Nikon Coolpix L810 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the diverse world of small-sensor superzoom cameras, the Nikon Coolpix L810 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 represent distinct approaches to versatile photography tools. Both cameras feature fixed lenses with extensive zoom ranges, yet they cater to different user needs and expectations nearly three years apart in release. After extensive hands-on testing, analyzing their performance across photography disciplines and technical facets, this detailed comparison will help clarify which of these superzoom compacts deserves your investment.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

When assessing cameras, the physical feel is crucial - especially with travel and everyday cameras where comfort and portability matter.

The Nikon L810 is a traditional compact with a modest footprint (111 x 76 x 83 mm) and a weight of 430 grams. It’s pocketable in a coat pocket but leans toward a bulkier feel than typical point-and-shoots, largely due to the generous zoom lens. However, ergonomically, the L810 presents rudimentary controls but no manual focus ring or dedicated exposure dials, limiting tactile interaction.

Contrast this with the Panasonic FZ300’s SLR-style bridge camera design measuring 132 x 92 x 117 mm and weighing 691 grams. It feels more substantial and robust in hand, a deliberate choice matched to its weather-sealed construction and professional usability. The grip is deep and contoured, and the button layout offers direct access to critical settings, including manual focus and manual exposure modes.

The top-panel control layout on the FZ300 is more sophisticated, offering dials for aperture and shutter priority as well as a dedicated mode dial. In comparison, the L810 remains simple - almost utilitarian - with basic zoom and shutter buttons plus limited exposure adjustment, primarily targeted at novices or casual shooters.

In practice: If you prioritize lightweight portability and ease, the L810 is less intimidating but compromises on control. The FZ300, though heavier, delivers the refined ergonomics that avid enthusiasts and professionals appreciate for lengthy shoots.

Sensor and Image Quality: How They Capture the World

Both cameras share the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55mm sensor area), typical for compact superzoom cameras, but their sensor tech and resolution vary. The Nikon L810 employs a 16MP CCD sensor, while the Panasonic FZ300 sports a 12MP CMOS sensor with updated processing thanks to the Venus Engine.

Resolution & Detail

The L810’s 16 megapixels theoretically offer more detail in ideal conditions. However, in practice, the CCD sensor struggles with noise and limited dynamic range at higher ISOs, capped at ISO 1600. The FZ300’s 12MP CMOS sensor, paired with Venus Engine image processing, delivers cleaner images, especially in low light, with a much higher ISO ceiling of 6400. The CMOS sensor’s back-illuminated design contributes to this improved light sensitivity and better noise control.

Dynamic Range & Color Fidelity

In real-world landscape and portrait tests, the FZ300 demonstrated superior dynamic range, better recovering highlights and shadows without aggressive post-processing. Its color reproduction is more balanced and natural, while the L810 can occasionally produce oversaturated colors or clipped highlights in challenging lighting.

RAW vs JPEG

Notably, the FZ300 supports RAW files, enabling post-shoot exposure and color balance editing without image degradation. The L810 only offers JPEG output - a significant handicap for professionals who require maximum editing latitude.

Practical Takeaway

For straightforward snapshots in bright light, the L810’s sensor can suffice. Yet, if you prioritize image quality, especially under varied lighting, the FZ300’s sensor and processing leapfrog well beyond what the L810 can deliver.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Shooting comfort also depends heavily on monitoring technology.

The Nikon L810 features a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 921k-dot resolution and no touchscreen functionality. It’s adequate for framing and review but limited in flexibility.

The Panasonic FZ300 counters with a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD boasting 1040k dots - higher resolution and far more versatile. The articulating screen is invaluable for shooting from awkward angles, macro work, or video recording. The touchscreen interface allows intuitive focus point selection and menu navigation, speeding operation.

Unlike the L810, the FZ300 provides a bright and crisp electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440k-dot resolution and full 100% coverage. This is crucial for outdoor shooting in bright sunlight when LCDs can wash out, and for precise framing and focus confirmation.

Summary: The FZ300 wins hands down on composition and interface flexibility, while the L810’s fixed LCD feels dated and limiting for serious use.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus capability is pivotal across all photography types, influencing your ability to seize fleeting moments sharply.

The L810 offers a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection but lacks continuous autofocus, tracking, or manual focus options. Frame rate is a sluggish 1.2 fps continuous shooting, limiting action capture. Focus points are minimal and not user-selectable. This limited AF performance caps usefulness in fast-action or wildlife scenarios.

In contrast, the FZ300 features a hybrid contrast-detect autofocus system with 49 focus points, touch AF, face detection, continuous AF, and AF tracking. Burst shooting reaches a rapid 12 fps at full resolution, impressive for this sensor class. It also supports manual focus with a tactile focus ring on the lens barrel.

Testing both cameras on wildlife and sports subjects confirmed that the FZ300 nails tracking moving subjects and locks focus swiftly and reliably. By comparison, the L810’s AF often lags, missing decisive moments.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility and Image Quality

Both cameras provide superzoom lenses - fixed to the body - that define much of their appeal.

• Nikon L810: 23-585 mm (26x optical zoom), f/3.1-5.9 aperture
• Panasonic FZ300: 25-600 mm (24x optical zoom), constant f/2.8 aperture

Though zoom ranges are similar, the FZ300’s constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range is a standout feature. This enables better low-light performance, consistent exposure control, and shallower depth-of-field effects - valuable for portrait and creative photography.

While the L810’s f/3.1 aperture is acceptable at wide angle, it quickly narrows to f/5.9 at telephoto, limiting light intake and resulting in slower shutter speeds.

In terms of optical performance, the FZ300’s lens includes Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, with sharpness maintained across the zoom range. The L810’s lens, while decent, shows more softness and chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths.

In macro mode, both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm, but the FZ300’s image stabilization and sharper optics produce superior results.

Build Quality and Durability

An often overlooked but critical aspect for travel and outdoor shooters.

The Nikon L810’s plastic body feels lightweight but less robust. It lacks any weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Careful handling is needed to avoid damage from the elements.

Conversely, the Panasonic FZ300 boasts a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, resistant to dust, water splashes, and moderate rain - a rare quality in superzoom compacts and a boon for adventure photographers. It is neither shockproof nor freezeproof but feels confident out in challenging environments.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The Nikon L810 runs on 4 AA batteries, easily obtainable worldwide - ideal for travelers without charger access. However, battery life is limited to about 300 shots per charge, and you must carry spares.

The FZ300 uses a proprietary rechargeable battery pack rated for 380 shots. While less convenient than AA batteries for emergency replacements, the improved capacity and consistent performance offer better reliability for extended use.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, though the FZ300’s higher video bitrates and RAW files demand larger capacity and faster cards for optimal performance.

Video Capabilities

Video increasingly matters - let’s see how these cameras fare.

• Nikon L810: 720p HD at 30 fps, MPEG-4 format, fixed focus during recording, no manual controls. No microphone input.
• Panasonic FZ300: 4K UHD video at 30/24 fps, Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 support. Includes manual exposure controls, focus peaking, and a microphone input.

Testing video usability reveals the L810’s video is strictly casual, suitable for basic clips but lacking detail, stabilization refinement, and sound control.

The FZ300 delivers professional-level flexibility, impressive detail in 4K, and audio customization via an external microphone - a big plus for vloggers and video enthusiasts.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nikon L810 offers a USB 2.0 connection and an HDMI port but no wireless connectivity.

The Panasonic FZ300 upgrades connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi for remote control, easy image transfer, and firmware updates via mobile devices. It also supports USB 2.0 and HDMI.

Other handy features on the FZ300 include:

• Post Focus function allowing focus point selection after shooting
• Timelapse recording, useful for creative projects
• Touchscreen for swift menu and AF adjustments

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

In a comprehensive evaluation aggregating image quality, speed, control, and usability, the Panasonic FZ300 scores significantly higher across almost all categories: sports, wildlife, landscape, portrait, street photography, and video productions.

The Nikon L810 is best suited for casual users dabbling in travel and family photography, where simplicity and cost are priorities over flexibility.

Sample Images: Real-World Output Comparison

Nikon L810 front Nikon L810 screen back Panasonic FZ300 front Panasonic FZ300 screen back

Images captured side-by-side show the FZ300’s cleaner, sharper images with better color depth and dynamic range. Portrait shots benefit from the wider aperture lens and reliable face detection. Landscape photographs reveal more detail in shadows and highlights. Wildlife images are sharp and well-tracked, capturing motion without blur.

Pros & Cons Summary

Nikon L810

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to use for beginners
• AA battery use convenient for travel
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Older CCD sensor with limited ISO and dynamic range
• Slow autofocus and shooting speed
• No RAW, no manual exposure modes
• Basic fixed LCD, no EVF
• No weather sealing or wireless connectivity

Panasonic FZ300

Pros:

• Constant f/2.8 aperture zoom lens
• Fast, accurate hybrid AF with tracking
• 4K video with advanced controls
• Fully articulated touchscreen and EVF
• Weather-sealed robust build
• RAW support and extensive manual controls
• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
• Superior image quality in low light and overall

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier body
• Proprietary battery pack needs planning
• Higher cost

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon L810 if:

• You want a budget-friendly superzoom for casual use
• Portability and simple point-and-shoot are your priority
• You are a beginner or mostly shoot in good lighting without editing needs

Choose the Panasonic FZ300 if:

• You want a versatile camera that covers serious photo and video needs
• You require manual control for creative work
• You shoot in challenging lighting or weather
• You demand fast autofocus and high burst rates for wildlife or sports
• You want modern connectivity and advanced video capabilities

Final Thoughts: Real-World Performance Meets Practical Needs

Having tested these two cameras intensively, the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 clearly stands as the more capable, future-proof superzoom compact for photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking power without the bulk and expense of interchangeable lens systems. Its advanced sensor, superior lens, comprehensive controls, and rugged construction deliver a user experience and image quality that justify its higher price.

The Nikon Coolpix L810, meanwhile, remains a simple, accessible option for casual users who want a large zoom in a lightweight package with no frills.

Each serves a niche - your choice depends on where your photography passion and usage patterns lie.

Why you can trust this review: With 15+ years testing thousands of cameras, I assess gear through rigorous side-by-side shooting under real-world conditions, technical lab measurements, and photographic genre-specific challenges. My goal is to provide balanced, practical advice rooted in firsthand experience so you can confidently choose the camera best suited for your creative journey.