Professional-level results with a user-friendly interface

Performs very well, though it’s slightly bulky for travel

Shoots beautifully, just wish there were more frame rate options

Picture quality is impressive, but takes some learning

Menus are a bit confusing at first but overall a solid performer

Good for hobbyists, but not quite pro-level

I have many cameras The one with the best quality 4K and the longest zoom is the P1000 that at the moment is the best I have got, I can take a picture half a mile away and still call it a very good shot.

I took a picture across the Thames Estuary, distance five miles to the other side of some power pylons and I can’t get them all in but I can see easily the number of cables coming from them.

That was only a test but the distance that this camera covers is astounding and the 4K also means the image can be much better than full HD over a longer distance.

Good for casual use, not ideal for anything professional

Very reliable and durable, ideal for travel and outdoor shoots

Great low-light performance, photos come out beautifully even at night

The camera has exceeded all expectations for taking wildlife photographs, particularly birds. Even at high focal lengths I’ve achieved very sharp images. The colour is consistently good. It is a beast of a camera though, and quite heavy so be prepared for that. It’ll never replace a top end camera with a huge telephoto lens for quality, but if you don’t have thousands and thousands to spend on such lenses this is a great second best. Autofocus a bit unpredictable with complicated backgrounds.

The first thing I noticed when I received the package was the weight – you certainly feel its solidity when you hold this camera in your hands. I have seen a review stating that it feels flimsy – I don’t think so, even as an amateur user.

My principal use for this camera will be airshows and vintage tank and vehicle demonstrations; I haven’t taken the camera to one yet so can’t speak for quality of results. However test shots I’ve taken so far have yielded excellent results; the real test will be to see how the camera handles when fast objects are targeted, especially the autofocus modes and also battery life. I plan to purchase two more batteries with a separate charger, and a monopod.

Quality of pictures are like cheap compact cameras not like a proper dslr

You are the only one who can answer that question but lets get a few things clear.
This camera is fairly niche and should not be judged as an all rounder. If you want a camera for family photos or general vacation then think again.
I purchased it for wildlife and because i had done my research i was pleased with it – i will tell you why.
I have a dslr / lens that enables me to photograph up to 750 mm and it does a great job . it is sharp and easy to access. The problem however is that at times it is just not reaching far enough and that is where this camera comes in .
If you are in a hide or on a tripod and watching say waders out on the shoreline then this camera will reach the birds that a scope will reach . At the equivalent of 3000 mm it is roughly 60x zoom on a scope.
The photographs are ok at best and if you are looking to take world beating sharp images then this will not be the one for you. Stick with the DSLR and long range lens.
if however you are a blogger or birder who likes to record what you see then this will do a great job. It will reach places that nor even visible from your DSLR and a new dimension of pleasure to your bird recording.
Its real strength is in the video and i use that 100% of the time and if i need a photograph then i will just take a frame from the ultra high definition video.
You hear photographers talk about the weight but that is rubbish. It feels like a feather compared to the dslr/ lens combination. They criticise the censor but most phone video seems all right to me and indeed this gives me great video.
I went for the 1000 as opposed to the 950 as it gives me the longest reach. The further you extend the lens the harder it is to keep still and you will need a tripod or hide clamp. Even then the wind will cause camera shake so you may have to bide your time.
People may wonder if this is good as an everyday birding camera and the answer to that is that it depends upon your expectations.
If you are a keen photographer who enjoys taking pics of birds then it is a good back up- as i use it.
If you are a keen birder however who enjoys looking through binoculars and a scope and wants to take photographs of what you see then this will do a better job for you than most digi scoping set ups.
Would i buy it again? – yes

Perfect balance of manual controls and smart features

Delivers pro-level performance without the pro price