As a photographer, you put your heart and soul into capturing interesting, well-lit, beautiful, and compelling photos. But what exactly makes for an alluring photo?
Most experts will tell you it’s first and foremost all about the gear. Though other factors influence the result such as colors, lighting, composition, and exposure. But let’s focus in on gear, which is where it all begins. With thousands of gear options out there, which is superior?
Well, we took the two most prominent brands in the market and hand-picked their popular cameras for a side-by-side comparison. Today we will see who ends up on top: the Canon Powershot SX530 vs Nikon Coolpix B500. We comprehensively reviewed them side by side covering all essential features and the pros and cons of each model. Perhaps this can help you make an informed decision.
Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera with 50X Optical Zoom – Wi-Fi and NFC Enabled
Key Features
- Zoom lens: 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4, ×50 optical zoom
- A 3-inch tilting LCD screen
- Sensor Resolution: 16MP
- Sensor size: 1/2.3 inch
- 1920×1080 video resolution
- 0fps continuous shooting
- 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 3.2inches
- Wi-Fi and NFC enabled.
This camera is revered for its versatility, top-notch image and video quality, outstanding zoom quality, as well as ease in sharing and uploading pictures. The high sensitivity sensor works hand in hand with the 4+ image processor to produce sharp, crystal clear, and high-quality images devoid of noise. Besides, the extra accessories available is the icing on the cake. This camera is suitable for beginner photographers, or any hobbyist looking to capture some brilliant shots.
Pros
- Excellent zoom quality
- It’s easy to use with a well-organized menu and controls
- The autofocus feature and high frames per second number allow for shooting high-quality action photos
- It comes with extra accessories, including a cleaning kit, memory card and reader, tripod, replacement battery, LCD screen protector, and camera case
- Wi-Fi and NFC enabled for higher connectivity
- Optical image stabilization feature warrants smooth videos devoid of shakiness and blur
Cons
- The LCD screen can be a tad too bright on sunny days, making viewing images extremely difficult
- Lenses are not interchangeable unless you use a third-party adapter. creative options and photo effects
- Average battery life is low. To be on the safe side, always carry an extra battery
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Verdict
The Canon PowerShot SX530 comes with high shutter speed, high optical zoom, and high sensors for crystal clear, sharp, and top-notch images. However, it has no Bluetooth connectivity, quite a low LCD screen resolution, and no environmental sealing as well as RAW image format capability. It still, however, a quality camera, which lots of consumers love for its brand consistency.
Check Price of Canon PowerShot SX530 On Amazon
Nikon Coolpix B500 Digital Camera
Key Features
- Zoom lens: 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4, ×40 optical zoom
- A 3-inch tilting LCD screen
- Sensor Resolution: 16MP
- Sensor size: 1/2.3 inch
- 1920×1080 video resolution
- 0fps continuous shooting
- 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization
- Vibration reduction feature
- Weight: 1.19 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 3.2inches
- Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled
- Bluetooth-enabled
This Nikon camera is perfect for any beginner. Its fully automated mode suits an amateur not yet conversant with all the various camera settings. The 16MP low-light sensor, guarantees high quality, sharp, and clear images and videos.
Nikon B500 has a 16.0MP BSI-CMOS sensor, and you can shoot with it at a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4.1 and 4:3. The B500 has an ISO range of 80 – 3200 but unfortunately, doesn’t support RAW image formats.
This digital camera is perfect for an amateur photographer, the ordinary bystander looking for a camera to capture outstanding images or a hobbyist who loves to snap up pictures for fun.
Pros
- It’s effortless to use. The menus are well organized and easily understandable.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled to ease uploading and sharing of your photos.
- It allows for HD videos recording. The stereo picks up sounds; while the hybrid variation reduction reduces jitters and shakiness for precise, smooth videos.
- The tilting LCD screen allows for flexible viewing of the scene during shooting or video recording.
Cons
- The autofocus takes a bit longer to focus, which can be frustrating, especially when shooting high-action or sports images.
- Several users reported grainy zoomed pictures.
- It lacks a manual mode, which minimizes the creative options and ability to shoot the way you want.
Our Rating: 4.8/5
Verdict
It’s effortless to use, comfortable, affordable, allows for HD video recording, and takes excellent shots for its price. It is enhanced with Bluetooth connectivity, an LCD tilting screen for flexible shooting, and a vibration reduction feature for better quality pics, and is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled. The perfect camera for beginners!
Check Price of Nikon Coolpix B500 On Amazon
Compact Digital Cameras – Why Choose One?
The Canon Powershot SX530 and the Nikon Coolpix B500 are among the best digital cameras on the market today. Canon and Nikon are famed for producing exemplary cameras, and these two are no exception.
It’s also worth noting that Canon and Nikon brands occupy the largest market share, closely followed by Sony. Most photographers, therefore, prefer either of the two. But before going all out and purchasing a high-end digital camera, which can be a significant investment, consider the following factors.
Camera Type
There are three different camera types.
- Point and shoot (compact)
- Mirrorless
- DSLR
Point and shoot cameras, or compact cameras, are the cheapest, tiniest, and lightest cameras out there. But compared to mirrorless and DSLR cameras, they produce low-quality images.
Mirrorless cameras are bulkier, but way lighter than a DSLR. They produce higher quality images than compact cameras and offer more creative options.
DSLRs produce the highest quality images, quite similar to those of mirrorless cameras but offer additional creative options. The biggest downside of a DSLR is its weight. It’s bulky, which can be tiring, especially for amateur photographers. DLSRs are also the priciest of the three.
Lens Quality
This feature is the single most significant image quality determinant. The lens collects light from the ambient surroundings and then focuses it through the camera sensors to form the image, and without the light, this process can’t happen.
Opt for cameras with high quality, interchangeable zoom lenses. Interchangeable lenses allow for various creative options and subsequently varying results when shooting. Mirrorless and DSLR camera lenses are of the highest quality and are interchangeable.
ISO Performance
The ISO number is the measure of how sensitive the camera sensors are to light. A higher ISO means that the sensors are more sensitive to light, and can shoot in low-light conditions without the need for a flash. Unfortunately, it also produces noisy images.
Ergonomics and Portability
Ergonomics refer to how comfortable the camera is during use. Can you easily reach the buttons? Does your camera have a touchscreen? Does the camera fit well into your hand, and is it easy to carry around and store? Is the menu organized and easy to use?
Your ideal camera should be light enough to carry in your backpack, handbag, or pocket, well-fitting, and with accessible, easy to use, and organized menu and control buttons.
Price
Price is always a consideration; no one wants to waste money. Although you should not go for the cheapest camera out there, as you’ll soon regret it, you should also not buy the most expensive. Many features replicate in cameras of a similar make and range, so do your research to get the best price.
Check Price of Nikon Coolpix B500 On Amazon
Canon PowerShot SX530 vs. Nikon Coolpix B500 – Similarities
Both cameras have:
- No RAW image format capability
- Face detection technology, ideal for taking portraits
- Optical image stabilization
- Built-in wireless connectivity
- No environmental sealing
- No built-in flash photography capability
- No electronic viewfinders
Canon PowerShot SX530 vs. Nikon Coolpix B500 – Differences
Stark differences also exist between the Canon Powershot SX530 vs Nikon Coolpix B500. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- Canon Powershot has a higher ISO than the Nikon Coolpix, shooting better quality images in lower light conditions
- Nikon Coolpix has a tilting LCD screen for flexible shooting
- Nikon has a much longer battery life yielding more shots on a single charge
- Canon Powershot has a higher shutter speed
- Nikon Coolpix has Bluetooth connectivity
Check Price of Canon PowerShot SX530 On Amazon
Check Price of Nikon Coolpix B500 On Amazon
Canon PowerShot SX530 vs. Nikon Coolpix B500 – Comparison Tables
At A Glance – Key Features
| Features | Canon PowerShot SX530 | Nikon Coolpix B500 |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom Lens | 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5, x50 optical zoom lens | 23-900 mm F3.0-6.5, x40 optical zoom lens |
| Max Video Quality | 1920 x 1080 video resolution | 1920 x 1080 video resolution |
| LCD screen resolution | 461k dots | 921k dots |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | 1/2000s |
| Continuous Shooting for Fast Shooting Speeds | 7.4fps | 1.6fps |
| Sensors for Image Quality | 16MP – 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor | 16MP – 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor |
| RAW Format Images for Better Image Quality | No | No |
| ISO Performance and Built-in Flash for Low-light Photography | 100 – 3200 | 80 – 3200 |
| Face Detection Focus for Portrait Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) for more shots on a single charge | 210 shots | 600 shots |
| Viewfinder for Better Framing and Control | No | No |
| Touch Screen for Ease of Use | No | No |
| Rotating LCD screen for Selfie Photos | No | No |
| Tilting Screen for Flexible Shooting | Yes | No |
| Built-in Wireless and Remote Smartphone Control for Better Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| External Flash Shoe for Flash Photography | No | No |
| Environmental Sealing for Protection in Harsh Environments | No | No |
| Dimensions | 120 x 82 x 92 mm | 114 x 78 x 95 mm |
| Weight | 3.0 lbs. | 1.19 lbs. |
At A Glance – Where the Canon PowerShot SX530 trumps the Nikon Coolpix B500
| Advantages | Canon PowerShot SX530 | Nikon Coolpix B500 |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Focusing for more focusing options | Yes | No |
| Optical Zoom is higher for more flexible coverage | 50x | 40x |
| Weight – lighter by 99g | 442g | 541g |
| Shutter Speed is higher for more explicit pictures of objects in motion | 1/4000s | 1/2000s |
At A Glance – Where the Nikon Coolpix B500 trumps the Canon PowerShot SX530
| Advantages | Nikon Coolpix B500 | Canon PowerShot Sx530 |
|---|---|---|
| Tilting LCD screen for flexible shooting | Yes | No |
| Higher LCD screen resolution for better quality images | 921k dots | 461k dots |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | No |
| Continuous shooting is faster | 7.4fps | 1.6fps |
Canon Powershot SX530 vs. Nikon Coolpix B500 – Brand and Product Comparison
Canon and Nikon are both considered world leaders in imaging products. The better between the two is often a matter of personal preference as both brands manufacture high-grade products. However, there are some notable similarities.
Canon has been in business for 86 years and Nikon for an impressive 102 years. Despite existing in the market for longer, Nikon didn’t produce its first camera until 1948, as it started off producing lenses. Interestingly enough, some of Nikon’s lenses were made for early Canon models.
When it comes to innovation, Canon is the clear winner having the most patented products and features. However, Nikon isn’t lagging so far behind as its presently leading in adding new video features.
Canon
Famed for its EOS DSLRs, Canon was founded in 1933 as Seikikōgaku kenkyūsho (Precision Optical Industry Company Limited). The name later became Canon Incorporation in 1969.
Since then, the company has risen in the ranks to be among the leading imaging products brand worldwide. It produces superior cameras, printers, and copiers; and continually innovates new technologies.
Canon came under fire for forcing NFL photographers to don NFL-issued red vests (with the Canon logo) in 2015, or else lose their jobs. This occurrence was an ethical violation as it was a form of forced company advertisement.
Nikon
In 1917, two leading Japan optical manufacturers teamed up with Mitsubishi’s President Koyata Iwasaki, to establish an optical instrument production company. It started as Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha (Japan Optical Industries Corporation) but was later renamed Nikon Corporation in 1988.
Headquartered in Japan, Nikon is considered a world leader in imaging products and revolutionary technologies; and is famed for their top-notch DSLRs.
The latest controversy to hit the Nikon camp was in 2017. The company was labeled as sexist for selecting 32 all-male photographers to promote its new D850 DSLR camera. The lack of diversity spurred a media controversy.
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Final Thoughts
When purchasing a new camera, look for essential features like the lens quality, ISO performance, frames per second, sensor size and resolution, ergonomics, autofocus, optical zoom, price, and image stabilization features.
In this comparison of the Canon Powershot SX530 vs Nikon Coolpix B500 review, the Nikon B500 wins hands down in terms of top-notch image quality. On the other hand, the ease of use and navigation increases the appeal of the Canon Powershot. Both cameras cost nearly the same, so your decision will solely depend on the individual features you prefer.
Check Price of Nikon Coolpix B500 On Amazon
Have you used any of the two cameras? If you have, we would be thrilled to hear all about your experiences.
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