The Nikon is an excellent provider with the world-class cameras under its Coolpix brand. The Coolpix sub-brand is one of the great options if you are looking to check out the bridge cameras. Two most popular cameras in this sub-brand from Nikon are Coolpix P900 and Coolpix P900S. How do they (Coolpix P900 vs P900s) compare with each other? We will find out the differences and similarities in today’s post.
Nikon Coolpix P900 – An Introduction
One of the latest ultra-zoom cameras from Nikon, it features the longest optical zoom lens in the world. Some of the advanced features that the camera offers you include a built-in EVF with an eye sensor, a variable angle tilt screen, and a few advanced features. You also have access to a few much in-demand connectivity features like WiFi, GPS, and NFC.
The unique feature that would make it an excellent option is the 83x optical zoom. You have access to the f/2.8 aperture at 24 mm and f/6.5 aperture at 2000 mm. The camera offers you a 5 stop image stabilization. This should be quite ideal for shooting sharper images with the 83x zoom options.
The sensor available on the camera is of 16 MP backlit CMOS capability. The rapid Auto Focus provides you with quicker shooting speeds. It can record full HD videos. The built-in WiFi and NFC options simplify the process of transferring your photos and videos a straightforward affair. The camera does offer a host of scene modes. We liked the moon scene mode that can work wonders for the night shots and the bird watching scene mode. Another feature that makes it a great option is the Movie Creation mode that aids you in creating videos from the images shot in sequence.
The superior features include
- 16 MP CMOS sensor
- 3-inch vari-angle screen
- 83x optical zoom
- GPS, WiFi, and NFC connectivity
- Multiple scene modes to suit your individual shooting needs.
- Macro mode for close-ups
Nikon Coolpix P900S – An Overview
This is an upgrade to Nikon Coolpix P900, and it offers you 24 to 2000 mm ultra high power optical zoom options. Just as you would find on your Coolpix P900, you have access to the 5 stops dual detect optical VR.
It offers you an excellent video shooting performance. The VR functionality on the camera is quite unique enough. The manual focus is best suited for you if you are into bird watching. The camera has almost all the features you may have found on the big brother Coolpix P900. The only missing feature is the lack of GPS. The Birdie mode should ideally be the best bird watchers.
The major features include
- 16 MP CMOS Sensor
- 3-inch vari-angle screen
- 83x optical zoom
- WiFi and NFC connectivity options
- Macro mode
In essence, both Nikon Coolpix P900 and P900S come with the same features in its entirety. The only difference between the two cameras is the availability of GPS connectivity on the P900 and the lack of it on P900S.
Coolpix P900 vs P900s – Specifications and Comparison Chart
| Features/Particulars |
Coolpix P900 [amazon_link asins=’B00U2W4JEY’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’144847bd-8b17-11e8-96d9-b7c078e6006e’] |
Coolpix P900S |
| Effective Pixels | 16 MP CMOS Sensor | 16 MP CMOS Sensor |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.3 inch CMOS Type | 1/2.3 inch CMOS Type |
| Lens | High-end NIKKOR Lens | High-end NIKKOR Lens |
| Optical Zoom | 83X | 83X |
| Focal Length | 4.3 to 357 mm | 4.3 to 357 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to f/6.5 | f/2.8 to f/6.5 |
| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 12 groups | 16 elements in 12 groups |
| Digital Zoom | 4x | 4x |
| Vibration reduction (stills) | Lens shift VR | Lens Shift VR |
| Vibration reduction – Videos | Combination of lens shift and electronic VR | Combination of lens shift and electronic VR |
| Autofocus system | Contrast detect system | Contrast detect system |
| Macro Closeup | 1 cm | 1 cm |
| Focus Modes | Target finding AF, face priority, manual (spot), manual (normal), manual (wide), subject tracking | Target finding AF, face priority, manual (spot), manual (normal), manual (wide), subject tracking |
| Viewfinder | 0.5 cm 921k-dot LCD with the diopter adjustment function | 0.5 cm 921k-dot LCD with the diopter adjustment function |
| Display screen | 921k-dot (RGBW) 3 inch | 921k-dot (RGBW) 3 inch |
| Screen features | Wide angle, TFT LCD, 6 level brightness adjustment, Vari-angle | Wide angle, TFT LCD, 6 level brightness adjustment, Vari-angle |
| Media support | SD, SDHC, SDXC | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| File System supported | DCF and Exif 2.3 compliant | DCF and Exif 2.3 compliant |
| File Formats supported | JPG for images
MOV for videos |
JPG for images
MOV for videos |
| ISO Range | ISO 100 to 1600 under standard conditions
ISO 3200 and 6400 for P, S, A and M modes Hi1 (ISO 12800) for High ISO |
ISO 100 to 1600 under standard conditions
ISO 3200 and 6400 for P, S, A and M modes Hi1 (ISO 12800) for High ISO |
| Shutter Mode | Mechanical and CMOS electronic shutter | Mechanical and CMOS electronic shutter |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 * -1 s
1/4000 * -15 s (for ISO 100 in M mode) |
1/4000 * -1 s
1/4000 * -15 s (for ISO 100 in M mode) |
| USB Connectivity | Micro USB Connector | Micro USB Connector |
| HDMI Output Connector | Type D Micro Connector | Type D Micro Connector |
| WiFi connectivity standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n (standard wireless LAN protocol) | IEEE 802.11b/g/n (standard wireless LAN protocol) |
| WiFi Range | 10 meters | 10 meters |
| Location Data | GPS and GLONASS | Not available |
| Battery life | 360 shots | 360 shots |
| Battery life for shooting | 1 hour 20 min | 1 hour 20 min |
| Battery charge time | 3 hour 40 min | 3 hr 40 min |
The above chart should make it clear that the Nikon Coolpix P900 and Coolpix P900S come with same features regarding all the options and functionalities. The only exception you would observe between Coolpix P900 and Coolpix P900S is the GPS connectivity between the two cameras.
The Concluding Thoughts
That was all we have concerning the two competing cameras from Nikon under its Coolpix brand. As you have already found through the comparison charts above, it should be evident to you that the two siblings are precisely equal except for the lack of GPS connectivity on the P900S.
So, it should not ideally be an issue in making a choice. If you want GPS tagging on your shots and videos, go with the P900 and if the feature does not make any difference to you – go with the P900S.