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Nikon P510

 
Nikon Coolpix P510 front
 
  • 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
Portability
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.

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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.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Nikon-Coolpix-P950 front thumbnailNikon P950
P510 vs P950
24-2000mm
F2.8-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2020
Nikon-Coolpix-P1000 front thumbnailNikon P1000
P510 vs P1000
24-3000mm
F2.8-8
16MP1/2.3"2018
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Nikon-Coolpix-P900 front thumbnailNikon P900
P510 vs P900
24-2000mm
F2.8-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-P610 front thumbnailNikon P610
P510 vs P610
24-1440mm
F3.3-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
Nikon-Coolpix-P530 front thumbnailNikon P530
P510 vs P530
24-1000mm
F3.0-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Nikon-Coolpix-P600 front thumbnailNikon P600
P510 vs P600
24-1440mm
F3.3-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Nikon-Coolpix-P520 front thumbnailNikon P520
P510 vs P520
24-1000mm
F3.0-5.9
18MP1/2.3"2013
Nikon-Coolpix-P510 front thumbnailNikon P51024-1000mm
F3.0-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Nikon-Coolpix-P500 front thumbnailNikon P500
P510 vs P500
23-810mm
F3.4-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2011
Nikon-Coolpix-P100 front thumbnailNikon P100
P510 vs P100
26-678mm
F2.8-5.0
10MP1/2.3"2010
Nikon-Coolpix-P90 front thumbnailNikon P90
P510 vs P90
26-624mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Nikon-Coolpix-P80 front thumbnailNikon P80
P510 vs P80
27-486mm
F2.8-4.0
10MP1/2.3"2009

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.

good resolution screen (921 thousand dot)
has a tilting screen
has built in flash
has manual focus
high shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
image stabilization (Optical)
includes HDMI port
long reach (1000mm)
long zoom range (24-1000mm 41.7 x zoom)
provides face detect focusing
provides tracking focus
reasonably wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3")
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
very good min ISO (100)
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
does not have headphone port
does not have mic port
external flash not possible
heavier than competition (555g)
lacks phase detect AF
lacks RAW support
low battery power (200 per charge)
screen is not selfie friendly
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
sluggish at long end (f5.9)
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
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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 Glossary

The 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.

Nikon Coolpix P510 sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Below is a photo of the Nikon P510 alongside a soft drink to help you to have a sense of its size.

Nikon Coolpix P510 dimensions scale

The top view directly below will show you the button arrangement on the P510.

Nikon Coolpix P510 topview buttons dials

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.

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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.

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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.

Photography Glossary

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.

Nikon Coolpix P510 screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 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.

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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.

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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.

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you can focus manually
good resolution (16 megapixels)
features face detect focus
no external flash support
sensor is small (1/2.3")
no RAW files

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.

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tilting screen
has image stabilization (Optical)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
heavier than competition (555 grams)

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.

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excellent zoom range (24-1000mm 41.7 x zoom)
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
image stabilization (Optical)
good MP (16 megapixels)
provides tracking focus
sensor is small (1/2.3")
bad battery (200 per charge)
lack of phase detect auto focus

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.

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megapixel count decent (16MP)
has built in flash
pretty wide (24mm)
very long zoom (1000mm)
bad battery (200 shots)
heavier than competition in class (555g)
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.0)

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.

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focusing manually
pretty wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (16MP)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.0)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
bad battery pack (200 shots)

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.

Photography Glossary
reasonably wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detection focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
slow maximum aperture (f3.0)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have external mic support
heavier than competition (555 grams)

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model type
Nikon Coolpix P510
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Released
2012-07-05
Body design
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor Chip
Expeed C2
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW photos
Maximum native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Cross type focus points
0
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
24-1000mm (41.7x)
Highest aperture
f/3.0-5.9
Macro focusing distance
2cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Tilting
Screen diagonal
3"
Resolution of screen
921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen technology
TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
30s
Highest shutter speed
1/8000s
Continuous shooting speed
7.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (15, 30fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (120, 30fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
555 grams (1.22 pounds)
Dimensions
120 x 83 x 102mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 4.0")
Other
Battery life
200 shots
Battery form
Battery Pack
Battery ID
EN-EL5
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
Single
Launch price
$600