Nikon Coolpix P1100

Not-so-compact bridge camera with a 125x optical zoom range

- Matthew Richards

₤1049/$1098

The Nikon Coolpix P1100 follows in the footsteps of the P1000, with a few tweaks. As such, it inherits the previous camera's mighty 125x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24-3000mm in full-frame terms - that's more telescope than telephoto. It also ramps things up from the 83x zoom range of the previous Coolpix P900. You can't describe the P1100 as a 'compact camera', despite having a fixed rather than interchangeable lens, but it sets out to be one of the best bridge cameras around.

Build & handling

All of the freakish frivolity that made the Coolpix P1000 such a delight remains in the P1100. It features the same headline attraction of a 24-3000mm (effective) optical zoom range with an f/2.8-8 aperture rating. That's a pretty narrow aperture at the long end but only to be expected.

The telescopic ability of the lens is backed up by effective optical image stabilisation or 'Vibration Reduction', which is essential for handheld shooting. The lens is based on 17 elements arranged in 12 groups, and includes five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element, aiming to boost clarity and colour accuracy while minimising aberrations.

Handling feels comfortable and natural, despite the camera's size and weight. There's a chunky handgrip and plenty of room to rest your hand under the camera. The P1100 looks pretty big even at its shortest zoom setting, but the lens extends greatly when zooming towards the 3000mm mark.