Nikon Coolpix P100 Summary

10 Megapixels10 MegapixelsUltra-Zoom: At least 10X optical zoom.Ultra-Zoom: At least 10X optical zoom.Electronic View FinderElectronic View FinderStabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringAccepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Nikon Coolpix P100 Assessment

The Coolpix P100 introduces the first CMOS ultra-zoom from Nikon as an update to the P90. In the upgrade, the P100 gains 2X of zoom in exchange for two megapixels less and 1080p HD video recording along with a number of class-leading high-speed features like 10 FPS drive and high-speed video up to 240 FPS.

This digital camera offers a versatile package in a small body considering a wide to super-telephoto 26X optical zoom with image stabilization. The most distinguished feature of the P100 is its HD video implementation which allows zooming while filming, letting the camera refocus, and records stereo audio at the same time.

The photographic performance is good in some areas with reasonable control over noise, low distortion, good white-balance and accurate colors. It does have trouble with exposure though, something which is not helped by this camera's LCD display. Certainly this camera's weak point, the LCD screen does not reliably show exposure or coverage. This makes the camera frustrating to use in the face of movement as it requires more trial and error than most cameras. A number of programmed limits add to the issue by not letting one check the histogram or use the self-timer with bracketing.

The suitability of the Coolpix P100 depends on patience, photographic style and the importance of video functions. It's a first generation for Nikon and it it has surpassed its predecessor in image quality. Speed aspects are quite different with the older P90 being more snappy but not as fast in terms of continuous shooting.

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PROS CONS
Good color accuracy Tendency to over-expose
Above average white-balance accuracy White-balance leaves a cast under artificial light
Reliable focusing, even in low light Noise reduction visible at all ISO sensitivities
Class-leading continuous shooting Very soft at ISO 1600 and 3200
Low optical distortion across zoom range Noticeable vignetting and corner softness
Excellent video quality with stereo sound Wrong image coverage on both LCD and EVF
Fast zoom with relatively fine steps LCD rarely previews exposure correctly
Bright LCD with good visibility Histogram not accessible for all images captured
Good build quality Delay starting movie recording
No way to accurately set up initial video framing
Limited dynamic range of LCD
GoodGood Good

Nikon Coolpix P100 Related Information

Sister Models
Nikon Coolpix P90 - 12 Megapixels, 24X Optical zoom, ISO 64-1600, Slow continuous modes, VGA movie mode, 230K Pixels LCD
Nikon Coolpix P80 - 24X Optical zoom, ISO 64-2000, 2.7" LCD 230K Pixels, Slow continuous modes, VGA movie mode
Nikon Coolpix P100
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By Neocamera on 2010-03-30

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Nikon P100 Highlights

Nikon Coolpix P100
Large digital camera

Sensor-Size: 6 x 5mm

1/2.3" Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

10 Megapixels Ultra ZoomISO 160-3200
26.1X Wide Optical ZoomShutter 1/2000-8s
Built-in StabilizationFull manual controls
0.24" Built-in EVF 230K PixelsCustom white-balance
10 FPS Drive, 6 ImagesSpot-Metering
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingLithium-Ion Battery
3" LCD 460K PixelsSecure Digital High Capacity
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