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Nikon P310 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon P310

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • 24-100 mm F1.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 6.0fps continuous shooting
    • 194g. 103 x 58 x 32 mm
    • Replaced Nikon P300
    • Replaced by Nikon P330
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon P310 Overview

    Launched in June 2012 , Nikon Coolpix P310 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 4.2x zoom 24-100 mm F1.8-4.9 lens. Nikon replaced the older Nikon P300 with this model and later P310 was replaced with Nikon P330. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon P300
    Compare Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon P330

    Nikon P310 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon P310 is a member of Nikon's P3XX series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon P3XX Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
    Nikon P340
    Compare
    2014 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 103 x 58 x 32mm 194g
    Nikon P330
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 103 x 58 x 32mm 200g
    Nikon P310
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 103 x 58 x 32mm 194g
    Nikon P300
    Compare
    2011 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 103 x 58 x 32mm 189g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Nikon P340 vs P330 vs P310 vs P300


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Nikon P310 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon P310 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    99 Focus Points
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    6.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    194g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide
    3D Shooting Capability
    Panorama Shooting
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon P310 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Low Battery Life: 230 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90

    Report a correction


    Nikon P310 Physical Specs
    Nikon P310 weighs 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz) and has external dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 32mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon P310
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon P310
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon P310 with the dimensions:

    Nikon P310 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon P310 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon P310, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon P310 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon P310 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare Nikon P310 size with the camera that it replaced: Nikon P300. As depicted on the comparison image, and have the exact same height, width and thickness.


    Nikon P310 vs Nikon P300 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Nikon P310 and Nikon P300 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon P310 with its main competitors:

    Nikon P310 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs P310 Thickness vs P310
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P330
    Compare
    200g 6g heavier 32mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P300
    Compare
    189g 5g lighter 32mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P340
    Compare
    194g equal weight 32mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S100
    Compare
    198g 4g heavier 28mm 4mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    195g 1g heavier 30mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    198g 4g heavier 27mm 5mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    217g 23g heavier 29mm 3mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P7000
    Compare
    310g 116g heavier 45mm 13mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon P310 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon P310 Lens

    Nikon P310 features a 24-100 mm F1.8-4.9 4.2× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 100mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    P310
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    P310
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 24mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f4.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    P310
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    P310
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    P310 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Nikon P310's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Nikon P310 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon P310 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. P310 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon P310 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III or Canon PowerShot G5 X in the same price range.

    Nikon P310 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero11 Black with its 27.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon P310 vs GoPro Hero11 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon P310's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon P310 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon P310 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon P310 LCD

    Nikon P310 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon P310 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix P310 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    P310 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (Compare) or Canon PowerShot G5 X (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Nikon P310 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect P310 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Nikon P310 Battery

    Nikon P310 is powered by EN-EL12 battery which provides a battery life of 230 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Nikon P310
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon P310 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Nikon P310 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P330
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P340
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Nikon P7000
    Compare
    1280 x 720 350shots No No No

    Nikon P310 Video Features

    With Nikon P310, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon P310 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Nikon Coolpix P310 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Nikon P310 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Fujifilm X100F or Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Nikon P310 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon P310 can shoot continuously at max speed of 6 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately P310 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon P310 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 99 points to choose from.

    Nikon P310 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Nikon P310 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon P310 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon P310 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon P310 has a score of 38 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theP310.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P310 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon P310 for Street Photography

    Nikon P310 has a score of 71 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P310 for Street Photography

    Nikon P310 for Sports Photography

    Nikon P310 has a score of 24 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theP310.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    99 Focus Points
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P310 for Sports Photography

    Nikon P310 for Daily Photography

    Nikon P310 has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    194g
    4.2X Optical Zoom

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P310 for Daily Photography

    Nikon P310 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon P310 has a score of 25 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theP310.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P310 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon P310 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon P310 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon P310 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon P310

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon P310 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon P330
    Nikon P330
    Compare
    Nikon P300
    Nikon P300
    Compare
    Nikon P340
    Nikon P340
    Compare
    Canon S100
    Canon S100
    Compare
    Canon S95
    Canon S95
    Compare
    Canon S110
    Canon S110
    Compare
    Canon S120
    Canon S120
    Compare
    Nikon P7000
    Nikon P7000
    Compare

    Nikon P310 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon P310 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon P310's price range.

    Nikon P310 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon P310 has an Overall Score of 44/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Coolpix P310 is ranked #94 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #593 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #593 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #94 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #36 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #136 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #348 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(194g)
    #286 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon P310
    Does the Nikon P310 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon P310 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon P310 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon P310 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon P310?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon P310?
    is the Nikon P310 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon P310 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon P310 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon P310?
    What is the Weight of Nikon P310?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon P310?
    Nikon Coolpix P310 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix P310
    Announced 2012-06-22
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-100 mm (4.2×)
    Max Aperture F1.8-4.9
    Macro Focus Range 2cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    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 99
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (120, 30fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 194g
    Physical Dimensions 103 x 58 x 32mm
    Battery Life 230 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL12
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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