Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
To kick off 2016, Nikon has announced two brand-new series of cameras: the B-series, which is comprised of superzooms, and the A Series, which is made up of compact point-and-shoots. The new lines roughly overlap with the existing Coolpix P and L series, though several models from those lines carry over from 2015 and earlier.
Like most camera makers, Nikon is cutting back on the number of small-sensor point-and-shoots it's producing, thanks to declining sales and the ever-increasing prevalence of smartphone cameras. Still, there are some interesting models among the new crop. Perhaps most notably, the top cameras in each of the new lines can capture 4K video—something that's become common on interchangeable lens cameras but is still rare in compacts.
B-Series Superzooms
Coolpix B700
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix B700", asin="B01C3LE44G", align="right"}} The brand-new Coolpix B700 packs some impressive features into a compact $500 package. The star of the show is the 60x zoom lens, with an equivalent focal range of 24–1440mm. Compared to some rivals, the B700 wows with an articulating 3-inch LCD, 4K/30p video, RAW photo capture, and Bluetooth LE for easy file sharing. Excellent build quality, an electronic viewfinder, and an ergonomic grip are other plusses.
KEY SPECS: • MSRP $499.95 • 20.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor • ISO 100-1600 (expandable to ISO 3200) • 60x optical zoom w/ lens-shift vibration reduction • 3.0-inch tilt & swivel display • 4K video capture at 30fps • RAW image capture • Built-in NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth LE
Coolpix B500
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix B500", asin="B01C3LEBW6", align="right"}} Smaller and slightly less potent than the B700, the Coolpix B500 is also $200 cheaper. So what corners are cut? You get fewer megapixels, just two-thirds the zoom range, a screen that only tilts, and video that maxes out at a mere 1080/30p. What's left is still a pretty potent package, though—especially for the price. Like its big brother, the B500 has a nicely textured grip, intuitive controls, and speedy performance.
KEY SPECS: • MSRP $299.95 • 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor • ISO 125-1600 (expandable to ISO 6400) • 40x optical zoom w/ lens-shift vibration reduction • 3.0-inch tilting display • 1080p video capture at 30fps • Built-in NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth LE
A-Series Compacts
Coolpix A900
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix A900", asin="B01C3LE716", align="right"}} Want to put a lot of power in your pocket? The Coolpix A900 is a great option. This compact shooter packs a 35x zoom with lens-shift VR, a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a 3-inch screen that can flip up 180 degrees. We love the build quality, and there’s a comfy grip around front. If you need to share photos at a moment’s notice, you’re in luck: The A900 comes with Bluetooth LE for an always-on connection to your smartphone. And if you’ve got a 4K display, you’ll love the native 4K video capability.
KEY SPECS: • MSRP $399.95 • 20-megapixel CMOS image sensor • ISO 80-1600 (expandable to ISO 3200) • 35x optical zoom w/ lens-shift vibration reduction • 3.0-inch 180-degree tilting display • 4K video capture at 30fps • Built-in NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth LE
Coolpix A300
KEY SPECS: • 20.1-megapixel CCD image sensor • ISO 80-1600 (expandable to ISO 3200) • 8x optical zoom w/ lens-shift vibration reduction • 2.7-inch rear display • 720p video capture at 30fps • Built-in NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth
Coolpix A100
Nikon Coolpix A100
KEY SPECS: • 20.1-megapixel CCD image sensor • ISO 80-1600 (expandable to ISO 3200) • 5x optical zoom • 2.7-inch rear display • 720p video capture at 30fps • Built-in NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth
Coolpix A10
Nikon Coolpix A10
KEY SPECS: • 16.1-megapixel CCD image sensor • ISO 80-1600 • 5x optical zoom • 2.7-inch rear display
2015 Carry-Over Models
P-Series Superzooms
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix P900", asin="B00U2W4JEY", align="right"}} Though Nikon has muddied the waters by introducing superzooms in its new B Series, the P series has traditionally been their home. The DSLR-sized P900 is currently the longest zoom on the market at an absolutely insane 83x, while the slightly more compact P610 sports a still-impressive 60x lens. But the "Performance" series isn't all about superzooms: It's also home to the P7800 advanced compact and the P340 pocket powerhouse.
Available Models: • Coolpix P900 • Coolpix P610 • Coolpix P530 • Coolpix P7800 • Coolpix P340
S-Series Compacts
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix S9900", asin="B00T85ORMA", align="right"}} Nikon says the "S" stands for "Style," and these cameras are indeed a little more stylish than your typical point and shoot. Though made entirely of plastic, they're fairly robust and feel like they could handle being carried around every day. The top two models sport big zooms (30x and 20x), which makes them great all-rounders.
Available Models: • Coolpix S9900 • Coolpix S7000 • Coolpix S3700 • Coolpix S2900
L-Series Point-and-Shoots
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix L840", asin="B00T85P56C", align="right"}} The L Series is sort of Nikon's "etc." bin, collecting both extended zoom and compact cameras that are a little less "serious" (and a little less expensive) than S- and P-series models. These are cameras you'd be comfortable handing to just about anyone, confident they'd be able to handle them.
Available Models: • Coolpix L840 • Coolpix L340 • Coolpix L32 • Coolpix L31
AW- & S-Series Waterproof Cameras
{{amazon name="Nikon Coolpix AW130", asin="B00T85PER2", align="right"}} Though Olympus is the ostensible market leader in toughcams, Nikon has been making some very fine models of its own in the AW series. The AW130 is the latest and greatest, while the S33 is a kid-friendly waterproof camera with basic specs but plenty of fun features.
Available Models: • Coolpix AW130 • Coolpix S33
Related Video
{{brightcove '4599224097001'}}