Carrell7 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I love my P900. I have a walking stick with a "V" on the top that works as an unofficial monopod, but works well. For drive by shooting I use a piece of a pool noodle with one side cut, covered in duct tape that you place on the window down 1/2 way. Oh and remember to turn off the engine or you will get a little vibration.

John O.

Check on battery life between the two. At one time Canon SX series had much better battery life. That is why I bought my wife an SX 40 back when and it worked great for her.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

FWIW: I changed from a Lumx DMC-ZS100 to a DC-ZS80. The zoom range was more important to me than the sensor size. Of course, I am talking about a pocketable form factor and only a 250mm equivalent tele. I haven't had much time with the ZS80, so I can't say if I'm satisfied.

One of my favorite shots I took with my Canon SX50 HS.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

Might help knowing what you want to shoot! I have found comparing Canon Powershot SX70 with Nikon Coolpix P620 that both are very soft at +1000mm. Below that the Nikon is noticeably sharper. I have read of Nikon having a lot of trouble with the P950

Robertski Loc: So California

What does the acronym "WTH" mean? I'm more of a video guy and have a lot to learn about still photography.

Haydon

I'd be more inclined to say that at 1000 mm, a special amount of stabilizing technique is required or an abundance of softness will occur. This was shot at an equivalent in 35mm FF at 882mm using a SX50. Good light and stabilizing helped make this image sharp.

(Download)

Robertski Loc: So California

What does the acronym "WTH" mean? I'm more of a video guy and have a lot to learn about still photography.

Fencehog

I gave the P950 as a gift to friend. He loves it. I (soon to be 89) handled it once or twice. It did not feel heavy to me. As a Nikon user since 1969 I found it familiar. I am sure that the same will be true for Sony and Canon users who buy cameras made by these manufacturers.

Rae Zimmerman Loc: Pine Island, FL

I own both the Canon HS70 SX and the Nikon p950. The Nikon is a newer acquisition for me, and therefore using this camera is less reflexive for me. Both cameras have a lot to be said for them.
Their zooms, while often compared with each other, are really not that critical a difference to me: I rarely used my Canon to shoot at a fully-extended 1365mm. So using the Nikon to shoot in the 1366mm to 2000mm range will probably be infrequent as well, especially in program modes like BIRDS where you are invited to set limits on how proximal you want your focus range to be.
I bought the Nikon p950 for other reasons. It has a bigger, brighter viewfinder. It has a bulb setting, and the shutter can be kept open longer in manual mode than with the Canon. The Nikon allows multiple images to be taken in one frame, and does the math for the exposure settings for me.
One reason I particularly like the Nikon is personal: it is quite a bit heavier than the Canon. I have found the Nikon's weight allows me to hand-hold my camera, rather than having to rely on a monopod or tripod given my Essential Tremor in both hands.
Faced with having no camera, and wanting to purchase one of these two cameras, I would do a detailed study of features that are NOT shared in common, and then list which of those features might matter to me in the future. Then I would go to shops where I could spend a relaxed amount of time handling both cameras. Is the weight of each a plus or a minus to me? How does it feel in my hand? Does the control layout make sense to your fingers when the light is low or there is no time to visualize the controls you're trying to access? Put a memory card in the test camera and look at the clarity, color, precision of each image. (At 1300mm, are you steadier with one camera over the other?) Then make your decision. I assure you the zoom range will not be the primary factor for your decision. And each of us would likely come up with a different set of answers for all these questions.

bonzo

What are BIFs

Doc Mck Loc: Terrell,Texas

Bird in flight. WTF, WTS, WTH maybe. You got me.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

BIFs=Birds In Flight.

I have gotten just a few birds flying with the P950, and they were just ok.
But it does great for zooming in on small birds in brush/shrubbery etc. also is terrific for honing in on those larger birds such as hawks, eagles, ospreys, etc. very sharp feather details.
I had to return my first one due to the zoom locking up. However, later I learned that it takes awhile for it to buffer. So if I continue to shoot rapidly it will freeze up. I have had no problems with my second one, because I give it time to write to the card. Also, if it does happen, removing the battery and re-inserting it solves the problem. It’s something people hope Nikon will fix in the future. I probably could have done the same with my first one and it would have been fine, but I didn’t know about the easy fix at the time and the slow buffering.
One user shot the ISS a few nights ago. Not a ‘great, sharp’ photo but certainly identifiable. She also did a video of it passing overhead.
It does great for landscapes and flowers too, but if you are a birder, it’s outstanding. I considered the Sony RX10 IV but just too expensive for me at the moment.
If you are seriously considering the Nikon P950 be sure to check out the Nikon CoolPix forum at dpreview.com. Lots of discussions and photos.
www.dpreview.com/forums/1007