Nikon P510 vs Pentax XG-1: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When it comes to choosing a superzoom bridge camera, the selection often boils down to what you value most: zoom reach, image quality, ease of use, or specific shooting features. Today, I’m diving deep into two worthy contenders from the mid-2010s small sensor superzoom camp - the Nikon Coolpix P510 and the Pentax XG-1. Both pack serious zoom power (over 40x optical zoom) and compete in a similar price bracket, but they approach the superzoom concept with subtle differences that can make a decisive impact on your photography.

I’ve put both cameras through rigorous testing across various real-world scenarios and will share insights from my hands-on experience as a working photography professional and gear reviewer. Whether you’re a casual traveler, wildlife enthusiast, or a cheapskate looking to squeeze every cent from your camera budget, I'll help you untangle which of these bridge shooters deserves a place in your gear bag.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, and Handling

Let’s start by examining the physical aspects where your hands first meet the gear. Ergonomics significantly influence how long you’ll want to lug a camera around and how comfortable it is to shoot for extended periods.

Side-by-side size comparison reveals subtle differences in grip and bulk.

Both cameras adopt the classic SLR-like bridge form factor, which gives the P510 and XG-1 a familiar feel for DSLR converts or advanced compacts users wanting extensive controls. The Nikon P510 measures 120x83x102 mm and weighs 555g, while the Pentax XG-1 is slightly chunkier at 119x89x98 mm and a bit heavier at 567g. Neither is pocketable, but both fit nicely in medium-sized camera bags or backpack side compartments.

The P510 features a deeper handgrip, which I found more secure during prolonged use, especially with one-handed shooting. The buttons and dials are reasonably well laid out without feeling cramped. Its tilting LCD adds extra versatility for shooting awkward angles and low ground-level perspectives.

On the other hand, Pentax’s XG-1 opts for a fixed 3-inch LCD which is less flexible but still decent in size. The grip is somewhat shallower and less sculpted, which took me a couple of sessions to get comfortable with since it doesn’t cradle the fingers quite as well. Both have electronic viewfinders, but Pentax’s EVF resolution at 200k dots falls short versus Nikon's higher-spec EVF (though the P510’s exact EVF resolution isn’t specified, it feels more detailed and usable outdoors).

If you’re someone who shoots handheld for hours, the P510’s ergonomics win in my book - especially for bigger hands or when stability is key for long telephoto zooms.

Control layout topside shows Nikon’s dedicated exposure compensation dial vs. Pentax’s more pared-down interface.

While Nikon packs in a superior control scheme with dedicated dials for exposure compensation and direct access to shooting modes, Pentax keeps things simpler, relying more on menus and combined button presses. For photographers who crave quick manual control adjustments on the fly, the P510 feels less like wrestling with menus.

Sensors and Image Quality: What Can You Expect From the 1/2.3" BSI CMOS Chips?

Both cameras employ the same sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16 megapixels. In theory, this equal footing means image quality differences will mostly come down to processor tuning, lens optics, and noise handling.

Despite the tiny sensor size (common in superzooms to keep cost and weight down), the Nikon P510’s EXPEED C2 image processor tends to better balance sharpness and noise reduction. Images have decent detail at low-ISO settings, and the Nikon’s anti-reflection coating on the TFT-display reflects its general attention to optical quality.

Pentax’s XG-1, while similarly equipped, runs on an undefined processor and notably lacks raw image support - meaning your post-processing options are limited to JPEGs baked in-camera. Nikon also doesn’t offer raw (a common limitation in superzooms), but its overall JPEG output tends to preserve colors and detail better, with more natural skin tones and sharper foliage rendering.

At base ISO 100, scenes are acceptably sharp from both, but noise and detail loss creep in above ISO 800 on both cameras, largely due to sensor limitations. The P510’s optical stabilization helps deliver steadier shots at slower shutter speeds, effectively reducing blur in lower light more consistently than the sensor-shift system on the XG-1.

In terms of dynamic range (the ability to capture detail in shadows and highlights), neither camera can claim DSLR territory - expect clipped highlights in harsh daylight. The Nikon did edge out the Pentax slightly in shadow recovery tests, which can be a boon for landscape or travel photographers shooting in tricky contrast conditions.

LCD and Viewfinder: Your Windows to Creativity

A camera’s LCD and EVF quality directly impact your shooting experience, especially for composing and reviewing shots in varying lighting.

The Nikon’s 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating not only helps compose difficult angles but also works better outdoors thanks to reduced glare. It boasts a resolution of 921k dots, providing a crisp, responsive touchpoint for menus and focus confirmation.

Meanwhile, Pentax’s XG-1 comes with a smaller, fixed 3-inch screen clocking in at 460k dots - far less detailed and less adaptable in bright sunlight or when framing unconventional perspectives. The fixed screen also limits creative flexibility.

The EVF on the P510, while not specified for resolution, felt more usable with clearer detail and higher refresh rates compared to Pentax’s lower-res 200k dot EVF, which suffered from lag and lower clarity. Both cameras’ EVFs help compose shots in bright light where LCDs can sometimes struggle, but the Nikon’s edge here makes it easier to track fast action or precisely frame macro subjects.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Wildlife, Sports, and Street Moments

Getting your subject sharp quickly is essential - whether you’re stalking wildlife, following fast-paced sports, or grabbing a fleeting street photo.

The Nikon P510 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and center-weighted metering. It supports AF tracking but lacks continuous AF modes, meaning focus is “locked” per shot. Pentax’s XG-1 FPS capabilities hit 9 frames per second versus Nikon’s 7, but its autofocus is far less capable: it uses contrast detection only with no face, eye, or AF tracking features, which required me to nudge focus manually more often during fast action shoots.

In real-world usage, the Nikon’s autofocus was notably quicker to lock onto faces and subjects, particularly in good light, making it a better choice for casual wildlife or sports photography. The Pentax cam sometimes hunted aggressively even under steady conditions, limiting confidence when shooting dynamic scenes.

Both cameras lack mechanical or electronic shutters for truly silent shooting - important to note for wildlife or discreet street photography. Burst rates favor the XG-1 slightly for number of frames per second but that advantage is partly negated by its more erratic focus performance.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Go and at What Cost?

Superzooms are all about reach, so let’s compare their lenses in real terms.

Pentax wins the sheer zoom battle, pushing an eye-watering 1248mm equivalent reach at the long end - great for birders or distant wildlife enthusiasts on a budget. Nikon lags a bit in max telephoto at 1000mm but hits the sweet spot with a modestly faster max aperture at the wide end (f/3.0 vs. f/2.8) giving slightly better low-light starting points for wide-angle shots.

However, the Pentax’s optical design reveals more softness and chromatic aberration at max zoom when pixel peeping. Nikon’s cooler, sharper delivered images at longer zooms are thanks to high-quality glass and its tried-and-true EXPEED processor balancing sharpness and noise.

Their stabilization systems differ as well - Nikon uses optical lens-shift stabilization, providing clear correction through the extreme zoom range. Pentax relies on sensor-shift stabilization which helps with general shake but struggles a bit with heavier zoom reach, especially handheld.

Both models boast impressive macro performance, with Pentax edging closer focus at 1cm distance, yet Nikon’s more versatile tilting screen gives better framing feedback when working in macro territory.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Features

Video shooters will find the Nikon a more capable choice here.

Both cameras deliver Full HD 1080p recording at up to 30fps, but Nikon offers 720p at 60fps and 480p at up to 120fps for basic slow-motion capture. Pentax caps 1080p at 30fps only. Nikon saves video in MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, which are widely supported and more efficient than Pentax’s Motion JPEG files that result in larger file sizes and quicker storage drain.

Neither camera sports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control which might frustrate serious videographers. However, the Nikon’s HDMI output offers external monitor connection possibilities - something Pentax’s no-show HDMI port can’t match.

Neither camera has advanced video stabilization modes beyond optical or sensor-shift, so handheld video at long zooms may show shake. For casual social media cuts or travel video, Nikon’s smoother frame rates and better codec support give an edge.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Aspects in Daily Use

Pentax’s slightly heavier body also packs a longer battery life rated at 240 shots versus Nikon’s 200. In action, Nikon conserves power better with its modern processor, but for longer treks without charging, the XG-1’s extra shots can matter.

Both rely on proprietary battery packs (EN-EL5 for Nikon and LB-060 for Pentax) which are reasonably available but consider buying spares if you plan multi-day shoots. Each camera uses a single SD card slot supporting SDHC and SDXC cards, accommodating virtually any memory size you’ll need today.

Wireless connectivity is somewhat bare-bones on both with only Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer. Neither supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC natively - a drawback when instant sharing or remote shooting apps are standard on newer models. Nikon does have built-in GPS which tags your images with location - a real plus for travel photographers - even though it can shorten battery life.

How Do They Stand Up Across Photography Genres?

Having tested both cameras for portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night/astro, video, travel, and professional work, here’s my summary of their strengths and weaknesses contextually:

• Portrait Photography: Nikon P510 takes the lead, thanks to better AF face detection and more accurate skin tones. Pentax lacks face detection, which can make portraits hit or miss.

• Landscape Photography: Both cameras struggle with dynamic range due to sensor size, but Nikon’s better highlight handling gives it an edge. The Pentax’s longer zoom helps capture distant landscapes but with softer edges.

• Wildlife Photography: Pentax’s longer zoom is tempting, but Nikon’s faster AF and optical stabilization prove critical when tracking moving subjects.

• Sports Photography: Nikon’s 7fps with AF tracking (albeit limited) outperforms Pentax’s faster but more unfocused 9fps burst.

• Street Photography: Nikon’s tilting LCD and better EVF make it easier to shoot discreetly from odd angles, beating Pentax’s fixed screen.

• Macro Photography: Pentax’s 1cm close focus distance helps here, but Nikon’s tilting screen aids composition.

• Night/Astro Photography: Neither camera excels due to small sensors and limited ISO. Nikon’s slightly better noise management counts for something.

• Video: Nikon’s more versatile codecs and frame rates put it comfortably ahead.

• Travel: Nikon captures more shooting flexibility with GPS, better ergonomics, and sharper optics for varied conditions.

• Professional Use: Neither camera is professional-grade or supports raw, but Nikon’s more developed processing pipeline gives a slight nod for casual pro workflows.

Overall Performance and Value: What Do the Numbers Say?

Both cameras retail around $600 new, so budget-conscious buyers can’t go wildly wrong either way if superzoom reach is the priority. From a pure value perspective, I tend to side with Nikon here - it offers more versatile controls, better autofocus, a superior LCD, GPS, and more modern video support, all baked into an ergonomic body you won’t mind carrying.

Pentax’s biggest attraction remains its stunning 1248mm zoom, packing enormous reach into a portable package. But this comes with considerable image quality compromises and clunky autofocus that limit its real-life usability beyond occasional backyard bird photos or static telephoto shots.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

To wrap up, here’s my straightforward buying advice after putting these cameras through thousands of shots and diverse scenarios:

Choose the Nikon Coolpix P510 if you:

• Want balanced all-round superzoom performance with better autofocus and image quality.
• Need a flexible tilting screen for creative compositions.
• Shoot portraits or street scenes requiring fast, accurate focus.
• Valued GPS tagging for travel convenience.
• Plan to shoot Full HD video with decent codec support.
• Prefer a proven camera system with reliable ergonomics and controls.

Choose the Pentax XG-1 if you:

• Are obsessed with having the longest zoom in the smallest package (52x optical zoom).
• Don’t prioritize fast autofocus or complex controls.
• Are fine with slower, potentially fuzzier shots at max zoom.
• Want the absolute lowest minimum focusing distance for extreme macro work.
• Need slightly longer battery life for extended day trips.
• Are on a tight budget and don’t care for raw or high-res EVF.

In short, Nikon’s P510 represents the better all-around superzoom camera with superior handling, focusing, and video. Pentax’s XG-1 is a niche beast optimized for extreme telephoto reach at a moderate price, best suited for photographers willing to compromise elsewhere.

For a versatile entry-level enthusiast or casual pro, I’d recommend the Nikon P510 without hesitation. It’s a camera you’ll reach for more often because it handles most situations well - a practical workhorse, not just a zoom monster.

Nikon P510 front Nikon P510 screen back Pentax XG 1 front Pentax XG 1 screen back

A Personal Note From Years Behind the Lens

Having tested thousands of cameras, I’ve seen the pitfalls of chasing specs without feeling a camera’s soul. The P510, despite being older, has that “photographer’s camera” vibe - the kind that invites you to explore your creativity confidently without worrying about autofocus failures or clunky menus. The XG-1 reminds me of the kid who just wants to see how far they can throw the ball, regardless of catch probability.

Sometimes, practicality trumps specs, and for most users here, the Nikon Coolpix P510 is the smarter buy.

Feel free to ask any follow-up questions about these models or more recent alternatives - happy to share my hands-on insights tailored to your photography goals!