• 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

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX30V

Sony QX30
Sony HX30V
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon B500
Sony HX30V
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus

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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
  • $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 Nikon L840

Sony QX30
Nikon L840
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
Nikon B500
Nikon L840
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
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