If the camera sounds familiar, the COOLPIX P1100 is basically a rerelease of the seven-year old model COOLPIX P1000 with some new bells and whistles. That zoom is still impressive though.
The new $1099 Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is a compact digital camera with an impressive party trick: a 125x optical zoom. This spans an impressive focal range of 24–3000mm (equivalent), providing an agreeable versatility from wide-angle to super-telephoto, while for those wanting to engage algorithms to push reach even further, Dynamic Fine Zoom pushes the zoom range to a staggering 250x (6000mm equivalent).
It’s not just a one party trick pony either. In addition to the extended zoom, the COOLPIX P1100 now offers improved flexibility with a selectable AF-area mode in Bird-watching mode, allowing for more precise framing. Users can also assign functions to the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on the optional ML-L7 Remote Control, improving control during remote shooting.
Bird-watchers are one of the core markets the company is chasing with this release. As well as the new dedicated Bird-watching mode, there is also a new Fireworks mode that prevents blown-out highlights, enabling long-exposure capture of displays.
It also has a Moon mode which should help produce some impressive results and build on what its forebear, the now seven-year-old COOLPIX P1000 could achieve.
This is perhaps the new camera’s weakness; seven years has added some features such as the selectable AF, but not much else. The COOLPIX P1000 also had a 125x zoom after all. Is it enough to upgrade? Maybe not, but for those looking for a bridge camera that can do one thing and do it well, it’s an interesting purchase. And the $1099 price is only $100 over what the original cost in 2018.
Back to the present, Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) provides stabilisation equivalent to 4.0 stops, reducing camera shake and ensuring good results even during hand-held shooting of distant subjects. A Snap-back Zoom Button lets you momentarily zoom out and widen the view to relocate your subject.
On the video side it supports 4K UHD/30p recording, as well as superlapse and time-lapse movie options. Not only can you capture 4K with that 3000mm-equivalent zoom, but the ability to save frames as high-resolution still images also takes burst photography and puts impressive wheels on it.
Physically, the camera weighs in at 1410 grams (3.11 lbs) and has been designed with a deep grip to ensure stability. Nikon says a focus-mode selector and control ring provide quick access to key settings such as white balance and manual focus.
The accessory shoe and terminal are, as you would expect, compatible with Nikon’s wide accessory range, which it highlights as including Speedlights and a dot sight for easier telephoto composition. The optional ML-L7 Remote Control adds full button functionality via Bluetooth, reducing camera shake and expanding remote shooting possibilities when leaning into that zoom.
It also features:
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 costs $1099 or equivalent and will be available in late February.