In many respects this is NOT a fair test, but it is an interesting comparison. The back story is my faithful Canon SX70 “super zoom bridge camera” is no longer reliable … not because the camera is sub-par, but because I have taken tens of thousands of images with the device and it is just plain worn out. The SX70 is no longer in production, and when found “new” costs $1,300+ which I am not willing to pay for an old model camera. However I still like super zoom bridge cameras assuming one uses them in photographic conditions that make their chances of delivering great images a high probability.

With that thought in mind I bought a Nikon Coolpix 950. I purchased a used, mint condition still in the box 950 for $700. Like the SX70, this camera is out of production but one may find brand new 950’s for about $850. Today was my first day using the Nikon.

Early in the morning only an hour after sunrise while on a bike ride during the “golden hour” of photography … thus while in excellent light … I photographer Minnesota’s state flower, the Showy Lady Slipper. I think the camera did a good job.

Later in the morning around 11:00 am in horrible, glaring light I had the chance to go birding. A Ruffed Grouse Mom was very cooperative. She posed in the road and allowed me to take images with both my new Nikon Coolpix 950 and my Sony A6300. Keep in mind the Sony is a much better camera with a significantly better and bigger sensor. I think both cameras delivered! However, bright light is exactly what is needed for Bridge Super Zoom cameras to have success.

Nikon Coolpix 950

Sony A6300

A bit further down the road I came across this Broad-Winged Hawk which had just made a kill. I reached for my Sony A6300 camera first because I know it is much better in challenging light (heavy shade in bright light conditions). The hawk did not wait around to given me a chance to try my new Nikon.