Choosing Between Nikon P310 and Panasonic FX90: A Hands-On Compact Camera Comparison

When stepping into the realm of small sensor compact cameras, two models from the early 2010s stand out for their popularity and distinctive approach: the Nikon Coolpix P310 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. Both aim to deliver versatile, easy-to-use experiences for beginners and enthusiasts craving a capable pocketable camera without swapping lenses.

As photographers who have evaluated hundreds of compacts, we’ll take a deep dive into these two models - comparing their design, image quality, autofocus systems, and real-world usability. This comprehensive guide will help you decide which model fits your style, needs, and budget without relying on marketing buzzwords. Let’s get started.

How Do They Feel in Your Hands? Ergonomics and Handling

Since compact cameras are often carried everywhere, size, weight, and control layout play a major role in enjoyable photography sessions. Let’s begin with a tactile and physical overview.

The Nikon P310 is noticeably thicker and heavier - by about 45 grams - with more tactile, well-placed buttons suitable for quick manual adjustments. Its slightly chunkier grip contributes to confident handling, especially if you often shoot outdoors and want a secure feel.

By contrast, the Panasonic FX90 is significantly thinner and lighter, emphasizing portability. The FX90’s touchscreen adds a layer of intuitive control but limits fast button access for some settings. This makes the FX90 well-suited for casual snapshots where size matters, while the P310 better supports more deliberate shooting.

Key takeaway: If you prioritize pocketability and touchscreen ease, FX90 edges forward. For a more robust grip and traditional controls, the P310 wins.

Up Top: Control Layout and Design Philosophy

Understanding the top panel interface gives insight into workflow speed and photographer control.

The Nikon P310’s top plate features dedicated modes for shutter and aperture priority, a direct exposure compensation dial, and a pop-up flash release. Its approach is clearly aimed at photographers who want granular exposure control without digging into menus.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic FX90 adopts a minimalist design with fewer physical dials, emphasizing automation. It offers no dedicated manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority - relying heavily on autofocus and scene presets via its touchscreen interface.

For photographers who like to tweak aperture and shutter speed on the fly, the P310 offers a more satisfying physical experience, supporting creative control in real-time.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Breakdown

At the core of image quality is sensor size, resolution, and the underlying technology powering image capture and processing.

The Nikon P310 opts for a back-illuminated CMOS sensor - a more modern technology designed to improve light sensitivity and reduce noise, especially in low light. This sensor resolution of 16 megapixels lets you crop images moderately or print at larger sizes without losing detail.

In contrast, the Panasonic FX90 uses a traditional CCD sensor with a slightly lower 12MP resolution. CCD sensors produce pleasing color rendition but tend to struggle with noise at higher ISO speeds and have slower readout speed compared to CMOS.

From hands-on testing, we observed:

• The P310 produces sharper, cleaner images with better noise control starting ISO 800 and above.
• The FX90 delivers respectable daylight performance but exhibits noticeable grain and color shifts at higher ISOs, making it more suited to well-lit conditions.

Note on ISO: The FX90’s max native ISO is 6400 but usable quality typically falls off by ISO 800-1600. The P310’s ceiling of 3200 still maintains cleaner output thanks to CMOS tech and optimized processing.

Viewing Your Shots: LCD and Interface

A clear, responsive LCD is vital for composing, reviewing, and navigating menus.

The P310’s screen stands out with its high resolution and anti-reflection coating, improving visibility under bright outdoor lighting. Although it lacks touchscreen, the traditional buttons provide robust tactile feedback and precision.

The FX90 incorporates a lower-resolution touchscreen offering a more modern navigation method but less visible detail when reviewing images outdoors. Touch gestures help speed up menu access and focus point selection but may feel less responsive compared to smartphones.

For photographers preferring quick, easy touchscreen operation, the FX90 holds a clear advantage. But if you often shoot under harsh sun or want to see your images in finer detail immediately, the P310’s screen shines.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy for Every Scenario

Focus performance directly impacts your ability to capture decisive moments, whether portraits or wildlife.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems, which are generally slower than phase-detection but sufficient for slower-paced photography.

The Nikon P310 impresses with 99 AF points and face detection. Its system is well-suited for portraits; locking focus on eyes or faces is fairly reliable if you stay patient.

The FX90 offers fewer focus points but does include contrast-based continuous AF and a touchscreen AF area selector. It enables touch-to-focus, helping with specific subject placement.

However, neither camera offers advanced tracking or animal eye detection that modern systems boast. For fast action or wildlife photography, these compacts are less ideal.

Lens and Focal Range Flexibility

A compact with a versatile zoom lets you cover wide-angle landscapes to short telephoto portraits without changing glass.

The Nikon P310’s standout feature is a bright f/1.8 aperture at the wide end - significant for low-light and creative control. This wide aperture creates shallow depth of field, allowing for better background separation, crucial for portraiture.

The Panasonic FX90 offers a longer telephoto reach up to 120mm equivalent, which is helpful if you want some extra zoom, but its aperture narrows to f/5.9 at the tele end - meaning less light and more reliance on stabilization or higher ISO.

For macro shooters, the P310 offers a closer minimum focus distance at 2 cm, letting you capture fine detail. The FX90’s 3 cm minimum distance is decent but slightly less flexible up-close.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Capture Fast and Moving Moments

Fast shooting and decent video go hand in hand for everyday versatility.

Burst rate on the P310 at 6 frames per second is fairly competitive for a compact of its time; the FX90 lags at 4 fps, more suited for casual shooting than sports or wildlife.

For video, the FX90 supports full HD at 60fps, providing smoother motion footage suitable for slow-motion effects - a clear upgrade from the P310’s 30fps limit. Both cameras lack external microphone inputs, limiting sound control.

Due to this, videographers prioritizing smooth footage will gravitate toward the FX90. Photographers wanting still speed should look to the P310.

Durability, Battery Life, and Connectivity Options

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, so extra care is needed for outdoor adventure photography.

Battery life is roughly comparable, with the P310 marginally ahead thanks to more power-efficient hardware and smaller screen brightness.

The FX90’s built-in Wi-Fi enables easier image transfer and remote shooting with a smartphone - a useful modern convenience absent in the P310.

Shooting Genres: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Use Case Recommendations

Now that we’ve covered specs and features, how do these cameras perform across photography types?

Portrait Photography

• Nikon P310: Its bright f/1.8 lens and face detection autofocus deliver appealing skin tones and subject isolation in suitable lighting. However, limited continuous AF impacts dynamic portrait shooting.
• Panasonic FX90: Slightly slower aperture reduces bokeh potential. Lacks face detection but touchscreen AF helps select subjects. Video AF is smooth, a plus if recording interviews.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon P310: Higher resolution sensor offers cropping freedom. Better anti-reflection screen aids composition under sun. Lack of weather sealing limits extreme use.
• Panasonic FX90: Longer zoom helps isolate distant elements. Hindered by lower resolution and CCD sensor noise disadvantage at dusk or dawn landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither compact excels in speed or tracking. Limited continuous AF and moderate burst rates hold back action shots. The FX90’s touchscreen AF might aid subject selection, but neither camera is suited to serious wildlife work requiring fast, predictive autofocus.

Sports Photography

• Similarly, faster burst rates on P310 benefit sports snaps more than FX90, but no phase-detection AF or high fps video modes mean compromises. For fast sports, dedicated cameras are better.

Street Photography

• Panasonic FX90’s slim profile and touchscreen make it less obtrusive - ideal for candid moments.
• Nikon P310 feels bulkier but optical view is improved via sharper optics and manual controls for quick exposure adjustments in variable street lighting.

Macro Photography

• P310’s 2 cm macro focus distance and wider aperture aid close-ups with creative background separation.
• FX90 is adequate but less flexible up-close.

Night and Astrophotography

• Neither camera’s sensor size is ideal for astrophotography.
• P310’s CMOS sensor and lower noise at higher ISO make it slightly better for handheld night shots.
• Manual exposure controls on P310 enhance long exposure attempts.

Video and Vlogging

• FX90 supports 1080p60, better for smooth video capture and slow-motion.
• Touchscreen aids intuitive focus during filming.
• Neither camera offers external mic/headphone jacks, limiting audio quality enhancements.

Travel Photography

• FX90 wins with smaller body and built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing.
• P310’s robust control and image quality favored for more deliberate trip documentation.

Professional Work

• Neither offers RAW output, limiting postprocessing flexibility.
• Build quality and feature set position both as advanced consumer cameras, not professional tools.

Final Performance Ratings: Our Expert Assessment

Our comprehensive evaluation scores the cameras as follows (out of 10):

Real-World Sample Images

To illustrate these differences, here are side-by-side samples taken in varied conditions.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back

Notice sharper detail and better low light performance in P310 images, with FX90 images showing smoother colors but lower crispness.

Wrapping Up: Which Compact Is Right for You?

Next Steps: Enhancing Your Compact Experience

• For Nikon P310 users: Explore dedicated physical lens accessories such as close-up filters or ND filters to expand creative control.
• For Panasonic FX90 users: Leverage the Wi-Fi for seamless social media sharing and try using the touchscreen AF for dynamic focusing in environments like street photography.
• General tip: Invest in quality SD cards with fast write speeds to maximize burst shooting and video recording performance.

Final Thoughts

Both the Nikon Coolpix P310 and Panasonic Lumix FX90 deliver solid compact experiences reflecting different priorities. The P310’s superior sensor and optics make it a compelling choice if you value image quality and manual control. Meanwhile, the FX90’s portability, touchscreen interface, and video features cater to enthusiasts wanting a modern, connected point-and-shoot, especially on a budget.

Regardless of your choice, these cameras invite you to get creative without the bulk of larger systems. They’re perfect companions to develop your photographic eye, master composition, and capture lasting memories wherever you go.

Now, it’s your turn to handle both cameras, trial their features, and find the one that best fits your journey in photography. Happy shooting!