Super zoom on the beach: Nikon P900. I am posting these pics for the benefit of anyone who may be considering purchasing a P900. There are the usual rumors that it is soft at maximum...

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Nikon P900.

I am posting these pics for the benefit of anyone who may be considering purchasing a P900. There are the usual rumors that it is soft at maximum zoom, but believe me, they are not true, as long as digital zoom is not used (there is a fall off in IQ if digital zoom is used, & I leave mine turned off). It is obvious that a small sensor camera won't equal the IQ of a DSLR, but the high zoom sharpness, although not tack sharp, is acceptably sharp, IMO.

These kids were playing beach cricket a couple of hundred yards away & I used maximum optical zoom of 2,000mm equiv. I used ISO200 in 'P' mode & the camera was tripod mounted. These shots are not flukes & I have also taken many sharp 2,000mm shots hand held (resting against a car door or a tree etc). The 5 stop VR really does work, so sharpness is pretty much guaranteed. With the large zoom, the only difficult part is keeping the subject framed--that is why a rest or a tripod is recommended. Please download & judge for yourself.

(Download)

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good Earl.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I agree, there's a lot to be said about these super zoom bridge cameras. They keep getting better every year.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I have the older brother to yours P510 and a d7100. If I put the 510 on a tripod it shoots almost as sharp as the 7100. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference; unless I get really nit picky and increase the zoom on the computer then it's easy to tell the difference. But I tried it with yours, downloaded and then increased the zoom to some ridiculous size and they held up pretty well.

Excellent work great action shots.

joto9d7 Loc: Laguna Hills

Anyone have a favorite super zoom bridge camera to recommend for a 12 year girl who wants to be a photographer? I am thinking that a entry level point and shoot is what she needs to get her started. I also think that she would like her first camera to be one of those super zooms like the Canon sx50 that I heard used to sell reconditioned for $179.00

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

tramsey wrote:

I have the older brother to yours P510 and a d7100. If I put the 510 on a tripod it shoots almost as sharp as the 7100. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference; unless I get really nit picky and increase the zoom on the computer then it's easy to tell the difference. But I tried it with yours, downloaded and then increased the zoom to some ridiculous size and they held up pretty well.

Excellent work great action shots.

I also have a D7100 & a D750 (& a much used SX50). The P900 has a specific role in my book--bird/wildlife shots that are too far away for a DSLR & for videos. It does shoot excellent videos--sharp & clear right out to 2,000mm, & AF-F is fast & accurate. I find that it virtually never loses focus. I shoot videos in 'P' mode & get excellent results. Earl.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Excellent shot, Earl!

tramsey Loc: Texas

joto9d7 wrote:

Anyone have a favorite super zoom bridge camera to recommend for a 12 year girl who wants to be a photographer? I am thinking that a entry level point and shoot is what she needs to get her started. I also think that she would like her first camera to be one of those super zooms like the Canon sx50 that I heard used to sell reconditioned for $179.00

That would be a great camera for her. If you can find one, grab it.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Excellent downloads Earl, very impressed.

infocus Loc: Australia

DOOK wrote:

Nikon P900. br br I am posting these pics for the... (show quote)

Nice shots of a good fun family day at the beach.
I was actually looking at one of those today Earl after seeing earlier shots of your and talking with you about it last Friday. But I was told I didn't need it.

I said what has need got to do with want.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

infocus wrote:

Nice shots of a good fun family day at the beach.
I was actually looking at one of those today Earl after seeing earlier shots of your and talking with you about it last Friday. But I was told I didn't need it.

I said what has need got to do with want.

You are right on! Need has nothing to do with it. lol!

Earl, these are wonderful shots! People really ought to get their facts straight before they express an opinion on the quality of images at 2000mm. Some just regurgitate the opinions of others who don't know what they're talking about. (IMO)

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Thank you all very much for your comments, which I appreciate very much. Earl.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Well done, Earl!

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

sailorsmom wrote:

Well done, Earl!

Thanks, Sue.

joto9d7 Loc: Laguna Hills

I was thinking that a reconditioned SX50 would be perfect, too, but now she wants to shoot action as well as to have the zoom. I don't know if the SX50 is capable of fast shutter speeds.

I'm back to square one. Does this camera even exist or is it too expensive for a kid? It would be a super zoom bridge camera with shutter speeds fast enough to shoot action. If true, I might buy two of them. lol