jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I'm a retired biologist and a fairly serious photographer, so like many of you have a reasonable amount of gear, ranging from Canon SX700 and SX50 to Nikon D3300, D3400, and D610, and lenses ranging from macros to a big Sigma telephoto. I started using Nikons back in the 90s because their Coolpix line was the one with the most useful microscope adapter, and am comfortable with the ones I have. However, the Canons, especially the SX50 have been great when we've been severely restricted on weight and luggage, and I had little or no control over the circumstances (e.g., African safaris, etc.). I tend to shoot the same way I studied parasites and the same way I write: a single scene from wide angle to a macro shot of plants or rocks; think of looking at a single beetle in contexts ranging from the structure of its antenna to its geographical range and evolutionary history. Now, here comes the Nikon P1000. I've played with a P900 in the store, and it seems a little heavy and cumbersome, but the zoom range of the P1000 seems impressive and the reviews are okay. So I'm interested to know if any of you have actually used this camera in a variety of settings and on close subjects, and I'm also interested in your comments about the handling of it, especially out in the field--comfortable, easy, heavy, etc.?

ELNikkor

in comparison of weight only, the P900 is a featherweight...

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hey, JJ, most of us P900 owners are anxiously awaiting hands on reviews by independent persons. Hopefully DPReview, etc, will get an advanced release camera from Nikon to do an unbias analysis for us.

While the camera is heavier than the P900, my understanding is that it is no heavier then the 850 body and no one seems to be complaining about that camera's weight.

Stay tuned!

Hsch39 Loc: Northbrook, Illinois

The P1000 is not a light weight at 3.12 lb / 1.42 kg and has a tiny sensor at 1/2.3.

wtmarks

I have a P900 (in addition to a D810) and I don’t find the P900 cumbersome at all, especially if you consider the range and weight of lenses that would be needed to duplicate it’s zoom capabilities. BTW, the P1000 is not available yet and very few previews have been published.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Very hard to give any review of a camera that has not even been shipped yet.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

If less weight and compact size are important you might want to consider the Coolpix B700, as it only weighs 1-1/4 lbs. (20oz). I got mine used in mint condition on ebay for Christmas for $320. It works well at full optical zoom handheld (1440mm equiv), and the 4K video is exceptional. I have found that equiv focal lengths are not the same. To my eye, the 1440mm equiv on the B700 resolves about as well as a 400mm lens on my D7000 (equivalent to a 600mm lens on a FF). Also the macro images will not compare to a D7000 with a good macro lens, because the B700 is limited to f8 as it's smallest aperture and you lose out on a longer depth of field. Also you sacrifice a bit with the Coolpix small sensor, because although it is a good light weight telephoto, and a decent macro, but you lose out on IQ. So although the details are there, the amount of color gradations are less than a larger sensor. An added advantage is the B700 shoots raw. It's a tradeoff, but a pretty good one, and I find I reach for the B700 in most cases. I even use it to copy documents rather than scan them.
P.S. Just curious if you ever tried your D610 for microphotography? It seems the best pics I have seen of diatoms were taken with a FF D810. I got my best results with a Lumix LX5.

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Thanks for the comments! I think it's the optical zoom that is advertised for the P1000 that led me to the query. I didn't realize it was not available for shipping yet, so I'll wait until it shows up in stores, see how it feels in the hand, and check the reviews again. As for the photomicroscopy, my current go to setup is the D3300 body with and NDPL-1(2X) adapter, but I haven't tried it yet on the FF 610; I'll check the specs to make sure the adapter is compatible physically, but there's no reason it shouldn't be. I'm currently working on an exhibit for the local natural history museum, an 8 ft long touch screen with various modes of investigation, and so there's been a lot of that photomicroscopy. Thanks again for the comments.

jims203 Loc: Connecticut

Look at the Sony Rx-10 iii or iv
Larger 1” sensor highly rated & superior to the P1000.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I have a Sony RX10 IV. I want to get a Nikon P-1000 for the reach.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Does it come with a built-in or 'Bundled' Monopod? In addition to its reach, maybe there's a reason its called a 'Beast'

canarywood1 Loc: Sarasota,Florida

The weight of the P900 is only 1.98lbs.and that includes batteries, thats 1.10lbs less than the P1000