Nikon 16.1MP P310 f/1.8 Camera Review by digitalcameraHQ With Rating 4/5

On January 31 2012, Nikon announced two new P-series Coolpix cameras, including the world's longest SuperZoom. The P510 has the biggest zoom range of any fixed-lens camera with its massive 42x, f/3.0-5.9 Zoom-NIKKOR ED lens from 24mm to 1000mm equivalent. It features a 16.1 Megapixels Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with high-speed continuous shooting performance (at 5fps full resolution), fast autofocus (AF), 1080p HD video mode, 3-inch 921,000-dots LCD, an electronic viewfinder, full manual control and built-in GPS capabilities. Optical Vibration Reduction stabilization is included as well, though it'll need to be pretty strong to steady such a long zoom lens. 

The Coolpix P310 comes with a 16.1 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, NIKKOR glass lens at 24-100mm zoom range. Other features include a 3-inch 921,000-pixel LCD, zoom memory, manual control, and creative filters and effects. The P310 achieves superior image quality in low-light settings with a wide ISO range up to 3200 (Hi1 6400 equivalent) and a fast f/1.8 lens. The COOLPIX P310 incorporates optical VR image stabilization with several scene modes including Advanced Night Portrait mode, Night Landscape mode and Backlight/High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. The Advanced Night Portrait mode combines consecutive images of the background while the subject is captured using the flash, while the Night Landscape mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise. The Backlight HDR mode merges images of the same scene at different exposures to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail. The COOLPIX P310 is listed for $329.95 in black only and is currently selling at around $277. Here's the summary of review by digitalcameraHQ, giving the camera a rating of 4 out of 5:

"Looking back over our test images and the above review, it's hard to know what to feel about the Nikon P310. The size and manual controls make it an enthusiast's compact, but both image quality and price relegate it to an odd no-mans land between advanced and point and shoot. Those looking for great image quality probably won't have any qualms about dropping another $70 for the similarly-sized Canon S100, and those who just want a decent compact camera won't appreciate the P310's sizable build. The camera really does have some intuitive controls, but the missing control wheel around the lens barrel is an obvious oversight and focus speed as well as playback mode can leave users frustrated. In summary, if you're looking for manual controls and a relatively fast lens in an affordable compact, the P310 is a good option. If you can spend a little more money, however, there are much more capable cameras on the market that do a much better job.

As an advanced compact, if that's how we're to treat the P310, most of the competition comes in at a much higher price point. Sony's RX100, for example, is definitely the model to beat but at over two times the price isn't really competition. Canon's S100 is the model closest in price, features, and form factor to the P310 and bests it in just about every category. The Olympus XZ-1 is also worth a look for its moderate price and exceptionally fast f1.8-2.5 lens. The Panasonic LX5 can also be had for a bargain now that the LX7 has been announced, although you do sacrifice some zoom range."