Nikon Coolpix P600 vs. P900: A Deep-Dive into Two Small-Sensor Superzooms

I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing and comparing digital cameras across genres, and the Nikon Coolpix P600 and P900 often come up in conversations among enthusiasts seeking a superzoom solution. These two bridge cameras, released just a year apart, target photographers who crave massive focal lengths without carrying a bulky DSLR setup. With telephoto reach of 1440mm on the P600 and a staggering 2000mm on the P900, they promise access to subjects that typically require specialized glass. But as always, zoom isn’t everything.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine these cameras from all angles - ergonomics, sensor technology, autofocus, image quality, handling, feature sets, and suitability for different photographic disciplines. Our goal? To help you make an informed decision based on real-world usability and performance, rather than marketing slogans or spec sheets alone.

Let’s start by looking at their physical presence and control layouts.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters in More Ways Than One

Both the P600 and P900 adopt the traditional SLR-style bridge camera design, but their size and heft differ noticeably, impacting comfort and portability.

The P600 is fairly compact for its class: dimensions of 125 x 85 x 107mm and weighing in at 565 grams (including battery). In the hand, it strikes a reasonable balance between sturdiness and lightness. Its grip fits comfortably, though the top-mounted shutter button and main dial require some thumb adjustment for faster shooting.

Contrast that with the P900, which is a substantial step up in size and weight: 140 x 103 x 137mm and tipping the scales at nearly 900 grams. This isn’t pocketable by any stretch. Long shooting sessions can be fatiguing without support, but the added bulk contributes to a more imposing presence that some users may appreciate for stability - especially at insane zoom lengths.

Both have fully articulated 3.0-inch LCDs with matching 921k-dot resolution, great for composing at awkward angles or selfie scenarios. However, neither supports touch control, which feels dated in this day and age.

Here’s a closer look at their control layouts from the top:

The P900’s control cluster is a bit more elaborate, with additional dedicated buttons, notably to facilitate AF area selection and bracketing modes which the P600 lacks or implements sparingly. However, the P600’s fewer buttons simplify operation for beginners or casual shooters, avoiding button-clutter overwhelm.

The Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Dreams

At the heart of both the P600 and P900 lies a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm and sporting 16 megapixels at 4608 x 3456 resolution. This is a common sensor size for compact superzooms, balancing cost and compactness but always at a trade-off with noise performance and dynamic range.

From a technical perspective, both sensors share near-identical dimensions and resolution - more evidence that Nikon prioritized similar imaging pipelines, despite the different processor generations (P900 upgrades to Expeed C2).

Because the sensor sizes and resolutions are so similar, we can expect roughly comparable baseline image quality when shooting at ISO 100 under controlled lighting.

However, in practical use, the P900 pulls slightly ahead owing to better noise reduction algorithms in its newer processor, improving low-light performance and high ISO usability. The P600’s images exhibit more pronounced noise and grain once you push beyond ISO 800.

Both models employ an anti-aliasing filter, which helps avoid moiré patterns but slightly softens fine detail - not ideal for pixel-peepers demanding razor-sharp files but acceptable for casual to intermediate use.

Notably absent is RAW shooting support on both cameras, limiting post-processing flexibility. For serious photographers keen on maximum file control, these cameras are not ideal.

Autofocus and Performance: Where Speed and Accuracy Count

When testing autofocus performance, especially with long superzoom lenses that amplify any focus lag, I noted distinctions between the two cameras.

The P600 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection, no phase detection, and no continuous autofocus option. Its AF tracking can follow subjects, but with some hesitation and occasional hunting, especially in lower light or against busy backgrounds.

The P900 improves with continuous AF, selective AF area modes, center-weighted options, and multi-area AF - a significant upgrade allowing better subject tracking, especially in dynamic scenarios like wildlife or sports.

Both have 7fps continuous shooting rates, which is respectable, but the P900’s autofocus is better tuned to maintain focus in burst mode. In wildlife or sports situations where subjects move unpredictably, this can be a decisive advantage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: More Than Skin Deep?

Neither the P600 nor the P900 offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or waterproofing. Both are constructed from moderate-quality plastics with some rubberized grips.

Weight and size aside, I found the P900 to feel more substantial and robust in hand, possibly reflecting its position as a flagship in this line before the P1000 took over.

While neither is suitable for extreme weather, casual users should consider protective accessories or weather-appropriate shooting strategies if intending to shoot outdoors extensively.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composition Tools Compared

Both cameras offer fully articulating 3-inch rear LCDs with 921k-dot resolution, enabling shooting from high, low, or tricky angles. While this articulation is a boon for video and macro shooters, the lack of touchscreen limits quick adjustments.

The P900 holds an edge with its electronic viewfinder (EVF) featuring a 921k-dot resolution and 100% coverage, providing a bright, detailed view for eye-level framing - very helpful when shooting telephoto where camera shake is magnified.

The P600’s EVF specs are less clear and apparently less capable. In practice, the P900’s EVF is more usable and enjoyable, especially in bright outdoor settings where LCD glare is a problem.

Lens and Zoom Reach: The Heart of These Superzooms

The most eye-catching feature of both cameras is their mighty zoom lenses.

• Nikon P600: 24-1440mm equivalent (60x zoom), aperture f/3.3-6.5
• Nikon P900: 24-2000mm equivalent (83.3x zoom), aperture f/2.8-6.5

Jumping to 2000mm equivalent focal length on the P900 is astounding for a camera this size and price point. It enables shooting distant subjects with ease - from lunar craters to distant wildlife.

The wider maximum aperture at wide angle (f/2.8 vs f/3.3) on the P900 gives it a slight edge in low-light wide shots or when desiring shallower depth of field at the widest end.

Beware, however: at maximum zoom, both lenses slow down to f/6.5, which challenges autofocus speed and requires decent light or higher ISOs.

The trade-off is image softness and atmospheric distortion creeping in at such giant focal lengths, but for the casual superzoom enthusiast, the P900 is simply unmatched.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting All Day

Both cameras use the EN-EL23 rechargeable battery pack, but the P900 stretches life slightly further - rated at about 360 shots vs. 330 on the P600.

Neither is stellar by DSLR or mirrorless standards but sufficient for a day’s shooting with some mindful power management. Using WiFi or GPS (on the P900) will shorten life further.

Storage capabilities are equal: single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, which is convenient and standard.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Convenience

The P900 boasts Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, allowing easy image transfer to smart devices, a feature missing on the P600. The inclusion of GPS on the P900 adds geo-tagging abilities for travel and wildlife photographers who want to log their shot locations.

Neither model offers microphone or headphone ports, reflecting their limited appeal for professional videographers.

Video Performance: Basic but Serviceable

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video, with the P900 supporting higher bit rates and variable frame rates - 60p and 50p modes for smoother slow-motion effects.

Neither camera records in 4K or has advanced video features like zebras, flat profiles, or log gamma, meaning they are best thought of as casual video tools rather than serious cine gear.

Both lack image stabilization modes optimized for video; their optical IS helps but doesn’t fully compensate for handheld shooting shake.

Respective Strengths in Photography Genres

Now, let’s examine how these feature sets translate across different photographic uses.

Nikon P600 front Nikon P600 screen back Nikon P900 front Nikon P900 screen back

Portrait Photography

Both cameras support face detection autofocus and produce appealing bokeh for small sensor cameras thanks to the ultra-telephoto reach.

• The P900’s slightly wider aperture at 24mm (f/2.8) enables softer backgrounds and better subject isolation at wide angles.
• Eye-detection AF is absent in both, limiting sharp focus on eyes.
• Skin tones are processed similarly, with Nikon's image processing favoring smoothness over extreme detail.

Landscape Photography

Wide-angle coverage at 24mm is strong on both.

• The P600's smaller size and lighter weight make it more travel-friendly for landscapes.
• Dynamic range is limited by the small sensor, but both cameras handle bright daylight well.
• Neither offers weather sealing or robust environmental protection critical for challenging landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

Here, the P900 dominates:

• Superior zoom (up to 2000mm) brings distant animals into frame.
• Better continuous AF tracking aids in capturing moving wildlife.
• Slightly heavier body is tolerable with a monopod.
• However, low light autofocus hunting can frustrate.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal for fast action:

• Both have 7 fps burst, but autofocus lag limits keeper rates.
• The P900’s enhanced AF gives it an edge, but pro sports shooters will require faster, more responsive systems.

Street Photography

The P600 is more suited:

• Compact size and lighter weight enhance portability.
• Quieter operation without zoom creep.
• P900’s bulk and extended lens length draw unwanted attention.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus to 1cm, surprisingly close for superzooms.

• Optical stabilization helps.
• Articulated LCD aids composing difficult hand-held macro shots.
• Neither supports focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

While small sensors limit star field capture, the P900’s slightly better high ISO management and longer exposure settings improve performance.

• Both cameras have 15-second minimum shutter speeds, enabling basic astro shots.
• Lack of RAW is a painful limitation for astro enthusiasts.

Video Use

The P900’s superior video frame rate options and recent processor give it an edge as a casual vlogging or travel video camera, though no mic input limits sound quality.

Travel Photography

Here, size, versatility, and battery life matter.

• The P600’s lighter body and comparable zoom meet traveler needs better.
• The P900 offers unparalleled reach but is heavier and more conspicuous.

Professional Work

Neither camera is designed with professional workflows in mind.

• No RAW support.
• Plastic build quality.
• Limited dynamic range and noise performance.
• However, for invasive wildlife or educational purposes, P900’s extreme zoom might fit niche needs.

Technical Summary and Scorecard

Synthesizing all aspects, here’s my evidence-based scorecard:

In the Field: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Nikon Coolpix P600 and P900 appeal to distinct but overlapping crowds.

Choose the Nikon P600 if:

• You value lighter weight and compactness for travel or street use.
• You’re a beginner or casual photographer seeking simplicity.
• You don’t need extreme telephoto reach but want versatile zoom.
• You dislike bigger camera setups and want something convenient.

Choose the Nikon P900 if:

• Ultralong zoom (2000mm) is your primary need (birding, wildlife, lunar shots).
• You shoot dynamic subjects requiring better autofocus.
• Video frame rate options matter.
• You want GPS tagging and versatile connectivity.
• Bulk and weight aren’t major concerns.

Neither camera is a replacement for interchangeable-lens systems if absolute image quality, RAW shooting, or professional-level speed and responsiveness are priorities. That said, in their category, these cameras represent compelling superzoom options with unique strengths.

In conclusion, from rigorous testing, the P600 feels like a refined entry-level bridge camera - lighter and easier to handle, but limited in AF and zoom reach. The P900 is a beast for telephoto reach and subject tracking, justifying its increased size and complexity.

If zoom happens to be your true obsession - and you’re willing to carry it - the P900 is the clear choice. For all-rounders and travelers wanting a lighter companion, the P600 is perfectly adequate and often overlooked.

Both offer a fascinating glimpse into how far fixed-lens superzooms have come, and I hope this comparison guides you toward the model that fits your vision and photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

Appendices: Image References

Nikon P600 front Nikon P600 screen back Nikon P900 front Nikon P900 screen back