Nikon Coolpix L840 vs Nikon Coolpix P510: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When considering bridge cameras in the small sensor superzoom category, Nikon has crafted a lineage of models that cater to varying needs - balancing reach, control, and usability. Today, I’m putting two of these cameras head-to-head: the Nikon Coolpix L840 and the Nikon Coolpix P510.

Both launched in the early and mid-2010s, these cameras promise hefty zoom ranges packed into relatively compact bodies. Yet, beneath their SLR-style exteriors lie considerable differences in features, handling, and targeted users.

Having logged dozens of photo sessions and lab tests on both, I’m here to unpack how they perform in real-world scenarios - from crisp portraits through sprawling landscapes to nimble street photography and beyond.

Let’s dive deep.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

The L840 and P510 carry the look and feel of SLR-esque bridges - bulky but intuitively contoured. Straight out of the box, the P510 exudes a more professional vibe with its slightly heavier, robust build and a genuine electronic viewfinder. The L840, meanwhile, embraces simplicity, appealing more to enthusiasts wanting an easy superzoom experience.

To get a clearer sense of their physical differences, here’s a size and ergonomics comparison:

The L840 weighs in lighter at 538 grams vs. the P510’s 555 grams - not a huge margin, but the P510 feels denser in hand. The L840’s dimensions (114x89x96 mm) make it a bit more compact than the P510 (120x83x102 mm), though the P510’s slimmer profile seems more elongated due to its longer 41.7× zoom range versus L840’s 38×.

Ergonomically, the P510 offers a richer control experience, featuring more customizable buttons and dedicated dials. The absence of an EVF on the L840 forces full reliance on the rear screen for composition, which can be less convenient outdoors.

Simply put, if grip comfort and tactile control are paramount - such as during long shoots or action photography - the P510 edges ahead here. For casual use, travel, or mixed photography where weight and ease matter, the L840 isn’t far behind and might be preferred.

Control Layout and Interface: Which Works Better?

Nikon’s UI philosophy carries through here with both models sporting similar button placements, but nuances matter when shooting.

Here’s a side-by-side of the top controls:

The P510’s dedicated shutter speed and aperture rings, along with a mode dial supporting manual exposure modes, give serious shooters direct access to settings. The L840 strips much of this away, offering no manual exposure but maintaining aperture priority and shutter priority modes.

Further, the P510 includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a critical inclusion for many photographers, especially in bright light or rapid action scenarios. The L840 relies solely on its 3" tilting, 921k-dot LCD screen which suffices for framing in many conditions but can struggle under harsh daylight.

Both screens share the same resolution and size, but the P510’s TFT LCD benefits from anti-reflective coating, improving outdoor visibility.

The L840’s simpler interface may appeal to beginners or those upgrading from point-and-shoots, while the P510’s complexity lets you fine-tune your shots with precision.

For photographers accustomed to DSLR-like controls, P510 feels more natural; casual users may prefer L840’s streamlined approach.

Sensor and Image Quality: Breaking Down the Specs

Both cameras carry 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensors - common in this segment - but differ slightly in sensor type:

• L840: Conventional CMOS sensor
• P510: Backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS)

BSI sensors generally offer improved sensitivity at low light due to their architecture that better captures light, which could translate to cleaner images at higher ISOs.

While neither camera supports RAW capture (a significant consideration for pros), their JPEG engines differ.

At base ISO (100), both deliver respectable, sharp images with good detail given their sensor size. The L840’s anti-aliasing filter slightly smooths fine textures, occasionally reducing the appearance of moiré but sacrificing potential sharpness. The P510’s sensor and EXPEED C2 processor combination tends to extract better micro-detail and dynamic range, aided by a more advanced in-camera noise reduction.

Low light performance reiterates this disparity. The P510 maxes out at ISO 3200 while the L840 reaches ISO 6400, but image noise in the L840 becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800, compromising usable quality. The P510 produces cleaner images at higher ISO levels, a direct benefit of the BSI sensor.

In practical terms, portrait skin tones render naturally on both, though subtle differences exist: the P510 handles shadows gracefully while the L840 tends to clip shadows or exhibit flatter tonal gradations. Landscapes shot on both show the same resolution ceiling but sharper outlines and vibrant color reproduction favor the P510.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: The Shooting Reach

In a superzoom bridge camera, lens capabilities are often the starring attraction.

• L840 lens: 23-855mm equivalent (38× zoom), f/3.0-6.5 aperture range
• P510 lens: 24-1000mm equivalent (41.7× zoom), f/3.0-5.9 aperture range

The P510’s extra reach is substantively useful outdoors - think wildlife photographers tracking distant birds or travel shooters needing to capture street scenes discreetly from afar. The lens aperture in the P510 also stays marginally wider at tele-end, beneficial in lower light.

Both lenses incorporate optical image stabilization, essential given their long focal lengths to counteract camera shake. In my handheld tests, the P510's stabilization felt marginally more effective, likely due to newer lens design and processing, allowing clearer shots at slower shutter speeds.

Macro shooting leans slightly in favor of the L840 with focus down to 1cm, while the P510 focuses closer at around 2cm. For close-up enthusiasts, the L840’s macro capabilities offer a better approach for fine details.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Catching the Moment

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems but with different capabilities:

• L840: AF modes include continuous, single, tracking, selective autofocus, and face detection.
• P510: Similar AF modes, adds manual focus and supports shutter/aperture priority and manual exposure modes.

Neither features phase-detection AF or eye/animal detection. This limits sharpness consistency when working with moving subjects or in challenging light.

In practical shooting, the L840’s autofocus is snappy but can struggle locking quickly in low light or complex scenes. The P510, despite its age, tends to acquire focus steadily and accurately, helped by its continuous AF tracking mode.

Continuous shooting speeds are close - 7.4 fps (L840) versus 7 fps (P510). While theoretically capable of decent burst shooting, buffer limitations mean continuous capture durations are moderate. Neither is ideal for professional sports or fast wildlife but can handle casual action sufficiently.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images and Audio

Video shooting is a frequently overlooked but important aspect.

• Both record Full HD 1080p video: L840 shoots at 60i/50i/30p/25p, P510 at 30fps (with some lower framerates too).
• Neither supports 4K recording or high frame rate slow motion beyond 120fps at lower resolution on P510.
• Both use H.264 compression and MPEG-4 container.
• Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio customization.

Video stabilization benefits from optical IS, offering reasonably smooth handheld footage, though both show some lens noise picked up during zooming.

For casual video blogging or home movies, either camera suffices; for serious videographers, these fall short of DSLR or mirrorless standards.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery endurance is a significant user experience factor, especially on travel or long shoots.

• L840: Uses AA batteries, rated for 590 shots per charge with alkaline or better rechargeable NiMH cells.
• P510: Proprietary EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery, rated around 200 shots per charge.

Here, the L840’s AA battery compatibility is a noteworthy plus - AA batteries are globally ubiquitous and readily replaced mid-trip without special chargers. The P510’s OEM battery life is weaker but rechargeable and lighter.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in single slots.

Connectivity and Extra Features: Modern Conveniences

• L840 supports built-in wireless with NFC for smartphone connectivity.
• P510’s wireless solution relies on Eye-Fi cards (now largely obsolete) and includes built-in GPS for geo-tagging.

L840’s wireless integration is smoother for casual social sharing, while P510’s GPS offers valuable location data for mapping photos, a boon for travel and landscape work.

Neither offers Bluetooth or advanced wireless RAW transfer options.

Performance Across Different Photography Genres

To provide context on which camera fits specific photographic disciplines, let’s look across use cases.

Nikon L840 front Nikon L840 screen back Nikon P510 front Nikon P510 screen back

Portrait Photography

Both cameras handle skin tones adequately under even lighting. The P510’s manual exposure control means you can fine-tune depth of field better, important for subject isolation. The L840 offers face detection for focus but lacks eye detection and manual control. Neither produces creamy bokeh akin to larger sensor cameras, but at maximum zoom, shallow depth is achievable to a degree. The P510’s slight edge in sharpness may yield more detailed portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range limitations inherent in small sensors apply to both. Still, the P510’s BSI sensor captures landscapes with more vivid colors and better shadow details. The lack of weather sealing on both restricts prolonged outdoor use in harsh weather. Resolution is equal; however, the P510 offers more aspect ratios, giving compositional flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

The P510’s longer reach and reliable AF tracking favor use here. The 1000mm equivalent zoom lets you stay distant while filling the frame. Burst shooting and AF speed suffice for casual wildlife, but not fast predatory birds or sports.

Sports Photography

Neither camera’s AF system nor burst speed is ideal. The L840’s slightly faster burst may win minor points, but limited manual controls dampen adaptability in tricky action lighting.

Street Photography

Compactness and discreetness falter - both are bulky and conspicuous. The L840’s lighter weight and tilting screen offer modest advantages for quick frames, but silent or electronic shutter modes are absent to minimize noise.

Macro Photography

The L840 provides superb close-focus down to 1cm, ideal for insects or flowers. Focus precision using contrast detection is adequate, with image stabilization assisting handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light sensitivity is a clear P510 benefit. Its improved high ISO handling delivers cleaner star fields and night street scenes. Exposure bracketing is not supported on either, complicating HDR workflows for landscapes or urban night shots.

Video Work

Basic Full HD video is achievable on both, but lack of external mic input and limited frame rate options restrict serious video capture. The P510’s stereo microphones pick up ambient sounds better than L840’s mono mic.

Travel Photography

Here, the L840’s battery flexibility and slightly smaller size make it practical. Although it offers less zoom, the lighter weight and NFC wireless make rapid sharing and battery replacement easier on trips.

Professional Work

Neither supports RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility crucial to professionals. Their build lacks robustness and lifespan features expected from workhorse cameras. However, the P510’s manual modes, GPS tagging, and finer controls permit some level of creative capture and accurate exposure.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, shock or freeze protection. This isn’t surprising given their marketplace focus and price bracket.

The P510 feels slightly more solid and has a build quality more resistant to wear and tear over multiple seasons. The L840’s use of plastic dominates more, which can feel less reassuring but helps reduce weight.

Price to Performance: What You Get for Your Dollars

At launch, the L840 retailed around $399 against the P510’s $599 price tag, reflecting their different positioning.

• L840: Better suited for budget-conscious amateurs who want simple operation, decent zoom, and battery flexibility.
• P510: Targets enthusiasts who value manual exposure, extended focal range, EVF, and extra features like GPS.

Neither camera has current official manufacturing support, but used market prices reflect these values.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Overall Raw Scores at a Glance

When balancing specs, performance, and usability, here is an overall performance rating:

Roughly, the P510 garners higher scores in exposure control, zoom reach, and image quality, while the L840 stands out in battery flexibility and user simplicity.

Performance Breakdown by Photography Type

Here, I’ve charted how each camera scores across major photography disciplines:

Notable takeaways:

• Wildlife and sports see the P510 rated higher for zoom and control
• Portrait and night photography again favor the P510’s sensor and exposure options
• Travel and macro photography give the edge to the L840 due to battery and macro focus range
• Video and street photography rate both modestly, reflecting their limited specs in these areas

So, Which is Right for You?

• Go for the Nikon L840 if:

  • You want an affordable, straightforward superzoom with simple operation.
  • You value battery flexibility - AA cells are lifesavers in remote travel.
  • You’re mostly shooting casual landscapes, macros, and family portraits.
  • You prefer lighter handling and less menu diving during shooting.

• Pick the Nikon P510 if:

  • You want full manual exposure modes and an EVF for better framing.
  • You need the longest zoom reach available in this niche.
  • You shoot wildlife or sports at an amateur/prosumer level needing better AF tracking.
  • You appreciate GPS tagging and slightly better low-light capabilities.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon Coolpix L840 and P510 occupy interesting niches in the bridge superzoom market - each tailored to distinct user profiles.

The L840, with its straightforward interface, excellent battery life, and respectable zoom, targets enthusiastic beginners or travelers seeking a hassle-free, versatile tool.

The P510, though older, packs more manual control, an electronic viewfinder, and a longer zoom, aligning with more advanced amateurs or those wanting extra reach and creative control.

Neither replaces a DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens system but affordably lets photographers explore diverse genres without lens juggling.

If you’re choosing between them today, consider your priorities: ultimate zoom and controls in the P510 or affordability, battery convenience, and straightforward shooting in the L840.

Whichever you select, both cameras embody Nikon’s bridge camera legacy with good image quality and solid execution, giving you a taste of what the small sensor superzoom world can offer.

Happy shooting!

This review is based on hands-on testing of both cameras across varied shooting environments, laboratory analysis of test charts for resolution and noise, and field comparisons with similar superzooms. All images and ratings stem from direct interface and performance assessments conducted over several months.