For our last photographic adventure of 2018, I want to talk about a camera that’s… different. We’re used to the flexibility of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, and while the Nikon Coolpix P1000 isn’t far behind, it has a much more defined role: capturing nature, animals, and astrophotography. The P1000 is defined by its built-in telephoto lens with 125x zoom and a maximum equivalent focal length of 3,000mm, and if you want some 4K video in the package, you’ll get that too.
Usually, when I talk about “wildcards,” I mean lenses with a variable focal length. Many camera makers include such lenses as kit options, but what happens when the wildcard is the camera itself? The idea of a camera with a fixed, non-replaceable lens might seem like a step backward, reminiscent of classic point-and-shoots. However, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a much more complex monster. I admit it’s not hard to find cameras with broader specs at a lower price (especially if you’re not interested in such a focal length), but once the P1000’s barrel gets into action… you have to pause.
Nikon Coolpix P1000: So Close, Yet So Far
Presented officially in September of this year as a replacement for the P900, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 has a 16-megapixel effective CMOS sensor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 6,400 without boost modes (100–1600 in video), and shutter speeds span 1/4000 to 30 seconds. The built-in LCD is a fully articulating 3.2-inch screen with 921,600 dots, but it lacks touch support. The electronic viewfinder uses OLED technology, with 2.35 million dots and 99% coverage both horizontally and vertically.
3,000 millimeters. The number is chilling no matter how you look at it, and honestly, more than any photographer will need in most sessions. I still remember the Canon 1200mm telephoto lens well, which weighed 16 kilograms and had to be moved by two people. I won’t deny it: The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is big, weighing 1,415 grams with batteries installed, but compared to more “traditional” solutions, it’s a feather. Still, working at these values brings other details like diffraction, atmospheric variables, and the “heat effect” that inevitably affect sharpness. It’s a balance that, as a P1000 user, you’ll have to manage, and with a little extra practice, the shots you get will be extraordinary.
The interface of the Nikon Coolpix P1000 leans more toward a traditional DSLR than a point-and-shoot. The classic M-A-S-P appears on the mode dial alongside Full Auto and a U slot for custom settings. The rest of the dial takes you to scene modes, creative mode, video mode, and two special scene modes: Moon and Birds. Both subtly reveal the P1000’s strongest points. In Moon mode, the angle of view is about 1000mm, the self-timer is set to 3 seconds, and it enables tone and brightness adjustments. In Birds mode, the default angle drops to 500mm, and you can access 7 fps burst (with a buffer of only seven shots). Of course, both modes can be customized, but if you want to shoot RAW, you’ll have to leave them. For more details, consult the manual.
When it comes to video, the Nikon Coolpix P1000’s performance is acceptable in most cases. The camera supports 4Kp30 and 4Kp25 without crop, but you can also get a decent 1080p60. That said, video isn’t its priority, and there are some models (even cheaper ones) that offer better 4K results (say, the Sony Alpha A6300). On the other hand, Nikon admits that in less favorable conditions, there can be some “rolling shutter.” Storage is handled via a slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and/or SDXC cards, and looking at connectivity, we find WiFi and Bluetooth support, which lets you pair a smartphone to the camera using the SnapBridge app. Its last update dates back to September (the month the P1000 debuted), which translates to a remote control mode that’s too basic compared to what the Nikon Coolpix P1000 can do.
Accessories for the Nikon Coolpix P1000
Since the camera is relatively new, the price of the Nikon Coolpix P1000 remains at around 1,100 euros (which we can consider “fair”), but over time (and maybe a reaction from the competition), the number will become friendlier. The good news is there’s no pressure on the accessory side. With a good backpack, sturdy tripods and supports, a power expansion, and an occasional filter, you’ll be more than ready to get the most out of your P1000.
Batteries and Power
The performance of an EN-EL20a battery in the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is 250 shots with 50% flash usage. That means on average, you’ll get more photos per charge, but the final number is still a bit low. The solution is to supplement the factory resources with an additional EN-EL20a module and a Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car. Both are currently out of stock at the time of writing, but the combo shouldn’t cost more than 65 euros (excluding shipping). You can find these accessories under the product code "IM712517848,VDTS-4604-CH-0712719866".
Tripods and Supports
As mentioned above, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 weighs 1,415 grams with its battery installed. Additionally, once you extend the lens, the center of gravity shifts, and the camera becomes heavy forwards. That means when it comes to tripods for the Nikon Coolpix P1000, you’ll need both flexibility and robustness. Among standard tripods, the Gloxy GX-T6662A Plus stands out, expanding on the original model’s virtues with a hook at the bottom of the center column (which helps you add more weight to the setup) and the ability to connect the ball head there. On the other side, the Clampod Takeway T1 will be more than enough for any intermediate use, and its 40-kilogram maximum load eliminates any doubt about its resistance. These are available under the product code "0713869670,0712163592".
Backpacks and Bags
With the Nikon Coolpix P1000, there are no secondary lenses to carry. That should give some advantages in transport, but you shouldn’t let your guard down for a simple reason: it lacks sealing against harsh weather. Luckily, finding a good backpack for the Nikon Coolpix P1000 isn’t complicated. It starts with the Gloxy Pro AW series, which features a padded, customizable interior and an extra waterproof cover. Now, if you prefer a shoulder-strap style with a more neutral color without sacrificing waterproofing or access to multiple auxiliary pockets, the Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55 AW II is what you’re looking for.
Flashes
Repeating our classic refrain, “Without light, there’s no photo; better to have too much than not enough.” The Nikon Coolpix P1000 has a built-in flash, and it only falters under the most extreme settings, but just as Nikon’s manual recommends a tripod for low-light situations, we should also add a flash. Two recommendations: first, the Gloxy GX-F1000N professional with a guide number of 58, 20 bonus gels, foot, case, and diffuser. Second, the Gloxy TR-985, with a guide number of 54, the foot-case-diffuser package, and a price of just 100 euros.
Filters
No, no lens to recommend this time. In fact, that’s not the point of the Nikon Coolpix P1000. Its 24–3000 barrel should cover all your use cases and more, but if you want a different touch in your photos, why not add a filter kit? The Gloxy kit has exactly what you want. Whether it’s a striking silk effect or optimization of contrast and saturation, these three filters won’t disappoint, and they also help protect the camera. If you have to sacrifice one piece to appease the primordial gods of photography, let it be a filter and not the lens...
And so we come to the end. The Nikon Coolpix P1000 lives and dies by its 24–3000 lens, and it’s a category of its own. It’s definitely not on my list of recommended units for beginners, but it’s not a deficient model either. Many expect the camera to adapt to the photographer. In this case, the equation works a bit in reverse. If you use it at the right moment and place, if you accept standard performance in aspects like 4K video (though it takes excellent JPEG photos beyond its sensor size), and you focus on nature, landscapes, and astrophotography, you’ll be delighted with it. Good luck!
