Nikon Coolpix B700 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400: The Definitive Bridge Superzoom Showdown

When it comes to bridge cameras with immense zoom reach, two longstanding contenders stand out for photography enthusiasts hunting for a do-it-all shooter without digging deep into interchangeable lens territory: Nikon’s Coolpix B700 and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-H400. They both promise the slick handling of an SLR-like body paired with jaw-dropping zoom ranges that let you capture distant subjects with impressive detail. But how do they truly stack up when you take them out into the wild - across portraits, wildlife, landscapes, sports, and everyday snaps?

Drawing from extensive hands-on shoots, lab testing, and real-world use over the years, I’ll unpack these two titans to help you see through the specs and marketing buzz. Whether you’re a casual snapper, an enthusiast wanting serious reach, or a hybrid shooter aiming for more creative latitude, this is the comparison that sets the record straight.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling the Behemoths

Both cameras embrace the classic bridge camera silhouette: large grip, substantial body cladding, and a hefty heft that signals serious photographic intent right off the bat. Looking closer, Nikon’s B700 measures 125x85x107mm, tipping the scales at 565g, while Sony’s H400 is chunkier at 130x95x122mm and heavier at 628g. That’s roughly a 10% weight difference, but the Sony also feels a bit bulkier due to its deeper grip and slightly wider stance.

Nikon’s build favors refined ergonomics - the grip sits comfortably in hand, buttons are thoughtfully placed, and the camera feels balanced when extended zoom-wise. Sony’s H400, meanwhile, is a bit more utilitarian: its grip feels blockier and the button layout less intuitive, particularly when attempting quick access to exposure compensation or ISO settings. For those with larger hands, this might not be a dealbreaker, but the B700 edges ahead on comfort for prolonged shooting sessions.

The Nikon’s articulated 3-inch LCD is a standout feature for those who like flexibility in composing shots - from awkward high-angle perspectives to low down macro work, plus selfie-ready tilting with full articulation. The Sony H400 settles for a fixed screen, which while solid, limits creative framing and makes certain shooting angles more cumbersome. Display resolution also favors the Nikon with 921k dots on both the LCD and OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) versus the Sony’s comparatively lower 460k dot LCD and 201k dot EVF.

Looking at the top plate controls underscores the ergonomic philosophy differences. Nikon includes dedicated command dials, a mode dial with familiar iconography, and an exposure compensation dial smartly positioned near the shutter button. Sony's controls rely on a smaller mode dial and fewer dedicated buttons for exposure tweaking, meaning more menu diving for quick adjustments.

Verdict: Ergonomically and physically, the Nikon Coolpix B700 has the edge for comfortable, intuitive handling - a critical factor in a camera you'll want to carry and use frequently on active shoots.

Sensor and Image Quality: Who Sees More Clearly?

Under the hood, both cameras share the same sensor format: 1/2.3-inch type CMOS for Nikon and CCD for Sony, each measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with roughly 20 megapixels resolution (Nikon's 20 MP BSI-CMOS, Sony's 20 MP CCD). The effective sensor area is about 28 mm² - tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame, which inevitably limits low-light performance and depth of field control but keeps the systems compact.

The Nikon’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor inherently captures more light per pixel, translating into better noise control and dynamic range, especially in challenging exposures such as shadows under bright skies. The Sony’s CCD sensor exhibits more noise creeping in at ISO 800 and above, with less latitude in recovering shadow detail without obvious artifacts.

While both sensors include anti-aliasing filters to mitigate moiré patterns, the Nikon's sensor architecture benefits from newer design improvements driving sharper results with better color fidelity. This edge is subtle in bright daylight but becomes obvious when shooting indoors or at dawn/dusk.

On image resolution, both cameras produce files roughly 5184x3888 pixels (Nikon) versus 5152x3864 pixels (Sony), practically identical in print potential. However, the Nikon’s RAW support offers photographers greater post-processing latitude, a significant advantage if you shoot professionally or enthusiastically edit your files. Sony lacks RAW shooting entirely, confining users to JPEGs and limiting creative flexibility down the line.

Real-world impact: Landscapes come through with more detail and nuanced colors on the Nikon, while the Sony's files need careful exposure and white balance to avoid washout or harsh shadows.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

A camera's autofocus (AF) system can make or break action and wildlife shooting. Here, the B700 applies a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking. Despite no phase-detection pixels, in practice the Nikon locks focus reasonably quick on static and slow-moving subjects. It struggles a bit under low light but holds up well in good conditions.

The Sony H400 uses a similar contrast-detect AF system but lacks the continuous AF mode. Single AF is sluggish and less reliable when tracking moving subjects, making it less ideal for erratic wildlife or fast sports.

Burst shooting rates tell a clear story: Nikon’s 5 fps is usable for casual sports and wildlife bursts, whereas Sony’s paltry 1 fps leaves you chasing frames rather than subjects.

Verdict: For sports, wildlife, or any dynamic shooting, the B700 delivers superior AF performance and faster shooting - a must for many serious enthusiasts.

Lens and Zoom: Telephoto Giants in the Palm of Your Hand

The marquee feature for both is their insane superzoom lenses.

• Nikon B700’s 24-1440mm equivalent zoom (60x) with apertures ranging F3.3-6.5.
• Sony H400’s 25-1550mm equivalent zoom (63.3x) with nearly identical aperture spread.

While the Sony carries a slightly longer reach on paper, in real-world shooting I found Nikon’s lens maintains better sharpness across the zoom range, especially at long telephoto extremes. Chromatic aberration and distortion control in the B700 also outperform the Sony, making for cleaner images that need less corrective editing.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, vital given these extreme focal lengths and small sensors. Nikon’s stabilization seemed more effective in my handheld test shots, reducing blur noticeably at longer zooms, an area where less capable IS can severely hamper image usability.

Macro capability is a surprise strength of the Nikon, with a close focusing distance as near as 1cm. Sony doesn’t specify macro range, and manual focus is locked out, which limits creative close-up work.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition Tools Compared

The Nikon B700 sports a fully articulated 3-inch screen at 921k dot resolution, brilliant for composing shots at odd angles or selfie-friendly framing. The OLED EVF also matches that resolution, offering a sharp preview even in bright light.

The Sony H400’s 3-inch Clear Photo LCD is fixed and much lower resolution at 460k dots. Its electronic viewfinder also disappoints with a muddy 201k dot image, making framing less precise. This can hamper focus accuracy and visual comfort during extended shooting sessions.

The Nikon interface feels modern and responsive, with touch operation absent but still straightforward button navigation and well-designed menus. Sony’s interface is more dated and less tactile, pushing users into menus more often for adjustments.

Video Capabilities: 4K Dreams vs. HD Realities

The Nikon B700 records video at up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160), at 30p or 25p frame rates - a significant bonus for enthusiast videographers on a budget. Additionally, Full HD is available at various frame rates up to 60p for smoother motion capture.

In contrast, Sony’s H400 maxes out at 720p HD video, a substantial limitation in an era where 4K has become a baseline expectation. Audio input is somewhat better on Sony’s side, featuring a microphone port versus Nikon’s lack thereof, but the lower video resolution and fixed lens design reduce its appeal for serious video work.

Neither camera features advanced stabilization modes like electronic VR during video recording, but Nikon’s optical stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Battery longevity is respectable on both, with Nikon’s EN-EL23 rated at 350 shots per charge, and Sony’s proprietary pack delivering around 300 shots. For extended outings, a spare battery is recommended, notably as the bigger zoom lenses can tax power reserves quickly.

Both cameras take a single memory card slot accept SD, SDHC, SDXC formats; Nokia adds Memory Stick compatibility on the Sony, but SD cards remain the standard for expandability and affordability.

Wireless and Connectivity: Sharing Made Simple (or Not)

The Nikon B700 has clear advantages here - built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enable seamless sharing to smartphones or remote control via dedicated apps. This keeps up with the always-connected user and modern workflows.

Sony’s H400 has no wireless connectivity, limiting instant sharing and forcing physical card transfers or USB tethering - a huge drawback in today’s content-hungry, social media landscape.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

Neither camera boasts any form of environmental sealing, dust resistance, or waterproofing. They are designed for casual outdoor use but require cautious handling in adverse environments.

Price and Value: Which Camera Gives More Bang for Your Buck?

At the time of review, Nikon’s B700 lists around $500, while Sony H400 sits near $270, making the latter an enticing budget alternative. However, considering the Nikon’s superior handling, image quality, zoom performance, and features like 4K video and wireless, it represents a more future-proof and versatile investment.

If budget constraints are tight and superzoom reach is paramount without the need for pro-level image quality, Sony’s H400 covers basic needs well.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Nikon B700 front Nikon B700 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

Portrait Photography

The B700’s better sensor and AF face detection deliver more natural skin tones and pleasing bokeh thanks to wider aperture control and manual focus options. The articulated screen helps frame shots, including selfies, much better. Sony’s fixed screen and noisier sensor limit creative portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Higher-resolution and better dynamic range from Nikon with RAW support make post-processing easier and results more satisfying. The H400’s CCD sensor struggles with shadow detail and dynamic scenes. The Nikon’s zoom ranges capture intricate distant scenes crisply.

Wildlife Photography

Nikon’s faster continuous AF and 5 fps burst rate enable better chances to catch fleeting action. Sony’s laggy AF and 1 fps shooting make wildlife tracking frustrating. Both cameras’ zooms approach super-telephoto lengths but Nikon’s superior AF and stabilization prevail.

Sports Photography

The B700 excels with fast AF and decent frame rate, capturing on-the-move subjects better. Sony’s slow AF and limited burst speed fall short for most sports demands.

Street Photography

The B700’s discreet articulating screen and quicker AF make it preferable despite size. Sony’s bulkier body can draw attention and its slow AF detracts in candid moments.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s close focus ability and manual focus provide control for macro enthusiasts. Sony lacks macro focus range and manual focus, limiting creative freedom here.

Night/Astro Photography

Nikon’s lower noise at higher ISO and longer shutter options favor night shooting. Sony’s sensor noise spikes make low-light work tricky. Lack of RAW is a big minus for astrophotography post-processing.

Video

Clear winner is Nikon with 4K video and flexible frame rates vs Sony’s max 720p. Nikon’s optical stabilization aids smoother footage despite no advanced video features.

Travel Photography

Nikon’s weight advantage, wireless features, and versatile articulation screen make it better suited for travel use. Sony’s lower weight is marginally cancelled by bulkier ergonomics and lack of connectivity.

Professional Work

Nikon’s RAW shooting, superior image quality, and flexible exposure modes make it viable for semi-pro work. Sony’s limited features and image quality restrict it mostly to casual use.

Final Scorecard: Comprehensive Performance Ratings

Summing It Up: What’s Your Best Pick?

Both the Nikon Coolpix B700 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 represent capable bridge superzoom cameras targeted at enthusiasts seeking versatile, all-in-one options. But our experience and tests draw a clear line: the Nikon Coolpix B700 is the superior choice for almost all serious photographic applications, from portraits to wildlife to casual video. Its new-generation sensor, faster AF, better build, and expanded features justify the higher price.

For users with strictly tight budgets or casual use cases who prioritize superzoom reach alone and forego RAW or speedy performance, the Sony H400 is an acceptable entry-level pick with a colossal zoom range.

If you ask me, the Nikon Coolpix B700 checks more boxes across the board - this dog is indeed a good boy. It’s the camera I’d reach for when wanting a reliable, versatile shooter without the constraints of small sensor bridge cameras past, or the complexity of interchangeable lens systems.

Pro Tip: When testing these cameras yourself or others in this genre, I recommend shooting the same scenes across zoom ranges, varying ISO and lighting, and pushing video to its limits. Also, test autofocus acquisition time on moving subjects and explore all articulation angles on the Nikon to fully appreciate real-world usability differences.

This comparative review is grounded in years of extensive hands-on evaluation and strives to offer you, the discerning photographer, clear, unbiased insights empowering your next camera purchase. Happy shooting!