lighting.

The skin tones from both cameras are natural and pleasing in daylight, with minimal color cast and faithful rendering. I found the P950’s improvements in image processing result in slightly more flattering tonal gradations and better highlight preservation.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

For landscapes, sensor resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing become significant considerations.

Neither camera features weather sealing, so cautious shooting in wet or dusty conditions is advisable.

The B700’s 20MP sensor captures rich detail in broad daylight scenes. I used it in clear blue sky and moody overcast conditions, noticing decent dynamic range but some highlight clipping in very bright sunlight.

The P950’s slightly lower resolution of 16MP delivers images that are arguably cleaner with improved shadow detail, thanks to better sensor and image processor harmony.

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes, custom white balance, and exposure bracketing, allowing photographers to capture HDR sequences for improved dynamic range via post-processing.

Wildlife and Bird Photography: Reach and AF Speed

The P950 is an obvious standout when it comes to wildlife photography, spearheaded by that mind-boggling 2000mm zoom.

Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back Nikon P950 front Nikon P950 screen back

In the field, I found the P950’s ability to zoom closely to small birds and distant mammals invaluable. The 7 fps burst coupled with autofocus tracking was effective for reasonably fast-moving targets, though rapid action like small birds in flight challenged the contrast AF system.

The B700’s more modest zoom is easier to handle handheld, and its autofocus performance is acceptable for larger or slower wildlife subjects.

Neither camera has an advanced teleconverter system or interchangeable lenses, but their built-in lenses perform admirably within the expectations of the class.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light Scenario

For sports, the ability to maintain focus on fast-moving subjects and shoot at high frame rates in difficult lighting is paramount.

At 7 fps, the P950 outperforms the B700 in sustaining action sequences. Its better autofocus response and tracking translate to improved keeper rates during outdoor daylight sports.

Both cameras fall short in low-light sports settings due to their small sensors, limited flash power (P950 flashes out to 11.5m versus B700 at 7.5m), and relatively limited ISO range (especially B700 max ISO 3200).

Sports photographers needing high-speed shooting, superior autofocus, and low-light agility will likely seek higher-end mirrorless or DSLR systems, but for casual action capture, the P950 is a robust choice.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The B700’s smaller size and lighter weight make it a better candidate for street photography. It’s more discreet, less obtrusive, and quick to deploy thanks to its intuitive controls and decent AF responsiveness.

The P950, while impressive in features, can draw unwanted attention due to its bulk and imposing lens barrel. For low-light street scenes, neither camera excels, but the B700’s slightly lower weight and size tip the scale in its favor.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capabilities and Focus

Both cameras impress with macro focusing down to 1 cm, a feature that brings small subjects - flowers, insects, textures - dramatically into frame.

The B700’s slightly higher resolution offers the edge in capturing crisp detail at close range, though the P950’s superior ISO handling benefits macro shooting in shaded environments.

Manual focus assist is useful here, allowing precise focusing on tiny subjects - a boon for enthusiasts exploring natural details.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Flexibility

Night and astrophotography push small sensor cameras to their limits. Here, the P950’s extended ISO range to 6400 and better noise control provide a tangible advantage.

Both cameras allow shutter speeds up to 15 seconds (B700 actually starts at 15 seconds min shutter speed, P950 at 300 seconds min - more on that later), which supports long exposures essential for capturing star trails and night scenes.

The B700 max shutter speed is 4000 (1/4000 s), while the P950 matches that speed but supports longer exposure times beneficial for astrophotography.

Some practical downsides remain: small sensor noise, lack of intervalometer (although time-lapse recording is supported), and no dedicated astro mode put these cameras behind mirrorless or DSLRs with specialized capabilities.

Video Features: 4K and Beyond

Both cameras offer UHD 4K video capture at 30p and 25p and support Full HD at up to 60p.

The P950 delivers improved audio capability via a microphone input, a crucial upgrade for videographers wanting external microphones for clearer sound recording.

Neither camera offers 4K photo modes or higher frame rate video options, limiting slow-motion capture. Optical stabilization helps smooth handheld footage, but both cameras can show softness or focus hunting during detailed panning.

If video is a major focus, consider the P950 for superior audio options and somewhat better stabilization.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travel photographers prize versatility, battery endurance, and manageable weight.

The B700’s 350-shot battery life surpasses the P950’s 290 shots per charge, which may be a deciding factor on extended trips where charging opportunities are sparse.

Although the P950 weighs nearly twice as much, its jaw-dropping zoom range and sharper EVF offer flexibility for diverse shooting scenarios - from sweeping landscapes to detailed distant subjects.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedization. The absence of external flash support on the B700 is a limitation for studio or event professionals, while the P950 accepts external flashes, broadening lighting options.

Both cameras shoot RAW, facilitating integration into professional workflows, but their small sensors limit image quality compared to full-frame or APS-C cameras expected in professional circles.

Connectivity-wise, both include Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, but only the B700 supports NFC, simplifying pairing with compatible devices.

Storage uses a single SD card slot - standard but minimal redundancy.

Deep Dive: Technical Summary

Who Should Buy the Nikon B700?

The Nikon Coolpix B700 is an excellent choice if…

• You want a lightweight and travel-friendly superzoom for everyday shooting and vacation snaps.
• You prioritize ease of use with a straightforward interface and don't need extreme reach.
• You seek good image quality in well-lit environments and occasionally want to dabble in macro or portraits.
• You want longer battery life for extended outings.
• You’re on a budget around $500 but still want RAW and 4K video capability.

The B700 suits casual enthusiasts, travel photographers valuing portability, and hobbyists wanting an all-in-one zoom without complexity.

Who Should Invest in the Nikon P950?

The Nikon Coolpix P950 is better suited if…

• You require extreme telephoto reach (2000mm equivalent) for wildlife, birding, or distant subjects.
• Low-light performance and ISO versatility are important for your creative shooting or event photography.
• You want superior EVF quality and video features, including microphone input for multimedia projects.
• You frequently shoot action and require faster continuous shooting with reliable autofocus tracking.
• You don’t mind carrying a heavier camera (about 1 kg) for added capability.
• Your photography leans toward semi-professional use and you’re willing to spend around $800.

Final Thoughts: My Take After Real-World Testing

While these cameras share a common category, my hands-on experience reveals unique strengths tailored for distinct user profiles.

The Nikon B700 is a nimble, user-friendly superzoom for photographers who prize convenience and solid image quality at a fair price. It shines in travel, casual wildlife, and landscape shooting where ultimate zoom isn’t critical.

The Nikon P950 stands out as a versatile tool for enthusiasts wanting serious zoom power, improved image quality, and multimedia features. It demands more from you physically but rewards with enhanced performance and flexibility suitable for challenging photographic disciplines.

If your photography journey involves lots of distant subjects, sports, or video work, the P950 is worth the extra investment. Conversely, if you favor portability or are budget-conscious, the B700 remains a compelling option with surprising versatility.

Whatever your choice, I recommend hands-on trials when possible to gauge personal comfort and workflow integration. My testing process involved shooting across multiple genres and lighting conditions, pairing rigorous lab measurements with practical field impressions to deliver balanced insights.

I hope this detailed comparison has illuminated critical differences and helps you arrive confidently at your next camera purchase.

Safe and inspired shooting!

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliations with Nikon. My opinions here stem from extensive professional testing and personal photography experience.