Exploring the Bridge Camera Titans: Nikon P510 vs Sony HX200V – An Expert’s Perspective

In the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, the Nikon Coolpix P510 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V stand out as two formidable contenders. Released in 2012, these bridge cameras pack impressive zoom ranges into ergonomically designed bodies that aim to deliver versatility to enthusiasts who crave everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed wildlife shots - without the complexity or cost of interchangeable lenses.

Having tested and compared countless cameras over the last 15 years, I’ve spent significant hands-on time with both models. This article draws on my direct experience, rigorous technical evaluation, and a deep dive into their real-world performance across major photography disciplines. Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, travel addict, or stepping up from entry-level gear, this detailed comparison helps you understand which camera fits your needs best.

Physical Handling and Design: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

One of the first impressions any photographer encounters is the physical feel of a camera. Both the Nikon P510 and Sony HX200V sport the classic SLR-like bridge camera silhouette, with substantial grips and a solid build. However, subtle differences affect their handling and usability.

The Nikon P510 measures 120x83x102 mm and weighs about 555 grams with battery, while the Sony HX200V is a bit larger at 122x87x93 mm and slightly heavier at 583 grams. In practical use, this means the Nikon tends to feel a tad more compact in hand, although both are designed for one-handed shooting comfort.

Notably, the Nikon’s slightly narrower body makes it easier to stow in moderate-sized bags, an advantage for travelers who juggle gear and mobility. Both cameras employ tilting 3-inch LCDs, but the Sony’s screen utilizes its proprietary XtraFine TruBlack TFT technology that offers superior contrast and better outdoor visibility.

When it comes to control layout, I appreciate how the Nikon balances accessible dials and buttons with a reasonably intuitive menu system. The Sony HX200V also excels here, featuring a responsive layout but adding a dedicated function button for quicker access to key settings. Notably, both cameras lack touchscreen interfaces, which seasoned photographers might find a mild inconvenience, though not a dealbreaker, given their physical command oriented approach.

Practical Tip: If you frequently adjust shooting parameters on the fly, the Sony’s more substantial command dial and dedicated buttons provide a slight edge in tactile feedback, especially when shooting with gloves or in less-than-ideal conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Diving Into the Heart of the Cameras

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a standard size for superzoom bridges, but the Sony edges ahead on resolution with 18 megapixels versus Nikon’s 16 megapixels. The sensor dimensions are identical (6.17x4.55mm), so pixel density is slightly higher on the Sony - typically translating into more detail capture capability, but potentially less light gathering per pixel.

In my field tests, Nikon’s EXPEED C2 processor performs admirably but shows its age in ISO performance relative to the Sony’s more advanced BIONZ engine. The Nikon maxes out at ISO 3200 native, whereas the Sony extends up to ISO 12800, though usable image quality drops off steeply past ISO 1600 on both. Noise reduction strategies also differ: Nikon tends to preserve more fine detail at higher ISOs, producing noisier but sharper images, while Sony applies heavier smoothing, trading detail for cleaner files.

Dynamic range is limited in both cameras due to sensor size, but under controlled daylight, both hold up well for typical shooting situations. The Sony’s slightly larger resolution provides an advantage in cropping latitude, which I found handy when tracking distant subjects or tight detail work.

A drawback of both models is the absence of RAW support, restricting post-processing flexibility. For enthusiasts who rely heavily on extensive editing, this may be a significant limitation - JPEG output is good but naturally compressed.

Autofocus Systems: Performance in Fast-Moving Scenarios

In superzoom cameras, autofocus capabilities critically determine the success rate in genres like wildlife and sports photography. Neither camera employs phase-detection autofocus; instead, they use contrast-detection AF, which is generally slower but accurate for stationary subjects.

The Nikon P510 AF system is somewhat rudimentary, focusing with “aftracking” plus center-weighted and face detection modes, but lacks selective AF point customization. It provides continuous AF during video and enables manual focus override.

The Sony HX200V offers a more versatile AF system with 9 focus points, including center, selective, and continuous tracking modes, improving accuracy and flexibility in challenging situations. The addition of face detection also enhances usability for portrait and street photography.

In burst shooting tests, which simulate sports or wildlife action, the Sony performs faster with 10 fps versus Nikon’s more limited 7 fps, although neither achieves the sustained frame rates or buffering of dedicated DSLRs.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom Range and Aperture Flexibility

Lens specs often drive purchasing decisions for bridge camera users. The Nikon P510 boasts a staggering 24-1000mm equivalent zoom (41.7x), marginally longer than the Sony HX200V’s 27-810mm (30x). The Nikon gives wildlife and distant subjects an edge, especially in open environments or travel where carrying super-telephoto lenses isn’t practical.

Nikon P510 front Nikon P510 screen back Sony HX200V front Sony HX200V screen back

However, this comes with some trade-offs. The P510’s maximum aperture narrows to f/5.9 at telephoto extremes, meaning lower light capture and more demanding ISO or shutter speed adjustments. The Sony’s lens starts at a brighter f/2.8, aiding shallow depth of field and low-light shooting, though it closes to f/5.6 telephoto.

In macro settings, the Sony is more aggressive with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm, compared to Nikon’s 2 cm, enabling more detailed close-ups. For those intrigued by nature or still life work, the Sony’s lens delivers superior macro performance.

Both lenses incorporate optical image stabilization, crucial at longer focal lengths to counteract handshake, and both are fixed (non-interchangeable), limiting adaptability but simplifying operation.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition and Playback Experience

The 3-inch tilting LCDs on both cameras come in around 921-922k-dot resolution - sharp and adequately detailed. The Sony’s TruBlack technology, however, delivers deeper blacks and enhanced contrast, which especially benefits composition in bright daylight or shaded outdoor scenes.

Neither camera offers a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder, but both have electronic EVFs sufficient for framing and manual focus confirmation in bright environments or when image stabilization benefits from eye-level use.

In practice, I found the Sony’s EVF slightly clearer with less lag, making it more reliable for action shooting, though both demand some patience compared to modern mirrorless EVF standards.

Battery Life and Storage: Reliability on the Go

Battery endurance is a key criterion for travel photographers or event shooters. Nikon’s EN-EL5 battery delivers about 200 shots per charge, while Sony’s NP-FH50 nearly doubles that to 450 shots under CIPA testing standards.

This stark difference influenced my workflow extensively; with the Nikon, I frequently carried spare batteries for day trips, whereas the Sony handled a full day on moderate shooting without recharge.

Both cameras utilize single slots compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though Sony adds support for Memory Stick Duo/Pro formats, offering slight extra flexibility for users with existing Sony media.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both the Nikon P510 and Sony HX200V include built-in GPS, a boon for travel photography tagging and geolocation. Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility, which in 2024 feels outdated compared to integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth found in modern cameras.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone jacks, reducing video-centric potential for vloggers or professionals requiring audio control. Video recording capabilities are similarly basic:

• Nikon: 1080p at 15 or 30 fps (MPEG-4/H.264)
• Sony: 1080p at 60 fps (AVCHD/MPEG-4)

The Sony’s higher frame rate at Full HD and support for AVCHD format contribute to smoother video and better compression efficiency, advantageous for casual videographers.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To give a comprehensive view, let’s explore how these cameras fare in different photographic disciplines based on my in-depth hands-on sessions.

Portrait Photography

Portraits require pleasing skin tones, accurate focus on eyes, and natural bokeh. Both cameras employ face detection autofocus to lock on subjects’ faces. The Nikon’s lower resolution 16MP sensor is balanced by its more neutral JPEG skin tone rendering, whereas the Sony’s 18MP sensor reproduces slightly crisper images but sometimes cooler color temperature.

Neither’s lenses offer wide-open apertures sufficient for creamy background blur, but the Sony’s brighter f/2.8 on wide angle helps isolate subjects more effectively. I found the Nikon slightly more forgiving on exposure with skin tones, though in dimmer light, both struggle to achieve clean, noise-free portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands wide dynamic range and resolution to capture vast detail. Both cameras’ sensor sizes limit DR - highlight clipping is common in bright skies if not carefully managed. Between the two, Sony’s 18MP resolution edges ahead when fine detail or cropping potential is prioritized.

Weather sealing isn’t present on either model, which mandates caution in harsh conditions. For handheld shooting, the optical stabilization was essential. The Nikon’s wider starting focal length (24mm vs 27mm) gives slightly more scope for expansive compositions.

Wildlife Photography

The Nikon’s extraordinary 1000mm zoom equivalent offers outstanding reach for distant wildlife - a vital advantage in safaris or open habitats. However, the slower maximum aperture and contrast-detection autofocus limit sharpness on moving animals, especially at dusk.

Conversely, Sony’s faster autofocus and higher burst rate make it more adept in following quick animal movements despite a shorter 810mm reach. In mixed lighting, Sony’s superior ISO range helped retain usable shots.

Sports Photography

Speed and tracking ability are crucial. Neither camera replaces an APS-C mirrorless or DSLR, but the Sony’s faster 10 fps burst and versatile AF modes provide a tangible benefit for casual sports shooters. Nikon’s 7 fps isn’t slow but the AF is less responsive to subject shifts.

Both cameras require careful exposure settings due to limited ISO performance in low light typical of indoor sports.

Street Photography

For candid or street portraiture, compactness and discretion are assets. Nikon’s slightly smaller size and weight offer better portability, though neither is pocketable. The tilt screens facilitate shooting from various angles unobtrusively.

Low-light usability favors the Sony for its superior high ISO capabilities, which translates to cleaner images in nightlife scenes.

Macro Photography

Sony shines in macro with a 1cm minimum focus distance and decent magnification. Nikon’s 2cm distance results in slightly less tight close-ups. Focus accuracy at near distances also felt more refined on the Sony.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras lack manual bulb modes required for longer exposures critical in astrophotography. High ISO noise limits usability once past ISO 1600. Sony’s broader ISO range offers theoretical advantage, but neither camera is ideal for deep night sky work.

Video Capabilities

Sony takes the lead here with 1080p at 60 fps, enabling smoother motion capture important for action sequences or slow-motion effects. Nikon’s video caps at 30 fps Full HD.

Neither camera has microphone inputs or advanced codec options, limiting professional video use. Optical image stabilization helps reduce handheld shake in video on both.

Travel Photography

Both cameras are versatile travel companions, offering built-in GPS and extensive zooms covering most focal lengths. Nikon’s smaller size makes it easier to carry on long excursions, but inferior battery life is a concern.

Sony’s longer battery life and superior video capabilities might appeal to the traveler who also values multimedia documentation.

Professional Work

For professionals requiring RAW files, advanced autofocus, and robust build, neither camera is designed as a primary tool. Yet for secondary or backup use, both are reliable within their limitations. Lack of weather sealing constrains outdoor pro use.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Genre Breakdown

To summarize, I compiled overall and application-specific scores based on real shooting sessions, focusing on key parameters like image quality, autofocus, lens, handling, and features.

Verdict: Which Bridge Camera Is Right for You?

Both the Nikon P510 and Sony HX200V have much to offer in the enduring superzoom bridge segment, yet their strengths appeal to different priorities.

Choose Nikon P510 if:

• You want the maximum telephoto reach (up to 1000mm) for distant wildlife or birding.
• You prefer a slightly more compact body and easier portability.
• Portrait and landscape shooting at moderate ISO settings are your mainstay.
• You value a more straightforward control system and balanced ergonomics.

Opt for Sony HX200V if:

• Faster autofocus and higher continuous shooting rates are crucial, such as in sports or dynamic wildlife photography.
• You want better video capabilities with 1080p at 60 fps.
• Macro photography is important with the ability to get closer to subjects.
• Longer battery life for extended shooting sessions is needed.
• You desire a richer, higher resolution sensor with superior color rendering.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

From my personal experience and technical evaluation, the Nikon P510 remains an exceptional choice for photographers emphasizing zoom reach and classic bridge ergonomics. Meanwhile, the Sony HX200V stands out as the more versatile, performance-oriented option, with smoother autofocus, superior battery life, and better multimedia features.

Given the age of both models, I would advise buyers to weigh the price difference carefully alongside their own genre priorities. Both cameras are no longer on the cutting edge technologically but continue to offer solid image quality and reliability for enthusiasts on a budget or those valuing simplicity in a superzoom package.

Should you be looking for RAW capabilities, faster processing, or modern connectivity, exploring recent mirrorless alternatives might be necessary. However, if you prize robust zoom, easy handling, and proven optics wrapped in an accessible SLR-like design, these cameras remain worthy contenders.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed exploration of the Nikon P510 and Sony HX200V. Should you have questions or want to see specific shooting tests, feel free to reach out - I love sharing my knowledge and passion for photography gear with fellow enthusiasts.

Happy shooting!