Capture Magnificent Moments with the Nikon Coolpix P950: A Comprehensive Review

Are you on the lookout for a high-quality camera that can capture stunning moments? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix P950! This comprehensive review will give you all the information you need about this camera, including its unique features, image quality, and performance.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix P950 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 07 2020

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3
SensorCMOS
Weight1005g
MSRP$796USD

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Overview of the Coolpix P950

The Nikon Coolpix P950 is an exceptional camera that promises to deliver impressive results, whether you're shooting from a distance or up close. Its powerful zoom lens, outstanding image quality, and extensive range of shooting features make it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. But before you invest in this camera, it's important to understand its key features, pros and cons, and what sets it apart from other cameras in its class. Let's take a closer look at the Nikon Coolpix P950 and see why it's making waves in the photography world.

Nikon Coolpix P950 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix P950 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

Powerful zoom (83x)
Large LCD screen (3.2 inches)
Good image stabilization
4K video recording
Reliable autofocus
Fast continuous shooting speed (up to 7 fps)
Comfortable grip
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Easy-to-use interface
External mic input

Cons

Expensive price point
Limited low-light performance
No RAW file support
Somewhat bulky and heavy
Slow autofocus in low-light conditions
Mediocre battery life (one charge lasts for approximately 290 shots)
No built-in flash
Limited manual control options
No touch screen
No built-in GPS

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix P950

Weather sealed
Dimensions140 x 110 x 150mm
Weight1005g
Thickness150mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix P950 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 TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution921k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix P950 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Coolpix P950 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 90% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix P950 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Coolpix P950 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 07 2020

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 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 P950 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 P950 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

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life290 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL20a
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix P950 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 P950 uses the EN-EL20a model of battery pack. This is rated for 290 shots 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 P950 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix P950 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, 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 P950 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 P950?

The Nikon Coolpix P950 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix P950 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix P950 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix P950 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix P950 was announced on Jan 07 2020

Does the Nikon Coolpix P950 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix P950 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 P950?

The Coolpix P950 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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