Overview of the Nikon P510
The 16-megapixel Nikon Coolpix P510 is a tourist camera (compact cameras) SuperZoom segment. Nikon P510 is equipped with a lens capable of 42x optical zoom to, with very wide focal range: 24 – 1000mm (already converted). This is a significant improvement compared to the old model with a zoom lens is the only P500 38x (23 – 810mm). P510 is also equipped with CMOS 16-megapixel like sensor Coolpix P310 on the new form was introduced not long ago. In addition, the machine also has GPS navigation capabilities and improved anti-shake mode (image stabilization).
The main specifications of the Nikon Coolpix P510:
42X zoom (24-1000mm)
16.1MP CMOS sensor
3inch screen, rotate, 921k pixel LCD
PASM shooting modes
Video recording 1920 x 1280
GPS function, location on the photo attached
Weight (including battery and SD memory card) 555 g
83 x 120 x 102 mm (4.72 x 3.27 x 4.02 inches)
From the first glance, users have some passion for the camera was easy to recognize this is a super-zoom feature samples. Body thick, big and long lens, optical viewfinder and a large screen, just less important P510 DSLRs little entry line. At the present time, P510 is unmatched in its class with the ability SuperZoom up to 42x optical zoom with focal length 1000mm hitting. Whether rivals Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, such as the wide-angle 35X zoom lens, the Sony Cyber-shot HX200V 30X and 24X zoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150’s performance is really impressive, but the figure 42X and reach 1000mm of Nikon which is really remarkable.
Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera – Black (Certified Refurbished): Buy it now
Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Red): Buy it now
Design and operation
P510, when sold, will be available in two colors black and red, both are the plastic body. This camera grip section name is quite thick and lumpy textured, very convenient to handle machines, including those who were sweating hands. The fact that this product on hand, P510 proved severe enough to dress and hold but not too light like usual compact models. At “full load”, when carried in accordance with battery and memory card, weighs 555 grams P510, P500 bit heavier, although the size of the two machines are similar.
P510 electronic viewfinder (electronic viewfinder – EVF) and 3 inch LCD screen with 921k pixel achieve 100% coverage (EVF on P500 only 97%). EVF on the P510 is quite small compared to DSLRs, but users can still easily use, Nikon did not forget this viewfinder integrated refining capabilities – / + 4 for people with disabilities eye refraction. The LCD screen can be rotated in several corners, very convenient when shooting difficult frames or under the sun.
System control buttons on the P510 is relatively easy to use, and consistent with the general standard of the Nikon. Shutter and zoom features are integrated together on the same node. And along with rocker mode (mode dial), the Fn button, and on / off button, they are arranged above the grip. On top of the camera also has a pop-up flash and a GPS antenna.
To the left of the EVF is switch between optical viewfinder on the EVF and the LCD monitor watch. The menu system on the P510 scientific layout and relatively easy to learn. Although, no function guide for the step by step instructions on Sony HX200V, but because the machine easy to use, and self-timer feature quite smart so P510’s deficiencies do not lose points
Zoom and Lens
The headline feature is the 42x optical zoom, a 24 to 1000mm equivalent range. That covers wide landscapes and, at the far end, distant birds and stadium action, with no lens changes. Vibration reduction helps hold the picture steady at full zoom, though at 1000mm you’ll still want to brace the camera.
At the wide end there’s some barrel distortion, not enough to bother most shots. At full zoom, sharpness and contrast drop off, which is normal for a lens with this much range.
Performance
In good light the autofocus is quick and locks on easily. In low light it slows down and hunts. Macro mode focuses as close as 0.4 inches (about 1 cm). Burst shooting reaches 7 fps, but the buffer is small, so the camera pauses to write to the card after a short run.
Battery life is about 240 shots per charge, which covers a casual day. Carry a spare if you’re traveling or shooting a lot.
Image Quality
The sensor is 16.1 megapixels, a small backside-illuminated CMOS. In bright light, photos are sharp and colors look good, with little noise. As light drops, noise rises. ISO 3200 is the maximum, and you’ll lose detail well before that, so treat it as an emergency setting. In high-contrast scenes, highlights and deep shadows can lose detail.
Video
The P510 records 1080p video with stereo microphones. Footage is sharp, and audio is clear apart from wind noise outdoors.
Handling
The body is shaped like a small DSLR, with a deep grip and a mode dial and buttons for the main settings. Program, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual modes are all available. The menus are clear.
The 3-inch rear screen tilts, which helps with high and low angles and with video. There’s also an electronic viewfinder for bright sunlight, when the screen is hard to see. It has low resolution and looks grainy. Built-in GPS geotags your photos, which is handy on trips.
Strengths
42x zoom range
Effective vibration reduction
Tilting screen
Full manual controls
Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
Noise in low light and at high ISO
Low-resolution viewfinder
Modest battery life
No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Softer images at full zoom
Verdict
The P510 is a good pick if you want a lot of reach for little money and don’t want to carry lenses. It suits wildlife, sports and travel in good light. It’s a poor choice for dim rooms or evening shooting, and the sensor limits what you can do there. If you want cleaner low-light images or wireless sharing, look at something newer.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.