Nikon has just announced a new super-zoom compact camera with a whopping 24-3000mm equivalent zoom range (though “super” is quite an understatement, and it’s not quite so compact). The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 packs what may be the most extreme mass-produced optical tele-lens available and a host of features to make such a lens readily available and valuable in the field. Its unique feature set can accommodate various needs, though it does have some shortcomings (as does every camera)
One-lens-does-it-all cameras, also known as bridge cameras, are pretty rare these days. Called “bridge cameras” for their ability to bridge between compact digital cameras and DSLRs, they filled an important niche back in the day. But as smartphones devoured the small sensor camera segment, the fate of bridge cameras was mostly sealed. To survive, they had to adapt and opt for the extreme. In the case of Nikon COOLPIX P1100, it’s the lens with its unique 24-3000mm equivalent range.
The lens
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is built around an impressive 125x zoom lens: 4.3 to 539mm f/2.8-8 covering a range equivalent of 24-3000mm (on full frame 35mm, approximately 5.6x crop factor). The lens features a rather complex optical formula consisting of 17 elements in 12 groups, with five ED elements and one super ED element. An optical VR unit will also help stabilize things (with additional electronic stabilization for video). While impressive, bear in mind that such a long tele range is highly prone to vibrations, which may exceed the internal optical stabilization abilities. Combine this with the modest f/8 aperture at the telephoto end, coupled with a not-so-new 1/2.3 inch type CMOS, and it’s clear this camera isn’t built for extreme lighting conditions.
The rest
Such an optical range in such a compact chassis is only available due to the small sensor used on the camera. A 16-megapixel 6.2 x 4.6 mm (1/2.3-inch type) CMOS sensor is responsible for capturing whatever the lens brings in. The sensor will be able to capture video at 4K 25/30P and FHD up to 60P. Nikon hasn’t disclosed the bit depth specifications, so I’ll take a risk and assume we’re talking about an 8-bit capture here. The camera can output clean video feed through its HDMI port, but this is limited to FHD; sadly no 4K here. ISO range goes from 100 to 1600 with boosts up to 3200 and 6400 (I wouldn’t recommend either due to the sensor size). The base ISO for manual movie mode is 125.
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The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is about the size of a small DSLR or a medium-sized mirrorless camera coupled with a medium-sized zoom lens. With a 1415g/49.9oz weight, it’s not a small camera, but the size does help in supporting ample control points, a smart hot shoe, and a decent onboard flash. A 2.3 million dot OLED EVF and a 921K dots 3.2-inch screen are also onboard. The weight should also help stabilize the camera in hand for non-extreme-tele filming. The camera offers direct bird-watching and moon-shooting options, specifically catering to the needs of its target audience.
What’s new
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 closely follows its predecessors, offering several modest upgrades. In terms of hardware, the most important update is the USB-C port. Wireless connectivity has also improved, and the design has received some minor updates.
Who’s it for?
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 boasts a huge zoom coverage, making it ideal for travel. However, it will have a hard time competing with high-end smartphones at mainstream focal lengths due to its small sensor, modest aperture, and massive size. But when it comes to telephoto performance, no smartphone can touch it (that’s also true for most mirrorless cameras, actually). So, if you’re in the market for a manageable tele solution, both size-wise and price-wise, the P1100 may fit the bill.
This also applies to filmmakers, though in some cases, a decent Handycam may prove more capable. I would really love to see Nikon expand the video capabilities on such a camera. Imagine a faster sensor, capable of 4K 120P 10-bit recording behind such a unique lens…
Alternatives
While no other camera directly competes with the Nikon COOLPIX P1100’s standout feature, some alternatives offer a different balance of capabilities. For example, going with a shorter zoom range opens up other capabilities. The Nikon P1000 has been discontinued, but the Nikon COOLPIX P950 is essentially a “mini” version. With “only” 24-2000mm equivalent range, it’s both smaller and more affordable. Sony offers the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. While considerably pricier, this camera offers four times the sensor size with a modern 1″ unit. The zoom range “only” goes from 24 to 600, but the larger sensor and wider f/2.4-4 aperture will compensate in all but the most demanding telephoto conditions.
Price and availability
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 will set you back $1,096 and is available for preorder. Cameras should ship around the end of February 2025. For more information, please see the Nikon website.
Would you use such a unique tool for your future project? Do you see yourself taking the Nikon COOLPIX P1100 as a travel-only camera, or will it support additional gear? Let us know in the comments.
