Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Recording Position (Black) (Old Model)

LOVE THIS CAMERA...love everything about it, the classy red colour, awesome zoom, lots of options etc... more than I will even use.

I waited almost 6 weeks to get this camera at a reduced price and it has been well worth the wait. The reference manual alone is over 260 pages long, but if you plan to take shots using other than Intelligent Mode, it's worth the read to familiarize yourself with this camera and its many functions.I've read the previous reviews on this forum...the criticisms centered around focusing problems, stability at the zoom's far ranges, short battery life, difficulty downloading shots using a memory card and motor sounds that can be heard during playback while panning during motion picture photography. I'll go over each one.I took shots of birds in our backyard utilizing the the zoom at full range. I was able to get clear shots of the bird feeder but in order to get a clear shot of the sparrows, I had to focus elsewhere. I was able to take these shots without using a tripod, something my old Olympus 800UZ from two years ago could not do because using the zoom at maximum would cause instablity. In short, I had no stability problems using the Nikon, but to get the autofocus to hone in on a small bird, I had to focus on something else for it to work. Although I've experienced similar problems with the Sonys, Panasonics, Olympus and Samsung digital cameras I've owned in the past, the Nikon autofocus problem was only resolveable if you focus on another object.I tried motion picture shots of the same birds in the yard, panning in and out without hearing any discernible motor sounds during playback, which means the motor problem mentioned in earliler reviews has been corrected, or the sound mentioned was barely discernible to begin with.As far as battery life goes, I have sadly come to the conclusion that this may be correct. The original battery with the lower MaH rating(storage capacity) lasted for several days and conked out without much notice. I used an aftermarket battery as replacement with a higher MaH rating and it didn't last more than a few hours on a full charge. Using the EVF, editing features, autofocus without taking a lot of shots can drain your battery quickly even with the power saver set at 30 seconds to go in standy mode. By the way, using a higher rated battery also means it will take longer to charge that battery, in much the same manner as having a larger gas tank on your car takes longer to fill than a smaller one.A word about battery chargers: It is not necessary to use the supplied camera cable to charge your batteries in-camera. Ebay has higher rated batteries and wall chargers that also charge your batteries using a ciagarette lighter in your car, a handy accessory if you're down to your last spare battery while on a road trip.It is not necessary to use the supplied camera cable to computer port to download photos. I've found that an SCHC memory card reader can also read and download photos to your hard drive, although using the Nikon software supplied with the camera to download your photos is slow and cumbersome. I used Webshots desktop and downloads take a fraction of the time but with drawbacks: There are no editing features like the Nikon software on Webshots, and motion picture photos taken on the memory card will not download using this method, nor can you use the many editing features included in the Nikon software even if you download videos using Real Player.There is no in-camera guide to explain various functions like my Oly had, and it would take another camera bag to lug around the 260 page instruction manual that can be downloaded from the Nikon web site.The sweep panorama is a technological breakthrough compared to the assist panorama (also an available option here) which requires the user to take up to 3 separate photos while panning across 180 or 360 degrees and using a floating target to ensure the pictures are stitched together correctly by the camera's computer. The net result often was that photoshopped or stitched together look instead of the smooth look you get from the sweep panorama function.The in-camera GPS function is only good when you're outdoors and able to get GPS signals. To make a GPS log, the camera's reference manual tells you to download it from their web site using a card reader and a memory card every week or two. Click on the My Computer link before you insert the card reader so you can determine which removable drive it can be found on your computer. If you download it to your desktop, right click your mouse and transfer the file to the removable drive on your computer where the memory card is located. If you click on one of those two drives while the card reader is insterted, you can see the NCFL folder where the info is being stored. Right click your mouse on the file created by the download and drag it to the NCFL folder. Insert the memory card into your camera and your camera will update the A-GPS file in about two minutes.Two years ago, I thought we had seen the last of the EVF, but Nikon has brought it back. For those that prefer a monitor for composing shots, it is adjustable for those hard to reach shots at concerts.If you still prefer the convenience of AA batteries instead of Lithium-Ion, I see no evidence that any major camera manufacturer plans a return to that standard again now or in the near future.I would have preferred a time-lapse photography function, but given the numerous features included here, I won't quibble. While I have no intention of retiring my tripod, I won't have to use it as much for wildlife shots and sunrises and sunsets from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.I've never owned a Nikon before, but after this camera, I will give serious consideration to owning another one in the near future. I just hope next year's model can resolve the autofocus issue encountered in the P510.

The Nikon P510 is Nikon's 2012 follow on product to their well received "P" Series family of products. You have, or can, read about all the features, details, and specifications published about this particular Model product elsewhere. So rather than bore the reader herein with all the techno, spec jargon, here are a few examples of what I have experienced with this product. The product "does" provide excellent color rendering for both Still Shots, and Movie/Video Recording. It captures images in an impressive manner in both bright, and low light (example: In the woods, sun setting with fading light, but you do get nice golden colors, darker shadows at that time of the day, etc.) this camera duplicates that which our human eyes see in excellent detail. This product is easy to use: Its Menu systems for (Still, Movie recording, and Playback menus) are essentially straight forward so that the beginner, or experienced photographer can utilize and set Modes, Dials, and control Buttons, in a logical manner. Of course its high Zooming capability works very well out to, and past, its advertised 42x "Optical" Zooming spec. There is another 42x power "Digital" internal camera zooming compounding the Optical Zooming, plus an "internal" camera feature to nearly double the Optical & Digital magnification to create something on the order of 160x Power. Of course, your photos become more grainy as magnification is increased, and Sharpness also declines with more magnification - but that is just a matter of fact for "all" cameras and lenses, and our own human eyes as well. This model product is reasonably fast in focus, shutter, and capture timing. Its start up from the off position is a little slower than some other products, but not an issue. Color rendering even at full telephoto is impressive, and focusing is good at telephoto setting considering its Lens to Camera Sensor internal auto-focal length calibrating. Focusing of course is faster at Wide, or less Focal lengths, say up to 20-25 power Zoom. 42x is still good, just a little slower.One negative that others have noted also - when Movie recording, and especially at longer zooming - the Lens system physically/mechanically moves around within the Camera's barrel that holds the Lens assembly. This results in a small quick jumping of the recorded image(s) each time you zoom in, or out, while recording, and then prominently seen during Playback of a recorded Movie. Nikon needs to tighten up the physical/mechanical dimensions fitting between the Lens and Camera Barrel. Not a real big issue, but non-the-less needs improved - are you reading noting this NIKON?Another small item, Battery Charging can only be done in-Camera via the wall adapter and USB cable provided. It would be nice if Nikon would/could provide a battery charging wall adapter that charges the battery outside of the camera so that you do not have to tie up the camera itself while charging a battery(s). Optional external battery wall chargers can be purchased, along with extra batteries (as a foot-note only) Amazon seller "Blue Nook" has excellent products along these lines.Bottom Lines: This Nikon product offers nice capabilities for Auto, Semi-Auto, and Manual setting modes and usage, is an excellent value for its price point, produces excellent color rendering, is light weight, fits the hand very well, nice checkered urathane rubber front and side covering handgrip, comes with a CD Disc for loading your complete Users Manual and Software usage Manual (Nikon VX2) which certain other manufacturers have recently ceased providing, and has great battery run time. It is in direct competition with Sony's DSC-HX200V higher end Point & Shoot camera product (which in my own opinion is just slightly better that this Nikon), but this Nikon is also top-shelf, and does what it is supposed to do for you. I own both of these products.I'm not Mr. expert, only a Photography enthusiast who primarily photographs Landscapes and Wildlife utilizing DSLR's, SLT products, and higher end Point & Shoot camera products. This Nikon "does" hit the mark. You will not be disappointed should you decide to purchase this product. Perhaps this review will help others.

I purchased this as a surprise gift for my fiancee, after reviewing the specs on it, to take on our trip to the midwest for her stepson's wedding. I was particularly intrigued with the 24 to 1000mm lens on a COOLPIX, and what the response time would be when one pressed the shutter release to when the photo would actually be taken, especially after my previous experience with a Nikon COOLPIX S4, though that is a different camera altogether. When it arrived, I read the manual, charged the battery, and formatted the memory card. After setting it up for her, I tested the zoom lens and was blown away by its clarity, even at 1000mm. The resolution of some test photos was incredible! Also, the response time (from the time I pressed the shutter release button to when it actually took the photo) was like an SLR.I have a Nikon D80 with AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and 70-300mm lenses that takes excellent photos, but for everyday outdoor photography, it's very difficult to beat the little COOLPIX P510 because you don't have to change lenses to get that great telephoto shot. The only downsides to the P510 package that I've encountered were the lack of a memory card (you have to supply your own), the Nikon battery doesn't last very long, it doesn't come with a case, and there's no hot shoe or cable input for a small-but-more-powerful external, bounceable flash. Thankfully, I had the foresight to purchase extra batteries (non-Nikon) with a charger. I also purchased a case and a cleaning kit with cut-to-fit stick on/peel off monitor screen protectors. That said, overall this is an incredible compact, lightweight camera, and I highly recommend it.Some of the other features that I really like are the movable monitor screen that is positionable for one to take photos with the camera held at or below one's waist or high above one's head and still view what one wants to photograph, and there is also a 'monitor' button next to the electonic viewfinder that switches the view from the monitor screen to the viewfinder for through-the-lens viewing like an SLR camera for those sunny-day occasions when you can't see what's on the monitor. It also comes with a reference manual CD, the Nikon ViewNX 2 software CD to download your photos, a lens cap and tether, and an adjustable strap.As a side note, I took photos of the "blue" moon zooming the lens to 1000mm, and the resolution was amazing! I managed to hand hold it though it took me three shots to center the moon on the monitor, and it does take several tries to get the camera to focus correctly, but it was worth the small hassle. Trying to take a photo with a 1000mm lens without a tripod is difficult at best, day or night. I would recommend some sort of support, like a tripod, for those really long range photos, but I've had good enough luck to be able to rest my elbows on the roof or hood of my car and click away. Thankfully, with digital photography, one can take all those shots until "the one" is achieved, and then go back and delete the others.This camera may appear to be a bit expensive for a COOLPIX model, but with the 24-1000mm zoom and the multitude of other features (including shutter and aperature priority settings and several different "scene" settings), I believe this camera is a decent value. I liked her camera so much, that I bought a black one for myself so I could travel a lot lighter and not have to haul around my 13 lb camera bag with my D80, three lenses, charger, spare batteries and flash.I'll say it: I love this COOLPIX P510, and so does my fiancee!

This is definitely a PRELIMINARY review...I've only owned this camera for a few hours. I did a few days research and decided this was the best step-up for me from a pocket-sized point and shoot, to a more complex camera with options, but not ready for a DSLR. I ordered it on Thursday, was supposed to be delivered on the following Monday, but I got it today, Friday. Kudos to Amazon for the fast shipping!It took about 3 hours to fully charge the battery, and then I was out shooting on "Auto" and trying it out. It feels like it's well made, definitely much lighter than the old SLR I owned in the 80's and 90's. It has a very nice feel to it, as far as fitting in your hand, and so far, most of the controls seem to be fairly logical. It is laid out similar to my old, tiny, Nikon Coolpix point and shoot, so I'm somewhat familiar with the basics. I didn't really need the full capabilities of the 42x zoom today...but when I did try to zoom all the way out, I can see you might want a tripod.I could only take pictures here in my house and in the yard this evening...but so far, so good. No, not everything was perfect, but then I"m just playing around and I know it will take me quite a bit of practice to get farther than the Auto setting! However, I can see that even if you never went beyond Auto, you would get good quality pictures. I always got compliments on my photos that I took on my point and shoot, but the difference in quality with this camera is amazing.Also, the software for downloading is good- very similar to what I was used to, with more options. I've been very happy with my past Nikon cameras and their software, and it looks like this camera will offer the same quality I have become used to.I am looking forward to experimenting a lot with this camera in the future, and learning all I can about it. I did order the book Photographers Guide to the Nikon Coolpix P510 (very highly rated on Amazon), because I want something I can carry with me while I am learning how to use this camera, and not have to refer to a computer-based reference manual. The Quick Start Guide that comes with the camera gets you started...but just barely. My biggest complaint with ANY new appliance/item/camera I have bought in the last several years is having the instruction manual online...or even downloaded on my computer. If I have to sit in the woods with my laptop to figure out how to work my camera...then forget it. I need a book I can refer to. Besides...I own a cabin in the woods where there is no internet, so if the manual is online via the internet, I'm out of luck!Ok, got off the subject a bit...just venting!Anyway, first impressions- very good. I will update this after I have had the camera for awhile, but for now I'm very happy with my purchase and very impressed with the quality of the pictures I have taken. I think the price I paid ($299 on Amazon) was a deal.