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Nikon COOLPIX P520 Point & Shoot Camera

The Nikon Coolpix P520 is a 18MP 1/2.3 inch compact camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon COOLPIX P520 Point & Shoot Camera

Nikon COOLPIX P520 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Nikon Coolpix P520

The Nikon COOLPIX P520 is a point-and-shoot camera built around an 18MP, 1/2.3-inch sensor and a fully articulated 3.2-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution. The display's articulating design makes it genuinely useful for shooting from low angles or overhead, giving photographers flexibility that fixed-screen cameras simply can't match. Autofocus is handled by a contrast-detection system with 99 focus points and subject tracking enabled, offering solid coverage across the frame for moving subjects.

The camera shoots stills at up to 4896x3672 pixels and can burst at 7 frames per second, making it capable of capturing fast-moving action. On the video side, it records at up to 1080p with frame rate options of 25fps and 30fps. Image stabilization is handled via a lens-based system, which works to reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting.

The ISO range runs from 80 to 3200, giving a reasonable spread for varying lighting conditions. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and USB, along with a Mini HDMI output for connecting to external displays. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

The camera weighs 550g and measures 125 x 84 x 102mm, making it a moderately compact option in the superzoom category.

Key Features — Nikon Coolpix P520

18MP 1/2.3-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 4896x3672 pixels, providing enough resolution for large prints and generous cropping flexibility.

42x Optical Zoom Lens: Wide-ranging zoom reach makes the P520 capable of photographing distant subjects like wildlife or sports from far away.

Fully Articulated 3.2" LCD: The 921,000-dot tilting and rotating screen lets you compose shots comfortably from low angles, overhead, or at arm's length.

Lens-Based Stabilization: Optical image stabilization in the lens reduces the effect of camera shake, which is especially useful at longer zoom lengths.

7fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second helps capture fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes.

1080p Video Recording: Records full HD video at 25fps or 30fps, suitable for everyday video capture and sharing.

Camera Specifications — Nikon Coolpix P520

Nikon Coolpix P520 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Wildlife
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.3 inch
Resolution18MP
ISO Range80 – 3200
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points99-point
Max Photo Resolution4896x3672
Burst Rate7 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationLens-Based Stabilization

Description — Nikon Coolpix P520

The Nikon COOLPIX P520 pairs an 18MP sensor in a 1/2.3-inch format with a fully articulated 3.2-inch LCD at 921,000 dots, giving photographers a bright, repositionable screen for creative framing. The autofocus system uses contrast detection with 99 focus points and subject tracking enabled, making it well-suited for shooting subjects in motion. Still images are captured at up to 4896x3672 pixels, and the camera supports burst shooting at 7 frames per second.

Video recording reaches 1080p at up to 30fps, with 25fps also available, and footage can be sent to an external display via the Mini HDMI output. Image stabilization uses a lens-based system to reduce the impact of camera shake. The ISO range spans 80 to 3200, and storage is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and USB. The body measures 125 x 84 x 102mm and weighs 550g, and it runs on an EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery rated for approximately 200 shots per charge.

Pros — Nikon Coolpix P520

  • ✓Fully articulated 3.2-inch LCD at 921,000 dots enables flexible shooting angles
  • ✓99-point contrast-detection autofocus with subject tracking for moving subjects
  • ✓Burst shooting at 7 frames per second for fast-action capture

Cons — Nikon Coolpix P520

  • ✗1/2.3-inch sensor limits performance in challenging lighting compared to larger sensor cameras
  • ✗ISO tops out at 3200, which may restrict low-light versatility
  • ✗No weather sealing, making it unsuitable for shooting in rain or dusty conditions

Reviews — Nikon Coolpix P520

Resources & Downloads — Nikon Coolpix P520

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon Coolpix P520

What memory cards are compatible with the COOLPIX P520?+
The P520 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, giving you a wide range of capacity options to choose from. This means you can use modern high-capacity SDXC cards for extended shooting sessions.
Does the COOLPIX P520 have Wi-Fi connectivity?+
Yes, the P520 includes built-in Wi-Fi. It does not have Bluetooth, but Wi-Fi allows for wireless data transfer. USB connectivity is also available.
Can the LCD screen be angled for overhead or low-angle shots?+
Yes, the P520 features a fully articulated 3.2-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution. This means the screen can be repositioned to suit a wide variety of shooting angles beyond eye-level framing.
What is the maximum video resolution on the COOLPIX P520?+
The P520 records video at up to 1080p, with available frame rates of 25fps and 30fps. Mini HDMI output is also present for connecting the camera to an external display.
Is the COOLPIX P520 weather sealed?+
No, according to the specifications the P520 has no weather sealing. It should be kept away from rain, dust, and moisture during use.
What is the ISO range on the COOLPIX P520?+
The P520 offers an ISO range of 80 to 3200. This covers standard daylight shooting at the low end and moderately dim conditions at the high end.

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