Achieving a high level of optical zoom on DSLRs and full-frame cameras typically requires using a large and heavy lens, like the ones you've probably seen being used at sporting events or for wildlife photography.

Impressive zoom range; Very good lens stabilisation; Fully articulating display; RAW and 4K support

Heavy and bulky; Average quality JPEGs; Battery life could be better; Autofocus can be sluggish

It's hard not to be gobsmacked by the P1000's 3,000mm-equivalent lens, especially in light of its (just about) three-figure price. It's an amazing technical achievement.

Stunning zoom capabilities; Reasonable price; Impressive photo and video performance in good light

Image quality suffers badly in low light; No touchscreen; Laggy viewfinder

OMG. What a camera. Took awesome handheld pictures zoomed in on the moon one night that were phenomenal. Like a telescope more than a camera. It is very heavy but no more than a DSLR with same focal length lens. Don't understand why they can't make the lens cap with a small hole to attach a strap.

very happy with the P1000 yes its heavy but you do get used to it . for me it performs best on a tripod due to size some times a little slow to focus but other than that it is awesome with how close you can get to a bird or animal far away best zoom i have used

Easy to use; Battery life; Screen size

Bulky

Superzoom cameras, like Nikon's Coolpix P1000 ($999.99) are popular because, let's face it, people who buy entry level DSLR's rarely, if ever, take the kit lenses off their cameras.

I love the 3000mm zoom, not a big fan of the weight, this thing is a beast. That being said, I am getting great photos of craters on the moon.

These alternatives are better fits for most photographers. But not everyone falls into the bucket of most. If the P1000's lens speaks to you, and you understand the camera's limitations and quirks, it could serve you very well.

Incredible 125x (24-3,000mm) zoom range; 7fps burst; Vari-angle LCD; EVF; Raw support; 4K video; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Image quality suffers at maximum zoom; Unresponsive after bursts; No weather protection; Pricey; Bulky; Screen omits touch support

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 ($999.95) is beyond an audacious idea for a camera. It marries a small 16MP image sensor—about the same dimensions as what you find in a top-end smartphone—to an absurdly big, long 125x zoom lens. The result is a bit of a Frankenstein device, with a body as big as an SLR, and a large, permanently attached lens. It's not the right camera for every photographer or situation, and it requires a good deal of skill to use effectively at maximum zoom. But it does succeed in filling a niche, and will find a place in the heart and bag of some photographers, especially for use in capturing images of distant wildlife. That said, for most photographers we recommend the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS as our Editors' Choice for cameras that exceed a 50x zoom ratio. It costs about half as much as the P1000, seems to be about half the size, and is a better all-arounder. But if you laugh at a zoom with a "mere" 1,365mm reach, the 3,000mm zoom of the P1000 may lure you in with its...

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 has the longest zoom of any fixed lens camera yet, but it takes a good deal of skill to master.

Incredible 125x (24-3,000mm) zoom range; 7fps burst; Vari-angle LCD; EVF; Raw support; 4K video; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Image quality suffers at maximum zoom; Unresponsive after bursts; No weather protection; Pricey; Bulky; Screen omits touch support

It's hard to place the Nikon Coolpix P1000 into a single box. Its focal range is unmatched, making it ideal for wildlife and lunar photography (or spying on your neighbors, we suppose).

Capturing the moon and still wildlife from incredible distances

High image quality for most situations; focusing on moving subjects; a long day of shooting

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is all about its incredible zoom range. If you need a focal length of 3000mm, it's the only game in town. If you don't need that much zoom then there are far better cameras for equal or less money.

Capturing the moon and still wildlife from incredible distances.;

High image quality for most situations, focusing on moving subjects, a long day of shooting;