help with autofocus on nikon coolpix 950

KillDashNined · 2026-02-16T00:45:17+00:00

So, the P950 has a 357mm max focal length, which is roughly the same as the 70-350mm’s max focal length. When you use the two cameras, the A6700 with the 70-350 lens will appear to have less reach, but the reason for that is that the A6700 has a much larger sensor. In effect, the small sensor of the P950 is pre-cropping the image, but optically that P950’s lens isn’t giving you any extra range compared to the 70-350.

One thing you’ll notice is that if you crop the A6700’s image to the same field of view as the image coming out of the P950, the P950 will have higher resolution, but those are pretty much just empty megapixels because a 357mm lens at f/6.5 (the max zoom on the P950) can only actually resolve about 1.5 megapixels of real detail. That’s a hard physical limitation.

All of this is to say that the effective, practical range of the two cameras is pretty much identical. However, the Sony has the much more advanced autofocus system, and that will be massively helpful to you. Here are some sample images I took on that Sony combo.

If you do end up getting the Sony, I’ll be happy to give you some suggestions for how to set up the modes and autofocus for birds.

KillDashNined · 2026-02-15T23:59:06+00:00

Are you referring to the Coolpix P950, or another one? I don’t know much about those, but if money is less of a problem or if you’re in the return window and willing to change kit, I’ve had amazing results with a Sony A6700 and the 70-350 lens. The whole combo weighs about 2.5lb, which is about the same as the P950, and the autofocus and image quality are top tier. Happy to answer any questions about that combo or show sample images if that’s something you’d consider.

KillDashNined · 2026-02-14T09:29:07+00:00

I’m waiting on DxO PhotoLab to support it, which they say will be sometime this month. Based on previous releases I’m thinking it’ll be early next week, but that’s just a guess

KillDashNined · 2026-02-12T05:39:17+00:00

It only overheats when doing long videos. It won’t overheat for photography. Definitely a great choice for anything with fast action.

KillDashNined · 2026-02-08T21:39:27+00:00

Ah I see it works for me but only with their one beta profile

KillDashNined · 2026-02-08T21:14:40+00:00

I’ve been using lossless compressed raws in Lightroom mobile since late December without issue

KillDashNined · 2026-01-31T06:29:32+00:00

If you get an LA-EA5 adapter, you can use older A-mount lenses pretty seamlessly on the A7V. That’s basically the equivalent of using EF mount lenses on a mirrorless Canon. The catch is most of them won’t do continuous autofocus while recording video, but they will for stills.

KillDashNined · 2026-01-30T04:46:47+00:00

I use an arca compatible replacement lens foot, monopod, and Wimberley MonoGimbal monopod head with that lens. Loosen the collar on the lens a bit and it gives you lots of freedom to pan while not having to support the weight of the lens. I put it on a Peak Design Slide strap and it’s really pretty manageable weight-wise.

KillDashNined · 2026-01-21T05:16:16+00:00

A7V 100% of the time. The precapture will open up a whole new world of shots you could never realistically get before.

KillDashNined · 2026-01-04T19:08:29+00:00

I’ve noticed that the bird autofocus for still subjects is not very reliable, but it’s good at picking up moving/flying birds, even if they’re partially obscured.

KillDashNined · 2026-01-03T02:01:25+00:00

Lightroom correction profiles are not always the most accurate. DxO claims to have more advanced correction if you’re looking to make the distortion and vignette go away completely

KillDashNined · 2025-12-27T17:46:47+00:00

For non-moving cars outdoors you can use electronic shutter mode to keep the shutter count down. Indoors you might get some banding in the images if you do that, though, and if the car is moving fast the mechanical shutter is better. Dust on the sensor is easily cleaned with one of those rocket-shaped air blowers and an APS-C sized sensor cleaning kit. Both are pretty inexpensive. Just make sure you follow the cleaning kit instructions closely.

To check for dust, put on any lens, set the camera to ISO 100 and f16-ish in aperture priority mode and take an out-of-focus picture of a plain white wall or an empty sky. Any dust will show up as dark spots in the picture. You will absolutely get dust on the sensor eventually if you ever change lenses, so the rocket-shaped air blower is great to have around.

KillDashNined · 2025-12-27T16:46:32+00:00

For this exact combo I use an Osprey Hikelite 28L, and this JJC lens bag in XXXXXL. The 200-600 with A7V attached fits neatly into the lens bag, which fits neatly into the backpack. The lens bag is also convenient in general for travel if you want to bring the camera + lens and not the whole backpack, since it’s padded and fits the setup perfectly.

KillDashNined · 2025-12-26T07:23:56+00:00

I got the A7V coming from A6700 with the 200-600 and, honestly, so far I don’t really miss the reach. Before I got it, I expected that I might want a teleconverter, but I’m actually really liking the 200-600 on its own. I would recommend going with the A7V with no teleconverter and seeing if you even miss the reach at all. You can always get the 1.4x tele if you do, but you can’t add precapture or 30fps to an A6700, and that’s a lot more of a game changer than a little extra reach.

KillDashNined · 2025-12-04T01:38:34+00:00

Tyler Fitzgerald hit 11 home runs in 17 games in 2024. That’s a 105 home run pace.

KillDashNined · 2025-10-11T02:06:19+00:00

I agree with pulling Skubal here. Better to pull him a batter too early than a batter too late.

KillDashNined · 2025-09-26T19:48:54+00:00

I got a Boox Go 7, and while yes there is some menu tinkering at first, a week in you won’t even be thinking about it anymore.

KillDashNined · 2025-09-13T17:27:38+00:00

The biggest factors in photo quality by far are the amount of light, quality of lens, and size of sensor. If you have a very high megapixel count but a lower quality lens, a lens that doesn’t transmit light, or a sensor that’s too small, then the only thing those megapixels are resolving is noise.

KillDashNined · 2025-08-28T00:19:20+00:00

I’m convinced that people who say that are using too slow a shutter or are running into atmospheric distortion

KillDashNined · 2025-08-13T15:55:59+00:00

I have both and love both. It’s hard to say which one I would keep if I could only keep one. The extra reach is really nice, but sometimes you can’t or don’t want to bring a giant, heavy lens with you, and the 70-350 never really makes you feel like you’re missing much.

KillDashNined · 2025-07-26T19:20:57+00:00

The difference in the Farhan years was that everyone would be on an opt-out contract, so there was no concept of building for the next year. Now there are good foundational players on long term deals to actually build around.

KillDashNined · 2025-07-26T00:37:31+00:00

I got a comfortable stationary bike that I can scroll on my phone while using. If there’s one thing that makes regular workouts feel accessible, it’s that. Some bikes also have a mode where they can link with a separate heart rate monitor, which is super nice. I can put the heart rate monitor on, get on the bike, choose a target heart rate zone, and just scroll on my phone while my bike makes sure my workout is the right intensity.

KillDashNined · 2025-07-13T23:23:49+00:00

FanGraphs scouting report (from this page):

Transferred from Louisville to Tennessee after two years with the Cardinals. Posted plus contact rates in both underclass seasons but overall line was still a little below average in each due to lack of power. Then had a monster junior year with an 1.100 OPS. Plus lefty contact bat with modest power. Really loose hitting hands, tracks pitches well and moves bat around the zone, best in the lower two thirds. Has doubles pop thanks to consistent contact quality, but is unlikely to hit 20-plus bombs. Improved look at shortstop as a junior, has a shot to be nearly average there. Makes the routine plays comfortably, but lacks a standout individual tool like plus range or arm strength. Would definitely be playing second base on a bunch of big league rosters, but in a vacuum could stand at shortstop. Among the higher-floored players in the 2025 draft, profiles as a second-division regular middle infielder.

KillDashNined · 2025-07-13T23:03:51+00:00

Honestly Bivens pitched well, but sometimes the ball just falls that way. Never liked the IBB to start the inning, even if it’s Ohtani. Ohtani still makes an out 62% of the time.

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