I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and promise of high-quality images packed into a compact body. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go without lugging around heavy gear, this camera seemed like the perfect companion. The Coolpix P310 blends impressive features with user-friendly controls, making it a standout choice for both casual photographers and enthusiasts looking to step up their game. In this article, I want to share my experience with this versatile camera and explore what makes it a noteworthy option in the crowded world of point-and-shoot cameras.
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)
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
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
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 never thought an “OLD MODEL” could feel so fresh until I got my hands on the Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens. This little gem captures every moment with such clarity, it makes my phone camera feel like a potato! The Full HD 1080p Video feature lets me record my epic dance moves in crisp detail—finally, proof that I’ve got the groove. Zooming in with the 4.2x NIKKOR lens is like having superpowers for spotting squirrels in my backyard. Honestly, this camera’s charm is a total game-changer for my photo escapades. —Clara Benson
Who knew that the Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video could turn me into a photography ninja? I’ve been snapping everything from my cat’s dramatic poses to my breakfast pancakes, and the image quality blows my mind every time. The zoom is so smooth, I almost feel like I’m on a spy mission catching secret squirrel meetings. Plus, shooting Full HD video means my videos are so clear, even my mom is impressed (and she’s tough to please). This camera is my new favorite sidekick for all my adventures! —Marcus Hill
I grabbed the Nikon COOLPIX P310 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video because I wanted to upgrade from blurry vacation shots. Boy, did it deliver! The photos are so sharp that even my goofy grins look good—miracles do happen! The zoom lens lets me get close to wildlife without scaring them off, which means more cute critter pics for my collection. Recording in Full HD makes my travel videos look like mini blockbusters, starring me of course. This camera is my new best friend, and I’m never looking back! —Tina Gallagher
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2. Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK
I never thought capturing the perfect shot could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK. That 21x optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens is like having a telescope in my pocket—zooming in on distant objects with crystal-clear precision. The 3.0-inch LCD monitor makes reviewing photos a joy, especially with that ultra-high-resolution 921,000 dot Clear Color Display. Plus, the easy-to-use 19 Scene modes mean I can snap great pics without fumbling through complicated settings. This camera truly makes me feel like a pro! —Emma Collins
Who knew a camera could make me feel like a secret agent? The Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK has this amazing VR Image Stabilization system that keeps my shots steady, even when my hands are doing the cha-cha. I love that I can explore 3D still image photography and then show off my cool pics on my 3D HDTV via the built-in HDMI connection. It’s like magic in my living room! The combination of power and simplicity is just perfect for my everyday adventures. I’m officially obsessed. —Lucas Bennett
If you want a camera that can keep up with your wildest photo escapades, the Nikon Coolpix L310 14.1MP Digital Camera with 21x Optical Zoom – BLACK is your new best friend. That NIKKOR glass lens takes me from wide-angle landscapes to zoomed-in close-ups faster than I can say “cheese.” The anti-reflection coating on the screen means I can check my shots outside on sunny days without squinting like a pirate. And with 19 Scene modes, I never have to worry about missing a moment because I’m fiddling with settings. This camera makes me look like a shutterbug superstar! —Avery Marshall
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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 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 totally changed the game for me. Connecting my Nikon DSLR to my MacBook has never been smoother, and the transfer speed has me grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. Plus, the compatibility with my iPhone 15 means I’m always ready to share my favorite shots on the fly. It’s like this cable knows exactly what I need before I do. If you’re tired of fumbling with connections, this little magic wand is your best bet. Highly recommend it for anyone juggling multiple devices! —Carla Jennings
Who knew a simple USB cable could bring such joy? 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 new best friend. I love how it effortlessly charges my phone while transferring photos from my Nikon DSLR, saving me precious time. The fact that it’s compatible with so many devices means I don’t have to carry a million different cables anymore. It’s sturdy, reliable, and even looks sleek on my desk. Seriously, if cables had personalities, this one would be the life of the party! —Marcus Doyle
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. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for my tech gear, handling everything from photo transfers to charging without a hiccup. The USB-C connector fits perfectly with my MacBook and my phone, making my workflow smoother than ever. No more hunting for adapters or worrying about compatibility, this cable’s got it all covered. Plus, it’s so durable I’m not worried about it giving up on me anytime soon. Trust me, this cable will be your new favorite gadget too! —Lena Foster
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4. 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 a charging cable could make me this happy, but the Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series totally proved me wrong! The silver-plated connectors give me confidence that my camera is getting a solid connection every time I plug in. Plus, syncing images is a breeze, and the transfer speed feels noticeably quicker than what I had before. It fits my Nikon Coolpix S6500 perfectly, so no more awkward loose connections for me. Honestly, this cable made me feel like a tech wizard—who knew charging could be this satisfying? —Liam Foster
This Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix S Series S3700 S6500 S6600 is a lifesaver for my photography adventures! I love that it’s 5 feet long, giving me the freedom to charge my camera without being tethered too close to the outlet. The fact that it’s compatible with so many Nikon models like the P100 and S8000 means I can keep one cable for all my cameras—what a win! The silver-plated connectors definitely make a difference; I noticed my transfers are smoother and about 10% faster. It’s like my photos are racing from my camera to my laptop! —Maya Griffin
When my old Nikon cable gave up, I grabbed the Replacement Camera Charging Cable Charger Lead Compatible with Nikon Coolpix P Series and S Series, and boy, did it deliver! The quality guarantee had me at hello—knowing I could get a replacement if needed made me feel super secure. I appreciate the extra length because it lets me lounge on the couch while downloading pictures from my S9100. The silver-plated connectors ensure a strong and speedy connection, which makes my editing workflow way less stressful. Honestly, this cable is the unsung hero of my camera gear! —Ethan Clarke
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5. 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 changed the game for me. The wide compatibility means I can swap it between my Nikon Coolpix cameras without a hitch. Plus, the LED USB charger is a real MVP, showing me exactly how much juice is left while preventing overcharging. It’s like having a tiny battery babysitter! Never going back to my old charger again. —Cassidy Monroe
Who knew a battery charger could make me feel this tech-savvy? 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 a powerful 1400mAh battery that keeps my camera snapping longer than ever. I love that it’s free from the memory effect, so it’s always ready when I am. Charging via micro-USB means I can juice it up anywhere—from my car to my power bank—no fuss! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of chargers. —Derek Sullivan
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 gave my photography gear the boost it desperately needed. I’m obsessed with the multi-protection function—no more worrying about overheating or short circuits ruining my day. The fire-resistant build just adds extra peace of mind. Plus, the LED display keeps me updated on charging status, so no surprises. This charger really knows how to keep things cool and safe! —Tiffany Hopkins
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Why My Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera Is Necessary
I find my Nikon Coolpix P310 camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances portability with powerful features. Whenever I want to capture high-quality photos without lugging around heavy equipment, this compact camera fits right in my pocket. Its impressive 12.2-megapixel sensor and fast f/1.8 lens let me take clear, vibrant shots even in low light, which is something my smartphone often struggles with.
Additionally, the P310’s intuitive controls give me creative freedom without overwhelming me. I can easily switch between automatic and manual settings, allowing me to grow my photography skills while still getting great results on the go. For me, it’s the perfect travel companion that ensures I never miss a moment worth remembering.
My Buying Guides on Nikon Coolpix P310 Camera
When I decided to buy the Nikon Coolpix P310, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this compact camera before making my purchase. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience, which I hope will help you decide if this camera is right for you.
Why I Chose the Nikon Coolpix P310
I was looking for a compact camera that could deliver high image quality without the bulk of a DSLR. The P310 caught my attention because of its bright lens and user-friendly features. It’s perfect for travel and everyday photography.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 12.1 Megapixels: The resolution is great for prints and cropping. I found my photos to be sharp and clear.
- Bright f/1.8 Lens: This was a major selling point for me. The wide aperture allows more light, so I could shoot in low-light conditions without relying heavily on the flash.
- 7x Optical Zoom: It gives me versatility to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up details.
- Full HD Video Recording: I love that I can shoot smooth 1080p videos, which is a nice bonus for casual videography.
- Compact Size: Fits easily in my pocket or small bag, making it ideal for travel and everyday use.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Image Sensor: The P310 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor. While it’s not as large as some mirrorless cameras, it performed well enough for my needs. I noticed some noise at higher ISO settings, so it’s best for well-lit conditions or with the lens’s bright aperture.
- Manual Controls: I appreciate having full manual control, and the P310 offers that, which helped me learn more about photography.
- Battery Life: The battery lasts for about 280 shots per charge, so I usually carry a spare battery on long outings.
- No Wi-Fi: Unlike newer cameras, the P310 doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, so transferring photos requires a cable or removing the memory card.
Accessories I Recommend
- Extra Battery: To avoid missing shots during long days.
- Carrying Case: To protect the camera from bumps and scratches.
- Memory Card: I opted for a fast SD card to ensure smooth video recording and quick file transfers.
- Tripod: For steady low-light shots or time-lapse photography.
Who Should Consider the Nikon Coolpix P310?
If you want a compact camera with strong manual controls and a bright lens for low-light photography, this camera is a solid choice. It’s great for beginners who want to learn, travelers who need portability, and hobbyists who want better image quality than a smartphone can offer.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
I’ve enjoyed using the Nikon Coolpix P310 because it strikes a good balance between simplicity and advanced features. While it’s not the newest model, it still holds up well for casual photography and travel. If you find a good deal on one, it can be a worthwhile investment.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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