Key Features
Jan 29 2013
Announced
18 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Nikon |
| Sensor Type | 1/2.3-inch |
| Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
| Weight | 550g |
| MSRP | $449USD |
Other similar cameras
Nikon Coolpix S5200
Released Jan 29 2013 | 16MP resolution
Nikon Coolpix L820
Released Jan 29 2013 | 16MP resolution
Nikon Coolpix P330
Released Mar 04 2013 | 12MP resolution
Overview of the Coolpix P520
The Nikon Coolpix P520 is a powerful camera that boasts a remarkable set of features. This camera comes equipped with a 42x zoom lens that ensures you don't miss a single detail, no matter how far away it is. Moreover, with its 18.1-megapixel sensor and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities, the P520 can capture breathtaking photos and videos that are sure to impress. However, before you decide if this camera is right for you, let's delve into its features and explore what makes it stand out from the rest.
Nikon Coolpix P520 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix P520 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Nikon Coolpix P520
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 125 x 84 x 102mm |
| Weight | 550g |
| Thickness | 102mm |
Weather Sealing
The Nikon Coolpix P520 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Electronic |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots |
| Body type | SLR-like (bridge) |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fully articulated 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix P520 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
Coolpix P520 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Nikon Coolpix P520 has a 18MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 18 pixels. Nikon Coolpix P520 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.
Key Features
Jan 29 2013
Announced
80 - 3200
ISO Range
| Sensor | 1/2.3-inch |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 4896 x 3672 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix P520 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix P520 is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: 1/2.3-inch
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Battery Life | 200 shots |
| Battery Model | EN-EL5 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Nikon Coolpix P520 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Nikon Coolpix P520 uses the EN-EL5 model of battery pack. This is rated for 200 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Nikon Coolpix P520 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.
Shutter
The Nikon Coolpix P520 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Nikon Coolpix P520 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Nikon Coolpix P520 features a BSI-CMOS sensor
No the Coolpix P520 does not have weather sealing.
The Nikon Coolpix P520 was announced on Jan 29 2013
Yes the Coolpix P520 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Coolpix P520 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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