Nikon P510 is it worthy?

GraphyFotoz · December 9, 2012

Well after several years of Canon cameras I'm thinking of trying a Nikon.
I can't afford a DSLR and I don't wanna really spend over $400 due to other expenses I have.
Like the next best thing to a DSLR so I'm really considering a Nikon Coolpix P510.
It seems to get some pretty good reviews at various popular review sites.
It seems to have plenty of features.....powerful zoom and good image stabilization.
The sample photo's I have seen were better than the Fuji HS20 I'm currently using.

Wondering what you Guys think? :dunno

ziggy53 · December 9, 2012

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is a very capable advanced digicam. As long as the negatives on the DPReview conclusion page are not deal breakers for you:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-p510/6

Small, pokey electronic viewfinder
EVF/LCD switch is manual, not automatic
Slow f/3-f/5.9 lens
Occasional focus hunting at telephoto settings
Noise levels increase noticeably at ISO 800 and above
No RAW option
Continuous shooting up to 7fps (but only for 5 frames)

... then you should be pretty happy.

Specifically, this camera looks to be good in good light, but it will struggle indoors and at night outdoors.

System · December 9, 2012

I'd look at this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=nikon+coolpix+p7100&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta
Or this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=nikon+coolpix+p7700&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta

Both are nice capable cameras.

Nyfty · December 9, 2012

I'm with the Captain. Both the P7100 or the P7700 would be my choice. I currently have a P7000 that travels with me for work when I can't take a DSLR...which is most of the time. It has served me well when I see a great landscape or sunset. I've even used it to shoot images for several of my client's inventory for posting on our companies website.

ziggy53 · December 9, 2012

I agree that for a $400USD(ish) budget, the Nikon Coolpix P7700 seems to be a much more capable camera, with a very well rounded and sensible feature set. The additions of RAW files and an ability to use an external flash, as well as acting as a flash commander for wireless flash, can make this a much more rewarding body than most digicams at this price. Add the relatively fast zoom lens, with a very usable range of effective focal lengths, and you should be able to cover a majority of the shooting needs.

GraphyFotoz · December 10, 2012

I think you Guys are right!

The P7700 is moving to the top of my list.
I'm re-evaluating my shooting preferences and being more realistic.
So far every Super Zoom bridge Camera I have had hasn't cut the grade.
Always soft.....slow to focus and just plain can't come close to a DSLR zoom.
While it's nice to have a zoom.....whats the sense if it's slow and hunts to focus?
Seems all Camera makers have this quirk....doing nature shots just pure frustration.
The P7700 has a fast f2.0 - 4.0 28-200mm high end glass lens and that's important to me.
Opens up several opportunities for landscape and macro photography I do the most.
Seems to be a tad more versatile and better photo quality than the Canon G15.
Maybe it's just me but it seems that Canon has been dropping the ball on the mid priced cameras lately.
For the few extra bux I think the P7700 is the Camera to pursue at this point.

Wish I could go back to a DSLR but it's just not financially practical for me anymore.
Economy sux and with fool proof cameras...selling my work now is about impossible.
At one time my sales would cover any camera upgrades and lenses.
People can make their own art now with lil effort (Cept Weddings) so it's tuff.

MarkR · December 11, 2012

Or for $46 more, you could get this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=823592&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Bigger sensor, fast AF, and interchangeable lenses.

GraphyFotoz · December 14, 2012

The 7700 has too much going for it that I like.
Size and carryability.....fast lens...quality glass.
Reticulating view finder that can be any angle and reversed for storage.
Hot shoe and remote fire flash for future strobe flash.
Place for remote cable for tripod shooting.

FULL manual capability and old school dials for +/- exposure.
Built like a tank for extra durability hacking around the woods.

GraphyFotoz · December 14, 2012

MarkR wrote: »

Or for $46 more, you could get this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=823592&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Bigger sensor, fast AF, and interchangeable lenses.

Yeah I saw that.
But the lenses are slow at f3.8-f5.6
No hot shoe and very limited modes

P7700 28mm (f2.0) 200mm (f4.0)

MarkR · December 14, 2012

GraphyFotoz wrote: »

Yeah I saw that.
But the lenses are slow at f3.8-f5.6
No hot shoe and very limited modes

P7700 28mm (f2.0) 200mm (f4.0)

Yes, but two points:

1. The larger sensor of the V1 should allow you to shoot at higher ISO.
2. Interchangable lenses!
3. Does too have a hotshoe!
4. Apparently a $45 price drop since I posted last. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/823592-REG/Nikon_27512_Nikon_1_V1_Mirrorless.html

At any rate, good luck with whatever you decide!

Stuart-M · December 14, 2012

Why not just get a second hand dslr?

GraphyFotoz · December 14, 2012

Stuart-M wrote: »

Why not just get a second hand dslr?

Size and don't like to carry all that anymore.
Biggest thing is.....the lens addiction.....been there done that.
One is never happy with lens selection.....always want something better.
I don't have or want the temptation to spend that kinda money.

I'd want a quality DSLR not a beginner rebel or the like.
I can't afford a 5D or something I'd really like at $1000+ for just a body.

After some research thanx to Ziggy and the Captain....

Rugged.....fast....portable and versatile.....P7700 fits that bill for me.

GraphyFotoz · December 15, 2012

Well ordered the 7700 today but damn near bought a Panasonic DMC-LX5.
Same camera as a Leica D-LUX 5....B&H has it for $250 new (DMC-LX5)
Came REALLY close but it just didn't quite have the pic quality of the 7700.
Found a place to compare noise and such side by side.
Pic quality and versatile settings won me over.

ziggy53 · December 16, 2012

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a very nice advanced digicam, and among the best in its class. It's not perfect, but should be a great overall general-purpose camera.

You might consider keeping the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR just for its long-telephoto capabilities in good light, if that's important to you.

GraphyFotoz · December 18, 2012

ziggy53 wrote: »

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a very nice advanced digicam, and among the best in its class. It's not perfect, but should be a great overall general-purpose camera.

You might consider keeping the Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR just for its long-telephoto capabilities in good light, if that's important to you.

Exactly what I had in mind.

The HS20 is only worth $200 2nd hand so keeping it makes better sense.

You ever find the perfect camera Pocket....Prosumer....DSLR everyone will want it!
There has never been a "perfect" camera and probably never be one.
I found the P7700 with the least flaws in it's class according to the pro reviews.
It'll be here today can't wait to play with it!

Nikon P510 is it worthy?

Comments