• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 900.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony QX30 advantages over Nikon B500

  • Thinner
    57 mm vs 96 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    193g vs 541g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon B500 advantages over Sony QX30

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    900 mm vs 720 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon B500

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9500

Sony QX30
Nikon S9500
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon B500
Nikon S9500
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Sony QX30
Panasonic ZS40
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
Nikon B500
Panasonic ZS40
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon P530

Sony QX30
Nikon P530
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon B500
Nikon P530
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Sony QX30
Canon SX710 HS
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Internal flash
Nikon B500
Canon SX710 HS
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon L840

Sony QX30
Nikon L840
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
Nikon B500
Nikon L840
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
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