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Nikon P950 Comparison Review

The Nikon Coolpix P950 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in January 2020 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.9 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon P950 a good camera? The P950 has a Camera Elo of 2227. This rating puts the P950 among the top 20 percent of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the P950 ranks among the top 10 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Nikon P950
Fixed lens compact camera
24-2000mm f/2.8-6.5
15.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 6 400 (100 - 12 800)
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.2 LCD, 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
7 shutter flaps per second
290 shots per battery charge
140 x 110 x 150 mm, 1 005 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Nikon P950 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon P950 vs credit card front
P950 versus credit card top view
P950 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon P950 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon P950 140 mm 110 mm 150 mm 1005 g 290 n Jan 2020 US$ 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon A1000 114 mm 72 mm 41 mm 330 g 250 n Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon B500 114 mm 78 mm 95 mm 541 g 600 n Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon B600 122 mm 82 mm 99 mm 500 g 280 n Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon L840 113 mm 78 mm 96 mm 538 g 590 n Feb 2015 US$ 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon P900 140 mm 103 mm 137 mm 899 g 360 n Mar 2015 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon P1000 146 mm 119 mm 181 mm 1415 g 250 n Jul 2018 US$ 999 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 810 g 350 n Feb 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon P950 was launched in the US market at a price of $799. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check P950 price at
amazon.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Nikon P950 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon P950 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Nikon P950 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon P950 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.3118952
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
3.
 
Nikon A1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.2109552
4.
 
Nikon B500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.311.781048
5.
 
Nikon B600 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.712.2109552
6.
 
Nikon L840 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.211.672147
7.
 
Nikon P900 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.211.672747
8.
 
Nikon P1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.612.1104451
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.454665
10.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
11.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The P950 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the P950 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon P950 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon P9502359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Nikon A10001166 n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Nikon B500none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
5.
 
Nikon B600none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon L840none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
7.
 
Nikon P900921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Nikon P10002359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II2360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Nikon Coolpix P950 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the P950

One convenient feature of the P950 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Coolpix P950 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon P950Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon A1000-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon B500-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon B600-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon L840-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Nikon P900-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Nikon P1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY

It is notable that the P950 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The P950 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-357mm f/2.8-6.5), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 2000mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the P950 can be found in the free online Nikon P950 Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the P950. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon P950....3/5..4/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon A1000..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon B500..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon B600..+....3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon L840..+ +....3.5/54/5 Feb 2015 US$ 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon P900......77/1004/54/5 Mar 2015 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon P1000..+3.5/573/1003.5/53.5/5 Jul 2018 US$ 999 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II......83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check P950 price at
amazon.com

Nikon P950 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the P950.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Nikon P950?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon P950?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.

Does the Nikon P950 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the P950 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Nikon P950?

No, the Nikon Coolpix P950 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Nikon P950?

The P950 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Nikon P950 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Nikon P950 use?

The camera gets its power from the Nikon EN-EL20a (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Nikon P950?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Nikon.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon P950
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-2000mm f/2.8-6.5
    Launch Date January 2020
    Launch Price USD 799
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 608 x 3 456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.33 μm
    Pixel Density 56.73 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12 800 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 90%
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 7 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL20a power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 140 x 110 x 150 mm
    (5.5 x 4.3 x 5.9 in)
    Camera Weight 1 005 g (35.5 oz)

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