Nikon Coolpix P310 Announced

Faster lens and higher ISO are highlighted in the announcement

By Michael Zeigler

Just earlier today, Nikon announced the Coolpix P310. Its 4.2x (24-100mm) focal length may not deliver the big bad zoom of the newly-announced P510, and it can't do RAW like the P7100 or the Canon S95/S100.  It does, however, feature improved image stabilization, which Nikon says will let you take blur-free handheld shots at four stops below what would otherwise be possible. There's also a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, which will further aid low-light shooting as well shallow depth-of-field shots.

The Nikon Coolpix P310 will be available in February

The camera's backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor should offer improved performance in low-light situations, which you'll be able to see nicely on the camera's 3-inch high, 921,000-dot LCD screen. 1080p video capture at 30fps is also on board, along with in-camera editing software for completing your home videos right on the camera itself. Looking very much like Nikon's answer to the popular Canon S100, the P310 however, does not offer RAW, which could limit its use underwater. 

Another important addition to the P310 is the function (Fn) button on the right-hand side of the lens, which we're told will work like an assignable hot-key, giving quick access to your choice of setting. For example, if you expect that a shot is going to demand quick ISO adjustment, you'll be able to assign that to the function key -- a feature that should go some way to making up for the relatively minimal (e.g. compared to the P7100) controls on the back.

This camera should be released in February at a suggested retail price of $329.95.

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