The Nikon P900 vs P950 vs P1000: Get Closer—Even from A Distance

Looking for a way to stay shooting while still social distancing? If you’ve ever wanted to get serious about your wildlife and nature photography skills, then we’d suggest considering the Nikon COOLPIX P900, P950, or P1000. The unprecedented super-telephoto power of these cameras will put you right in the center of the action—even if you’re nowhere near it. So, I guess the question is, which one? Let's take a look below.

Nikon P900 vs P1000 Specification Chart

The P1000 was announced more recently in July 2018 while the P900 was announced in March 2015. While both these cameras are very similar, there are a few key differences that will make you choose one over the other. 

Get Unbelievably Close

The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is one of the most extreme Nikon Zooms ever. It not only features a stunning 125x optical zoom (24mm – 3,000mm equivalent in 35mm) but also boasts a 250x Dynamic Fine Zoom that increases the focal length to 6,000mm—and extends the digital zoom to 12,000mm. The P900 comes with an 83x optical zoom (24-2,000mm equivalent). With so much range, both cameras have become the go-to for safaris and wildlife photography, but if you're looking for a little more range, the P1000 is your best bet. 

Images Stay Crystal Clear

Both the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 and P900 come with a Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction system that steadies even the most minimal of camera shake movements, both horizontal and vertical. With either camera, you’ll never sacrifice the quality of your extreme zoom power, even when shooting handheld. One major advantage of the P1000 is that it supports shooting in RAW, enabling better editing opportunities.

Nikon P1000

Made for shooting in the dark

Both the COOLPIX P1000 and P900 feature a 16MP CMOS image sensor with backside illumination. With an improvement in noise and sensitivity reduction, you’ll still be shooting when in the dark or in dimly lit indoor settings.

Endless options...

The Nikon P1000 takes the cake when it comes to video with 4K/30 (3840 x 2160 resolution) and also incorporates PSAM modes, Scene Modes (including “Moon” and “Bird” modes), Superlapse and Time-Lapse, as well as in-camera special effects and editing capabilities. Although, if you're looking for longer battery life, the P900 is the better option. Having more power might be something to consider if you're taking it on long safari trips. We always recommend taking extra batteries just in case. 

Nikon P900

...and accessories

Since the P1000 comes with an external hot shoe, it allows more opportunities for accessories. For example, the DF-M1 Dot Sight easily attaches to the P1000’s hot-shoe to help pinpoint a distant subject by acting as a zoomed-out targeting tool. Simply line up your subject in the Dot Sight at a normal field-of-view to track it at much higher magnifications. In addition, the ability to use an external flash can always come in handy and allow for more opportunities in low-light situations. Also, sold separately, the ML-L7 Remote Control handles a number of functions remotely, including zoom, aperture, ISO and shutter.

Of course, one major determining factor is the price. For a slightly shorter range, smaller body, and fewer perks, the Nikon P900 is listed for only $596.95, about $400 cheaper than the Nikon P1000. 

The Nikon P950 

For the best of both worlds, Nikon in February of 2020 came out with the Nikon P950. The P950 is the latest version of the P900 and comes with plenty of the same features that the P1000 has. For example, it comes with an external hot shoe, 4K/30 video, RAW capabilities, 2.36K viewfinder resolution and 3.2" LCD screen. The only difference really is the focal length which is the same range as the P900 with 83x zoom (24-2,000mm equivalent). The P950 is only $796.95.

It’s a great time to get outside—way outside—and see what nature has to offer like you’ve never seen it before!