Nikon COOLPIX P1100: The Superzoom Lives On

The P1110 represents a modest update, but it remains the kin of the superzooms. The new COOLPIX P1100 isn’t here to reinvent the wheel, but it’s great news for superzoom enthusiasts. With 125x optical zoom (24-3000mm equivalent), it remains the most extreme zoom lens in any compact camera today. More importantly, its release signals that Nikon isn’t abandoning bridge cameras, a category that has been slowly disappearing from the market as brands focus on mirrorless and smartphone photography.

For anyone who needs massive zoom without the bulk of an interchangeable lens setup, the P1100 is one of the only options left. If you already own the P1000, you likely won’t find enough here to justify an upgrade. But if you’re + new to superzoom cameras, this remains one of the most unique and powerful options available.

Who is the COOLPIX P1100 For?

The P1100 is not for everyone, and that’s okay. It excels in specific scenarios where extreme zoom is essential but carrying large, expensive telephoto lenses isn’t practical.

Perfect for:

• Birdwatchers – The 3000mm reach lets you capture detailed images of birds without getting too close and scaring them off. Bird-Watching Mode now includes adjustable AF-area modes for more precise focusing.

• Astrophotographers – The dedicated Moon Mode helps frame celestial shots with ease, and the improved Fireworks Mode assists with long-exposure shooting.

• Travelers & Wildlife Photographers – If you want one camera that can do it all, the P1100 replaces an entire bag of lenses while still delivering solid image quality in good light.

• Casual Photographers Who Want Simplicity – Unlike mirrorless and DSLR setups, you don’t need extra lenses—just point, zoom, and shoot.

Not Ideal for:

• Low-Light Photography – The 1/2.3-inch sensor (16MP) struggles in dim conditions, and the lens is f/8 at full zoom, limiting its ability to gather light.

• Pro-Level Image Quality – If you’re expecting DSLR or mirrorless-level sharpness, this isn’t the camera for you. Image quality is good in daylight but declines in darker environments.

• Vloggers & Hybrid Shooters – While it shoots 4K UHD video, it’s too bulky for handheld vlogging. If video is your main priority, a mirrorless setup is better suited.

What’s New in the P1100?

The P1100 is an incremental upgrade to the P1000, refining usability rather than introducing major hardware changes.

Key Improvements:

• USB-C Charging – Finally, a modern charging solution.

• Improved Wireless Connectivity – Bluetooth 5.1 & WPA3 Wi-Fi for better security and faster transfers.

• More Customization with Remote Control – The ML-L7 Bluetooth Remote now allows function button assignments, giving you more control over settings.

• New Fireworks Mode – Helps prevent overexposure in long-exposure night shots.

• Selectable AF-Area in Bird-Watching Mode – More precise focusing options for bird photographers.

What Hasn’t Changed?

• Same 125x Optical Zoom (24-3000mm) – Still unmatched in a compact camera.

• Same 16MP Sensor – Decent in daylight but not great in low-light conditions.

• Same Dual Detect Optical VR (Vibration Reduction) – Now rated at 4.0 stops instead of 5.0, though Nikon claims real-world performance is unchanged.

• 4K UHD Video Recording – 30p maximum frame rate, no significant upgrades.

What’s Missing?

• No Sensor Upgrade – Many users hoped for a larger sensor for better low-light performance, but the P1100 sticks with the same small 1/2.3-inch sensor.

• Downgraded Built-in Flash – The power has been reduced (Guide Number 16m → 12m), meaning slightly weaker flash output.

Why This Camera Still Matters

Bridge cameras are slowly disappearing, with Sony discontinuing the RX10 IV and Panasonic barely keeping the Lumix FZ series alive. The fact that Nikon continues to invest in this category is great news for photographers who still love the bridge camera format.

While mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses are the standard for professional work, getting a similar range to 3000mm would require an expensive and extremely heavy setup. The P1100 offers an all-in-one superzoom solution in a relatively compact form factor.

It’s a niche camera, but for the right user, it’s unbeatable.

Best Accessories for the COOLPIX P1100

If you’re investing in the P1100, consider these accessories to get the best performance out of it:

Leofoto LY-265CF Mr.Y Series Carbon Fibre Tripod – Essential for stabilizing extreme telephoto shots. Even with VR, at 3000mm, a tripod makes a huge difference.

Wise 128GB SDXC UHS-II 290MB/s Memory Card (V60) – Faster write speeds for high-resolution 4K video and burst shooting.

Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 Backpack – A compact, lightweight camera bag that holds the P1100 and accessories without being bulky.

Final Thoughts – Should You Buy the COOLPIX P1100?

If you already own the P1000, there’s not enough here to justify an upgrade. But if you’re new to the superzoom world, the P1100 is one of the only options left that delivers this level of reach in a compact package.

• If you need extreme zoom and want an all-in-one setup, this is still the best compact camera for the job.

• If you want the best image quality, faster autofocus, or pro-level performance, a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens will serve you better.

Nikon keeping the COOLPIX P-series alive is a win for photographers who love superzoom cameras, and while the P1100 isn’t groundbreaking, it still owns its niche better than anything else on the market.