Nikon Coolpix P510 Pro Reviews

It used to be that shooting with a superzoom meant compromising. With each new generation of superzoom, though, fewer compromises are required. With the Nikon P510 I was, for the first time, not keeping score so much as exploring a new way to see. It wasn't just the 1,000mm equivalent reach of the lens, either. It was the results I got at ISO 800 and 1,600. And the detail the 16-megapixel sensor captured. No doubt it was also the serious polishing the image processor was doing before it wrote the JPEGs to my card. Nikon didn't scrimp on the release modes either. They're tuned to action photography, whether it's sports or birding. And the video modes are comprehensive, too.

Nikon recently introduced two new Coolpix cameras and although they show no resemblance whatsoever to each other, they are remarkably similar. Both digicams share identical GPS systems, identical EXPEED C2 image processing engines, indentical 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensors, the same lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) system, and identical 3.0-inch 921k-dot flip-out LCD monitors. The most significant differences between the two cameras are in their physical sizes and their zoom lenses. The P310 is a pocketable little camera with a superfast f/1.8-4.9 24-100mm zoom (currently the fastest maximum aperture available on any P&S digicam) while the P510 is a compact DSLR sized P&S digicam with an f/3.3-5.9 24-1000mm (equivalent) zoom - currently the longest focal length zoom available on any fixed-lens digital camera.

The P510 is a well-featured little camera built around an incredible 42X zoom lens. The lens is the P510's main selling point and anyone looking for a go-everywhere camera for travel or general-purpose photography will be impressed by its versatility. Only sub-par image quality at high ISOs and slightly plasticky construction let the P510 down.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 ups the ante in the ultra-zoom camera stakes by offering an incredible telephoto zoom setting of 1000mm. Remarkably it's still possible to hand-hold the camera in good light and achieve sharp pictures thanks to the excellent vibration reduction system, although you really need to use a tripod or other support for consistent results. The move to a 16 megapixel sensor hasn't spoiled the image quality, but it hasn't improved it either, being merely good, and the P510 still struggles to keep up with fast-moving subjects and lacks support for the raw file format. The main attraction of the P510 is of course that 24-1000mm equivalent zoom lens, which covers the focal range of at least 4 SLR lenses, but there is a lot more to the Nikon P510 than just an insanely long zoom. It also offers SLR-like handling, manual exposure and focus, an eye-level viewfinder, an articulated and high-resolution LCD screen, built-in GPS and full HD movies with stereo sound, full-time AF and optical zoom as well. The P510 is a very well rounded package that is surprisingly compact and lightweight and which will more than satisfy the needs of many users.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 balances many tradeoffs: Lots of hardware features, but sub-par video. Easy-to-use controls, but poor low-light performance. What you need to keep in mind when considering the P510 is that this won’t best a DSLR — it just won’t. You might look at it and think that’s within the realm of possibility, but it’s not. But of course, it costs $430, and that’s much less than you’ll pay for a DSLR, so you’ll have to make your peace with that. In general, the Nikon P510 makes is a really nice all-around camera for those ready to move on from the point-and-shoot arena. Some of its features are lackluster or worth ignoring (I think our feelings on the GPS mode are clear) but it has quite a few that more than make up for it. Take into consideration its nice feel in your hands and you’ve got yourself a great multi-use camera.

Bigger than a compact, but smaller than a D-SLR, the 42x Nikon Coolpix P510 packs a high-quality lens that delivers sharp images. Integrated GPS, 1080p video capture, and plenty of other features help it nab our Editors' Choice for the best full-size superzoom camera.

Nikon has upped its game when it comes to its superzoom range. Not only does the P510 have the longest focal length to be found in a compact camera, it’s also small in body when compared to the competition. It’s a capable performer, and the vibration-reduction technology makes it far more capable than its P500 predecessor. However the supposed star of the show, yep that whopping-great lens, does have its downsides - shooting at a 1000mm equivalent is no walk in the park and the drawbacks of both the camera’s so-so image quality and the f/3-5.9 maximum aperture range will limit the results that can be obtained. DSLR this isn’t. We’d like to see a lower-resolution, higher performing sensor, improved viewfinder and longer-lasting battery in the next release. When that happens the P500-series will be up there with the best of them. For now the P510 model represents a good all-rounder that’s affordable and packed out with features that challenge the competition. Oh, and it’s available in an optional smart-looking red colour, if that’s your kinda thang.

I'm still not sure there's a good reason to have a 42x zoom lens on a compact camera. But, regardless, the Nikon Coopix P510 is overall a very good full-size megazoom even if you never use the full zoom range. And, actually, it's probably better if you don't.

The differences between the P510 and its predecessor are very subtle, but Nikon have boosted the lens to 42x optical zoom and upgraded to a 16.1 megapixel sensor. It is a feature packed camera, which delivers impressive results. This is a fantastic option if you are looking for a DSLR style camera, as it has many of the features and appearance, without you requiring to carry around a bag full of lenses, although if you are a current P500 user, it's unlikely you get value for money by upgrading.