Nikon Coolpix P950
Announced January 7, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is a versatile bridge camera defined by its massive 83x optical zoom range that makes distant wildlife and lunar photography possible. While it offers impressive stabilization and handy features like raw support, the small sensor struggles in low light and the overall performance can feel sluggish.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Ergonomic design with articulating screen and improved viewfinder
- Extensive 83x optical zoom range
- Versatile manual controls and raw shooting
- High-quality 4K video recording
- Powerful image stabilization
Cons
- Poor low-light performance and high ISO noise
- Lack of touchscreen interface
- Limited battery life
- Sluggish performance and buffer issues
- Bulky and heavy physical build
- Launch price $799.95 (USD)
- Sensor 16MP Smaller than 1-inch CMOS
- Video 4K 29.97p
- Burst 7 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 79/100
There are very few cameras that can match the P950's versatility, although you'll get better image quality and more advanced autofocus from several similarly-priced (but less ambitious) compact cameras.
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[T]he P950 still represents a good buy even if it’s starting to get a little outdated, and is certainly one of the better bridge cameras available to buy right now.
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What you still may not fully grasp yet, despite my best efforts, is just how FUN this camera can be. Seriously, it’s really, really fun. Despite the quirks and limitations, I would absolutely recommend it.
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The camera would be well suited for travel, plus the occasional wildlife and moon photography, as well as video, although the camera does struggle in low-light.
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Only if you absolutely must have this much zoom reach is it worth considering, and even then the price is tough to justify.
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The Nikon Coolpix P950 excels for its colossal zoom range and lens quality, but its image quality is disappointing in 2020. Only if you absolutely must have this much zoom reach is it worth considering, and even then the price is tough to justify.
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The Nikon Coolpix P950 is an appealing camera for wildlife specialists, but most won't need its exceptional zoom power.
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The P950 is a solid evolution from its predecessor, with a good set of upgrades. If you absolutely must have 83x optical zoom and mostly shoot wildlife, then its reach and quality make it worth considering.
- Digital Trends 7/10
The Nikon P950's 83x zoom lens captures excellent detail, but performance is sometimes sluggish.
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For the feature set on offer and the decent image quality it delivers, it is good value for money, too – that incredible lens is amazing, and used with care you can get pictures that simply wouldn’t be possible with other cameras.
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The compromises seem to be in line when you want both in a bag and a sack. You have to be willing to make some compromises to get as much zoom as the Coolpix P950 can offer.
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This is an easy to configure and easy to use camera.
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Despite the price of its camera on itself, it's not as long focal length than what this offers, so I really recommend this camera.
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[T]he Nikon Coolpix P950 is a pretty good package. You've got good features, great zoom, and most importantly, enough quality, enough speed at stabilization, low-light performance for you to shoot those UFOs.
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[T]he P950 offers a great bang for your buck if you want a versatile zoom camera that can capture sharp images and is simple to use.
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At £799 the P950 isn't cheap, but it is an absolutely ideal, high-end bridge camera for birders looking for a versatile and lightweight model.
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[W]hat this camera does have that makes it unique and makes it really valuable as a video camera is that it's got a huge zoom. It's got a really sharp lens. It's got great color reproduction. And it's got amazing stabilization.
