The Coolpix 950 was a durable camera with swivel lens, magnesium body, a maximum resolution of 1600×1200 (1.92 Mpx), 3× optical zoom and a minimum focusing distance of 2 cm.

The 950 incorporated improvements over the 900 such as a stronger swivel hinge, a magnesium case (except the plastic battery door) and increased sensor resolution.

Other advanced features of the 950 included shutter and aperture priority modes and the ability to custom-preset white balance.

The older generation of cameras, such as the Coolpix 950, however, did not filter so much IR light and are still useful today as inexpensive means to achieving this type of photography.

A somewhat cumbersome dual-action latching mechanism for the battery door often complicated this issue and, if operated incorrectly, could result in damage.