Nikon Coolpix P900 breaks record with 83x optical zoom

Nikon claims to set a new ‘zoom record’ with the Coolpix P900. The bridge camera is equipped with a zoom lens with 83x optical zoom, which equates to 24 to 2000 mm. The camera is equipped with 5 stops of optical image stabilization, a tilting screen, WiFi and NFC.

The previous zoom record was held by Canon with the PowerShot SX60 HS that can zoom 65x optically. Nikon now surpasses that with 83x optical zoom, which comes down to a field of view of 24 to 2000 mm in 35 mm equivalent. With Dynamic Fine Zoom, a ‘smart’ digital zoom, this can be increased to a maximum of 4000mm.

Nikon claims that the camera still produces sharp images even at the extreme zoom position. The lens with a brightness of f/2.8 in the wide-angle position to f/6.5 in the telephoto position would contribute to this. But the renewed vibration reduction system also plays an important role and now offers 5 stops of gain. That means that you should still be able to take a sharp photo at 2000mm with a shutter speed of 1/63rd of a second. To achieve this, an angular velocity sensor is used, which improves the absorption of vibrations caused by lens movements. In combination with motion vector image sensor data, the amount of image blur should be more accurately detected and reduced.

The P900 is also equipped with a tilting screen of 7.5 cm and an electronic viewfinder. Wifi and NFC are built-in and a GPS chip is also present. The camera can film in full HD and records sound with a microphone that changes direction as you zoom in further.

The Nikon Coolpix P900 will be available from March 19 for a suggested retail price of 639 euros.