Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5: A Real-World Comparison for Serious Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact camera that meets the demands of various photography genres and real-world conditions is never straightforward. Today, we dive deep into two notable compacts from the early 2010s - the Nikon Coolpix P310, an advanced small-sensor compact, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (also known as FT5), a rugged waterproof companion. Both target different user profiles, yet they share traits like a 1/2.3" sensor and 16-megapixel resolution. Which one will better serve your photographic ambitions? Let's dissect these cameras across extensive criteria rooted in my hands-on experience testing hundreds of similar models over the years.

Feeling the Cameras in Hand: Ergonomics and Build Quality

When I first picked up the P310 and TS5 side-by-side, the difference in design philosophy hit me immediately. The P310 is a sleek, travel-friendly compact designed for urban and casual outdoor use, while the TS5 boasts a robust, ruggedized chassis promising weather sealing and shockproofing for adventure photographers. Handling these cameras side-by-side reveals how much intention goes into ergonomics and build for their respective niches.

The Nikon P310 measures a trim 103x58x32 mm and weighs a mere 194g. Its slimness and smooth curves make it pocketable and easy to carry all day. Nikon employs a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with an anti-reflective coating that, although fixed, delivers crisp viewing in daylight. Controls are straightforward but lack any illuminated buttons, which can hamper low-light operation. This camera has no viewfinder, so composing in bright conditions often means relying on that screen - both a convenience and a limitation.

On the other hand, the Panasonic TS5 is slightly larger and heavier at 110x67x29 mm and 214g. Its body feels sturdy with textured grips that provide confidence in wet or challenging environments. Every seal and button press echoes its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof promises. However, with ruggedness comes some bulk - this is not a slim camera by any means. The 3-inch TFT LCD here has a lower resolution but remains visible underwater or against reflections thanks to its robust construction. Controls are similarly limited but designed for use with gloves or wet fingers.

From a purely ergonomic standpoint, if you want a camera that disappears in your hand and pocket during long city walks or travel, the P310 edges out. But if your photography adventures take you hiking, swimming, or into extreme environments, the TS5's durable build offers peace of mind.

Design and Control Layout: Precision or Practicality?

Looking at the top view of both cameras gives clues to user intent and operational flow.

The P310’s controls focus on offering creative exposure modes such as shutter priority and aperture priority, highlighted by dedicated dials and buttons. This makes it a more serious photographic tool rather than a simple point-and-shoot. Unfortunately, the fixed lens limits lens versatility, but that is a tradeoff in compact size.

The TS5 favors simplicity over complexity, eschewing shutter or aperture priority modes, but including manual exposure mode. It boasts a faster continuous shooting speed (10 fps) compared to the P310’s 6 fps, reflecting its action/adventure photographer target. This camera also includes a built-in GPS and NFC for seamless geotagging and sharing, features absent in the Nikon.

Both cameras rely on touchscreen-free physical buttons, which aligns with their release eras but may feel dated for users accustomed to modern touch interfaces.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Inside the Small Sensor

The heart of these cameras lies in their 1/2.3" CMOS sensors, each sporting 16-megapixel resolution but with subtle differences under the hood.

The Nikon P310 features a BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, which provides better light gathering efficiency, translating to cleaner images especially in dim environments. Despite the sensor's small physical size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), Nikon leveraged their expertise in noise reduction and color processing at launch to maximize image quality. The lens boasts an impressive bright aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end - among the brightest for compact cameras of this sensor type - useful for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting.

Conversely, the Panasonic TS5 utilizes a traditional CMOS sensor, slightly smaller at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with a max native ISO of 6400 compared to Nikon’s 3200. While at first glance this suggests better high ISO performance, in practice the higher ISO ranges on the TS5 show noticeably more noise and reduced detail, a common trait on tough rugged cameras which optimize for durability over image fidelity. The max aperture of f/3.3 on the wide end restricts shallow depth of field creativity relative to Nikon.

Practically, the P310’s sensor-lens combo offers better dynamic range and noise control for landscape and portrait photography. The Panasonic’s sensor allows more flexibility in ISO choices but at the cost of image degradation at higher sensitivities.

Viewing and Image Composition: Screens and Viewfinders

Neither camera includes a traditional viewfinder, electronic or optical, which is expected in compact cameras of their era but certainly limits some shooting styles.

The Nikon’s 3-inch 921k-dot LCD with anti-reflective coating outperforms the Panasonic’s 460k-dot LCD in sharpness and visibility, crucial for critical manual focusing or reviewing images on the go. I found the TS5’s screen sometimes challenging in bright sunlight or underwater, but it remains functional. Both lack touchscreen features, meaning focus points and menus depend on physical buttons - less intuitive for quick changes.

For photographers who prioritize composition flexibility, neither camera excels here. Outdoors, the Nikon's screen clarity is sufficiently superior to favor it for street and landscape shooting.

Versatility in Photography Genres: What Fits Best?

After dissecting specs and handling, let’s explore how these cameras perform across popular photography disciplines based on my extensive testing methodologies - shooting diverse subjects, environments, and lighting conditions.

Portrait Photography

The Nikon P310 shines with its bright f/1.8 lens enabling pleasing background blur (bokeh) at 24mm equivalent focal length and competent face detection autofocus. Its 99 focus points improve lock and tracking over average compact cameras, yielding sharp eye focus in portraits. Color rendering feels natural with skin tones well preserved, though dynamic range limitations in harsh lighting require careful exposure.

The Panasonic TS5, constrained by narrower apertures (f/3.3-5.9), struggles to separate subject from background convincingly. Its more limited 23 focus points and lack of dedicated face detection make autofocus less reliable for portraits. Colors skew cooler, and contrast appears somewhat flatter.

Verdict: For portrait enthusiasts seeking subject isolation and accurate skin tones, the Nikon is the better candidate.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high resolution, dynamic range, and often weather resilience. The P310, with slightly better dynamic range and richer colors, produces punchy yet natural landscapes, aided by its subtle ND filter options for long exposures. However, the lack of weather sealing and fixed lens focal length of 24-100mm limits rugged outdoor shooting.

The Panasonic TS5’s rugged build and waterproof body make it a superb choice for landscapes on adventurous treks, coastal walks, or rainy conditions. Its wider zoom range (28-128mm) covers more framing needs. That said, lower screen resolution and noisier high-ISO images limit ultimate image quality in challenging light.

If you prioritize image quality and landscape aesthetics in controlled environments, choose Nikon. For exploration in harsh climates, the Panasonic’s durability wins.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife shooters value fast autofocus, high burst rates, and reliable telephoto reach.

The Panasonic TS5 wins burst mode hands down at 10 fps, accompanied by continuous autofocus - perfect for capturing fleeting animal behavior. The slightly longer telephoto reach (128mm equivalent) helps to fill the frame better. Its rugged design lets you take photos near water or rough terrain worry-free.

The Nikon P310, while respectable at 6 fps, lacks continuous autofocus during bursts and offers shorter max focal length. Its autofocus points are more numerous but less optimized for fast tracking action.

My field tests in birdwatching scenarios found the TS5 the more agile choice despite lower image quality, which can often be compensated by cropping RAW files or mild noise reduction.

Sports Photography

Sports photography is a tough test for compacts. The TS5 again has the advantage with faster frame rates and better continuous autofocus during burst shooting. The Panasonic’s durability also supports use in rain or snow at outdoor sports events.

The Nikon’s better exposure control modes and brighter lens can help in indoor sports where artificial light prevails, but slower burst speed and no continuous AF hinder capturing rapid sequences.

If sports are a primary focus, lean towards the Panasonic TS5.

Street Photography

Stealth, portability, and responsiveness define street photography.

At under 200g and slim dimensions, the Nikon P310 is ideal for discreet street shooting - it slips easily into a jacket or bag. The bright aperture delivers quicker shutter speeds in low light, and its refined controls allow manual tweaking if desired.

The bulkier, robust Panasonic TS5 can feel intrusive in urban settings, although its fast burst and video capability can catch spontaneous moments. However, slower lens and lower screen resolution make it less desirable here.

For street photographers seeking discretion and image quality, the Nikon P310 is the obvious choice.

Macro Photography

Close-focusing ability brings out textures and details.

Both cameras focus reasonably close; Nikon's macro range is 2cm, while Panasonic’s is 5cm. The P310’s brighter lens and greater focusing accuracy let you get sharper, more detailed close-ups.

Image stabilization in both helps with handheld macro shots, but the Panasonic’s ruggedness is negated here since macro photography often demands careful setup.

Nikon P310 takes the lead for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capability depends on sensor sensitivity, noise control, and exposure options.

The P310, capped at ISO 3200 and with f/1.8 aperture, performs cleaner images at night compared to Panasonic’s ISO up to 6400 but noisier output. Nikon also offers shutter priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation modes essential for night scenes and long exposures.

Panasonic’s environmental sealing and freeze-proof design may be tempting for outdoor night photography in harsh conditions, but image quality tradeoffs are considerable.

If you want to capture starry skies or cityscapes by night with reasonable noise and detail, Nikon is preferable.

Video Capabilities

The P310 records Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, while the TS5 pushes this to 60fps, adding smoother motion capture. The Panasonic supports AVCHD and MPEG-4, whereas Nikon is limited to MPEG-4 and H.264. Both lack microphone inputs, limiting audio quality customization.

Image stabilization on both helps handheld video, but the Panasonic’s better burst and continuous AF also improve continuous video focus.

If smooth HD video and rugged versatility matter, consider Panasonic; for simpler video with higher image quality, pick Nikon.

Travel Photography

For travel, weight, size, versatility, battery life, and connectivity matter.

The Nikon P310 excels in compactness and lens brightness, critical on long excursions with changing lighting. Battery life, however, is limited to about 230 shots per charge - less than ideal for multi-day treks.

The Panasonic TS5, though bigger, offers superior battery endurance (~370 shots) and wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enhancing social sharing or remote control.

The rugged build removes worry about splashes or drops during travel.

Overall, the Panasonic is the more versatile travel companion for rough conditions, while Nikon suits urban or fair-weather explorations better.

Technical Underpinnings Weigh-In: Autofocus, Stabilization, and More

The Nikon offers more sophisticated autofocus point coverage, better exposure mode flexibility, and higher shutter speed ceilings - factors influencing creative control. Panasonic’s continuous AF during bursts and rugged connectivity features reflect a different priority targeting active users.

Sharing the Good Stuff: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

Side-by-side examination of sample images reveals the Nikon’s advantage in color fidelity, sharpness, and low-light noise control. The Panasonic’s images show slightly muted colors, softer details, and more noise at higher ISOs. However, Panasonic images maintain decent exposure balance, highlighting its efficient metering system.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

According to benchmarking in various practical tests:

• Nikon P310 scores higher in image quality (portrait, landscape, macro, night).
• Panasonic TS5 leads in ruggedness, burst speed, continuous AF, and connectivity.
• Both cameras have moderate video scores - Panasonic due to 60fps support; Nikon for image quality.

Price and Value Considerations

Upon release, the Nikon P310’s MSRP was around $700, nearly double the Panasonic TS5’s $350 price point. Given the optical and low-light advantages, prosumers might justify the Nikon’s premium. Meanwhile, adventurous shooters or casual users favoring durability get solid value with the TS5.

For budget-conscious buyers seeking reasonable image quality and fail-safe ruggedness, the Panasonic is compelling. For photography enthusiasts requiring creative control and image fidelity, Nikon remains worth the investment.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact to Choose?

In summary, these cameras adopt fundamentally different philosophies:

• Nikon Coolpix P310: A compact enthusiast camera prioritizing image quality, creative exposure modes, and solid optics. It excels in portrait, street, macro, and controlled landscape photography but lacks weather sealing and has shorter battery life.

• Panasonic Lumix TS5: A rugged, waterproof compact designed for action, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. It sacrifices some image finesse for burst speed, continuous AF, and resilience against elements. The built-in GPS and Wi-Fi add modern connectivity benefits.

For Whom is the Nikon Coolpix P310 Better?

• Serious hobbyists prioritizing image quality.
• Portrait and street photographers valuing sharpness and bokeh.
• Night and macro enthusiasts requiring low-light capabilities.
• Travelers who prioritize compactness over ruggedness.

For Whom is the Panasonic Lumix TS5 Better?

• Outdoor adventurers needing waterproof, shockproof reliability.
• Sports and wildlife photographers needing fast captures.
• Users wanting longer battery life and wireless sharing.
• Casual shooters who want rugged durability over ultimate image quality.

Picking between these two is about matching your photographic needs to their strengths. Neither is perfect for all situations, but both deliver solid performance within their intended realms. Your next compact camera could depend less on specs and more on how and where you plan to shoot.

After rigorous side-by-side testing informed by years of camera evaluation, I hope this detailed comparison empowers you to make the right choice for your creative journey.

Thanks for reading, and may your next shot be your best shot!

Appendix: Specifications at a Glance

If you'd prefer a camera with rugged reliability and fast action capture, Panasonic TS5 delivers. If precise image quality and creative control top your list, Nikon P310 remains compelling nearly a decade after release. Whichever you choose, both bring a wealth of features in compact bodies, reflecting their era's best efforts to blend convenience with quality.