Nikon P950 Vs Sx70: The Battle Of The 2000mm Zooms

The Nikon P950 and Canon SX70 are two of the most popular superzoom cameras on the market, offering incredible versatility and reach for nature and wildlife photography. However, with their similar capabilities, choosing between them can be a challenge. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features of both cameras to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality

Nikon P950: The P950 features a 16MP CMOS sensor with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400. Its EXPEED image processor delivers sharp and detailed images, even at high zoom levels.

Canon SX70: The SX70 also has a 16MP CMOS sensor, but with a slightly wider ISO range of ISO 100-3200. Its DIGIC 8 image processor produces natural-looking colors and reduces noise effectively.

Zoom Range

Nikon P950: The P950 boasts an exceptional 83x optical zoom range, equivalent to a 24-2000mm lens on a full-frame camera. This unparalleled reach makes it ideal for capturing distant wildlife or birds in flight.

Canon SX70: The SX70 offers a respectable 65x optical zoom range, equivalent to a 21-1365mm lens. While not as extensive as the P950, it still provides ample reach for most wildlife photography scenarios.

Aperture and Shutter Speed

Nikon P950: The P950 has a maximum aperture of f/2.8-6.5, providing good light-gathering capabilities. Its shutter speed range extends from 1/4000s to 30s, allowing for creative control over depth of field and motion blur.

Canon SX70: The SX70’s maximum aperture is slightly wider at f/2.8-5.6, offering a slight advantage in low-light conditions. Its shutter speed range is similar to the P950, from 1/4000s to 15s.

Autofocus

Nikon P950: The P950 uses a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection methods. It provides fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Canon SX70: The SX70 also employs a hybrid autofocus system, but with a greater emphasis on phase-detection points. This results in even faster and more reliable autofocus performance.

Video Capabilities

Nikon P950: The P950 can record 4K videos at 30fps and Full HD videos at 60fps. It offers a dedicated movie mode with manual exposure control and a built-in microphone.

Canon SX70: The SX70 is slightly more limited in video capabilities, recording 4K videos at 25fps and Full HD videos at 60fps. It also lacks a dedicated movie mode and has a smaller built-in microphone.

Physical Features

Nikon P950: The P950 is a larger and heavier camera, weighing approximately 1005g. It has a deep grip and a large LCD screen, making it comfortable to hold and use.

Canon SX70: The SX70 is more compact and lightweight, weighing around 610g. It has a smaller grip and a tilting LCD screen, providing greater flexibility for shooting at various angles.

Summary: Making the Right Choice

Both the Nikon P950 and Canon SX70 are excellent superzoom cameras for nature and wildlife photography. The P950 offers an unparalleled zoom range and impressive image quality, while the SX70 provides faster autofocus and a more compact design.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize extreme reach and flexibility, the Nikon P950 is the clear winner. However, if you value speed, compactness, and a more balanced feature set, the Canon SX70 is an excellent option.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera has better image stabilization?
A: Both the P950 and SX70 have effective image stabilization systems, but the P950’s Dual Detect Optical VR is slightly more advanced.

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The SX70 has a slightly wider maximum aperture, making it marginally better for low-light situations.

Q: Can either camera shoot in RAW format?
A: Yes, both the P950 and SX70 support RAW image capture, giving you more flexibility in post-processing.