Nikon Coolpix p100 Reviews

Tons of performance in a very modest package, March 4, 2010

This is a very versatile camera and responsive to most needs. It has a good macro range to go along with a super zoom range. It compares well to a Panasonic DMC-GH1 which has a much larger sensor and more expensive optics (the lens alone is twice the price of this Nikon). The Panasonic also produced higher saturation and contrast shots in default mode and this gives the appearance of higher resolution. The Nikon gave a truer auto outdoor color balance and more natural contrast. Even at ISO 800 it was very sharp. You can enlarge a few test shots at the DPReview forums by searching for “Nikon P100 test shots”. or if this works: [...]

The two highlights that amazed me were the Nikon’s focusing indicator system. It is so cool that when you shoot a bouquet of flowers the display shows you each blossom chosen by the matrix focusing system. You click the shutter with the knowledge that it is choosing what you want. Wonderful. The second highlight is the range of the optics from good macro, nice wide angle, and amazing telephoto. Please see the photos I uploaded showing how well this camera compares. What the Nikon lacks mostly comes down to smooth tones and fine detail at high ISOs; and this is only because it is being compared to a large sensor camera. The images would easily pass a fairly critical viewer on an 8×10 print and seem to be better than previous cameras with this size sensor.

Pros (so far):

Great focus indicator system, Display shows small green squares over selected objects for focus = ready to shoot, red square = not ready

Light, easy to hold good fit to my medium sized hands.

Articulated screen seems more natural than the swing out to the side screens (aligned with lens)

Quick access to shoot videos, focus tracking option, slow motion (lower res 240 fps),

Hugh zoom range and quite fast action, 1