Nikon Coolpix P510 or Nikon D3200?

The D3200's sensor is somewhere around 15 times bigger than the one used in the P510. Due to the D3200's high MP count, it may not perform well at high ISOs.

How serious are you about photography? I'll get to the specs later, but first let's talk about carrying a dSLR around. Are you ready to do that? what about an extra lens? What about just one really good all 'round lens that might cost the same or more than an entry level dSLR? What about a bag?

I could go on and on. I suspect a lot of people go into this wanting better quality photos, more control, just a better experience and then end up missing shots because they left the dSLR at home or in the trunk of the car.

OK, back to the coolpix vs. a large image sensor, because that's what really gives you the stunning image quality, the potential for clean-ish low light/night photography, the detail, the color, the dynamic range. It's the sensor first, everything else comes second.

All small image sensor compacts have horrid image quality, I'll just get right down to it. I've downloaded so many full size photos posted by owners, and in cases where the camera shoots RAW (high end compacts) I've downloaded those too.

Even under the best conditions, the images when viewed at full size are of poor quality, there's just no way around it. Of course after lots of editing, and when not viewed at full size, they can look just fine, and they make fine 4x6 prints. Bottom line, it's a law of physics thing. When you cram 16 million pixels onto a sensor that's 6x4 millimeters you just don't have much to work with.

But if you want real image quality, you need a large image sensor, and you aren't stuck with just dSLRs. You can get a compact with a large image sensor, they are very popular and selling like hot cakes actually. Lots of photographers that are pros have turned to the Sony NEX 7, you can see their reviews on youtube and google will help you find more. That one mirrorless camera has been a huge seller for Sony.

I'm not a fan because of the 24 megapixel sensor, the same sensor that's finding its way to the new Nikon D3200. Other large sensor cameras to look at (and cheaper than the NEX 7) Sony's NEX 5N, forthcoming NEX F3, Samsung's NX1000 and NX210, and Panasonic's GF5.

so my advice, no matter what brand or model you go with, ditch the small image sensor compacts, and don't be fooled by their marketing jargon, and by all the cool names for the cool features, don't be fooled by the 500 US dollar high end Nikon and Canon compacts, they offer image quality very similar to a 99 dollar compact when the light gets scarce.

Back to the D3200 you are thinking about buying, when comments are made that it won't perform very well in low light, understand it's being compared to other large image sensor cameras. Even the worst performing dSLR image sensor will wipe the floor with the most expensive small image sensor compact.

I know that despite the face Nikon will have two advantages over the Sony A65 and A77 (2 other cameras with that Sony sensor) like no fixed mirror robbing light, and Nikon's better image processing, all those pixels jammed into that sensor and something has to give, it will be noise in low light. So it will probably be on par with any entry level Canon Rebel.

Nothing wrong with that, but I'd rather get something that has half the pixel count with cleaner images. I have a dSLR, and when I'm not getting paid to use it, I've decided to leave it at home, I'm tired of carrying that whole rig around. I've narrowed my smaller camera choice to the Samsung NX1000 and Sony NEX F3, they arrive next month. I hope this info has helped you, best of luck.

.. there is a huge difference.

In sensor size for instance and that fully effects the possible image quality. The P510 is not bad.. for what it is. But it is definitely not DSLR level.

Now the Nikon D3200 is a new camera. Few reviews out.. so I personally would wait till a few reviews BUT one thing. Whatever DSLR you buy it is only the beginning.

To own a DSLR means you are talking about buying lenses, a good lens is important. I would definitely suggest a 50mm Prime the least.cheap and really shows great quality.

Now.. buying a dslr is just the beginning, you will buy more lenses, a flash.. memory cards.. a tripod or monopod.. it is an EXPENSIVE hobby to say the least but worth it :)

So if you really mean it and REALLY want the best go DSLR. But yes bigger size, more weight, more obviousness.. these factors matter. The camera you don't have with you is as good as having no camera at all. And having a DSLR and lenses means dragging that stuff with you.. even when you don't expect a special moment to happen.

The P510 is smaller.. easier to take with you.. its image quality is less. But if that is the camera you always have with you..

I love my DSLR but yes it ..does takes space.. and is not cheap.

And please wait on the reviews.. The D3200 is so new..

Nikon D510

Both are excellent cameras but both very different. You must make the decision whether you want a bridge or a DSLR. The DSLR is more versatile, and will give better results due to its much larger sensor, low light is good in the d3200.

On the other hand the bridge is lighter, with a longer zoom.

But i guess you have a budget. My suggestion is get the D3200 AND a good, cheapish compact. A Nikon of course like the s3300

Well the D3200 hasn't came out yet and still to be tested. If you buy the coolpix then you pretty much can't upgrade anything anymore since it's a P&S. If you get the D3200, there are many different kind of lenses that will help you grow on your photography needs, because every lens has an intented use.

How can you upgrade something not yours? Return your borrowed camera and buy yourself a new one. That's how it works.

If you have the slightest reason to compare a dSLR with another camera then don't get the dSLR. You will only be disappointed. Get the P510. I'm sure it suits you better.

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You are comparing 2 different things. You don't know photography. and don't want to do serious photography....so. It show how serious you are about photography. so it would be better to buy coolpix. DSLR are not for you.

If you have a serious interest, you'll go with the D3200. D-SLR's tend to be better made. And the sensor is much larger.