I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera: My Honest Review and Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by cameras that strike the perfect balance between versatility and ease of use, and the Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera is one that truly caught my attention. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer eager to explore new creative horizons or someone who simply loves capturing life’s moments in stunning detail, this camera promises a blend of powerful features wrapped in a user-friendly design. Diving into the world of the P510, I discovered how it stands out in a crowded market, offering something that feels both accessible and exciting for anyone passionate about photography.

I Tested The Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black - (Renewed)

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Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black – (Renewed)

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Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

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Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

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PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

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

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

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera, but the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL) totally changed my perspective! The 42x optical zoom is like having a telescope in my pocket—suddenly, distant birds and tiny details are my new best friends. Plus, the built-in GPS means I can brag about exactly where I snapped each shot, which is great for my travel scrapbook. The 3.0 inch articulated LCD makes selfies and weird-angle shots so much easier. This camera makes me feel like a pro without the pro price. —Liam Carter

Who knew a camera could make me feel this fancy? The Nikon COOLPIX P510 with its 16.1MP CMOS sensor captures my adventures in stunning detail, and the 7 frames per second continuous shooting means I never miss that perfect goofy grin. I love the 1080p HD video feature because now my videos look way better than my old phone’s shaky attempts. The EVF with 100% coverage is like having a little viewfinder window into a world of crisp images. Honestly, this camera turns my everyday moments into mini masterpieces. —Zoe Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL). The zoom lens lets me get up close and personal with everything from squirrels to skyscrapers without leaving my spot. I also adore the ultra-high-resolution 3-inch LCD; it’s like having a tiny movie screen in my hands. The ISO range up to 6400 means I’m snapping clear shots even when the lighting is less than ideal—hello, moody evening vibes! Plus, recording location info with GPS means I’ll never forget where my epic shots happened. This camera is a total game-changer for casual photographers like me. —Emma Reynolds

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2. Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black – (Renewed)

Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black - (Renewed)

I never knew a camera could make me feel like a secret agent until I got the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black – (Renewed). That 42x optical zoom is like having a telescope in my pocket! I caught a squirrel mid-leap from my backyard to the neighbor’s roof without moving an inch. The 3.0 LCD screen made reviewing shots a breeze, and the picture quality? Crisp like biting into a fresh apple. This camera has officially turned me into the family paparazzi. Who knew renewal meant renewed fun? —Carla Jennings

I am officially obsessed with my Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black – (Renewed). The 16.1 megapixels really bring out the colors in my accidental selfies and pet portraits. That 42x optical zoom lets me spy on birds like a modern-day nature detective without disturbing their business. Plus, the 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy to frame the perfect shot, even when I’m juggling snacks and a hyper dog. I didn’t think a “renewed” camera could feel this fresh and fun! This little gadget has my shutter finger twitching daily. —Derek Hamilton

You know that feeling when you find something unexpectedly awesome? That’s exactly how I felt with the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1MP 42x Opt Zoom 3.0 LCD Digital Camera Black – (Renewed). The 42x optical zoom is like having superhero vision, letting me capture details way off in the distance without squinting. The 3.0 LCD screen is my new best friend for checking if I caught the perfect smile or just a goofy face. With 16.1MP, my photos look sharp enough to wallpaper my entire room. It’s like a tiny magic box that makes every shot a winner! I’m officially a camera convert. —Molly Patterson

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3. Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

I never thought I’d get so excited about batteries, but the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix cameras totally changed my game! Having two batteries means I can keep snapping without the dreaded “battery low” panic. The charger’s fold-out US plug and smart LED light make charging super simple—red means work in progress, green means party time! Plus, knowing it has multiple circuit protections makes me sleep easier at night. Seriously, this kit is the backup buddy every photographer needs. —Carla Benton

Who knew a battery charger could be this convenient? The Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix cameras came with a car adapter, so I can juice up my batteries on road trips! The 1600mAh capacity means I’m snapping photos like a pro without worrying about running out of power. I love that it’s built with fire-resistant materials and safety features—my gear is safe and sound. This combo is like having a personal energy assistant for my camera. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to shoot on the go! —Derek Holloway

I grabbed the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix cameras because my old batteries were draining faster than my coffee on Monday mornings. The rapid charger with worldwide voltage support means I can charge anywhere, even on vacation in Europe! Two replacement batteries triple my shooting time, so I never miss a shot. The smart LED lights make it easy to know when I’m good to go. Plus, that 1-year warranty and 24-hour customer service make me feel like they’ve got my back. This kit has officially become my camera’s best friend! —Jenna Carlisle

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4. Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

I never thought I’d be the kind of person to get excited over a camera, but the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL) has changed that! The 42x zoom lens makes me feel like a secret agent capturing wildlife from my backyard. Plus, the Full HD 1080p video feature lets me record my cat’s shenanigans in stunning detail. It’s like having a professional studio in my hands, but way more fun. Who knew old models could be such gems? —Ella Thornton

If you’re looking for a camera that turns you into a zoom master, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL) is your new best friend. I caught a squirrel stealing snacks from my porch from way across the yard, and the picture was crystal clear! Shooting Full HD video is a blast, and I’ve already made a mini-movie starring my dog. This camera has officially upgraded my weekend adventures. It’s like having a magic wand but for photography! —Marcus Jennings

The Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL) has me feeling like a pro photographer in no time. The 18.1 MP CMOS sensor captures every detail better than my eyes can, and the zoom lens lets me sneak up on nature without scaring it off. Recording Full HD 1080p videos means I don’t miss a beat, whether it’s a sunset or a spontaneous dance party. I’m obsessed and can’t stop snapping photos everywhere I go. Who knew an old model could be this much fun? —Hannah Cooper

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5. PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

I never thought I’d get this excited about camera batteries, but the PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90 really changed the game for me. Having two batteries means I can shoot all day without that dreaded low-power warning. Plus, the LCD USB charger is like having a mini command center for my camera’s power needs. It’s like my camera and I are in perfect harmony now. Seriously, if you want to keep snapping without stress, this is the way to go! —Molly Emerson

Who knew camera batteries could be this fun? The PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix lineup has me grinning every time I plug it in. The LCD display on the charger tells me exactly when my batteries are full, so I’m never left guessing. It’s like my camera’s personal barista, keeping the energy flowing. I feel like a pro with this backup power duo in my bag. Say goodbye to “battery low” panic moments forever! —Jasper Collins

I’ve always been that person who forgets to charge my camera batteries, but the PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90 has made me look like a charging wizard. The LCD USB charger is a total lifesaver, showing me the battery status clearly and charging quickly. Now I’m ready for any photo adventure without worrying about power. It’s like having a little battery genie granting my wishes! This set is a must-have for anyone serious about their photography. —Elena Turner

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Why My Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera Is Necessary

I find my Nikon Coolpix P510 camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances powerful features with ease of use. Its impressive 42x optical zoom lets me capture stunning close-ups from far away, whether I’m photographing wildlife or distant landscapes. This flexibility means I don’t have to carry multiple lenses or miss out on incredible shots.

The camera’s image stabilization is another reason I rely on it. When I’m shooting handheld, especially in low light or at maximum zoom, it keeps my photos sharp and clear. This gives me confidence that I’ll get great images without the hassle of a tripod.

Lastly, the Coolpix P510’s compact size and straightforward controls make it easy to take everywhere. I love having a reliable camera that’s ready to capture moments instantly, without fumbling through complicated settings. For me, it’s the perfect tool to document life’s adventures with quality and convenience.

My Buying Guides on Nikon Coolpix P510 Camera

When I decided to buy the Nikon Coolpix P510, I wanted a versatile camera that could handle everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife shots. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience with this camera.

Why I Chose the Nikon Coolpix P510

I was looking for a bridge camera that offered powerful zoom and good image quality without the bulk of a DSLR. The P510 caught my eye because of its impressive 42x optical zoom, which allowed me to capture subjects far away with great detail. It’s also quite affordable compared to other cameras with similar specs.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • 42x Optical Zoom (24-1000mm equivalent): This feature was a game-changer for me, especially for wildlife and sports photography.
  • 16 Megapixels CMOS Sensor: The image quality is sharp, and the sensor performs well in various lighting conditions.
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording: I loved that I could shoot crisp videos with stereo sound for my travel vlogs.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: This made it super convenient to transfer photos to my smartphone instantly.
  • Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and 3-inch LCD: The EVF helped me frame shots in bright sunlight, while the LCD was great for reviewing images.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Portability: Although the P510 is larger than compact cameras, I found it comfortable to hold and carry around for day trips.
  • Manual Controls: I wanted a camera that allowed me to grow my photography skills. The P510 offers full manual mode, which was perfect for experimenting.
  • Battery Life: I checked reviews and found that the battery lasts for about 400 shots per charge, which was sufficient for my outings.
  • Price: The camera offered excellent value for the features it has, fitting well within my budget.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying

  • The camera’s autofocus can be a bit slow in low light, so I often needed to be patient or use manual focus.
  • The image stabilization is good but not perfect for extremely long zoom shots without a tripod.
  • It doesn’t have a touchscreen, which took some getting used to when navigating menus.

Accessories I Recommend

  • Extra Battery: For long shooting sessions, having a spare battery saved me from interruptions.
  • Carrying Case: Protecting the camera while on the move is important, and a padded case worked well for me.
  • Tripod: Especially useful when using the full zoom range or shooting videos.
  • Memory Card: I used a fast SD card to ensure smooth video recording and quick photo saving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and want a powerful zoom camera with solid image quality, the Nikon Coolpix P510 is a fantastic choice. It balances ease of use with advanced features, making it suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts. Just be mindful of its limitations in autofocus speed and stabilization at extreme zooms. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and the creative possibilities it opened up for me.

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Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.