The Nikon Coolpix P310 was made for individuals who love to have a compact camera with the features highlighted in advanced cameras such as those in DSLR. It has kept most of the features that its predecessor had.

 

However, what makes it stand out is its smaller sensor which is situated at the heart of the camera itself. This results to less control over the images depth at equal apertures and at the same time results to poorer quality of the images being produced.

 

Design

The Nikon Coolpix P310 was designed almost exactly the same as its predecessor, the Nikon Coolpix P300. It had an optical zoom of around 4.2 times and can focus at a range of 24-100 mm. It was fairly sensitive with an ISO 160 to 6,400 and it can capture a video at high definition, up to 1,080p.

 

However, it was designed with a smaller sensor. Such a design is not as advantageous as its other features. Though it offer the same aperture at less manual adjustments, the chances of producing poorer quality images is high. That is why the update may have both good and bad sides.

 

Features

• 16 megapixels CMOS sensor

• 4.2 times optical zoom

• Focal range of 24- 100 mm

• Dimensions: 2.3 by 4.1 by 1.3 inches

• Weight: 6.9 ounces

• Able to provide five continuous shots at 6 frames per second

• 99 point autofocus system

• 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD system

• f/1.8 lens at a wide angle

• PASM shooting models

• 1,920 by 1,280 video mode

• Advanced less-shift Vibration Reduction

• Easy panorama ranging from 180 degrees to 360 degrees

• 3D Shooting mode

• Wireless transfer of data which is compatible with Eye-Fi X2 cards

• Image processing system: EXPEED C2

• Construction: Seven elements in six groups

• Internal memory is approximately 90 MB

• Metering: 224 segment matrix, center weighted spot

• Shutter is mechanical

• Aperture: Electronically controlled 6 blade iris diaphragm

 

Pros

The Nikon Coolpix P310’s f/1.8 lens can capture sharp images. In addition, it provides excellent results with a highly sensitive backlit CMOS sensor, providing good results in any kind of lighting, though it may prove to be an obstacle for high quality images.

The pre-installed vibration reduction provides clear results, and even with an unsteady hand, the resultant picture will look like it was captured by a professional. You may want to look at the VGA screen as proof.

 

Cons

Though the Nikon Coolpix P310 is the same as its competition in the same class, its sensor is built at a smaller size. As a result, its manual focus is not fully manual. Instead, you choose from a pre-determined scale and the camera will focus it for you, which results in low quality images.

 

It will also disappoint most DSLR users as its shutter lag is around 0.4 seconds. To those who do not understand the term, this is the time that passes from the time the shutter is pressed to the moment it takes the picture. Therefore, this is not a camera for those who expect fast picture taking. 

 

Conclusion

The Nikon Coolpix P310 is a good camera, especially for those with unsteady hands. With the capability of providing high definition images and videos, then it can be considered as an all in one camera. However, the smaller sized sensor at the heart of its design may result in poorer images. It is one thing that you should look out for.  Overall, it is the same as any camera of its class; so, your judgment can go either way.