Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Samsung EX2F: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Powerhouses

In the world of compact cameras, few models stand out with the combination of portability, creative control, and image quality as the Nikon Coolpix P310 and Samsung EX2F do. Announced just months apart in 2012, these two small-sensor compacts were designed to deliver above-average performance for enthusiasts and even pros wanting a secondary, easy-to-carry camera. Yet beneath their superficially similar categories lies a host of nuanced differences - sensor technology, lens design, autofocus, ergonomics, and video capabilities - that distinctly shape how they perform in practice.

Having conducted extensive hands-on evaluations, shooting side-by-side across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, street, and video scenarios, this deep dive comparison will break down their individual strengths, weaknesses, and real-world usability, covering all photography genres and technical factors. If you are considering one of these cameras, this analysis should provide a full-spectrum understanding to make an informed decision tailored to your photographic needs.

Design, Build, and Handling: Portability Meets Practicality

Both cameras classify as small sensor compacts, yet they differ notably in physical dimensions and weight - Nikon P310 weighs in at a featherlight 194 grams with a compact 103x58x32mm body, whereas the Samsung EX2F is noticeably heftier at 294 grams and slightly wider (112x62x29mm). This difference, evident in the sizes and shapes, directly impacts in-hand comfort and portability.

The P310’s rounded grip and simplified button layout favor minimalism, allowing photographers to keep operations straightforward while benefiting from a solid ergonomics foundation. In contrast, the EX2F balances a more extended grip and additional front controls, targeting those who want enhanced tactile feedback and greater manual input flexibility. The Samsung also features a fully articulated AMOLED 3-inch screen - a substantial advantage over Nikon’s fixed TFT LCD - increasing shooting versatility especially for difficult angles and video framing.

Examining top control layouts reveals how these cameras prioritize user interaction. Nikon retains classic dial-driven exposure modes along with dedicated aperture and shutter priority controls, facilitating quick exposure adjustments. Samsung’s top plate is more minimalistic, centered on foundational manual modes but lacking some direct exposure dial access present on the P310, potentially slowing professional workflows.

Given these differences, photographers valuing pocket portability combined with straightforward control will appreciate the Nikon’s streamlined physical design. Conversely, users who prioritize screen flexibility and a grip designed for extended handheld use may find the Samsung preferable despite the size increase.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Measuring the Heart of Image Capture

At the core of image quality is the sensor - and here the Samsung EX2F holds a decisive technical edge. Sporting a 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with an area of 41.52 mm², the EX2F’s sensor is nearly 50% larger than the Nikon P310’s 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 28.07 mm². This increase in surface area generally translates to better light gathering, reduced noise, superior dynamic range, and overall sharper images - especially important in low light and detailed landscape capture.

Despite the P310 boasting a higher pixel count at 16 megapixels compared to EX2F’s 12 megapixels, the larger sensor size of the Samsung generally ensures better per-pixel performance and less noise at higher ISOs, a common trade-off in sensor design. The EX2F’s maximum ISO 3200 matches Nikon’s, but in practice, its native sensor advantages deliver cleaner images when shooting dimly lit scenes.

Comprehensive lab measurements by DxOMark, which unfortunately did not test the Nikon P310, award the Samsung EX2F an overall score of 48, benchmarked by impressive 20.0 bits color depth and 11.5 EV dynamic range ratings. This means smoother tonal gradations and greater preservation of highlight and shadow details in challenging conditions.

In real-world shooting, landscape photographers will appreciate the EX2F’s sensor delivering more nuanced gradations in sunset skies and foliage details, while portrait shooters encounter a gentler noise pattern that helps skin tones stay natural even when boosting shadows or under mixed lighting.

Lens and Optics: Aperture Range and Focal Reach for Creative Versatility

Nikon equips the P310 with a fast 24-100mm equivalent lens featuring a maximum aperture of f/1.8 to f/4.9. The bright f/1.8 wide end is exceptionally useful for low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field effects in portraiture or macro work - indispensable features for controlling bokeh and subject isolation. The P310 also impresses with a 2 cm macro focus distance, enabling close-ups with attractive background separation.

Samsung’s EX2F sports a 24-80mm equivalent lens with an extraordinary maximum aperture of f/1.4-2.7, wider and brighter throughout the zoom range compared to Nikon’s, allowing even more light to reach the sensor. This lens excels at night, indoor, and street photography, supporting faster shutter speeds to reduce blur while maintaining a compact form factor.

This differential in aperture makes the EX2F lens more versatile for low-light and creative depth-of-field demands, albeit with a slightly shorter telephoto zoom, which may be a limitation for photographers targeting wildlife or distant sports action without additional lenses.

Autofocus System: Precision and Speed in Critical Moments

Investigating autofocus (AF), the Nikon P310 deploys a 99-point focus system with various modes including face detection and tracking. Though contrast-based AF limits speed compared to phase detection systems found in DSLRs, the P310 delivers reliable tracking performance, especially valuable for casual sports and street photography.

The Samsung EX2F employs a simpler contrast detect system with fewer focus points. It excludes face detection and subject tracking capabilities. For static subjects or carefully composed shots, this is sufficient, but rapid movement tracking is less fluid, potentially frustrating for wildlife or sports shooters.

While neither compact can fully rival DSLR or mirrorless autofocus precision, Nikon’s broader AF points and tracking edge offer more confidence in unpredictable or fast action scenarios.

User Interface and Screen Quality: Interaction and Visibility

Operating the cameras relies significantly on the screen interface. The Samsung EX2F’s fully articulated AMOLED 3-inch screen contrasts sharply with Nikon’s fixed, anti-reflective TFT LCD display. The AMOLED technology provides richer colors, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility, making a difference when composing in strong sunlight or vibrant scenes.

Samsung’s articulating screen facilitates shooting from high or low angles and self-portraits, essential for vloggers or street photographers seeking discreet framing. Conversely, Nikon’s fixed screen restricts angle flexibility but compensates with a resolution of 921k dots, sufficiently sharp for general use.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, though the EX2F offers an optional external accessory. For critical framing, users will depend mainly on the rear screen, a factor that may influence buyer preference towards Samsung for outdoor and variable-angle shooting.

Continuous Shooting, Video, and Special Features

In continuous shooting, the Nikon P310 outpaces Samsung with a 6fps burst rate, supportive for capturing decisive moments in action or wildlife photography. Samsung’s unspecified continuous rate is notably slower, hindering sports or rapid subject documentation.

On video, both cameras record Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression. Nikon also supports 720p and even VGA at 120fps for slow-motion capture, appealing to creative videographers. Samsung offers advanced built-in wireless connectivity, enabling easier sharing and remote control - a boon for travel or social media enthusiasts, whereas Nikon lacks wireless features entirely.

Inbuilt flash systems differ as well: Nikon’s P310 offers flash modes including slow sync and red-eye reduction, but Samsung adds manual flash control and external flash compatibility, extending lighting creative options.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance remains a practical consideration. Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery gives about 230 shots per charge, modest by today’s standards but typical for its compact class. Samsung’s listed SLB-10A battery life is unspecified, although anecdotal evidence suggests a similar range.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and offer only a single card slot, limiting storage flexibility but consistent with their size class. Importantly, Samsung integrates built-in wireless connectivity for instant photo transfer, enhancing workflow convenience, while Nikon P310 relies solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI without wireless capabilities.

Comprehensive Performance Scoring and Genre Suitability

Breaking down overall performance metrics, Samsung’s sensor strength and more versatile lens design push it ahead in pure image quality scores. Nikon shines in burst speed and autofocus versatility but lags in sensor size and connectivity. Both cameras perform within reasonable limits for compact system expectations, with pros and cons distributed by category.

Portraiture: Nikon’s brighter aperture at wide angle and sophisticated face detection improve skin tone rendering and eye sharpness, rendering it the better option for portrait-focused shooters.

Landscape: Samsung’s larger sensor and superior dynamic range render richer color depth and finer shadow detail, essential for expansive and nuanced landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports: Nikon’s faster burst and more comprehensive AF system better capture fleeting moments, despite weaker sensor specifications.

Street Photography: Samsung’s articulating AMOLED screen coupled with quieter operation and superior low-light capabilities enhances street shooting discretion.

Macro Photography: Nikon’s 2cm macro focus distance delivers close-up versatility unmatched by Samsung’s unspecified macro specs.

Night and Astro: Samsung’s wider aperture lens and cleaner high ISO performance give it an edge for low-light and astro enthusiasts.

Video: Nikon’s varied frame rate options (including slow motion) make it more flexible for video creatives, although Samsung’s wireless connectivity supports faster content sharing.

Travel: Samsung’s enhanced screen articulation and wireless communication increase usability for travelers, though Nikon’s compactness aids pocketability.

Professional Work: Neither camera fully matches professional workflow demands but Nikon’s manual exposure modes and faster AF can aid in demanding conditions, while Samsung’s raw support adds value for post-processing flexibility.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

After thorough testing, the choice between Nikon Coolpix P310 and Samsung EX2F boils down to individual priorities and shooting preferences:

• Choose Nikon P310 if:

  • You seek a super-light, pocket-friendly compact with fast continuous shooting for active and spontaneous photography.
  • Portraits and close-up shots are a primary focus, leveraging its fast f/1.8 aperture and macro capabilities.
  • Manual exposure controls and reliable autofocus with face detection are important.
  • Wireless performance and screen articulation are less critical.

• Choose Samsung EX2F if:

  • You prioritize superior image quality with a larger sensor and brighter lenses for low-light and landscape photography.
  • Video framing versatility via an articulated AMOLED screen is a must-have.
  • Wireless image sharing and external flash compatibility enhance your workflow.
  • You prefer richer color rendering for street and night scenes, accepting a slightly heavier, bulkier camera.

Nikon P310 front Nikon P310 screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

In summary, these cameras represent two divergent but equally compelling responses to the compact enthusiast market circa 2012. Nikon emphasizes speed, aperture reach, and simplicity, while Samsung pushes sensor performance and user interface innovation, especially for creative flexibilities and connectivity.

For photographers prioritizing speed and portraiture in a compact form, the Nikon P310 remains a highly capable tool. Meanwhile, those driven by image quality and multimedia versatility will find the Samsung EX2F a more potent creative companion.

The decision ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities and which compromises align best with your shooting style and budget - two excellent cameras from trusted brands, each offering distinct paths to photographic fulfillment.