Nikon COOLPIX P950 Review: A Zoom Beast with Some Quirks

The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is a camera that promises quite a bit on paper, especially with its massive 83x optical zoom. It's marketed as a versatile tool for both budding photographers and seasoned pros. I've had the chance to test it out for a couple of weeks, and here's what I found.

What stood out immediately was the zoom capability. If you're into wildlife photography or need to capture faraway subjects, this camera seems like a solid choice. But there's more to a camera than just zoom.

I dug into the other features, such as its 4K video capabilities and RAW shooting. These are fine additions for anyone looking to do more than just point-and-shoot. However, some areas left room for improvement, which I'll dive into further in the following sections.

Overall, the P950 tries to offer a comprehensive package for its target audience. But does it succeed in all areas? Let’s find out.

The price tag on the Nikon COOLPIX P950 might make you pause, especially when you consider its strengths and weaknesses. Priced at the mid-to-high range, it's not exactly budget-friendly, but it does offer specific features that might justify the cost for some users.

The 83x zoom is its main selling point, and for photographers who need that capability, it might be worth it. The 4K video and RAW shooting add to its appeal, making it versatile for different types of photography and videography.

However, considering the autofocus quirks and the reliance on AA batteries, some might find the package a bit lacking for the price. If you're looking for a camera that excels in every area, you might want to explore other options.

In summary, the Nikon COOLPIX P950 offers good value for those who specifically need its standout features. But if these aren't crucial for your needs, there are other models that might offer better all-around performance for the same price or less.

The design of the Nikon COOLPIX P950 is both a plus and a minus. On one hand, it features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a vari-angle TFT LCD screen, which gives you flexibility in terms of composing your shots. The buttons are well-placed, and there are side buttons for easy focus adjustments—nice touches for control.

On the downside, the camera is bulky. Weighing in at 370 grams and featuring a large zoom lens, it's not the most portable option. If you're someone who likes to travel light, this might be a consideration. It took up quite a bit of space in my bag, and I found myself being more conscious of the weight during longer outings.

The overall build quality feels solid, and that's a plus if you're looking for something durable. However, the bulkiness might deter those who are looking for a compact, easy-to-carry option for casual photography.

In short, the design is functional and solid for those who prioritize features and durability, but it's not the most travel-friendly option out there.

Regarding battery life, the Nikon COOLPIX P950 could do better. It uses two AA batteries, which are included, but I found that they run out of juice faster than I'd like. After a few hours of heavy use, especially if you're using the zoom and video features a lot, you'll find yourself needing replacements.

I took the camera out for a day of shooting, and by lunchtime, I was already getting warnings about low battery. This meant carrying extra batteries to avoid missing any shots. The reliance on AA batteries is convenient for some because they're easy to find, but they don't offer the longevity of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

If you're planning a long day of shooting or a trip where you'll be away from a power source, you might want to invest in rechargeable AA batteries or stock up on spares. In an era where most tech products are moving towards rechargeable options, this feels like a bit of a step back.

Overall, the battery situation is a bit of a letdown. It's something to consider before making a purchase if you're planning to use it extensively.

The standout feature of the Nikon COOLPIX P950 is undoubtedly its 83x optical zoom. In practice, this means you can get pretty close to subjects that are quite a distance away. For wildlife photographers or anyone trying to capture distant action, it really delivers. I tested it in a local park and managed to get detailed shots of birds without having to move much closer.

However, there's a trade-off. While the zoom is impressive, I found the camera's autofocus to be a bit sluggish, especially in low-light conditions. The 99 autofocus points are decent, but they don't always lock onto the subject as quickly as I hoped. For fast-moving subjects, this can be a bit frustrating.

The camera also supports RAW shooting, which is a plus if you like to do a lot of post-processing. The RAW files give you more flexibility to tweak your photos later. The 4K video capability is another good addition, and it produces clear footage. But again, the autofocus issues can crop up during video shooting too.

In summary, the P950's performance is a bit of a mixed bag. The zoom is great for certain situations, but the autofocus isn't always up to par.