Nikon Coolpix P310

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    Highlights

    • 16.1 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 99 Focus Points (99 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
    • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon Coolpix P310 was announced in 2012 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Standard Compact camera with 16.1 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Nikon Coolpix P310 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.


    Here is the Nikon Coolpix P(xxx|1000) series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Coolpix P(xxx|1000) series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon P950 January
    2020
    16 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P1000 July
    2018
    16 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P900 March
    2015
    16 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P610 February
    2015
    16 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P600 February
    2014
    16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P530 February
    2014
    16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P340 February
    2014
    12.2 MP
    1/1.7-inch
    80 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P330 March
    2013
    12.2 MP
    1/1.7-inch
    100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P520 January
    2013
    18.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 3,200 Articulated 3.20"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P510 July
    2012
    16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P310 June
    2012
    16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P300 May
    2011
    12.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    160 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P500 February
    2011
    12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    160 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon P100 July
    2010
    10.3 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 3,200 Tilting 3.0"
    460k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon Coolpix P950 vs Coolpix P1000 vs Coolpix P900 vs Coolpix P610 vs Coolpix P600 vs Coolpix P530.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon Coolpix P310.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   99 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz)

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon Coolpix P310 to its predecessor Coolpix P300 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix P300
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 160
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 vs 4000 x 3000
    More Focus Points 99 vs 9
    Min Macro Focus Distance 2 cm vs 3 cm
    Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 8 sec
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
    Spot Metering vs
    AF-Area Metering vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Nikon Coolpix P300
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Lower Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 922k dot
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Heavier 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz) vs 189 g (0.42 lb / 6.67 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 230 shots vs 240 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Coolpix P300.

    Successor

    In 2013 Nikon Coolpix P310 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P330. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon Coolpix P310 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon Coolpix P330 vs Nikon Coolpix P310
    Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
    RAW Support vs
    Reachs More Telephoto 120 mm vs 100 mm
    Greater Optical Zoom 5x vs 4.2x
    Lower Min Shutter Speed 60 sec vs 30 sec
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Built-in GPS vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon Coolpix P330 vs Nikon Coolpix P310
    Lower Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4608 x 3456
    Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.6 vs f/4.9
    Min Macro Focus Distance 3 cm vs 2 cm
    Lower Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
    Heavier 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz) vs 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 200 shots vs 230 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon Coolpix P310 vs Coolpix P330.

    Screen

    Fixed screen

    Nikon Coolpix P310 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 921k dot resolution.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Nikon Coolpix P310 features a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4608 x 2592, 4608 x 3072, 3456 x 3456, 3264 x 2448, 1920 x 1080, 1600 X 1200, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix P310.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon Coolpix P310 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon Coolpix P310 comes with EN-EL12 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon Coolpix P310's shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


    Flash

    Nikon Coolpix P310 has a built-in flash.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon Coolpix P310 has dimensions of 103 x 58 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.28 x 1.26"). It weighs 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    103 mm (4.06")

    58 mm (2.28")

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    58 mm (2.28")

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    32 mm (1.26")

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    Nikon Coolpix P310 dimensions

    Nikon Coolpix P310 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon Coolpix P310 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    50

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 50 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    64

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 64 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   99 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   99 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    68

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 68 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   99 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   99 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Nikon Coolpix P310 gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

    Nikon Coolpix P310 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon Coolpix P310 and give score of 59 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
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    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 64 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    65

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 65 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    61

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 61 for Focusing parameters.

    •   99 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    57

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 57 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 60 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    45

    We give Nikon Coolpix P310 a score of 45 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 194 g (0.43 lb / 6.84 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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