Nikon Coolpix P510 arrives in London, we go hands-on (video)
You may have heard that Nikon's revealed a few -- well, a lot of -- new cameras this week. Fortunately it wasn't long until we were able to get to grips with some of the more interesting models. Unfortunately both the super-zooming Coolpix P510 (seen here) and the super-zooming P310 arrived sans battery, unwilling to be coaxed into working, but more than happy to show off how the finished unit would feel in the hand. We were able to get a hardware tour from Nikon's James Loader, who gave us a brief overview of the new Coolpix P series and talked up how that 42x zoom interacts with that 16.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor. You'll find that right after the gallery, alongside our own impressions on the hardware. We hope to grab a working sample ahead of the bridge camera's March 22nd launch, priced at £400 ($630) in the UK.
Update: We've corrected the pricing. As previously reported, the camera will reach US shores at a more wallet-friendly $430.
In the hand, the Coolpix P510 feels like an SLR, if slightly lighter -- thought the lack of a battery is likely a part of this. You'll need both hands to use the device, but the legion of controls will make adjusting most settings a breeze, especially if you've dabbled with its bigger (and pricier) brothers.
The tiltable screen adds some extra bulk at the back, although only works vertically. Nikon told us that adding horizontal functionality would compound the bulk issue. SLR dials are located in the typical Nikon place, while finishing on the mode dial and slick hinged screen projected a premium feel in our hands; the textured grip also felt like it would help us keep our fingers on the camera. It's a shame that we were unable to see how it handled the 42x zoom; it's also left us fascinated by how the 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor will handle it. With that level of zoom, the toggle on the side of the lens also seems well thought-out, but we'll have to see how it all comes together in the field.
Sharif Sakr contributed to this report.
