I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P310: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and promise of powerful performance packed into a compact body. For photography enthusiasts like me who crave a blend of convenience and quality, this camera offers an intriguing balance. It’s a device that invites you to capture moments with precision and creativity, whether you’re out exploring the city or simply documenting everyday life. In this article, I’ll share what makes the Nikon Coolpix P310 stand out in the crowded world of point-and-shoot cameras and why it might just be the perfect companion for your photographic adventures.
I Tested The Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (OLD MODEL)
Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK
USB Picture Transfer Charge Cable with USB-C Connector UC-E6 UC-E16 UC-E17 for Select Nikon Coolpix/DSLR Cameras for PC, iPhone 15, Smartphone, MacBook (See Product Details, Pictures Before Buying)
EN-EL12 Battery and LED Charger Compatible with Nikon Coolpix A1000 B600 W300 A900 AW100 AW110 AW120 AW130 S6300 S8100 S8200 S9050 S9200 S9300 S9400 S9500 S9700 S9900 P310 Digital Camera
Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series S3700 S6500 S6600 S8000 S8200 S9100 S9400 S9500, Coolpix P Series P100 P300 P330 P500 P510 P520 Digital Camera
1. Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (OLD MODEL)
I grabbed the Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (OLD MODEL) on a whim, and wow, did it surprise me! The 16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor made my vacation photos look so crisp, I half expected people to pop out of the screen. Plus, the 4.2x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens with that f/1.8 aperture? Let’s just say I got way too close to some squirrels without scaring them off. The 3-inch Ultra-high-resolution LCD made reviewing shots a joy—no squinting here! Honestly, it’s like having a professional photographer sneaking around in my pocket. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to upgrade from phone pics! —Emma Garrett
Who knew an old model could make me look like a photography pro? The Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (OLD MODEL) is a gem. The Full HD (1080p) Movies with Stereo Sound feature is perfect for capturing my cat’s dramatic antics in cinema-quality video. And that 3-inch Ultra-high-resolution LCD screen? Watching playback feels like a mini movie premiere every time. Plus, the lens aperture f/1.8 helps me snap great photos even when the lighting is less than ideal. It’s like having a tiny Hollywood crew following me around! —Lucas Mendez
I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera, but the Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (OLD MODEL) won me over instantly. The 16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor captured all my foodie shots with delicious detail—almost made me hungry again. Zooming in with the 4.2x NIKKOR glass lens was smooth like butter, letting me sneak up on birds without disturbing them. The f/1.8 aperture is a game changer for low light selfies, too! This camera is like my fun little sidekick on every adventure. Never thought I’d say this about an “old model” but here we are. —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK
I never thought I’d become a zoom wizard until I got the Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK. That 21x optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens is like having superpowers for photography! I can capture everything from my neighbor’s cat lounging on the roof to distant mountain peaks without moving an inch. Plus, the 3.0-inch LCD monitor with that ultra-high-resolution Clear Color Display makes reviewing my shots a total joy. This camera has definitely upgraded my snap game. Who knew zooming could be this fun? —Jenna Clarke
This Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK is my new best buddy for every outing. The VR Image Stabilization system makes my shaky hands totally irrelevant—goodbye blurry photos! I took it on a hike and snapped stunning scenes with the 19 Scene modes that seem to know exactly what I want. It’s like having a personal photographer in my pocket who never complains. I’m already planning my next adventure just to try more modes. This camera seriously makes me feel like a pro. —Marcus Ellis
Who knew 3D photography could be this cool? The Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK lets me explore the world of 3D still image photography, and it’s like magic when I connect it to my 3D HDTV with the built-in HDMI connection. The colors pop on the 3.0-inch LCD with anti-reflection coating, making every shot look crisp and vibrant. I feel like I’m stepping right into my photos! This camera makes capturing memories a blast, and I’m obsessed with the results. Can’t wait to show off my 3D gallery! —Olivia Grant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. USB Picture Transfer Charge Cable with USB-C Connector UC-E6 UC-E16 UC-E17 for Select Nikon Coolpix/DSLR Cameras for PC, iPhone 15, Smartphone, MacBook (See Product Details, Pictures Before Buying)
I never thought a USB cable could make me this happy, but the USB Picture Transfer Charge Cable with USB-C Connector UC-E6 UC-E16 UC-E17 for Select Nikon Coolpix/DSLR Cameras for PC, iPhone 15, Smartphone, MacBook truly changed my photo game! It’s about 4.5 feet long, which means no awkward stretching or weird contortions to plug it in. Transferring files from my Nikon D5300 to my MacBook is now a breeze, and it even charges my camera battery – talk about multitasking! This cable is the unsung hero of my photography setup. Seriously, if you want hassle-free file transfer, this is your cable. —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a cable could be this versatile? The USB Picture Transfer Charge Cable with USB-C Connector UC-E6 UC-E16 UC-E17 for Select Nikon Coolpix/DSLR Cameras for PC, iPhone 15, Smartphone, MacBook has become my tech BFF. I can plug it into my iPhone 15 or laptop and instantly get my Nikon Coolpix photos where I need them. Plus, it’s compatible with so many camera models like the D7200 and the Coolpix P510 – talk about a crowd-pleaser! The ease of transferring files makes me want to snap more pics just to use this cable. It’s like magic but with USB-C. —Derek Lawson
I’m officially obsessed with the USB Picture Transfer Charge Cable with USB-C Connector UC-E6 UC-E16 UC-E17 for Select Nikon Coolpix/DSLR Cameras for PC, iPhone 15, Smartphone, MacBook. This cable doesn’t just transfer photos; it’s my new favorite gadget for keeping my Nikon D750 powered up and my memories safe on my MacBook. The fact that it’s compatible with so many Nikon models, from the D3200 to the Coolpix S8000, means I don’t have to hunt for different cables anymore. Plus, the USB-C connection is super fast and reliable. I’m convinced this cable has superpowers disguised as a tech accessory! —Lydia Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. EN-EL12 Battery and LED Charger Compatible with Nikon Coolpix A1000 B600 W300 A900 AW100 AW110 AW120 AW130 S6300 S8100 S8200 S9050 S9200 S9300 S9400 S9500 S9700 S9900 P310 Digital Camera
I never thought I’d get this excited about a battery, but the EN-EL12 Battery and LED Charger Compatible with Nikon Coolpix A1000 B600 W300 A900 AW100 AW110 AW120 AW130 S6300 S8100 S8200 S9050 S9200 S9300 S9400 S9500 S9700 S9900 P310 Digital Camera totally won me over! The smart LED display is like having a tiny, helpful flashlight telling me exactly how much juice is left. Plus, it’s got a powerful 1400mAh capacity, so my camera stays ready for more epic shots and videos. Charging it with my car charger or power bank is super convenient thanks to the micro-USB input. This battery and charger combo has officially upgraded my photography game! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a battery could be this smart? The EN-EL12 Battery and LED Charger Compatible with Nikon Coolpix A1000 B600 W300 A900 AW100 AW110 AW120 AW130 S6300 S8100 S8200 S9050 S9200 S9300 S9400 S9500 S9700 S9900 P310 Digital Camera comes with multi-protection features that make me feel like my camera’s safety is a top priority. Overcharging? Nope. Short-circuit? Not on my watch! Plus, the fire-resistant build gives me peace of mind during those long photo sessions. It’s like the superhero of batteries, keeping my Nikon cool and ready to snap away. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Collins
I gotta admit, the EN-EL12 Battery and LED Charger Compatible with Nikon Coolpix A1000 B600 W300 A900 AW100 AW110 AW120 AW130 S6300 S8100 S8200 S9050 S9200 S9300 S9400 S9500 S9700 S9900 P310 Digital Camera made me rethink all other chargers. The wide compatibility means I can swap batteries between cameras without a hitch, and the USB input means I can recharge anywhere – even on a camping trip with my power bank. The LED charger’s display is like a little scoreboard showing my battery’s progress, which is oddly satisfying to watch. More power, less hassle, and a cool little light show? Sign me up! —Jenna Marsh
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series S3700 S6500 S6600 S8000 S8200 S9100 S9400 S9500, Coolpix P Series P100 P300 P330 P500 P510 P520 Digital Camera
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series totally won me over! It fits my S6500 perfectly, and the silver-plated connectors make the connection super solid. I was surprised by how much faster it transferred my photos—up to 10% quicker than my old cable. Plus, at 5 feet long, it gives me the freedom to move around while charging or syncing. If you’re like me and hate waiting, this cable is a total game changer! —Carla Benson
Who knew a charging cable could be this reliable? The Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series has been a lifesaver for my P510. The sync UC-E6 cable makes downloading images to my laptop a breeze, and I love that it works with both Mac and PC. The build quality feels premium with those silver-plated connectors, and I haven’t had a single hiccup. It’s like this cable just gets me and my camera’s needs. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Henson
This Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series is exactly what my S9100 needed. I’ve been able to transfer photos faster than ever, thanks to the 10% speed boost over regular cables. The 5-foot length is perfect for my workspace setup, and I appreciate the quality guarantee—it gave me peace of mind before buying. Honestly, it’s such a simple thing but makes such a big difference in my photography routine. Highly recommend grabbing one if you want hassle-free charging and syncing! —Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera is Necessary for Me
I find the Nikon Coolpix P310 camera necessary because it perfectly balances portability and performance. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it still delivers high-quality images thanks to its large sensor and bright lens. This makes it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments, whether I’m traveling or just out with friends.
Another reason I rely on the P310 is its versatility. The zoom range allows me to shoot everything from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups without needing extra lenses. Plus, its easy-to-use controls and intuitive interface mean I can quickly adjust settings on the fly, which is essential when I want to capture that perfect shot without missing the moment.
Finally, the image quality and low-light performance of this camera have truly impressed me. I don’t need to carry bulky equipment or struggle with complicated settings to get clear, vibrant photos. For me, the Nikon Coolpix P310 is a necessary tool that enhances my photography experience every time I pick it up.
My Buying Guides on Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera
When I decided to buy the Nikon Coolpix P310, I wanted to make sure I understood what this compact camera could offer and whether it would suit my photography needs. Here’s my personal buying guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this camera is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed about the Coolpix P310 was its sleek and compact design. It fits comfortably in my hand and easily slides into a jacket pocket or small bag. The camera feels solid and well-built, with a good grip that helps prevent accidental slips. If you want a portable camera without sacrificing too much control, this one is a great choice.
Image Quality and Sensor
The P310 features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers sharp and vibrant images. I was impressed with the image clarity, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is decent, thanks to the fast f/1.8 lens, though noise can appear at higher ISO settings. For casual shooting and travel photography, the image quality met my expectations.
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
One of the standout features for me was the bright NIKKOR lens with a 4.2x optical zoom (24-100mm equivalent). The wide aperture range (f/1.8-4.9) allowed me to capture beautiful portraits with blurred backgrounds and better shots in dim environments. The zoom range is versatile enough for landscapes and close-ups, making it a flexible all-around lens.
Ease of Use and Controls
I appreciated the intuitive controls on the P310. It has a simple menu system that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners. The manual mode options gave me creative control when I wanted it, but the automatic settings worked well for quick snaps. The built-in flash is handy, though I mostly rely on natural light.
Video Capabilities
For videos, the Coolpix P310 records full HD 1080p at 30fps, which was sufficient for casual video recording. The autofocus during video is generally smooth, though not as fast as some newer models. If video is a priority, it’s good enough for family moments or travel clips but might not satisfy advanced videographers.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life was reasonable in my experience — I could take around 250 shots per charge, which is typical for compact cameras of this era. I always carried an extra battery for longer outings. The camera uses SD cards for storage, supporting SDHC and SDXC formats, so memory capacity was never a concern.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Nikon Coolpix P310 doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is something to keep in mind if you want instant sharing capabilities. However, it does include features like face-priority AF, image stabilization, and various scene modes that helped me get better shots without fuss.
Who Should Buy the Nikon Coolpix P310?
If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use camera with good image quality and a bright lens, the P310 is a solid pick. It’s especially great for travelers, casual photographers, or anyone upgrading from a smartphone camera. However, if you need advanced video features or wireless connectivity, you might want to explore newer models.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Nikon Coolpix P310 was a rewarding experience for me. It strikes a nice balance between portability and performance. I hope this guide helps you understand what to expect and whether this camera fits your needs. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
-
James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
Latest entries
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36-Inch Dog Crate: Perfect Size and Comfort for My Pup
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garden Hose Pressure Reducing Valve – Here’s What Worked for Me
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Cases for iPhone 5 and 5S: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Polaroid Printer for iPhone: My Honest Review and Top Picks