Nikon Coolpix P510 and P310 Push Zoom, Performance Features

Pushing the zoom barrier to the limit, Nikon introduces the P510 ultrazoom with a 42x optical zoom lens. That's a whopping 24-1000mm equivalent range. Meanwhile, the P310 updates the 300 with a faster 4.2x lens and a 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. Both models carry an EXPEED C2 image processor.

Nikon Coolpix P510
For a little added stability, zoom controls are now available on the side of the lens barrel. Shooters can keep both hands firmly on the camera while zooming through the P510's massive focal range. That's not the only stabilization on board - Nikon's optical VR Vibration Reduction technology is on board. Good thing too - keeping a 1000mm lens steady in the hand will no doubt be a challenge to P510 shooters.

Behind that big lens is a 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor capable of recording 1080p HD video. The 510 also joins the GPS club with built-in geo-tagging capabilities. A 3.0-inch articulated LCD with 921k-dots is also offered, as is a built-in EVF.

Nikon Coolpix P310
The P310 strikes a more familiar profile with the same 4.2x optical zoom lens that graced the P300. This time, it offers a maximum aperture at wide angle of f/1.8 and a 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. ISO range stretches up to 3200 and is expandable to 6400 equivalent at Hi1.

This advanced compact also gets a high-res monitor, presumably the same 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD, minus the vari-angle capability. All of the manual and automatic shooting modes that enthusiasts and beginners love are available, as is 1080 HD video at 30 fps. Some in-camera video editing options are available, include clip trimming.

Pricing and Availability
Nikon expects the Coolpix 510 and 310 to arrive in February for $429.95 and $329.95, respectively. The P510 will be available in black and sporty red, while the 310 will be offered in black only.