Nikon COOLPIX P510 Review | 108 Data compared

The ePHOTOzine review of the Nikon Coolpix P510 highlights the bridge camera's massive 42x optical zoom lens (24-1000mm equivalent) and 16.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor. Key performance pros include excellent 1cm minimum focusing for macro photography, integrated GPS, a capable lens-shift vibration reduction system for long shots, and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen. Conversely, the review identifies limitations, including a noticeable softening in the image corners. Additionally, the high-speed 7 frames per second burst mode is restricted to a maximum of 5 frames, and the mechanical lens barrel zoom motor is audible during video recording.

The CNET review of the Nikon Coolpix P510 highlights it as a fun, feature-rich compact camera defined by its massive 42x optical zoom lens (24-1,000mm equivalent). On the positive side, CNET praises the device for its very fast shooting performance and excellent low-ISO photo quality, noting that the wide zoom range offers shooters incredible composition flexibility. Additionally, it provides built-in optical image stabilization that effectively reduces blur under normal shooting conditions. However, the review points out several significant drawbacks, particularly when utilizing the extreme ends of the hardware. The camera struggles to autofocus at the telephoto end, and holding the frame steady at full extension without a tripod is highly difficult. Image quality also noticeably degrades in low-light environments due to mediocre high-ISO performance, which leaves photos looking soft or noisy. Finally, CNET notes that the exterior body feels cheaply constructed, rendering the ultimate usefulness of such a long lens on a point-and-shoot body highly debatable.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 stands out in the superzoom category primarily due to its massive 42x optical zoom lens, which offers a staggering and versatile 24–1000mm equivalent focal range. Built around a 16.1-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, the camera delivers solid overall image quality with highly accurate color reproduction, a functional 3-inch articulating high-resolution LCD screen, and an excellent image stabilization system that allows for crisp telephoto shots even without a tripod. Additionally, it features a fast continuous burst mode capable of shooting full-resolution images at 5.22 frames per second and an integrated GPS logger for geo-tagging photos. Despite its impressive reach, the review highlights several notable drawbacks, including a cheap, plasticky chassis and disappointing battery life for a camera priced at $429.95. The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) is small, low-resolution, and laggy, and it lacks an automatic eye-level sensor to switch views from the LCD screen. Serious photographers may find the camera limiting due to its lack of RAW image capture, a cumbersome and unstructured menu system with few dedicated physical control buttons, and sub-par video sensitivity in low-light environments.

The Digital Photography School review by Barrie Smith highlights the Nikon Coolpix P510 as a powerful, DSLR-styled bridge camera defined by its massive 42x optical zoom lens (24-1000mm equivalent) and 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. The reviewer praises its highly effective image stabilisation system, which keeps shots steady even at maximum telephoto zoom, as well as its zero-distortion lens performance. Key positive features include a 7.5cm vari-angle LCD screen, a useful secondary zoom control on the side of the lens barrel for dual-handed stability, full manual controls (PASM modes), a fast 1-second startup time, and built-in GPS with logging functionality. Up to ISO 3200, image quality remains usable for certain subjects. However, the review details several prominent drawbacks, particularly regarding mid-shoot operation. A primary con is that the camera cannot focus dynamically when zooming in during movie mode; users must set their telephoto position and lock focus before hitting record. Additionally, the reviewer criticises the 10mm turret viewfinder for its inadequate definition and clarity, and notes that the maximum image size drops drastically to 1920x1080 if you attempt to extract still frames...

The DPReview evaluation of the Nikon Coolpix P510 highlights a 42x optical zoom (24-1,000mm equivalent) and effective lens-shift vibration reduction as primary advantages, alongside a sharp, tilting 3-inch LCD and comfortable handling. While producing good image quality at low ISO settings, the camera is restricted by a small sensor that leads to high noise levels, limited buffer capacity for burst shooting, and slow autofocus at maximum zoom. YouTube · Performance bottlenecks include noisy, mud-like image quality above ISO 800 and a 7fps burst mode that fills after only five shots. Additional drawbacks noted in the review include a lack of RAW support, a small electronic viewfinder, and slow zoom mechanics, making it a powerful zoom tool hampered by high-ISO noise and restricted speed.

The What Digital Camera review highlights the Nikon Coolpix P510 as a heavily featured bridge camera, defined by its 42x optical zoom lens and 16-megapixel CMOS sensor. Key pros include a compact design, PASM manual controls, GPS, a 3-inch tiltable LCD, and Full HD 1080p video, with the camera praised for reliable exposure in bright conditions. Regarding cons, the review notes a tendency for oversaturated colors and highlights that the small sensor creates limitations, though it maintains good sharpness. The P510 is deemed a versatile choice for users prioritizing zoom range and control over extreme low-light performance.