COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL)

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is a feature-packed superzoom bridge camera designed for photographers seeking versatility without the complexity of a DSLR. At its heart is a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a remarkable 42x optical zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens, offering an extensive focal range from wide-angle to super-telephoto. This combination allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife with impressive clarity. A standout feature is the integrated GPS, which automatically geotags your photos with location data, perfect for travelogues and organizing memories by place.

This camera bridges the gap between point-and-shoot simplicity and advanced manual control. It offers full PASM (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual) modes for creative freedom, alongside intelligent Auto and Scene modes for effortless shooting. The 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen is a significant advantage, enabling easy framing from high, low, or self-portrait angles. Whether you're documenting a family vacation, capturing a school sports event, or exploring nature photography, the P510 provides a comprehensive toolset in a single, portable body.

Ideal for travel enthusiasts, hobbyist photographers, and anyone looking to step up from a basic compact camera, the Nikon Coolpix P510 delivers significant zoom power and useful features like GPS at an accessible price point. While noted as an older model, it represents a proven and capable option for mastering photographic fundamentals before potentially upgrading to an interchangeable lens system. For users seeking a reliable all-in-one solution for diverse shooting scenarios, this camera remains a compelling choice. Explore our full range of Nikon Coolpix cameras for more options.

Key Features:

• 16.1MP 1/2.3"-type CMOS sensor
• 7 frames per second continuous shooting
• 42x F3.0-5.9 optical zoom lens (24-1000mm equivalent)
• ISO 100-3200, expandable up to 6400
• 1080p HD video
• 3.0 inch articulated LCD with 921,000 dots
• EVF with 100% coverage
• Built-in GPS with logging function
• SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• 16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• 42x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens
• 3-inch Ultra-high-resolution (921,000 Dot) LCD
• Full HD (1080p) Movies with Stereo Sound
• GPS record location information of your pictures and movies

Unmatched Zoom Versatility in a Compact Form

The primary advantage of the Nikon Coolpix P510 is its extraordinary 42x optical zoom lens (24-1000mm equivalent). This level of reach is typically found in much larger and more expensive setups. It empowers users to capture subjects that are physically distant—like wildlife, architectural details, or stage performers—without compromising image quality through digital zoom. The inclusion of NIKKOR ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements helps minimize chromatic aberration and fringing, resulting in sharper, clearer images even at the telephoto end. For travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, this means packing one camera instead of multiple lenses.

User-Friendly Design with Advanced Features

Despite its powerful specs, the P510 maintains user-friendliness. The vari-angle LCD screen is a game-changer for creative composition, allowing for overhead shots in crowds or low-angle perspectives without lying on the ground. The built-in GPS is a unique and practical feature for its class, automatically tagging photos with location coordinates. This is invaluable for organizing travel photos or remembering exactly where a shot was taken. The camera also offers full manual controls, giving budding photographers room to grow and experiment with exposure settings, which is a key step in learning photography.

Excellent Value as a Bestseller

As a former bestseller, the Coolpix P510's popularity was driven by its exceptional value proposition. It delivered DSLR-like zoom capabilities and manual control at a fraction of the cost and size of an entry-level DSLR with a comparable telephoto lens. Its all-in-one design eliminates the need for additional lens purchases, making it a cost-effective entry into serious photography. The image stabilization system (VR) is highly effective, helping to produce sharp images at long zoom lengths where camera shake is magnified. For hobbyists and families wanting a single, do-it-all camera for vacations, events, and everyday use, it hit a sweet spot of performance, features, and price.

It is important to note that this is an older model camera. As such, its technology reflects the standards of its release era. The image sensor is smaller than those found in modern mirrorless cameras or even smartphones, which can impact low-light performance. Users may notice more noise (grain) in photos taken indoors or at dusk without a flash compared to newer models. The autofocus system, while competent in good light, can be slower and less reliable in challenging lighting conditions or when tracking fast-moving subjects compared to contemporary cameras.

The camera's design and interface also show its age. The menu system and button layout may feel less intuitive than on current models, and it lacks modern connectivity features like built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for instant photo sharing to a smartphone. Transferring images requires a physical cable or removing the memory card. Furthermore, while the GPS is a great feature, it can be slow to acquire a satellite signal and may drain the battery more quickly if left enabled constantly. Users should manage their expectations regarding battery life, especially during intensive use with zoom and GPS active.

Finally, the "bridge camera" category itself has inherent limitations. The lens is fixed and cannot be swapped, so you are committed to its focal range. While versatile, the lens has a variable maximum aperture that becomes quite small at full zoom, limiting its ability to create a shallow depth of field (background blur) for portraits. For photographers whose primary goal is learning professional techniques with the intent to eventually use a DSLR or mirrorless system, this camera is an excellent trainer but has a ceiling on its capabilities.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 is a capable and historically popular superzoom camera that offers tremendous value for specific users. Its standout 42x zoom lens, built-in GPS, and manual controls make it a powerful all-in-one tool for travelers, hobbyists, and families looking to capture a wide variety of subjects without investing in an interchangeable lens system. It excels in good lighting conditions and provides a fantastic platform for learning photographic principles.

However, buyers must acknowledge its status as an older model. Limitations in low-light performance, slower autofocus by modern standards, and the lack of wireless connectivity are trade-offs for its attractive price point. It is best suited for those who prioritize optical zoom range and location tagging over cutting-edge sensor technology and instant sharing.

In conclusion, if you need a long zoom in a single package for daylight and travel photography and are comfortable with its era-appropriate technology, the Nikon Coolpix P510 remains a solid and functional choice. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed bridge camera that delivers on its core promise: bringing distant subjects closer with clarity and convenience.