Nikon P310 vs Panasonic Lumix FH5: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Serious Enthusiasts

When sifting through the myriad compact cameras that flooded the early 2010s market, two representatives stand out for different reasons: the Nikon Coolpix P310 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. Both cater to users seeking a portable, fixed-lens solution yet stem from distinct design philosophies and technological priorities. Having put these two cameras through the paces in diverse shooting scenarios and lab tests, I want to take you on a deep dive into their respective strengths and weaknesses informed by over 15 years of camera evaluation experience.

From sensor nuances to operational ergonomics and genre versatility, this article unpacks everything you need to know to decide which fits your photography style and budget better.

Size, Build, and Handling: Ergonomics in the Palm of Your Hand

First impressions matter, especially in a compact camera designed for portability without sacrificing control. The Nikon P310 and Panasonic FH5 fall into the “small sensor compact” category but arrive with notably different physical presences.

At 103 x 58 x 32 mm and 194 grams, the P310 is undeniably chunkier and heavier than the featherweight FH5, which sits at a very trim 94 x 54 x 19 mm and just 121 grams. The Nikon’s extra heft translates into a more comfortable grip for extended shooting - especially if your fingers crave tactile reassurance rather than the slippery “pocketable” feel of the FH5. While some might find the FH5’s slim profile highly pocket-friendly and excellent for grab-and-go street shoots or travel, I found the smaller body harder to stabilize when zoomed in or shooting in low light.

The P310's body benefits from a subtly textured finish that improves handling under varied conditions, whereas the FH5 opts for glossy plastic that can challenge grip security. Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization, so neither fare well in harsh or wet environments - a common limitation in this price and category.

Design Philosophy Seen From Above: Button Placement and Controls

Navigating the P310 and FH5 reveals Sony’s and Panasonic’s distinct design ideologies, which impact usability and speed of operation.

Nikon opts for dedicated physical controls allowing full manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), a feature that instantly appeals to enthusiasts who value creative input and want to learn photography fundamentals. The presence of a mode dial topped with a clear layout aids rapid mode selection. In contrast, the FH5 lacks dedicated dials and only offers fully automatic or limited scene mode settings, which can frustrate veterans accustomed to manual override.

This difference impacts more than menus; it speaks to user intent. The P310’s layout fosters deliberate photography - think of it as a command bridge buzzing with control knobs. Panasonic’s FH5 feels more like a point-and-shoot designed for snapshot simplicity, with minimal buttons and reliance on on-screen menus accessed by less tactile controls.

Thus, for photographers who want quick access to settings and manual control, the Nikon clearly edges ahead. I found myself fumbling for exposure compensation or mode changes on the FH5 during active shooting sessions.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core of Every Picture

Both cameras use a small 1/2.3” sensor, a common format in compact cameras striving to balance cost and performance. However, sensor technology differs significantly.

The P310 employs a BSI-CMOS sensor, a back-illuminated design that captures light more efficiently than the traditional CCD sensor found in the FH5. Although both stamp the same 16-megapixel resolution on paper (4608 x 3456 pixels), the Nikon's sensor yields cleaner images, particularly in challenging light. This is consistent with hands-on testing of back-illuminated CMOS sensors from this era, which typically show better noise handling and dynamic range than their CCD counterparts.

Regarding ISO sensitivity, the FH5 boasts a maximum native ISO of 6400 versus the Nikon’s capped ISO 3200. Despite this, usable image quality at high ISO is actually inferior on the Panasonic, due to more aggressive noise and reduced detail retention at elevated sensitivities. The P310’s image processor (proprietary but not explicitly named) does a commendable job balancing noise reduction with detail conservation, especially noticeable when shooting indoors or in dimly lit ambiances.

Color rendering leans more natural on the Nikon; skin tones appear warm without being oversaturated, a big plus for portrait work. Meanwhile, the Panasonic images tend toward cooler hues, useful in certain creative contexts but less flattering for general portraiture.

Both systems implement an anti-aliasing filter to mitigate moiré, which somewhat softens fine details but guarantees artifact-free results.

LCD and User Interface: The Photographer's Window

LCDs are pivotal in a fixed-lens compact that lacks any electronic viewfinder.

The P310’s 3-inch fixed TFT-LCD with anti-reflection coating and 921,000 dots resolution stands out compared to the FH5’s smaller 2.7-inch screen with a comparatively low 230,000 dots. Practically, the Nikon’s screen provides sharper image review, more accurate focus confirmation, and easier menu navigation. The anti-reflection coating becomes particularly useful outdoors under bright sunlight, while the FH5’s screen quickly becomes challenging to see, hindering live composing.

Neither model features a touchscreen, a deficiency by modern standards but understandable given their release dates and price points.

Operationally, Nikon’s UI includes physical buttons that support quick toggling of settings. The Panasonic, though featuring a touch-sensitive focus area (uncommon in this category at the time), requires deeper interaction with menus for exposure and scene adjustments, increasing friction for power users.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Precision in a Blink

This is where these cameras diverge, especially in action and wildlife genres.

The P310 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 99 points and face detection capabilities - no phase detection here, typical for compacts - while the FH5 offers 11 points, also contrast-based, plus face detection. Age shows in both systems' sluggish response compared to today’s mirrorless or DSLR autofocus modules, but Nikon’s denser AF point distribution allows for finer focus precision, especially in tracking subjects.

Both models support single and continuous autofocus modes, but only Nikon includes center-weighted and spot metering combined with face detection for better exposure accuracy during tracking. Panasonic lacks dedicated exposure compensation controls and only uses a more simplistic metering approach.

In real-world use, the P310 locks focus noticeably faster and more reliably on moderately sized targets, such as people or stationary wildlife, though it struggles in very low light. The FH5’s autofocus hunts more and often overshoots the intended focus subject, requiring careful half-press technique.

Neither camera supports animal eye detection, a non-starter for serious wildlife photographers, but the P310’s more extensive AF point coverage allows mild flexibility when framing off-center compositions.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Quality: Zoom with Purpose

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with moderate telephoto ranges:

• Nikon P310: 24-100 mm equivalent (4.2x zoom) with bright f/1.8 aperture wide open, closing to f/4.9 at telephoto.
• Panasonic FH5: 28-112 mm equivalent (4x zoom) with a slower f/3.1-f/6.5 aperture.

The Nikon’s lens shines with a significantly faster maximum aperture, permitting superior low-light performance and flattering subject isolation via shallower depth-of-field. This edge is immediately apparent in portraiture; the P310 produces smoother bokeh with more gradual background blur, while the FH5 struggles to separate subjects from complex backgrounds.

Edge to edge image sharpness favors the Nikon too - analyzed on test charts and confirmed in the field, P310’s lens retains crispness even at maximum aperture, while the FH5’s slower lens softens noticeably at edges and telephoto stops.

Macro focusing capabilities are also better on the Nikon with its 2cm minimum focus distance compared to Panasonic’s 5cm. Shooting flowers or small details is more satisfying and yields higher perceived magnification.

However, the FH5’s simplified zoom range is slightly more telephoto at the long end, which might appeal to casual shooters interested in moderate distant subjects.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Sports and wildlife photographers demand brisk frame rates and versatile shutter speed options.

The Nikon P310 provides a shutter range of 30 seconds to 1/8000 seconds, with a continuous shooting speed of 6 frames per second. In practice, this is impressive for a compact from 2012. The fast shutter speed helps freeze motion in bright scenes, and burst mode is suitable for moderate action sequences, such as children playing or pets.

The FH5’s shutter speed is limited from 60 seconds to 1/1600 seconds, with a slower continuous shooting rate of 4 fps. This restricts creative flexibility, especially in freezing very rapid movements or bright daylight conditions. The longer minimum shutter speed allows for some long exposure creative effects but is hampered by the mediocre sensor noise handling highlighted earlier.

In testing side by side, the Nikon repeatedly yields sharper, more consistent frames in burst mode, whereas Panasonic suffers from slower buffer clearing and occasional focus shifts mid-series.

Video Capabilities and Audio Considerations: Cinematic Options or Casual Clips?

Both cameras shoot video but target different expectations.

The Nikon P310 supports 1080p Full HD recording at 30 fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression - a respectable spec for its release time. Optical stabilization aids handheld shots, helping reduce jitter. The HDMI output allows connection to external monitors, which can assist on-the-go monitoring during more serious shoots.

Conversely, the Panasonic FH5 tops out at 720p HD at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG, a less efficient codec resulting in larger files and lower image quality. No HDMI output means limited external monitoring options.

Neither camera offers mic or headphone jacks, thus restricting serious audio recording potential for videographers. Neither supports 4K or higher frame rate video modes.

In practical use, the Nikon’s higher resolution video, better codec efficiency, and optical stabilization deliver cleaner, smoother footage with less post-processing needs.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility: Staying Powered for the Shoot

Battery stamina and storage options come into play for travel and extended shooting sessions.

The Nikon P310 uses a proprietary EN-EL12 battery achieving an estimated 230 shots per charge per CIPA testing standards. The Panasonic FH5 claims a slightly longer 260-shot rating using its own battery pack.

While this may sound like a win for the FH5, real-world usage compensates rapidly as the Nikon’s faster autofocus and brighter lens reduce the need for repeated shooting attempts. The P310’s USB 2.0 port supports data transfer but lacks charging via USB - a minor limitation for on-the-go users.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the FH5 adds internal storage as a novelty (albeit limited in capacity). Neither supports dual card slots, so backing up should be diligent.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying Current or Falling Behind?

Notably, neither the Nikon P310 nor Panasonic FH5 offers wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. This is a critical drawback for users in today’s connected workflows who expect instant sharing or smartphone tethering.

The Nikon supports HDMI output, giving some leverage for studio tethering or playback on larger screens. The FH5 does not have this feature.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Now, let’s translate these specs and lab findings into actionable insights for various photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The P310 shines here thanks to its bright f/1.8 aperture, enabling gentle subject separation and creamy bokeh. Face detection autofocus on both cameras assists framing, but Nikon offers more precise AF points and exposure metering to render balanced skin tones.

The FH5’s slower lens and low-resolution screen make framing less convenient, producing flatter portraits with less pleasing background rendering.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras share a same-size small sensor and moderate megapixels; however, Nikon’s superior dynamic range and sharper lens mean landscapes captured with richer tonal gradations and fine detail. The lack of weather sealing is a drawback for shooting ambitious outdoor sessions, but the Nikon feels more robust and controlled.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast, accurate autofocus and high burst rates - a category where the P310’s 6 fps and 99 AF points offer some utility. Both fall short of advanced phase detection systems, but the Nikon's responsiveness makes it semi-competent for casual wildlife snaps.

The FH5’s fewer focus points, slow AF, and laggier shot rate limit its potential here.

Sports Photography

Fast action, low light, and tracking accuracy favor the Nikon again. Its faster shutter ceiling combined with burst support afford better chances at frozen, sharp images.

Street Photography

The FH5’s lightweight and slim profile lend an advantage for discreet shooting and pocket portability - a boon for street photographers wanting minimal gear presence.

However, the P310’s superior control and better image quality could compensate for the bulk when image fidelity is critical.

Macro Photography

With its 2cm minimum focusing distance and sharper optics, the Nikon clearly outperforms in macro detail capture, excellent for flower or object close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Greater ISO performance, longer shutter ceiling, and better noise handling mean the P310 offers a more flexible playground for night shots and star fields. The FH5’s limited shutter speed range and higher noise levels diminish its usefulness here.

Videography

Nikon’s 1080p Full HD recording with optical IS beats Panasonic’s capped 720p MJPEG video both in quality and editing friendliness.

Travel Photography

If this is your priority, the FH5’s lighter, slimmer dimensions and longer battery life make it an easy choice for casual snapshots. Yet, for the traveler prioritizing image quality and flexibility, the Nikon is well worth the extra bulk.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professionals, but Nikon’s manual controls, higher quality output, and HDMI port make it the better “pro-sumer” choice for entry-level creative work.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

To wrap up this dense comparison, here’s a consolidated view based on rigorous field tests and lab measurements.

Conclusion: Which Camera Suits Your Needs?

The Nikon Coolpix P310 represents a sophisticated choice for enthusiasts seeking more creative freedom in a compact package, with stronger image quality, superior optics, better control, and video capabilities. It performs well across the board for portraits, landscapes, macro, and casual wildlife or sports captures. Its downsides mainly include its heft and a lack of wireless features, which may deter ultra-mobile, social-media-driven users.

The Panasonic Lumix FH5 targets casual daily shooters favoring ultra-portability, simplicity, and affordability. Its slower lens, modest sensor, and limited controls relegate it to snapshots and entry-level leisure photography. Its long battery life and slim profile make it ideal for travelers and street photographers who prioritize weight and size over image nuance.

Selecting between these two boils down to your priorities: manual control and image quality versus lightweight convenience and ease of use.

Aspects for Buyers on a Budget and First-Time Compact Owner Tips

If you’re just starting and price sensitivity dominates, the FH5’s low MSRP circa $169 makes it a no-brainer for those wanting a basic camera that outclasses smartphone zooms without the complexity. The P310’s approximate $700 price tag demands a more committed photography effort but rewards you with tangible gains that matter beyond megapixels.

Given neither supports RAW, integrating these into professional workflows requires accepting JPEG as your primary format, which limits post-processing latitude.

After over a decade of testing cameras, I consider the Nikon P310 a more versatile all-rounder in its class, while the Lumix FH5 is best reserved for casual subset users who prize simplicity. Both embody the compact camera ethos of their time but illustrate the compromises manufacturers balanced in design and performance.

For me, the P310 is a pleasant surprise amid small sensor compacts - a dog that’s a good boy all round - and stands up well to scrutiny when image quality and control are paramount.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back

Whether your eye gravitates to Nikon’s nuanced control or Panasonic’s ultralight approach, I hope this review arms you with the insights to make a confident, deliberate choice for your next camera. After all, picking the right tool remains the foundational step toward better images.

Happy shooting!