Nikon's 42x bridge superzoom of 2014 — 16MP BSI CMOS, 24-1000mm equiv VR lens, EVF, full manual modes
The Coolpix P530 was an enthusiast bridge superzoom announced by Nikon in February 2014, successor to the P520 and slotting below the P600 in the range. It offered DSLR-style handling with an enormous fixed zoom at a mid-range price.
It builds a 42x Zoom-Nikkor equivalent to 24-1000mm around a 16.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, with lens-shift Vibration Reduction. Full HD 1080p video, a 3.0-inch 921,000-dot monitor, an electronic viewfinder, ISO 100-6400 and full PSAM exposure modes complete the package; body weight is 494g.
The reach makes it a budget wildlife, aviation and holiday camera in one, and the manual modes give learners room to progress; small-sensor limits show in low light and the EVF is basic, but it remains one of the more capable shooters of its class and era.
Exercise the whole 42x range while listening for zoom-motor complaint, and verify VR and the EVF both work. Check the battery holds charge and a charger or USB lead is supplied, and inspect the long lens barrel for knocks; SD cards and spares remain cheap and current.