Canon Powershot SX540 VS Nikon Coolpix B500

There are so many good cameras out there but the best are always the most expensive as well so we have to choose wisely. Our cameras don’t have to be the newest addition but they need to be reliable and options like Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs Nikon Coolpix B500 are ideal for many of us who are getting into photography or just want a dedicated camera to work with. If you are also considering getting one of the two, let’s see below about what they can offer.

In this comparison, we are going to talk about:

  • How to Buy a Good Camera
  • What are Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500
  • How are the Design of Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500
  • How are the Specs of Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500
  • How are the Image Quality of Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500
  • How are the Experience with Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500
  • Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs Nikon Coolpix B500

Buying a Good Camera

We all love good quality photos because it gives you an idea of the actual experience seeing the scene or subject in real-life. Photos are a great method to deliver a message and information because we can perceive the image as it is. Even though the photographer can also design their photos as they want, it is still a very convenient tool to spread information without having to construct the words. However, just like any products, the tool made to capture the picture will be important as well.

Nowadays we are mostly taking pictures with smartphones but you can rely on a dedicated camera as well. A camera may be seen as a professional tool but they are useful for almost everyone who is capturing photos or videos quite often. This is a very popular hobby as well and besides professionals, many enthusiast or aspiring photographers are using their camera to learn or polish their skills. It is a great way to help develop your knowledge while having fun capturing lots of photos.

What can be confusing is that there are so many good cameras and sometimes we don’t even know which of them to go for. In general, we have to spend quite a lot to get the best equipment and accessories to use with the camera. But, the best camera for you doesn’t have to be expensive since it is better to develop the skill first then getting something that we can use to the fullest than spending so much while still being a beginner itself.

When it comes to cameras made for enthusiasts, what you have to pay attention to is their ability to work. All components matter but sensor and pixel count are the core of the equipment to decide the image quality they can capture. The processor plays a huge role as well in processing the information collected by the sensor and if you choose the ILC system then the option for available lenses are equally important because this is the first element in which your data will be collected from.

Of course the camera for your specific application can be different from what other people are using and it is wise to choose based on what you will need from the equipment. For some people being able to zoom into their subject is a very crucial ability while for others an ability to record or capture stills under low light is extremely necessary. Chances are cameras with different main focus will also be a different option for different types of users. 

About Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500

If you are here then it means a camera for beginners or something that can be a good companion of your main camera will be a great choice. There are more than plenty to choose from based on which seems to fit in your application the best but, we can consider the budget too if you are going to spend a certain amount. For those choosing an ILC system, do look into what lenses to buy and add all the accessories we will want to use with the camera.

Most camera brands are covering a wide range of cameras based on the ability, what they are designed for, and budget so if you already have a favorite brand we can just go straight to their collection. Canon and Nikon for example are some of the most popular camera brands with lots of good alternatives on the entry-level. They are also carrying the newest and highly capable system but as expected, they are going to cost a lot more.

For those who are planning to travel with the camera, want something to accompany their main camera, or a good alternative to build the skill, Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 will be two ideal cameras to consider. These two are pretty much similar to each other and if you are familiar with the term bridge camera then these two are going to be among the category. What makes the two very attractive is the ability to zoom into your subject from quite far away. 

The term bridge camera is to bridge point-and-shoot into the DSLR or mirrorless range but it can be seen as something that bridges your eyes to the subject. This type of camera is very popular among travelers or those who enjoy capturing small animals in the wild as they allow you to get closer to them. In comparison, the Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 are equally easy to use and equally take great photos, but the SX540 will also be the higher choice between the two.

Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 Design

Just like most bridge cameras, they may not be as compact as typical point-and-shoot due to the long zoom lens but they are still very small for your traveling purpose. The housing is made to mimic the DSRLs so if you are aiming to get used to how the high-end cameras are handled, the two can be a good starter to familiarize the handling. What’s unfortunate is the lack of manual control since these cameras are made for convenience so we can shoot with them quickly.

Being from two different brands Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 are having some slight differences on the layout but they are very much similar to each other as well. The noticeable difference is because Canon put a fixed rear display here which is very inconvenient knowing most modern cameras are either tilting or rotating. It is also not as clean and vivid as the rear display of the B500. Read also: Canon Vixia HF R800 Vs Sony HDR CX405 here.

Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 Specs

Moving further, let’s see what the Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 can offer starting from the core that makes these cameras and as expected, the two are using a 1/2.3 type of illuminated sensor. This is about the same as what most smartphones are using today so in terms of image quality they will be pretty much similar too. What’s different is that Canon is high in pixels or 20MP while the Nikon sticks with 16MP. More pixels can improve the clarity of your photos, especially if you are cropping them.

Since these two are bridge cameras, what you want to consider is probably the zoom amount too which is also a lot more on the SX540. It allows you to perform 50x optical zoom from the lens while the B500 is rated at 40x zoom from its NIKKOR lens. As for the focal length, Canon is from 24-1200 mm and Nikon is from 22.5-900mm in 35mm equivalent.

Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 Image Quality

In terms of image quality, we agree that the skill of the photographer is what makes the result but side by side, the results coming out of these cameras are impressive for small cameras. The picture quality is quite good but if you are going to resize the photo later, we do think working with more pixels will be beneficial. It ensures your photo stays sharp with the same amount of detail and in comparison, you can also push the zoom further on the Canon camera.

It may be useful or not in your application but if you are the type who often takes photos from quite a distance of a building, small animals, or other subject, this feature is very useful. It lets you get closer to something but in terms of color and overall image quality, both are very similar to each other. We do think they are equally good for beginners or casual users.

Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 Experience

Lastly on the experience, Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 are also very fun to use. They are very easy to use but since there is lack of manual control, it may not be as satisfying for experienced users. The rear display of B500 is very useful however when you want to take pictures at different angles as it gives more freedom as well. Another thing we love from B500 is the long lasting battery because it can shoot more photos with a single charge.

Canon PowerShot SX540 Vs Nikon Coolpix B500

Both Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 are good cameras depending on which seems to fit you the most. The prominence comparison is that SX540 will have a longer zoom range and more pixels but when it comes to shooting experience, the B500’s better rear screen and longer battery life is making the camera more fun to use. They are good cameras based on the picture quality but it is easier to resize the SX540.

- Powerful 50x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer for outstanding optical performance
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos. Canon High Power Flash HF-DC2
- Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound
- 16 megapixel 1/2.3 inches BSI CMOS sensor
- Nikkor f/3.0 6.5 millimeter ED lens
- 22.5 900 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent)
- 40x optical zoom lens, 80x dynamic zoom

Conclusion

The option is all yours because both Canon PowerShot SX540 and Nikon Coolpix B500 are good cameras but, if handling experience is negligible, the SX540 is the more powerful choice based on the sensor but for the better experience, the B500 is a also a very ideal option.

 

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