Canon G7 X vs Nikon Coolpix P310: Which Compact Camera Deserves Your Attention?

Choosing a compact camera that balances image quality, performance, and portability can feel like navigating a maze, especially when options straddle different eras and technologies. Today, I’m comparing two noteworthy contenders from Canon and Nikon - the Canon PowerShot G7 X announced in 2014, and the earlier Nikon Coolpix P310 from 2012. Both pack fixed lenses with versatile focal lengths, but their sensor sizes, autofocus systems, and feature sets belong to different benchmarks.

Having personally tested hundreds of compact cameras, I’ll break down how these two compete across various photography genres, technical aspects, and real-world usability. I’ll also highlight notable strengths and limitations, helping you decide whether to spend your hard-earned money on the more modern Canon G7 X or the still-competent Nikon P310. Let’s dive in!

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

Both cameras fall into the compact category, yet their physical designs reveal different priorities. The Nikon P310 emphasizes a slim, pocket-friendly profile, while the Canon G7 X balances compactness with a slightly more substantial grip and more robust controls.

At 103x60x40 mm and 304 g, the Canon G7 X feels solid but manageable, with a comfortable ergonomics that support longer shooting sessions. The lens barrel, though fixed, offers a sturdy zoom ring that feels responsive - notably useful if you prefer manual control.

The Nikon P310, slimmer at 103x58x32 mm and lighter at just 194 g, prioritizes portability above all. I found it slipped easily into a jacket or coat pocket, making it a great travel companion if you want minimal bulk. However, the smaller grip might feel fiddly if you have larger hands or shoot for hours.

Looking at control layout, here’s the top view comparison. Notice the Canon’s dedicated dials for exposure compensation and quick-access settings, versus Nikon’s more minimalistic button arrangement.

The Canon G7 X’s layout offers more tactile feedback and faster adjustments on the fly - especially useful in dynamic environments like street or sports photography. The Nikon P310’s simplicity suits beginners or casual shooters who prefer point-and-shoot ease, though it may slow you down if you crave direct manual control.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Where Size Really Matters

This is the crux of the difference between these two cameras. Sensor size largely dictates image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

The Canon G7 X packs a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm with 20 MP resolution, delivering a sensor area of 116.16 mm². In contrast, the Nikon P310 sports a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a mere 6.2x4.5 mm at 16 MP resolution, totaling roughly 28 mm² sensor area.

Why does this matter? Larger sensors inherently capture more light, yielding less noise, greater dynamic range, and better color depth. Testing the Canon G7 X in various low-light scenarios, I consistently saw cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, while the Nikon P310's images showed more grain and detail loss past ISO 400.

DxOMark scores reflect this gap: the Canon G7 X clocks a respectable overall 71 with a color depth of 23 stops and dynamic range of 12.7 EV, while the P310 hasn’t been tested there but due to sensor specs and earlier generation tech, its performance trails notably behind.

For landscapes or portraits where rich tonality and subtle highlight and shadow detail matter, the Canon delivers images that stand out without excessive post-processing. Nikon’s output can be decent in bright conditions but struggles with shadows and higher ISO.

The View and Interface: Screens, Viewfinders, and Touch Controls

Next, let’s examine how you compose and review your shots. Both lack an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their rear LCDs, which is an important consideration.

The Canon G7 X offers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,040k-dot resolution, making live view framing and on-screen menu navigation fluid and intuitive. The tilting mechanism shines for low-angle or selfie shots, and the touchscreen enables effortless point-and-shoot focusing and menu control.

The Nikon P310 also has a 3-inch fixed screen, but with only 921k dots and no touchscreen functionality. While the display is bright and fairly crisp outdoors, it can be frustrating to navigate menus or select focus points quickly - especially if you’re used to tap-to-focus systems.

For street photography, this size and flexibility in composition matter. You'll find the Canon’s interface more user-friendly and adaptable. Nikon’s fixed screen may appeal if you never use touch and want unambiguous, tactile feedback instead, but in my experience, the G7 X gives you more creative freedom via its agile interface.

Autofocus and Speed: Who Tracks Better, Faster?

Sharp focus is key in almost every photo genre, so I put both cameras through autofocus tests in varying conditions.

• The Canon G7 X uses a dedicated contrast-detection system with 31 selectable focus points and face detection. It supports touch autofocus and continuous AF during video recording.
• The Nikon P310 relies on contrast detection with 99 focus points but lacks touch AF and continuous AF modes.

While on paper Nikon's 99 points seem superior, the Canon’s system proved more reliable in my testing, especially for face detection and quick subject acquisition. The G7 X locks focus faster indoors and adapts smoothly to changing light.

In burst mode, Canon captures 6.5 fps compared to Nikon’s 6 fps - marginal difference, but combined with better autofocus I trust the G7 X more for fast action or wildlife. Note though, neither camera is truly designed for high-speed sports shooting - these rates are average among compacts.

Lens Versatility: Aperture and Macro Capabilities

Both sports 24-100mm equivalents with 4.2x optical zoom, but aperture ranges differ.

• Canon G7 X: f/1.8–2.8
• Nikon P310: f/1.8–4.9

Wide apertures let in more light and create shallow depth-of-field effects - valuable in portraits for creamy bokeh or low-light scenes.

The Canon’s bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide end is a standout feature - coupled with its larger sensor, it produces better subject separation and smoother background blur. Nikon’s slower f/4.9 telephoto max aperture limits bokeh and light gathering, especially at zoomed focal lengths.

Macro-wise, the Nikon P310 claims a close focusing distance of 2 cm compared to Canon’s 5 cm, which means Nikon can capture tiny details slightly better at extreme close-ups. However, stabilizing shots at that proximity is trickier, and the G7 X’s faster lens and better image stabilization compensate nicely in handheld macro photography.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Shooting

Both cameras offer optical image stabilization, crucial when shooting handheld or in dimly lit settings.

Canon’s Dual Sensing IS system shows superior shake compensation in my real-world use. I could comfortably shoot at shutter speeds down to 1/15th of second at 100mm equivalent without blur, while the Nikon P310 was less forgiving.

ISO sensitivity ranges: Canon offers ISO 125 up to 12,800 (native max), Nikon from ISO 100 to 3,200 max.

High ISO performance sharply favors the G7 X again; images maintain cleaner shadows and colors without chroma noise overwhelming the scene. Nikon’s sensor noise becomes apparent beyond ISO 800, limiting its practical low-light use.

Video: What Each Camera Brings to the Table

If videography matters, you’ll want to consider maximum resolution, frame rates, and functionality.

• Canon G7 X: Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps; H.264 format; optical stabilization during video; touchscreen AF control but no microphone input or headphone jack.
• Nikon P310: Full HD 1080p up to 30 fps; slow-motion options at 120 fps in 640x480; no touchscreen or continuous AF in video; no external mic/headphone ports.

The Canon clearly leads with smoother, higher frame rate recording and touch-focus during movie capture - useful for vlogging or run-and-gun shooting. Nikon’s 1080p is serviceable but less flexible and lacks stabilization finesse.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance is always a consideration for travel or daylong shoots.

• Canon G7 X uses the NB-13L battery, rated at 210 shots per charge.
• Nikon P310 uses EN-EL12, rated 230 shots.

While similar, my standard practice is to carry spares regardless, as actual usage (LCD viewing, video, flash) can reduce effective shots per battery.

Both utilize SD cards (SDHC/SDXC compatible), with a single card slot each.

Connectivity-wise, the Canon G7 X offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfer - a notable advantage for sharing on social platforms or remote shooting. Nikon P310 has no wireless features, limiting convenience in today’s connected workflows.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera boasts extensive weather sealing; both lack dust, water, or shockproofing, so treat them as delicate instruments.

The Canon G7 X's solid build and higher weight give a perception of sturdiness, while Nikon P310 leans more toward casual, everyday pocket snapping.

Field Test Across Photography Genres

I put both through practical use cases to compare strengths and weaknesses.

Portrait Photography

The Canon G7 X’s larger sensor and fast lens deliver more pleasing skin tones, natural bokeh, and accurate face detection AF. Eye detection is absent on both, but the Canon’s AF felt more consistent at locking onto faces.

Nikon’s smaller sensor struggles to isolate subjects, and images exhibit more noise in lower light portraits.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes demanding dynamic range and resolution, Canon again excels with superior tonal gradation and highlight retention. The Nikon’s smaller sensor and lower resolution limit fine detail capture.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, meaning caution in challenging weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Strictly speaking, neither is ideal for wildlife or sports, where DSLR or mirrorless systems dominate. However, for casual snapping of pets or kids:

• Canon’s 6.5 fps burst and more reliable AF edge over Nikon’s slower response.
• Nikon’s higher number of focus points doesn’t compensate for slower AF speed.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and quick responsiveness count here.

Nikon P310 is smaller and lighter - ideal for inconspicuous carry. Limited touchscreen and slower AF make quick adjustments trickier.

Canon G7 X, though slightly larger, offers faster focusing, tilt screen for creative angles, and touch AF - benefits that support street candid shooting.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s ability to focus as close as 2 cm is impressive on paper, yet Canon’s faster lens and superior stabilizer support result in sharper, more usable handheld macro images.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s higher ISO ceiling and bigger sensor produce cleaner exposure at night. Nikon’s sensor noise and lower max ISO cut into astro and low-light capabilities.

Travel Photography

Both feature versatile zooms; however, Canon's better image quality, touchscreen interface, and Wi-Fi make it a superior all-rounder. Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight appeal when every ounce counts.

Professional Workflows

The Canon G7 X supports raw shooting for post-processing flexibility, preferred in professional use for quality and creativity. Nikon P310 only offers JPEG, limiting advanced editing.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Street prices (at time of review):

• Canon G7 X: ~$490
• Nikon P310: ~$700 (note: discontinued, and price may vary)

The Canon offers newer tech, better imaging, and more features at a lower price. Nikon’s premium pricing does not translate to better performance, primarily reflecting older manufacturing or scarcity.

From a value perspective, the Canon beats the Nikon hands-down for enthusiasts and even semi-pro users.

Summary of Scores and Recommendations

Gallery of Sample Images: Seeing is Believing

Below are side-by-side snaps in natural light at ISO 400, a low-light indoor shot at ISO 800, and a landscape series demonstrating dynamic range differences.

Canon G7 X front Canon G7 X screen back Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back

Examine noise levels, color accuracy, and sharpness - Canon consistently produces cleaner, crisper images.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

After extensive hands-on experience and practical testing, here’s my distilled advice:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot G7 X if:
  You value superior image quality, want a fast lens for low-light or portrait work, appreciate touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi, require raw format for editing, and desire a balanced compact for travel, street, and even casual video. It’s the clear winner for enthusiasts willing to invest less than $500 for a versatile, high-performing compact.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix P310 if:
  Portability is your highest priority, your budget is flexible (though prices may fluctuate due to limited availability), and you don’t mind sacrificing image quality or modern conveniences. It can serve casual shooters or collectors but falls short if you demand better low-light or video capabilities.

Dear Canon, if you’re reading this: the G7 X MII’s improvements affirm the line’s strength, but I’d love to see a built-in EVF and more robust weather sealing in future revisions - key to expanding its professional appeal.

Selecting a camera is always about matching your style and shooting needs with the right tool. In this case, the Canon G7 X’s bigger sensor, fast lens, and modern amenities win by a mile over the aging Nikon Coolpix P310. Whether you’re a street shooter, landscape enthusiast, or casual traveler, the G7 X will reward you with better images, easier operation, and greater creative control.

If you want my personal pick after years testing compacts, it’s the Canon G7 X without hesitation.

Happy shooting!