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Nikon Coolpix P1100 First Look Review

Our Nikon Coolpix P1100 First look review explores Nikon’s re-released superzoom all-in-one camera, which brings the world’s longest optical zoom back into the spotlight. The headline feature of this bridge camera is undoubtedly its incredible 125x optical superzoom, covering a full-frame equivalent of 24-3000mm, which is the same as its predecessor.

This kind of incredible zoom range is ideal not only for everyday subjects including portraits and landscapes, but also for distant subjects like wildlife, birdwatching, and even photographing the moon. The P1100 is perfect for photographers who want extreme telephoto reach from a single, all-in-one device that offers more advanced features than a phone or point-and-shoot.

With 4K video recording, RAW image support, and Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system, this model continues on from its predecessor the P1000, while refining some features for a more user-friendly and modern experience.

Bridge cameras such as the Nikon Coolpix P1100 offer an accessible solution for beginner and intermediate photographers who want powerful capabilities without the complexity or expense of changing lenses.

Join us as we find out more about this camera and how it fits into Nikon’s current lineup.

Sample Moon Image Nikon Coolpix 1100 @539mm. Camera settings 1/160 sec. f/8. ISO 100

How much is the Nikon P1100 and when did it launch?

The Nikon Coolpix P1100 camera costs £1049.00 at launch on 5th February 2025. This price is similar to the outgoing model and offers strong value for the extensive zoom range and comprehensive feature set it offers, which we explore next.

Nikon Coolpix P1100 Key Features

The P1100 includes intuitive shooting modes like Bird Watching, Fireworks and Moon Mode, allowing users to capture detailed images of distant subjects with ease. With its high-quality Nikon lens, electronic viewfinder, and vari-angle LCD, it’s ideal for beginners and intermediate photographers who are looking for an all-in-one solution that offers manual controls, creative shooting options, and high-quality imaging without any lens changes. 

Key features include:

• 125x optical zoom plus a 4x digital zoom for an unmatched focal range of 24-3000mm (full-frame equivalent)
• 16MP CMOS sensor supports RAW image capture, manual controls, and 4K UHD 30p video recording
• Dual Detect Optical VR for stills and lens shift + electronic VR for movies help stabilise shots at extreme zoom ranges
• Fully articulating 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD and 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder for flexible compositions
• Bird Watching Mode update now allows AF area selection for more precise subject tracking
• Upgraded Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, Wi-Fi, and USB-C offer fast file transfers, remote control, and charging
• Pop-up flash with a guide number of 12 (ISO 100)
• Manual focus control ring for fine-tuned adjustments, with new focus mode selector for quick switching

Why Choose a Bridge Camera?

Bridge cameras like this Nikon Coolpix camera offer an all-in-one solution for photographers who want the versatility of a long zoom range without the need to change lenses. They are an excellent choice for achieving extreme telephoto reach from a compact and manageable body and allow newcomers to dip their toe in the water without committing to a variety of lenses and accessories, which more professional setups often require.

This makes a bridge camera particularly useful for beginners looking to capture a variety of subjects, from everyday moments to wildlife, birdwatching, and travel photography. Unlike DSLRs or mirrorless systems, which require multiple lenses to cover the same focal range, bridge cameras simplify the shooting experience by combining wide-angle (24mm) to super-telephoto (3000mm in this case!) capabilities in a single device.

A bridge camera also provides a more ergonomic shooting experience than a smartphone or standard compact camera, offering greater zoom flexibility without the investment required for a professional setup. Built-in image stabilisation improves usability, while user-friendly modes like Bird Watching Mode and Moon Mode make it easier to capture challenging subjects.

With features such as RAW shooting, bridge cameras also to beginners and more experienced photographers, offering an accessible way to explore different styles of photography from one easy-to-use device. Manual controls allow for creative freedom, while the camera remains straightforward enough for point-and-shoot convenience.

Sample Squirrel Nikon Coolpix 1100 @306mm. Camera settings 1/160 sec. f/8. ISO 800

Extreme Zoom Capabilities

At the heart of the Nikon Coolpix P1100 is its 125x optical zoom, which is a standout feature that goes unmatched by any other consumer camera since its original Nikon Coolpix P1000 from 2018. The 24-3000mm full-frame equivalent focal length allows users to capture everything from landscapes to distant wildlife, aircraft, and the Moon, all without the need for additional lenses.

For even greater reach the 4x digital zoom extends the range to 6000mm equivalent, although image quality degrades at these extreme magnifications. Optical stabilisation via Dual Detect Optical VR remains crucial at long focal lengths, reducing shake and helping to capture sharper results.

Despite its impressive zoom capabilities, the camera weighs just over 1.4kg, which is significantly lighter than any mirrorless camera paired with a super-telephoto lens of similar reach.

What’s New in the Nikon Coolpix P1100?

While the sensor, lens, zoom range and video specs remain identical, a handful of incremental improvements make the P1100 a more convenient camera for modern workflows, particularly with faster file transfer and improved charging options.

The P1100 brings  the following updates over the P1000:

• Bluetooth Version 5.2 vs 4.1
• USB-C Connectivity (with charging) vs Micro-USB
• Bird Watching Mode AF area selectable vs Framing border only
• New focus mode selector and new control ring for improved ergonomics
• Functions can be assigned to the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on the optional ML-L7 Remote Control

Sample owl image Nikon Coolpix 1100 @108mm. Camera settings 1/50 sec. f/5. ISO 400

Shooting Modes and Manual Control

The P1100 offers full PASM manual controls, allowing experienced users to fine-tune settings for optimal results. Additionally, the Bird Watching Mode has been enhanced, now allowing users to select the AF area, providing better subject tracking for fast-moving birds or small distant subjects.

Other creative modes include:

• Moon Mode for optimised lunar photography.
• Macro Mode for detailed close-ups from just 1cm away.
• Time-Lapse and Multiple Exposure for added creative flexibility.
• Fireworks, Bulb, and Interval Shooting modes for long-exposure creativity.
• With RAW support, users can process images with greater flexibility, adjusting exposure and sharpening in post-production.

Moviemaking with the Coolpix P1100

The Nikon Coolpix P1100 is not just about extreme zoom photography, it also provides capable video recording tools for hybrid creators. The camera supports 4K UHD recording at 30p and Full HD (1080p) at 60p, delivering high-quality footage with rich detail and smooth stabilised video. Whether you want to record wildlife in motion, travel vlogs, or everyday moments with your family, the P1100’s long zoom range allows for distant framing without the need for lens changes.

For creators who want enhanced audio quality, the P1100 includes a microphone input jack, allowing users to connect an external mic for improved sound capture. This is particularly useful for spoken content, such as travel vlogs or nature documentaries, where built-in camera audio can be limiting.

Beyond standard video recording, timelapse mode on the Coolpix P1100 adds another dimension to content creation. With this feature, users can create striking sequences of events over time, such as:

• The moon rising and moving across the sky, taking advantage of the P1100’s super-telephoto reach
• Cityscapes transitioning from day to night, capturing traffic motion and changing light
• Clouds rolling over landscapes or shifting weather patterns in nature

These built-in features allow photographers and videographers to expand their creative options without requiring additional software or advanced editing techniques, making the P1100 a versatile tool for both photography and video creation.

Sample image fireworks Nikon Coolpix 1100 @89mm. Camera settings 4.0 sec. f/8. ISO 100

Connectivity Improvements

More modern connectivity makes the P1100 easier to use, especially when you’re on the go, perhaps capturing cityscapes, wildlife or aviation content and you want to share images quickly. Connectivity now incudes:

1. Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi provide faster and more reliable wireless transfer to smartphones and tablets
2. USB-C is a major upgrade over Micro-USB, allowing more convenient charging and data transfer
3. SnapBridge App enables remote control, image transfer, and firmware updates from mobile devices

Should You Get the Nikon Coolpix P1100?

The P1100 refines the P1000, maintaining the same image quality and zoom range while improving usability and modern connectivity. For newcomers, it remains the best—and only—real choice for extreme zoom photography in a compact bridge camera. It offers easy-to-use modes alongside RAW capture, making it versatile for both everyday shooting and distant subjects.

If  you’re looking for the flexibility to switch lenses and have a higher budget, an interchangeable Nikon Z model such as the Nikon Z50 II paired with a Z 28-400mm F/4-8 VR Lens, could be a great alternative. However, this setup costs more, weighs more, and offers a far shorter zoom range, maxing out at 600mm rather than 3000mm full-frame equivalent.

Specifications comparison

Although similar to the previous model, a specs table is valuable as it highlights all of the technology packed into the compact P1100.

The AF area mode selection in Bird Watching Mode is a detailed improvement over the P1000, where only the framing border was available previously. This update allows for more precise autofocus control, which can be useful for tracking birds in different environments.

The Nikon Coolpix P1100 refines an already unique camera, making small but welcome improvements to connectivity, charging, shooting modes and usability. While the core specifications remain unchanged, these updates enhance ergonomics for those looking to maximise their reach without carrying a bigger system with interchangeable lenses.

Reserve your Nikon Coolpix P1100 Digital Camera today and discover the lengths you can reach with this all-in-one and how it can elevate your content.

If you’re upgrading, why not grab a fast and free trade-in quote for the existing gear you’re selling? We take all of the hassle out of upgrading so you can focus on capturing the perfect shot!

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By Nick Dautlich on 05/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.