The Nikon P900 offers users a good range of video options including full 1080 HD at 60p. I shot some hand-held video at 30p on a couple of occasions and found that the VR was quite effective as the video function uses both lens shift and electronic VR. For a consumer camera of this type I found that video was quite good and added even more functionality and appeal to the P900.
Summary
While the Nikon P900 has some limitations in terms of only shooting in jpeg and having the image quality challenges inherent in a small, 1/2.33″ sensor, it is a highly functional, capable and fun to use camera. The zoom capability of the P900 really is something special, and it will attract a lot of interest from a range of photographers. Quite simply the P900’s zoom capability allows folks to capture some images that they could not otherwise get. The camera’s easy to use video capability adds a lot of value to the camera. With its affordable price, the Nikon P900 represents an interesting step-up for users of more basic point-and-shoot cameras and may tempt many smartphone photographers with its expanded functionality. Folks looking for a well rounded automatic camera will enjoy using the Nikon P900, and will appreciate the amount of versatility this camera provides. In addition, the P900 has some additional PASM functionality that will allow beginners to grow with the camera.
Technical Note:
All images in this article were shot hand-held. Still images were enhanced through DxO OpticsPro 10 and most images are displayed full frame without any cropping. All video clips are straight out-of-camera with no corrections applied.
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Still trying to find the digital zoom on my Nikon p900 bridge camera does anyone know where it is ???? Thanks
Hi Frank,
I haven’t used the P900 for quite a while, since I had a ‘review sample’ from Nikon Canada in order to write my review. If my memory serves (a challenge at times) I think if you keep ‘extending the zoom’ with the power control the camera will automatically go into digital zoom at the end of the optical zoom range.
Tom
Thanks Tom for your help have finally found it cheers mate
Thanks for the update Frank – hope you enjoy the added zoom range!
Tom
Hi Tom,
I realise I am a little late commenting and discovering this haha, but I have just recently got into it photography properly and have found your review and pictures really really helpful! Lovely pictures also. I wondered whether you thought this camera would be appropriate for aviation photography? Particularly take off and landing. The zoom on this seems advantageous for capturing mid flight but heard mixed reviews about slow shutter speed, so just wondered what you thought 🙂
Thank you, and again awesome job on the review really enjoyed it 😀
Katie
Hi Katie,
Welcome to the website – always great to have another new reader! It has been quite a while since I reviewed the P900, and I sent the review sample of the camera back to Nikon Canada ages ago. The auto-focus performance on the P900 is not one of the strong points of the camera. I found there was some noticeable hesitation when attempting to photograph birds in flight, and this would not be a camera I would choose for that type of photography. I never attempted to photograph aircraft with the P900 so I have no first hand experience on which to draw. I suppose if you had a decent length of time to focus on your subject the P900 may do an acceptable job as long as it was large enough in the frame. I realize that is a tepid comment – but that’s the best I can offer based on my experience with the camera.
Tom
Excellent bird photos. In magic light half hour or one hour before sunset wold bring more details. a diffuser on a flash would be great. does it has a shoe that can mount a flash. Gary fong diffusers or a diy wolld aswsome
Hi John,
I’m glad you enjoyed the bird images! The P900 has a built in flash and I don’t believe that it has a shoe.
Tom
Hi.I ‘m going to change the macro mode in manual focus to normal.(in my camera ,manual focus range is above 30 cm. Please guide me.
Hi Guys,
I’m seriously considering the P900.
I currently have a few lenses for my current camera which is a Sony Nex 6, I just hate chopping and changing lenses, so have been looking for a good bridge camera. I would mostly shoot landscapes/family event type photos. I have my GoPro for my snowboarding.
Would appreciate thoughts/advice
Hi Stewart,
I think the Nikon P900 is a decent camera for the money. It really depends on your needs, budget and image quality expectations. As I noted in my review the image quality of the P900 is ok given its tiny sensor. The camera doesn’t shoot in RAW so there’s little opportunity to get more from the files. The big differentiator for the P900 is its incredible zoom range. If you really need this then there isn’t much on the market that competes with it.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a good zoom range for most types of photography there are a lot of other cameras to put in the hopper. Panasonic makes some excellent bridge cameras for example. Nikon will likely be introducing at least one (maybe more) higher end bridge camera within the next couple of months. It will likely have either a 1″ or APS-C sensor in it so the image quality would be much better than what you’d get with the P900. If you can wait a few months it may be worthwhile to hold off…typically camera manufacturers launch a lot of new gear in February.
Tom
I enjoyed your review. I bought a P900 awhile back to take as a second camera on a trip to the Grand Canyon and other Southwest locations. When I accidentally dropped my D5300 while on the trip, it moved up to primary. There are certainly limitations. I find the EVF to be very dim in bright light, making composition more challenging. That may be just a problem with my copy.
All in all, I was happy with the camera and got some shots that I wouldn’t have otherwise. The anti-shake works incredibly well, salvaging shots in spite of wind and moving vehicles. You can see some samples here: https://www.pbase.com/d_berry/southwest
Thank you for posting such a comprehensive review.
Hi Dave,
I’m glad you found the review helpful! Thanks for sharing your images. You have some wonderful shots..they brought back many great memories!
Tom
Hi Tom,
Great information here. I do think you need to edit the opening header as you have 24mm to 20000mm. Can’t wait for that camera to be built.
The information you’ve provided here will help me recommend or not recommend this particular model to those who ask me for advice however from what I see of your images the camera seems to be quite capable for those who need a good bridge camera. Thanks for the review.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for catching that typo on the efov range…much appreciated. The P900 is an interesting bridge camera and for people specifically wanting a long equivalent focal length it would be a very good choice.
Tom