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Nikon P510 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon P510

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • 24-1000 mm F3.0-5.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Tilting Screen
    • Electronic viewfinder
    • 7.0fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in GPS
    • 555g. 120 x 83 x 102 mm
    • Replaced Nikon P500
    • Replaced by Nikon P520
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon P510 Overview

    First introduced in July 2012 , Nikon Coolpix P510 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Tilting screen and 41.7x zoom 24-1000 mm F3.0-5.9 lens. Nikon replaced the older Nikon P500 with this model and later P510 was replaced with Nikon P520. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Nikon P500
    Compare Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Nikon P520

    Nikon P510 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 P510 is a member of Nikon's P5XX 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 P5XX Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon P530
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 123 x 84 x 98mm 494g
    Nikon P520
    Compare
    2013 18.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 125 x 84 x 102mm 550g
    Nikon P510
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 120 x 83 x 102mm 555g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Nikon P530 vs P520 vs P510


    **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 P510 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon P510 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
    Articulating Screen
    Full HD Video
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Built-in GPS
    Face Detection Focusing
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    7.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Timelapse Recording
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    1000mm Good Tele Lens
    41.7X Optical Zoom
    3D Shooting Capability
    Panorama Shooting
    120fps High Speed Video
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon P510 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Low Battery Life: 200 shots
    Heavy Body: 555
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.00
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

    Report a correction


    Nikon P510 Physical Specs
    Nikon P510 weighs 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz) and has external dimensions of 120 x 83 x 102 mm (4.72 x 3.27 x 4.02″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 102mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Nikon P510
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Nikon P510
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon P510 with the dimensions:

    Nikon P510 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon P510 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon P510, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon P510 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon P510 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare Nikon P510 size with the camera that it replaced: Nikon P500. Nikon P510 is 1mm shorter and 1mm thinner than Nikon P500 but it is also 4mm wider.


    Nikon P510 vs Nikon P500 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Nikon P510 and Nikon P500 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon P510 with its main competitors:

    Nikon P510 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs P510 Thickness vs P510
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P520
    Compare
    550g 5g lighter 102mm equal thickness
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon B500
    Compare
    541g 14g lighter 95mm 7mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P530
    Compare
    494g 61g lighter 98mm 4mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P500
    Compare
    494g 61g lighter 103mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P610
    Compare
    565g 10g heavier 107mm 5mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P600
    Compare
    565g 10g heavier 107mm 5mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P900
    Compare
    899g 344g heavier 137mm 35mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P950
    Compare
    1005g 450g heavier 150mm 48mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon P510 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 Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon P510 Lens

    Nikon P510 features a 24-1000 mm F3.0-5.9 41.7× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 1000mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    P510
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    P510
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.00 at 24mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f5.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    P510
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    P510
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    P510 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Nikon P510's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Nikon P510 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon P510 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. P510 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon P510 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

    Nikon P510 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon P510 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon P510's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon P510 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon P510 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon P510 LCD and Viewfinder

    Nikon P510 has a Tilting 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Tilting screens are more photography oriented while Fully articulated screens are highly preferred by videographers. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon P510 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix P510 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Bridge Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    P510 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Nikon P510 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect P510 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Nikon P510 Battery

    Nikon P510 is powered by EN-EL5 battery which provides a battery life of 200 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, Nikon P510 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend P510 owners to invest in some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Nikon P510
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon P510 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

    Nikon P510 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P520
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon B500
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P530
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P500
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P610
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P600
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P900
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Nikon P950
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 290shots Yes Yes No

    Nikon P510 Video Features

    With Nikon P510, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 15,30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon P510 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.

    High-Speed Video

    P510 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 120fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 120fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 5x slower and longer than normal.

    P510 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Nikon P510 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Bridge Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Bridge Cameras with Headphone Port

    Nikon P510 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon P510 can shoot continuously at max speed of 7 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately P510 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon P510 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Nikon P510 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 P510 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon P510 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon P510 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon P510 has a score of 42 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    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 of how we scored Nikon P510 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon P510 for Street Photography

    Nikon P510 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 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P510 for Street Photography

    Nikon P510 for Sports Photography

    Nikon P510 has a score of 48 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    1000 mm Tele Lens
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    Unknown Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P510 for Sports Photography

    Nikon P510 for Daily Photography

    Nikon P510 has a score of 52 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 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    41.7X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    555g
    Body Thickness 102mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P510 for Daily Photography

    Nikon P510 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon P510 has a score of 29 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theP510.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Built-in GPS
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon P510 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon P510 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon P510 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon P510 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon P510

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon P510 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon P520
    Nikon P520
    Compare
    Nikon B500
    Nikon B500
    Compare
    Nikon P530
    Nikon P530
    Compare
    Nikon P500
    Nikon P500
    Compare
    Nikon P610
    Nikon P610
    Compare
    Nikon P600
    Nikon P600
    Compare
    Nikon P900
    Nikon P900
    Compare
    Nikon P950
    Nikon P950
    Compare

    Nikon P510 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon P510 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon P510's price range.

    Nikon P510 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon P510 has an Overall Score of 50/100 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 P510 is ranked #38 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 20 Bridge), and ranked #502 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #502 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #38 out of 113 in Top Ranking Bridge Cameras
    #46 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #91 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #55 out of 104 in Lightest Bridge Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(555g)
    #161 out of 191 in Top Ranking Cameras with Tilting Screen

    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 P510
    Does the Nikon P510 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon P510 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon P510 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon P510 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon P510?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon P510?
    is the Nikon P510 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon P510 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon P510 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon P510?
    What is the Weight of Nikon P510?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon P510?
    Nikon Coolpix P510 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix P510
    Announced 2012-07-05
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-1000 mm (41.7×)
    Max Aperture F3.0-5.9
    Macro Focus Range 2cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Technology TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution n/a
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 7.0 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 Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (15, 30fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 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 Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 555g
    Physical Dimensions 120 x 83 x 102mm
    Battery Life 200 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL5
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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