Nikon P510 vs Panasonic FZ100: An Expert’s Take on Two Small-Sensor Superzoom Bridge Cameras

If you’re chasing the elusive “do-it-all” camera in the affordable bridge segment, the Nikon Coolpix P510 and Panasonic Lumix FZ100 have likely thrown their hats into your ring. Both from roughly the same era, each offers a considerable zoom range and a bunch of manual controls, appealing to enthusiasts keen on flexibility without the heft or expense of interchangeable lenses. But which one truly covers the bases better? After extensive hands-on experience with hundreds of cameras, I’ll take you through a detailed, no-nonsense comparison across critical photographic disciplines and performance factors, helping you pinpoint which camera gels with your style and requirements.

Let’s dive in and keep it practical and insightful - no fluff.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: What You’re Holding Matters

When a camera rests in your hands for hours, size and ergonomics become surprisingly crucial. Both the Nikon P510 and Panasonic FZ100 adopt the classic SLR-like bridge camera design, offering DSLR-esque grips and control placements, yet their subtle differences impact comfort and usability in varied shooting scenarios.

The Nikon P510 weighs in at 555 grams and measures roughly 120 x 83 x 102 mm, while the Panasonic FZ100 is marginally lighter at 540 grams and a touch more compact at 124 x 82 x 92 mm. In practice, this translates to the FZ100 feeling slightly more pocketable and less front-heavy despite its intense zoom capabilities.

Looking at control layout from above, the P510 opts for a traditional mode dial and dedicated buttons, whereas the FZ100 sports a somewhat simpler top panel, emphasizing a streamlined user experience - with the tradeoff that accessing certain features isn’t as immediate as on the Nikon.

Personally, I found the P510’s ergonomics more satisfying for extended handheld usage - especially with heavier lenses - thanks to its robust grip and well-positioned command dials. The FZ100 is nimble, favored when quick mobility and lighter carry trump intensive manipulation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

The image sensor remains the critical bottleneck or accelerator in camera performance. Both cameras pack relatively small 1/2.3” sensors, yet subtle differences do appear. The Nikon P510’s sensor measures 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with 16 megapixels, employing a BSI-CMOS design. The Panasonic FZ100 has a similarly sized sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 27.72 mm²) with 14 megapixels, using a CMOS sensor.

In real-world shooting, sensor size impacts noise levels, dynamic range, and the ability to capture fine detail. The Nikon’s slightly higher pixel count leans towards higher resolution images at nominal ISO, yet the FZ100 offers a maximum ISO of 6400, doubling the P510’s top native ISO of 3200.

Due to the age and sensor class, neither camera matches current APS-C or full-frame performance, but in daylight and controlled conditions, each produces sharp, clean images suitable for prints up to 8x10 inches or more.

Dynamic range differences are minor but the Panasonic tends to retain more highlight information, possibly thanks to its Venus Engine FHD processor’s noise reduction algorithms. Nikon’s Expeed C2 is no slouch, though the P510 exhibits slightly more color saturation, which some users might prefer straight out of camera.

If pushing ISO into dimmer environments, the FZ100’s extended ISO range behaves more gracefully, albeit with noticeable noise creeping in past ISO 1600 on both cameras.

Viewing and Interface: Composing Your Shots with Ease

Your ability to see and adjust your framing and settings directly impacts creative freedom. Both cameras feature electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but surprisingly, neither offers particularly high-resolution models here, which slightly detracts from precise manual focusing and framing accuracy.

Meanwhile, their rear LCD displays differ in articulation and clarity:

The Nikon P510 features a 3-inch tilting TFT-LCD with 921k dot resolution and anti-reflective coating, making it vibrant and usable in various lighting conditions. The Panasonic FZ100 also sports a 3-inch fully articulated screen but at a lower 460k dot resolution. The articulation is a big plus for unconventional angles, vlogging, or macro work, where flexibility matters.

Neither touchscreen, so navigation leans on physical buttons and rear dials. In my frustration testing, the P510’s menu system feels more modern, responsive, and logical, whereas the FZ100’s interface can seem clunky on occasion - especially when switching shooting modes rapidly.

For live-view focusing and shooting, the P510 struggles since its autofocus in live view is contrast-detection only and not quite speedy, whereas the FZ100 is a tad quicker.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Action

For wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subjects, autofocus (AF) responsiveness and continuous shooting capabilities are dealbreakers. Here’s where these cameras differ sharply.

The Nikon P510 offers contrast-detection AF with face detection, continuous AF tracking, and 7 frames per second burst shooting. The Panasonic FZ100 extends this with continuous AF modes, face detection, and a whopping 11 fps burst rate, nearly doubling the P510 in speed.

Both cameras use multi-area AF with a center-weighted option but lack phase detection. The FZ100 manages better tracking in real-world fast action - though neither is as reliable as newer mirrorless or DSLR systems.

To put it plainly: If your photography calls for quick focus reacquisition and fast frame rates - say, birdwatching or sports - the FZ100 edges ahead.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: How Far Can You See?

Here lies the core appeal of both cameras: the fixed superzoom lenses.

The Nikon P510 stretches from 24-1000 mm equivalent (a whopping 41.7x zoom) with an aperture of f/3.0-5.9, while the Panasonic FZ100 ranges from 25-600 mm (24x zoom) at f/2.8-5.2.

This means Nikon’s zoom is significantly longer, great for distant wildlife or surveillance-style shooting. But the trade-off is a slower, variable aperture at telephoto, impacting low-light performance and bokeh quality.

Panasonic’s lens starts brighter at f/2.8 (and maintains relatively wider apertures longer through zoom range) improving indoor, low light, and portrait scenarios.

Neither lens system competes with pro optics in sharpness or edge-to-edge clarity, but both deliver versatile reach.

Portraits: Bokeh, Skin Tones, and Eye Detection

Though small-sensor superzooms generally don’t excel at the creamy background blur portrait lovers crave, each handles skin tones and detection features differently.

The Nikon P510’s 16MP sensor yields pleasing skin tones right out of camera - with slightly warmer rendering, which complements natural Caucasian skin tones well. Its face and eye detection work adequately, locking on faces for accurate exposure in most lighting.

The Panasonic FZ100 offers raw shooting, crucial if you’re keen on tuning skin tones afterward to perfection. Its broader ISO range means better hand-held portraits in dimmer environments.

That bokeh? Neither lens delivers spectacular subject separation at telephoto due to sensor size and aperture limits - the P510’s enormous zoom sometimes makes background compression marginally better but at cost to sharpness and focus speed.

If portraiture is your priority, I’d lean toward the P510 for pleasing JPEG colors, but with the FZ100 if you want greater editing latitude.

Landscapes and Outdoors: Resolution and Weather Resistance

Neither of these cameras is weather-sealed or ruggedized for tough environmental shooting. Both require care in wet or dusty conditions.

Landscape enthusiasts will appreciate the Nikon’s slightly higher resolution sensor (16MP vs 14MP) for large prints, though pixel difference is marginal.

Dynamic range is a tie, but the P510’s anti-reflective screen works better for composing outdoors in sun.

FZ100’s fully articulated screen again shines here - low-angle landscape shots without crawling on the ground feel effortless.

The bigger differentiator: the Nikon’s longer zoom lets you reach distant features inaccessible to the Panasonic, assuming you don’t mind the weather vulnerability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Reach

For the curious photographer chasing animals or field sports, the P510 and FZ100 both bring compelling - but different - tools.

The P510’s extreme zoom gives it reach up to 1000 mm (in 35mm equivalent), a serious advantage spotting elusive wildlife. However, its autofocus and frame rate trail the FZ100.

Panasonic’s burst speed (11 fps vs 7 fps) and better continuous AF better suit rapid action or erratic subjects, making it more versatile for sports too.

In practice, the FZ100’s combination of faster AF and frame rate tends to yield more keepers, though with less zoom far end. The question boils down to whether reach or speed matters more to you.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Street photographers prize fast handling, discretion, and unobtrusive size. Both cameras are bridge-style, so neither is particularly stealthy. That said, the FZ100’s slightly smaller dimensions help.

Additionally, the FZ100’s faster lens at wide and broader ISO range offer more flexibility in low-light street shooting without popping flash unnecessarily.

Travel photographers may prefer the Nikon P510 for the longest zoom, covering wildlife, cityscapes, and landscapes in one body. Its built-in GPS tagging is a useful plus when sorting travel photos later.

Considering battery life: Nikon rates about 200 shots per charge with the EN-EL5 battery. Panasonic doesn’t specify explicitly, but generally similar or slightly less. Carrying spares is advisable either way.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stability

Close-up performance tends to be overshadowed by zoom capabilities here, but again differences show.

The Panasonic FZ100 offers macro focusing down to 1 cm and a fully articulated screen - ideal for tricky focusing angles. The Nikon P510 can focus as close as 2 cm but has only a tilting screen.

Both employ optical image stabilization (crucial for handheld macro work since you’re near minimum focal distances), but given the FZ100’s smaller size and articulation, it’s more nimble for flower or product macro photography.

Pro tip: Neither offers focus stacking or bracketing, which is a shame but typical for this camera class.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO, Exposure, and Low Light

Small sensors limit astrophotography potential, but some enthusiasts experiment regardless.

Panasonic’s higher max ISO 6400 lets you push exposures brighter in the same conditions, though highlights can clip without careful meter reading.

Nikon’s max shutter speed extends to 1/8000 sec, good for daytime long exposures, but its max ISO is 3200.

Neither camera has bulb mode for true long exposures beyond 30 seconds, limiting astrophotography utility.

In night cityscapes or low light, both rely heavily on optical stabilization. The FZ100’s brighter aperture on the wide end, combined with its ISO latitude, often yields cleaner night shots.

Video Capabilities: From 1080p to Stabilization

Video enthusiasts must consider frame rates, resolution, and audio inputs.

The Nikon P510 shoots Full HD 1080p at 15 and 30 fps, plus various 720p and lower frame rate modes. Unfortunately, no microphone input limits sound control, and built-in mic quality is basic.

The Panasonic FZ100 offers 1080p at 60 fps, 720p at 60 fps, and includes a microphone port - a substantial advantage for serious video recording.

Both have optical image stabilization (critical in handheld video), but the FZ100’s faster aperture and smoother autofocus in live view improve video quality noticeably.

Both cameras lack 4K or higher resolution recording, which was uncommon for their release period but limits future-proofing.

Professional Workflow and Format Support: Raw and Connectivity

For professionals, file format and workflow integration matter.

The Nikon P510 notably lacks raw shooting capability, locking you into JPEG, which restricts post-processing scope.

The Panasonic FZ100 supports raw files, vastly preferred for critical color grading and noise reduction workflows.

Connectivity-wise, Nikon’s Eye-Fi compatibility permits wireless image transfer (albeit with proprietary cards), while the Panasonic offers no wireless features, limiting instant sharing or remote control.

Neither camera supports USB 3.0, Bluetooth, or NFC, as expected for their generation.

Storage, Battery, and Environmental Considerations

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with one slot each. Panasonic also offers an internal memory buffer, a useful feature if cards are full or for quick temporary shoots.

Battery-wise, Nikon’s EN-EL5 lithium-ion delivers about 200 shots per charge - low by modern standards but typical for bridge designs of that time. Panasonic did not officially specify battery life, but field reports indicate similar or slightly less endurance.

No environmental sealing on either - avoid rain and dust to protect internal electronics.

How They Score: Overall and By Genre

After evaluating features, speed, image quality, and handling, here’s a distilled view of strengths across photography types:

Nikon P510 front Nikon P510 screen back Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back

• Portraits: Nikon P510 wins on JPEG skin tone output and zoom flexibility for environmental portraits; FZ100 shines with raw files and better low light.
• Landscape: Slight edge to the P510 for resolution and bright screen; FZ100’s articulation helps creative framing.
• Wildlife: Nikon’s massive zoom wins distance; Panasonic’s faster burst and AF improves subject acquisition.
• Sports: FZ100 dominant due to faster continuous shooting and AF tracking.
• Street: Panasonic’s size, lens speed, and articulation give it an advantage.
• Macro: FZ100 for focusing precision and screen movement.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s higher ISO and video capabilities offer more versatility.
• Video: Panasonic FZ100’s mic input and 60 fps recording seal the deal.
• Travel: Nikon’s zoom and GPS tagging are useful; Panasonic’s compactness and articulation help in dynamic situations.
• Professional Use: Panasonic’s raw support and video inputs edge better overall potential.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is your ticket if:

• You need maximum zoom reach up to 1000mm for distant wildlife or surveillance-like shooting.
• You value robust ergonomics and a brighter rear display.
• You shoot stills mostly in daylight or controlled environments.
• GPS tagging is critical for your travel photography.
• You’re content shooting JPEGs primarily and want a straightforward interface.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ100 is better suited for:

• Those prioritizing faster autofocus and higher burst rates for sports and wildlife.
• Users who want raw image capture for extensive post-processing.
• Video enthusiasts needing microphone input and 60fps Full HD.
• Photographers shooting in low light or requiring a faster lens.
• Those who value flexible articulation for creative framing (macro, street, vlogging).
• Travel photographers seeking a slightly more compact, lighter solution.

My Testing Methodology: How I Came to These Conclusions

I tested both cameras under standardized lighting, shooting identical scenes to compare color rendition, sharpness, noise, and dynamic range. Action sequences were captured to evaluate AF speed and accuracy alongside burst frame rates. Portability and handling were assessed by extended handheld use across urban, wildlife, and macro shoots.

Also, I scrutinized menus and interface responsiveness for real-world usability, layered with video tests spanning various resolutions and frame rates.

My critique grounds itself in both empirical bench tests and qualitative field experience, aiming to mirror what you’ll encounter in everyday photography.

In Summary: Two Decent Companions for Differing Missions

Both the Nikon P510 and Panasonic FZ100 represent competent superzoom bridge cameras with unique emphases. Neither is flawless - compromises in sensor size, speed, or interface reflect their vintage and category constraints.

Your best choice depends largely on priority: ultimate zoom length and GPS, or speed, raw files, and video readiness.

Whatever path you choose, these cameras open doors for versatile image-making - ideal for enthusiasts who want all-in-one tools without diving into interchangeable lenses or hefty professional rigs.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera always inspire your best shots!