Ultrazooms for every taste! A year ago, Nikon rolled out a whole line of cameras with long-range optics: the models range from 7x to 36x optical zoom with the same spread in terms of mass and dimensions. Coolpix S9100 and P500 models are the most interesting among them. The first with an 18x zoom lens in a compact and slim body, the second, literally heavy, features that record 36x magnification.
12.1 MP 25-450 mm22.5-810 mm 36 x
The S9100 and P500 share an element base with the aforementioned advanced compact P300. Itās a state-of-the-art 12 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor in this case, however, immediately mounted on a movable mount that provides protection against body vibration , the Expeed C2 processor and a high-definition three-inch display at 921 thousand pixels. points.
The cameras are similar in basic hardware and software features: high-speed shooting, Full HD video recording 1080p, 30 frames per second with stereo sound and still images during video recording, the function of creating HDR-images from multiple images with bracketing on the exposure, night landscape mode, which uses the same series of frames to create a photo with reduced noise, and night portrait, which combines the series to study the background and flash illumination to highlight the subject, automated panorama creation.
The difference lies in the optical zoom capabilities and the positioning of the technique. The Coolpix S9100, in a body only 3.5 cm thick, includes an 18x zoom of 25-450 mm.
A few years ago, it seemed fantastic, but now itās not so much. Now, this is a travel compact, that is, a pocket-sized camera whose versatility should attract those who like to travel light and at the same time not bother with unnecessary movements. The S9100 can also be positioned as an ultra-zoom āfor beginners.
Who the Coolpix P500 is made for, itās hard to tell, but its massive 500g body hides a 36x zoom with a range of focal lengths from 22.5-810mm. Itās likely that this zoom, at such a wide angle, will appeal to people who like to explore the world without moving at all, or to experienced long-distance focal length enthusiasts.
Capable of focusing down to one centimetre from the front edge. The camera itself weighs almost half a kilogram and is noticeably bigger in size than its subtle sister the S9100.
But belonging to the older P-series is expressed in the presence of manual control and hinged mount display, which simplifies shooting from up and down angles, and to set the camera against some railing for stable shooting becomes easier.
After a noticeable drop in price, the P500 has also come close to leading the way in terms of zoom ratio per ruble price. If it matters to you..
By the way, the difference in price for these devices is relatively small: they ask only a third more for a handy flip-down display and a twofold increase in zoom power as well as a more than twofold increase in weight . In terms of magnification per invested ruble, if it matters to you, the P500 comes out very attractive.
These compact cameras by Nikon seem promising for lightweight travelers. However, I wonder if they compromise on features or image quality compared to bulkier options. Can anyone who has used the Nikon Coolpix S9100 or P500 share their experience and provide insights?