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The Nikon Coolpix P510 is easy to recommend for its features, photos, and performance, but the usefulness of a 42x zoom lens is debatable.

Bigger than a compact, but smaller than a D-SLR, the 42x Nikon Coolpix P510 packs a high-quality lens that delivers sharp images. Integrated GPS, 1080p video capture, and plenty of other features help it nab our Editors' Choice for the best full-size superzoom camera.

The lens is the P510's main selling point and anyone looking for a go-everywhere camera for travel or general-purpose photography will be impressed by its versatility. Only sub-par image quality at high ISOs and slightly plasticky construction let the P510 down.

For now the P510 model represents a good all-rounder that’s affordable and packed out with features that challenge the competition.

...the P510...may not offer everything that everyone wants in a super zoom...there’s still room for improvement. But the enormous zoom range and strong image quality are reason enough to put the P510 toward the top of the superzoom heap, especially for casual photographers.

Once again, Nikon makes a great ultrazoom camera that is fast, has a massive zoom range, and turns out impressive image quality.

If you're looking for a super-zoom camera for bird watching, ship spotting, amateur astronomy or taking close-up shots from half-a-mile away, Nikon's CoolPix 510 with its amazing 24-1,000mm lens is absolutely unbeatable.

I loved most of the shooting features and effects...Of course, the 42x optical zoom offered the ultimate bragging rights. But the Nikon Coolpix P510 lags behind the competition for a few crucial reasons: ineffective GPS...an antiquated menu system and limited low light and Video options.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 may not produce the best photos at higher ISO speeds...but it's a lot more portable and convenient than an SLR with a bag full of lenses and also doubles up as an effective video camera thanks to its excellent movie mode, making it worthy of our Highly Recommended award.