The Nikon Coolpix B700 updates the P610 and features the same 60x optical zoom lens, but upgrades the insides to offer a new 20 megapixel sensor, and 4K video recording. Wi-Fi and NFC is built-in and has been joined by low-power Bluetooth to enable low-power transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet.

Nikon Coolpix B700 Features

If the 83x optical zoom of the Nikon Coolpix P900 is too much, and you'd like a more compact ultra-zoom bridge camera, then the Nikon Coolpix B700 could be for you. With a 60x optical zoom lens, a vari-angle 3inch screen, built-in electronic viewfinder, Wi-Fi, 4K video recording, and manual controls the camera has a lot to offer. 

The 60x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 24mm wide-angle zooming all the way to 1440mm at the telephoto end, in 35mm equivalent terms. This gives an impressive amount of reach, and the camera’s optical image stabilisation, which Nikon calls Vibration Reduction (VR), helps keep the image steady when shooting under low light or when using a lot of zoom. The lens can focus on subjects 1cm away from the front of the lens, giving the camera impressive macro capabilities. The lens features an f/3.3 aperture that closes to f/6.5 when the full optical zoom is used. 

The camera features a vari-angle 3inch screen, plus an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which also has an eye-detection sensor so that the camera will automatically switch between the rear screen and EVF, when the camera is held up to your eye. 

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Inside the camera is a 20 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, capable of recording 4K video. 4K video resolution is UHD (3840 x 2160) and frame rates available are 30 or 25fps. You can record FullHD video at up to 60fps, and 720p video at 120fps, with video featuring stereo sound.

The camera offers Auto, P, A, S, Manual shooting modes, as well as numerous scene modes, and creative effects. You can also shoot raw images. A retouch menu is available in playback mode, so that you can apply effects after you have taken your photos. 

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC has been joined by low-power Bluetooth making it possible to transfer images to your smartphone using less power, as well as remotely control the camera (over Wi-Fi). 

Key Features

• 20 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
• 60x optical zoom lens, f/3.3-6.5, equivalant to 24-1440mm
• Dual detect Optical Vibration Reduction (VR), 5-stops
• 3inch vari-angle screen, 921k dot
• Electronic ViewFinder (EVF), with 921k dots
• 4K (UHD), 30p video recording
• ISO100 to ISO3200
• 1cm macro focus
• Raw shooting
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• 10fps continuous shooting (only 5 shots)
• Available in black or red

Nikon Coolpix B700 Handling

The large grip gives the camera the styling and looks of a small DSLR, and the patterned texture ensures you can maintain a firm grip of the camera. The rubberised thumb grip on the back is a nice touch as well. The camera feels quite sturdy, with a solid plastic body. The battery and memory compartment features a locking mechanism, and this too feels and looks well engineered. 

The design has barely changed since the P610, but as the old saying goes “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” - however there is now a second function (Fn2) button on the back, in addition to the top function (Fn1) button. On the side of the camera is a button which releases the pop-up flash, just down from there on the lens is a lever which offers an alternative way to adjust the optical zoom, as well as a snap back zoom button that zooms the lens out so you can find your subject again if you've lost it.

The top features a mode dial - with a user settings mode so that you can save your favourite camera setup.

There is a dial to adjust shutter speed and / or aperture depending on which mode you are in. In manual mode you can use this dial, as well as the rear scroll wheel so that you can adjust shutter and aperture directly. The rear scroll wheel can be used for cycling through the menus. Surrounding this wheel is the d-pad to access exposure compensation, macro mode, self-timer and the flash.

The camera also features an eye-sensor so that it can automatically switch between the rear screen and EVF.The EVF is quite small, and doesn't match the screen for clarity, with blacks looks a little washed out.

The vari-angle screen means you can use it for self-portraits, or for monitoring video recording, when in front of the camera, and you can also turn it around to protect the screen. 

The menus are clearly laid out, with each section getting its own main section logo, starting with the photo options, then the video options, etc. This makes it easy to change and find settings, however, the clarity could probably be improved if the menu sections were colour coded, rather than just being the same colour as each other. 

Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Features - NFC makes it easy and quick to setup a connection to a compatible Android smartphone. If you have an iOS device, then you can use Bluetooth to setup the connection. The camera no longer has built-in GPS, however you can use the Nikon SnapBridge app to add location data to images. 

Battery life - Battery life is improved at 420 shots according to Nikon / CIPA test results, which is good, although extended use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is likely to shorten the battery life of the camera, particularly when using Wi-Fi.