Nikon Coolpix P100: A Versatile Camera for Stunning Photography

Looking for a high-end camera with superior performance and outstanding features? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix P100! With an impressive 26x optical zoom, Full HD video recording, and advanced shooting modes, this camera is a top choice for professional and amateur photographers alike. In this blog, we'll explore the key features and benefits of the Nikon Coolpix P100, as well as some tips for capturing stunning images.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix P100 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 06 2010

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight481g
MSRP$400USD

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Overview of the Coolpix P100

Photography is an art that requires the right tools and equipment. When it comes to choosing a camera, Nikon is a name that's synonymous with excellence, and the Coolpix P100 is no exception. Boasting a 26x optical zoom, 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, and advanced shooting modes, this camera delivers stunning images with exceptional detail and clarity. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, the Nikon Coolpix P100 offers exceptional versatility for capturing everything from landscapes and portraits to action-packed scenes and wildlife. So, let's dive in and explore the key features and benefits of this incredible camera!

Nikon Coolpix P100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix P100 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High zoom range (26x zoom)
Full HD video recording
Large LCD screen (3 inch)
High resolution (10.3 megapixels)
Image stabilization (VR)
Manual controls (P/S/A/M modes)
Good battery life (up to 250 shots per charge)
Quick autofocus (0.2 seconds)
Burst shooting mode (up to 10 fps)
Built-in flash (with red-eye reduction)

Cons

Slow continuous shooting (2 fps in full resolution)
Small sensor size (1/2.3 inch)
Limited ISO range (up to 3200)
No raw shooting mode
Limited manual focus options
Limited low light performance
No viewfinder
No hot shoe for external flash
Limited video recording options
No touchscreen controls

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix P100

Weather sealed
Dimensions114 x 83 x 99mm
Weight481g
Thickness99mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix P100 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix P100 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Coolpix P100 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix P100 has a 10MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Nikon Coolpix P100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jul 06 2010

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix P100 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix P100 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelEN-EL5
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix P100 supports SD/SDHC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix P100 uses the EN-EL5 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix P100 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix P100 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Coolpix P100 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix P100?

The Nikon Coolpix P100 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix P100 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix P100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix P100 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix P100 was announced on Jul 06 2010

Does the Nikon Coolpix P100 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix P100 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix P100?

The Coolpix P100 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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