Nikon Coolpix P510

amazon Nikon Coolpix P510 reviews

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.

where can you get a Nikon Coolpix P510 online

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

Performance

The performance of the Nikon Coolpix P510 is generally impressive, especially considering its price point and feature set. The camera’s 42x optical zoom lens is a major highlight, offering incredible reach and versatility. The VR technology works effectively to minimize camera shake, ensuring that images remain sharp even when shooting at the maximum zoom range.

Autofocus performance is quick and accurate in good lighting conditions, with the camera able to lock onto subjects with ease. In low light conditions, the autofocus can struggle slightly, but this is to be expected with most compact and bridge cameras. The camera also features a macro mode, allowing for close-up photography with a minimum focusing distance of just 0.4 inches.

The burst shooting mode is capable of capturing up to 7 frames per second, which is useful for action photography. However, the buffer size is limited, meaning that the camera can only capture a limited number of shots in quick succession before it needs to pause and write the images to the memory card.

The Full HD video recording quality is excellent, with the camera producing sharp and detailed footage. The built-in stereo microphones capture clear audio, although wind noise can be an issue when shooting outdoors. The vari-angle LCD screen is particularly useful for video recording, allowing users to easily compose shots from different angles.

Battery life is decent, with the camera’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing enough power for approximately 240 shots per charge. This should be sufficient for a day of casual shooting, although users may want to carry a spare battery for longer outings or more intensive shooting sessions.

Image Quality

The image quality produced by the Nikon Coolpix P510 is generally very good, especially considering its sensor size and price point. The 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures detailed and vibrant images with good color reproduction. In good lighting conditions, the camera produces sharp and well-exposed photos with minimal noise.

In low light conditions, the camera performs reasonably well, thanks to its backside-illuminated sensor and optical VR technology. However, as with most compact and bridge cameras, noise levels do increase as the ISO sensitivity is raised. The camera’s maximum ISO setting of 3200 is best avoided unless absolutely necessary, as images can become quite noisy and lose detail.

The lens performs well throughout its zoom range, with good sharpness and minimal distortion. At the wide end of the zoom range, there is some barrel distortion, but this is not overly noticeable in most shots. At the telephoto end, there is some loss of sharpness and contrast, but this is to be expected with such an extreme zoom range.

The camera’s metering system is generally accurate, producing well-balanced exposures in a variety of lighting conditions. The dynamic range is decent, with the camera able to capture a good range of tones from shadows to highlights. However, in high-contrast scenes, some detail may be lost in the brightest highlights or darkest shadows.

User Experience

The Nikon Coolpix P510 offers an enjoyable and user-friendly experience, making it accessible to both beginners and more experienced photographers. The DSLR-like design and deep handgrip provide a comfortable and secure hold, while the physical controls and mode dial allow for easy access to key settings.

The vari-angle LCD screen is a standout feature, providing flexibility for composing shots from different angles. It is particularly useful for shooting from high or low positions, as well as for video recording. The screen is bright and clear, with good resolution and color accuracy.

The electronic viewfinder is a welcome addition, offering an alternative to the LCD screen for composing shots. It is particularly useful in bright outdoor conditions where the LCD screen may be difficult to see. However, the EVF’s resolution is relatively low, and it can appear grainy compared to the main screen.

The camera’s menu system is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear and concise options for adjusting settings and accessing features. The built-in GPS functionality is a handy feature for travel photographers, allowing for easy geotagging of photos.

One area where the camera could be improved is its battery life. While the battery life is decent, it may not be sufficient for longer outings or more intensive shooting sessions. Carrying a spare battery is recommended for users who plan to shoot extensively.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Impressive Zoom Range: The 42x optical zoom lens provides an incredible focal range, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects without needing to switch lenses.
2. Vibration Reduction (VR): The VR technology helps to minimize camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting at maximum zoom or in low light conditions.
3. Vari-Angle LCD Screen: The tilting and swiveling LCD screen offers flexibility for composing shots from various angles and makes it easier to shoot in challenging positions.
4. Manual Controls: The inclusion of Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual modes provides creative control for more experienced photographers.
5. Built-in GPS: The GPS functionality allows for geotagging photos, which is useful for tracking the locations of travel shots.

Weaknesses:

1. Low-Light Performance: While the sensor performs reasonably well, noise can become noticeable in low-light conditions or at higher ISO settings.
2. Electronic Viewfinder: The EVF has a lower resolution compared to some competitors, which can result in a grainy view, especially in low-light situations.
3. Battery Life: The battery life is decent but may not be sufficient for extended shooting sessions, making it necessary to carry a spare battery for longer outings.
4. Limited Connectivity: The P510 lacks modern connectivity features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which are available in some competing models and can enhance the sharing and remote control experience.
5. Image Quality at Max Zoom: While the lens performs well, there is some loss of sharpness and contrast at the maximum zoom range, which is common in bridge cameras with extreme zoom capabilities.

Conclusion

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is a versatile and feature-rich bridge camera that offers an impressive zoom range, solid build quality, and a range of manual controls. It is particularly well-suited for users who need a powerful zoom lens for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife photographers, sports enthusiasts, or travelers. The inclusion of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology and a vari-angle LCD screen further enhances its usability, making it a flexible option for various shooting scenarios.

While the P510 excels in many areas, it does have some limitations, such as its performance in low light conditions and the lower resolution of the electronic viewfinder. Additionally, the lack of modern connectivity features like Wi-Fi may be a drawback for users who prioritize easy sharing and remote control capabilities.

Overall, the Nikon Coolpix P510 represents a strong value proposition in the bridge camera segment, offering a combination of impressive zoom capabilities, manual controls, and user-friendly features at an affordable price. It is a solid choice for those who want a powerful camera without the complexity and cost of a DSLR, and its performance and versatility make it a worthy contender in the bridge camera market.