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Nikon adds more than longer lenses to its latest Coolpix megazooms

Latest models bulk up on Wi-Fi, megapixels, and zoom.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
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Joshua Goldman
2 min read

Nikon

For the past couple years, Nikon's been battling out with the other camera makers to have the longest lenses in its point-and-shoot lineup. Now it looks like it's shifting gears slightly to bulk up on wireless features as well. Joining the Wi-Fi-enabled 12x zoom Coolpix S6500 announced at CES 2013 are the new P520, S9500, and L820.

For the flagship P520, Nikon put in a new 18-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, but didn't touch the lens; it has the same 42x, f3.0-5.9, 24-1,000mm found on the P510. That's not a bad thing since that's still one of the longest zoom lenses available. However, Nikon doesn't say anything about improvements to autofocus speeds -- something Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic have been improving on with their competing models.

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Built-in GPS returns and Nikon has added support for its tiny WU-1a Wi-Fi adapter, so you can wirelessly connect to iOS or Android devices for viewing or sharing your photos and videos. In keeping with Nikon's other P-series models, the P520 has plenty of shooting options including full manual and semimanual modes. There's still no raw capture option, though; it's JPEG only.

The Coolpix P520 will be available for about $450 when it arrives in February in black, red, and dark gray versions.

Nikon

If AA batteries for power are more a necessity for you than manual controls, Nikon has updated its lower-end L-series full-size megazoom as well.

The new L820 doesn't have Wi-Fi, but trades in the L810's CCD sensor for a better 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 30x f3.0-5.8 22.5-675mm lens.

It looks like a strong competitor to Canon's PowerShot SX500 IS, though, again, you won't find any manual control over shutter speed and apertures. (Fujifilm's new megazoom models might beat them both anyway.)

Look for the L820 for $279.95 in black and red.

Nikon

Lastly, there's a new compact megazoom in the Coolpix lineup, the S9500. This follow-up to the S9300 gets an 18-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor like the P520, but has a 22x f3.4-6.3 25-550mm lens and is considerably more compact. Like "slip it in your jacket pocket" compact.

And also unlike the P520, both GPS and Wi-Fi are built into the camera, so you don't have to pay extra for an adapter to get the wireless features.

The $349.95 Coolpix S9500 rolls out in February in black, red, and silver models.