Nikon P510
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1000mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
- 555g - 120 x 83 x 102mm
- Released July 2012
- Older Model is Nikon P500
- New Model is Nikon P520
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
66 Imaging
39 Features
55 Overall
45
Nikon P510 overview
Nikon P510 is Nikon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first revealed on July of 2012. The camera houses a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4608 x 3456.
Nikon brought out this model in order to upgrade the previous Nikon P500 (Read Full Comparison) and then launched the fresher Nikon P520 (Read Full Comparison) to upgrade this camera.
The P510 is placed #59 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all round #528 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can test our Advanced camera search to see camera results based on your personal factors.
Below is a chart of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.
Nikon P510 history
The Nikon P510 comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can take a look at all older and the latest models along with key features.
F3.0-5.916MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon P510 Gallery
You can look at the P510 from various angles in the gallery underneath.
Nikon P510 Pros and Cons
Here is a selection of benefits and drawbacks of the Nikon P510 based on things that are generally seen as necessary in a digital camera.
Nikon P510 Sensor specs
The Nikon P510 houses the Expeed C2 processor chip. The specification of the sensor in the Nikon P510 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization as the latter may lead to cropping.
Photography GlossaryThe BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and delivers a standard ISO range of 100 - 3200. Sadly, RAW format is not saved which means that the user has less room to maneuver in post.
The image below illustrates the P510's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The P510 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is highlighted in green.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesTo get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Nikon P510 dimensions
Nikon P510 weighs in at 1.22 lb (555 gr / 19.58 ounces) and features outside proportions of 120mm x 83mm x 102mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 4.0"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Nikon P510 is weightier as compared with other competitors.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsBelow is a photo of the Nikon P510 alongside a soft drink to help you to have a sense of its size.
The top view directly below will show you the button arrangement on the P510.
Nikon P510 Lens details
The P510 comes with an inbuilt lens having a focal range of 24-1000mm giving it a 41.7 x zoom which is amazing and could let you zoom right in.
At it's widest 24mm, the lens will have an aperture of f3.0 and that's pretty sluggish and not ideal in low light circumstances and you will likely find it difficult to capture a shallow depth of field. You will also have to boost your ISO setting which causes noisy images. With the long end, 1000mm is outstanding zoom and comes to f5.9 which is fairly slow and you will have to use slower shutter speeds.
Nikon P510 Connectivity
The P510 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
- GPS Yes
Cameras with NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility are able to be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to copy files and oftentimes adjust settings without the hassle of connecting physically with the camera.
Many apps also give a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't near the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI out, it can easily be attached to an external screen. Many cameras will allow you to recharge the battery using the USB port.
Nikon P510 Video details
The highest video quality in the Nikon P510 is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality is an excellent balance between video quality versus file size but FULL HD isn't going to leave you with much room to crop. The body doesn't include a mic and / or headphone port which means you get absolutely no control over your sound. It is perhaps a better idea to take a look at another camera if you want better sound in your videos.
Nikon P510 Weather Sealing
Nikon P510 doesn't have weather sealing so damp conditions can easily ruin the camera.
Nikon P510 Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon P510 is equipped with a 3 inch tilting display having a resolution of 921 thousand dots.
Please be aware that the display screen offers no touch support.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe ViewFinder details regarding Nikon P510 are the following:
- ViewFinder Electronic
In those bright outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and difficult to view, viewfinders can be particularly valuable.
Nikon P510 Shutter details
Nikon P510 can shoot continuously at 7.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/8000 seconds.
Nikon P510 Flash and Hot shoe details
Nikon P510 boasts just built in flash lacking external flash ability.
Nikon P510 Autofocus details
Nikon P510 boasts only Contrast Based Autofocus and lacks Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster & exact as compared with Contrast Based focusing. The camera supports Face detection which is valuable for people photography.
It also boasts Tracking Autofocus for moving subjects. Nikon P510 includes manual focusing if needed during low light occasions or you want more precise control on focusing.
Nikon P510 Battery life
The battery power (EN-EL5) for the Nikon P510 is made to last for 200 shutters based on the CIPA benchmarks which is less when compared with its competitors. The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR comes with the highest (600) battery life within this category of cameras.
Following is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the strongest battery life:
Nikon P510 for specific types of photography
The following diagram indicates a summation of the Nikon P510 for specific types of photography. To view more, browse to the specific section below.
Nikon P510 Portrait photography highlights
The Nikon P510 receives a points total of 43 which is awful, and means the camera is not suitable for portraits. Shooting portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimension, RAW support together with the potential to utilize off-camera lighting.
Street photography with Nikon P510
Coming in at a average score of 50, the Nikon P510 is relatively appropriate for street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of image quality plus portability.
Nikon P510 Sports photography information
A modest sports photography points total of 50 suggests the Nikon P510 is fairly suited for taking photos of sports. A camera should have excellent autofocus plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Travel photography with Nikon P510
Portability is really critical when getting a camera for travel. On the whole, the Nikon P510 gets a average 54 as a travel camera which is somewhat appropriate to purchase for your vacations.
Nikon P510 Landscape photography details
For anybody who is looking to choose a digital camera for landscape photos, the most significant factor will be image quality. The Nikon P510 with it's modest rating of 47 as a landscape camera is somewhat suitable compared to it's competitors.
Nikon P510 Vlogging factors
A vlogging camera should really posses a moving display, microphone input and if possible IBIS. Considering all things, the Nikon P510 is not suitable for vlogging as it delivers a awful rating of 27.
Nikon P510 Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives to the P510, below is a number of the top scored cameras which fall within the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.
The chart just below gives you a bird's eye view of the P510 versus it's top rated rivals shown above.
Following are additional cameras you might have a look at as alternate options. To read through a comprehensive comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.