Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300

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Nikon P610

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

$769.99

BUY from B&H PHOTO

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Panasonic FZ300

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

$397.99
33%
off

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Both cameras have 1/2.3" sensors but Nikon P610 has a 16.0 MP and Panasonic FZ300 has a 12.0 MP resolution.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon P610 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2015-02-10

16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

24-1440 mm F3.3-6.5 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3″ Fully Articulated Screen

Electronic viewfinder

7.0 fps continuous shooting

1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

Built-in GPS

565g. 125 x 85 x 107 mm

Replaced Nikon Coolpix P600 Compare

Panasonic FZ300 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2015-07-16

12MP - 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

25-600 mm F2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3″ Fully Articulated Screen

1440k dot Electronic viewfinder

12.0 fps continuous shooting

3840 x 2160 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

691g. 132 x 92 x 117 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Compare

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix P610 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300

GPS	BuiltIn vs None	track your location
Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Weight	565 g vs 691 g	126 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 25mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	1440mm vs 600mm	840 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	60x vs 24x	more flexible focal coverage
NFC Connection	Yes vs No	Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 over Nikon Coolpix P610

External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
LCD Screen Resolution	1.040k dots vs 921k dots	12% higher resolution screen
Max Shutter Speed	1/16000s vs 1/4000s	faster shutter speed
Continuous Shooting	12.0fps vs 7.0fps	5 fps faster
Battery Life	380 shots vs 330 shots	50 more frames with a single charge
Microphone Port	Yes vs No	High quality audio recording option
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	2.80 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	8.8m vs 7.5m	1.3m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	2.34µm² vs 1.76µm²	32% larger pixel area
Price	$398 vs $770	$372 cheaper
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080	Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
4K Photo Mode	Yes vs No	Extract 8MP photos from 4K Video
Post Focus Mode	Yes vs No	Change focus point after taking a shot

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix P610 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300

Wireless Connection	Yes vs Yes	Better connectivity
Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	All the lenses are stabilized
Articulating Screen	Yes vs Yes	Flexible shooting positions
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Viewfinder	Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic)	Better framing and control
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution	921k dots vs 1.040k dots	Higher resolution screens
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	Yes vs Yes	better exposure control
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs Yes	creative shooting
Focal Length - Tele	1440mm vs 600mm	Very good Telezoom
Selfie Friendly LCD	Yes vs Yes	Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
Smartphone Remote Control	Yes vs Yes	Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix P610 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300: Physical Specs Comparison

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300. Nikon P610 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 7mm narrower, 7mm shorter and 10mm thinner than Panasonic FZ300.

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300.

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300 Detailed Size Comparison

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon P610 is significantly lighter (126g ) than the Panasonic FZ300 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

P610

FZ300

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

P610

FZ300

Min

Average

Max

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300: Sensor Comparison

Nikon P610 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic FZ300 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor.

Below you can see the P610 and FZ300 sensor size comparison.

Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Panasonic FZ300 has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm² vs 1.76µm²) compared to Nikon P610, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon P610 features a 24-1440 mm F3.3-6.5 60x zoom lens whereas Panasonic FZ300 features a 25-600 mm F2.8 24x zoom lens.

Nikon P610 has 1mm wider coverage than the Panasonic FZ300. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Panasonic FZ300 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Nikon P610 has 840mm longer reach than the Panasonic FZ300. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Panasonic FZ300 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

P610

FZ300

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

P610

FZ300

Longest - Nikon P900

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

P610

FZ300

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

P610

FZ300

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

What types of Photography are Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon P610 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ300 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon P610 for Street Photography

GOOD

Panasonic FZ300 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon P610 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ300 for Sports Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
1440 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/16000s
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
600 mm Tele Lens
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon P610 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ300 for Daily Photography

GOOD

60X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
565g
Body Thickness 107mm
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
Environmental Sealings
24X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
691g
Body Thickness 117mm
Read the details

Nikon P610 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ300 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Built-in GPS
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Environmental Sealings
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Nikon P610 vs Panasonic FZ300: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon P610 and Panasonic FZ300 scores compare:

Nikon P610

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #28 out of 107 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #377 out of 1141 in all Cameras

Panasonic FZ300

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #4 out of 107 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #87 out of 1141 in all Cameras

Panasonic FZ300 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon P610 in all criterias except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon P610. Otherwise, Panasonic FZ300 is the better camera overall.

Nikon P610

$769.99

Panasonic FZ300

$397.99
33%
off

Panasonic FZ300 vs Nikon P610 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon Coolpix P610	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300
Brand	Nikon	Panasonic
Announced	2015-02-10	2015-07-16
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)	SLR-like (bridge)
Price	$769.99	$397.99
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	CMOS
Size	1/2.3"	1/2.3"
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	28.07mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	100 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	n/a	49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	24-1440 mm (60x)	25-600 mm (24x)
Max Aperture	F3.3-6.5	F2.8
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fully Articulated	Fully Articulated
Size	3″	3″
Resolution	921k dots	1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	n/a	1,440k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	100%
Photography Features
Max Shutter Speed	1/4000s	1/16000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	7.50 m	8.80 m (at Auto ISO)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	7.0 fps	12.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	565g	691g
Dimensions	125 x 85 x 107mm	132 x 92 x 117mm
Battery Life	330 shots	380 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	BuiltIn	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction