Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Review: The Ultimate Superzoom Camera Gets an Upgrade
- gear4greatness
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 21
Last updated: May 21, 2025
Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Review: The Ultimate Superzoom Camera Gets an Upgrade
The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 turned heads with its outrageous 125x optical zoom—and now, in 2025, Nikon has released its powerful successor: the Nikon COOLPIX P1100. Packed with enhanced stabilization, better ergonomics, USB-C charging, and an upgraded bird-watching mode, this camera is designed for serious zoom lovers who want reach without the hassle of interchangeable lenses.
Here’s everything you need to know.
🔍 Key Features of the Nikon COOLPIX P1100
✅ 125x Optical Zoom (24–3000mm equivalent) — Still unmatched in its class for capturing extreme telephoto shots✅ 16MP BSI CMOS Sensor — Balanced for sharpness and low-light performance✅ 4K UHD Video at 30p — Record detailed video with natural motion✅ Dual Detect Optical VR (Now rated to 4.0 stops) — Enhanced stabilization helps reduce shake at max zoom✅ USB-C Charging — Finally updated for modern convenience✅ Bird-Watching AF Mode — Selectable AF-area modes specifically tuned for capturing birds in motion✅ 2.36M-dot OLED EVF + Articulating LCD — Ideal for composing at tough angles✅ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth — Quick transfer and remote shooting via SnapBridge
🏗️ Design & Handling
The P1100 keeps the P1000’s iconic silhouette—a DSLR-style body with a built-in mega-zoom lens—but tweaks it slightly for improved comfort. It’s just a bit lighter (around 1,410g) and includes a refined grip and better-balanced controls.
All the essential dials and customizable buttons are still there. The addition of USB-C charging makes powering up faster and easier—especially useful when you're out in the field.
📸 Image & Zoom Performance
The 125x zoom remains the star of the show. From craters on the moon to birds in flight or boats miles away on the lake, the P1100 lets you shoot subjects other cameras can’t even see.
Image quality in good light is sharp and punchy. You’ll still see noise in higher ISO ranges due to the compact sensor, but RAW support allows you to recover detail in post.
Autofocus has been subtly improved, especially in Bird-Watching Mode, which makes tracking small, fast-moving subjects much easier.
🎥 Video Performance
You can shoot in 4K UHD at 30p, and while image stabilization isn’t perfect at 3000mm, it’s good enough for tripod-assisted or semi-handheld use. The addition of USB-C also makes it easier to use the camera for webcam streaming or content creation workflows.
Audio quality is fair, and there’s still a mic input for external microphones—a big plus for wildlife documentarians.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
Pros:
✔️ Industry-leading 125x Zoom (3000mm equivalent)✔️ Improved stabilization with Dual Detect VR✔️ USB-C fast charging and file transfers✔️ Enhanced Bird-Watching AF mode✔️ Fully articulating LCD and sharp EVF✔️ RAW image support + 4K UHD video
Cons:
❌ Still bulky and not travel-light at 1.4kg❌ Low-light performance limited by small sensor❌ Autofocus still lags behind mirrorless systems❌ Tripod strongly recommended for full zoom shots
Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Review: The Ultimate Superzoom Camera Gets an Upgrade
🧭 Who Should Buy the Nikon P1100?
The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 is built for creators who need unmatched zoom in a single package:
🦅 Birders & Wildlife Photographers — Perfect for discreetly shooting animals at a distance
🌕 Astrophotographers — Moon, planets, and distant sky subjects
✈️ Airplane & Sports Spotters — Track subjects from miles away
🎥 Content Creators — A budget alternative to high-end telephoto systems
If you prioritize compact size or fast AF, a mirrorless system may be better. But for reach and convenience, nothing else compares.
🛒 Where to Buy
📝 Final Verdict
The Nikon P1100 isn’t a revolution—it’s a refined evolution. It keeps the iconic 125x zoom while fixing some of the P1000’s pain points like charging and ergonomics. If you missed the P1000 or are ready to upgrade, the P1100 delivers unmatched reach with smart improvements that matter.
Highly recommended for serious zoom shooters.
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