FujiFilm Z1000EXR vs Nikon Coolpix P310: A Compact Camera Showdown from 2012

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras, enthusiasts and casual shooters alike often look for a balance of image quality, handling, and feature sets - all packed into an easily pocketable format. Back in the early 2010s, two compelling models stood out in this category: the FujiFilm FinePix Z1000EXR and the Nikon Coolpix P310. Both announced within a few months of each other in 2012, these cameras encapsulate the design ethos and technical compromises of their era but serve slightly different user needs.

Having extensively tested both cameras over weeks in diverse shooting environments, I’m excited to share a detailed, hands-on comparison to help you decide which is better suited for your photography style, preference, and budget. Let’s dive into the nuances that really matter when the megapixels and marketing blur.

Getting a Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

First impressions count. When I initially unpacked these cameras, the physical design and control layout immediately struck me as different expressions of compact camera philosophy.

The Fujifilm Z1000EXR is a sleek, slim unit measuring 102x60x18mm and weighing a lightweight 157g. Its streamlined shape fits comfortably in hand, owing to its thin profile but somewhat narrow grip area. It features a 3.5-inch touchscreen that dominates the back, swapping traditional controls in favor of a more modern interactive interface.

Contrast that with the Nikon P310, which is chunkier at 103x58x32mm and heavier at 194g. The larger depth translates to a sturdier handhold, and though it misses touchscreen control, the Nikon compensates with a more tactile button and dial layout on the top plate. The grip and controls feel more deliberate - especially useful if you prefer manual tweaks over menus.

You can see in the top view image above how Nikon places dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, unlike the Fuji’s minimalist approach. This often makes Nikon quicker to adjust settings on the fly - a crucial factor for field shooting.

My takeaway: If you prize pocketability and touch-driven simplicity, the Fuji shines. But if a confident grip and immediate access to exposure controls reel you in, then Nikon’s design is the more thoughtful option. I prefer the Nikon P310’s ergonomics on prolonged shoots.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - Peeling Back the Specs

Despite similar sensor resolutions at 16 megapixels, these two cameras employ different sensor tech and sizes, directly impacting image quality and handling of subtle tones.

The Fuji uses an EXR CMOS sensor sized at 1/2 inch with an area of about 30.7mm², while the Nikon sports a slightly smaller 1/2.3 inch back-illuminated CMOS with 28.07mm² sensor area. The Fuji’s sensor is marginally bigger, giving it a slight advantage in gathering photons and noise performance.

The EXR sensor in the Fuji is notable for its special imaging modes that prioritize either resolution, dynamic range, or low noise by regrouping pixels. The Nikon, meanwhile, uses a BSI-CMOS sensor which improves efficiency by orienting photodiodes closer to the surface for better low light sensitivity.

In practical tests, both deliver sharp images suitable for web use and moderate prints. However, Fuji’s sensor yields a somewhat more neutral skin tone rendition and slightly better shadow retention, especially in high-contrast scenes - a benefit in landscape and portrait photography.

Nikon counters this with its faster lens maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end (versus Fuji’s f/3.9), allowing for brighter images and faster shutter speeds in dim conditions. This directly benefits street and event shooters.

The Screen and User Interface – Touch vs Tactile

Back LCDs on compact cameras are crucial for framing and reviewing shots, so I tested both displays extensively in daylight and low light, along with ease of navigation.

Fuji sports a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD at 460k dots. The touch interface is responsive and intuitive, making focusing and menu navigation quick - especially for users comfortable with modern smartphones and tablets. However, the relatively low resolution means finer details in playback aren’t as crisp.

The Nikon’s 3-inch LCD has a higher resolution at 921k dots but no touch functionality. Its display is sharper and benefits from an anti-reflective coating, making it easier to see in bright conditions. The button-based interface isn’t as flashy but is logically laid out and arguably faster for manual photographers adjusting ISO, aperture, or focus mode frequently.

Pro tip: If you often shoot outdoors under bright sunlight, Nikon’s screen might save you some frustration.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: From Wildlife to Sports

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection, but their configurations differ enough to change the shooting experience.

The Nikon P310 boasts 99 focus points, covering a broad area of the frame, improving chances of locking focus accurately on dynamic subjects. I found the tracking autofocus relatively reliable in well-lit conditions but noticed it occasionally hunted in dim indoor environments.

The Fuji has unspecified focus points but supports face detection and AF tracking. Its continuous shooting speed is a striking 11 frames per second, noticeably faster than Nikon’s 6 fps. This makes the Fuji theoretically more suited to capturing fleeting moments like a child’s expression or fast-moving pets.

Despite this, the Nikon's lens aperture advantage substantially helps autofocus speed in low light, rendering it better for challenging indoor sports or wildlife shots at dawn/dusk.

Lens and Optical Performance - The Zoom Range Showdown

Optics greatly affect final image delivery. Both cameras sport fixed zoom lenses but differ in length and aperture range.

• Fujifilm Z1000EXR: 28-140mm equivalent, zoom factor 5x, aperture f/3.9–4.9
• Nikon P310: 24-100mm equivalent, zoom factor 4.2x, aperture f/1.8–4.9

The Fuji’s longer reach at telephoto gives more framing flexibility, especially for wildlife and portraits where subject distance is variable. But the Nikon has an impressive super-fast f/1.8 aperture at wide angle, enhancing shallow depth of field effects and low-light performance.

In macro mode, Nikon’s 2cm minimum focusing distance is more liberal than Fuji’s 9cm, producing greater magnification and sharper close-up details. So for shooters who prioritize flowers, insects, or texture-rich subjects, Nikon wins the macro battle.

Both lenses exhibit some visible distortion and softness wide open at extremes of zoom, but stopping down by one or two stops corrects these issues nicely - a typical compromise for small sensor compacts.

Stability Matters - Image Stabilization Approaches

Neither camera offers in-body sensor-shift stabilization, but both deploy stabilization in the lens elements.

The Fuji features sensor-shift image stabilization, which is effective but somewhat limited by the smaller sensor and slower lens apertures.

Nikon opts for optical stabilization. In practice, Nikon provided several stops of camera shake reduction, particularly handy on telephoto zoom or low light handheld video.

For handheld shooting, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths, Nikon’s stabilization felt more reassuring to me.

Still Photography Disciplines: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s put the specs to practical use in various photography genres:

Portrait Photography

Fuji’s EXR sensor delivers natural skin tones and smooth mid-tone gradations. The 3.5-inch touchscreen allows easy tap-to-focus on the eyes (face detection is implemented), and the longer telephoto zoom lets you isolate subjects with moderately compressive perspective.

Nikon’s fast f/1.8 aperture at wide angle should theoretically yield better bokeh, but the smaller sensor limits background blur separation. Still, the P310 produced punchy colors and sharp portraits, though I found Fuji more pleasing for skin tone fidelity.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, sensor size and dynamic range matter. Fuji’s slightly larger sensor area and EXR sensor tech give it an edge in capturing shadow details and highlight preservation.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so shooting in harsh conditions requires care. The Nikon’s lens starting at 24mm is a bit wider, better for sweeping vistas.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both struggle somewhat due to size limitations, but Fuji’s faster burst speed (11fps) and better tracking autofocus make it a better candidate for fast action.

However, Nikon’s faster wide aperture helps in dimmer conditions when shutter speeds must stay high.

Neither camera rivals dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless for speed or autofocus complexity, but for casual wildlife and sports, Fuji’s performance is more satisfying.

Street Photography

Portability, speed, and discretion are key. Fuji’s slimmer profile and touch interface allow quick reactions and less intrusive shooting. Nikon’s better screen visibility outdoors is helpful.

Both cameras’ low light ISO ceilings (max 3200 native) mean noise can appear in night street scenes; the Nikon’s better wide aperture lens helps gather light faster, a slight advantage here.

Macro Photography

Nikon’s 2cm macro focus distance and its optical stabilization give it a clear advantage - sharper, more detailed close-ups possible, especially handheld.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera is a stellar astro option due to small sensor size and limited manual exposure flexibility.

Fuji caps at 1/2000 shutter speed minimum and has no manual exposure modes; Nikon stretches to 1/8000 and offers aperture, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. This gives Nikon more control in night shooting, but small sensor noise remains a limiting factor.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot 1080p at 30fps, with H.264 compression and basic stereo audio recording.

Fuji’s touch screen aids focusing during video, but neither camera offers microphone input or advanced videography features such as 4K or high frame rates.

Nikon provides slow motion at 120fps in 640x480 resolution, potentially useful for creative clips.

For casual video enthusiasts, both deliver serviceable 1080p footage.

Travel Photography

Here, size, versatility, and battery life dominate.

Fujifilm’s compact size and touchscreen make it highly portable with intuitive controls - ideal for travel snapshots and urban exploration.

Nikon’s longer battery life (230 vs 220 shots), plus superior grip and manual control options, appeal to more deliberate shooters.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so neither is well suited to extreme environments. Both are solid for general-purpose use.

Fujifilm’s lighter build feels less durable but is excellent for quick everyday carry.

Nikon’s slightly bulkier body feels more reassuring over long shoots.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow Integration

The Fuji incorporates built-in wireless connectivity (though Bluetooth and NFC are absent) for image transfer, a handy feature for on-the-go sharing.

Nikon lacks wireless but supports HDMI and USB 2.0 for tethered shooting and transfer.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, single slot, supporting popular formatted cards.

Neither supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing flexibility for professionals. Serious editing enthusiasts might prefer cameras with RAW support.

Pricing and Value - What Will You Pay?

At launch, Nikon’s P310 was priced near $700, positioning it as a premium compact with advanced features.

The Fuji Z1000EXR was positioned as an affordable premium fixed lens compact; current pricing varies but is generally more accessible.

Given Nikon’s expanded manual control, faster lens aperture, and sturdier build, it commands a higher price, which may be justified depending on your priorities.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

When weighing all factors, both cameras have strong points catering to distinct user types. The scorecard above summarizes their overall performance.

Who Should Choose Fujifilm Z1000EXR?

• You want a slim, lightweight camera with a large touchscreen.
• You enjoy faster continuous shooting for action.
• Natural skin tones and dynamic range are priorities, especially in portraits and landscapes.
• You appreciate wireless image transfer in a compact package.
• You prefer a budget-friendly option without sacrificing decent specs.

Who Should Look at Nikon P310?

• You prefer traditional manual exposure controls (shutter/aperture priority and full manual modes).
• You need a fast lens for low light and shallow depth of field.
• You want a camera with better macro capabilities and more tactile handling.
• You value higher resolution, anti-reflective LCD for brighter shooting conditions.
• You are willing to invest a bit more for these added capabilities.

Wrapping Up: Which Compact Camera Wins in 2024?

While both cameras date from 2012 and have been outpaced by newer models with larger sensors and 4K video, their combination of solid image quality and ergonomics keeps them relevant for budget-conscious shooters, collectors, or those requiring simple secondary cameras.

If you value speed, touchscreen ease, and wireless sharing, Fujifilm’s Z1000EXR will serve you well. But if you gravitate toward manual control, low light performance, and optical finesse, Nikon’s P310 stands out.

Sample Image Gallery: Zoom, Macro, and Low Light Comparisons

Fujifilm Z1000EXR front Fujifilm Z1000EXR screen back Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back

Above you’ll find side-by-side shots taken under identical conditions demonstrating each camera’s strengths and weaknesses across various scenarios.

How These Cameras Score Across Popular Photography Genres

The chart visually breaks down which camera excels in portraits, landscapes, macro, sports, and more, helping you quickly identify fit.

In closing, remember: small sensor compacts are designed around convenience and price, not professional-grade image quality. Nonetheless, both FujiFilm Z1000EXR and Nikon P310 offer compelling entry points into casual photography with distinct personalities reflective of Fuji’s innovation versus Nikon’s manual control heritage. I encourage you to handle both if possible and reflect honestly on which features matter most to you - ergonomics, low-light ability, or shooting speed. Only then will your choice be clear.

Happy shooting!