The Nikon COOLPIX P520 digital camera is a compact super zoom camera with rich functionality. This device has an 18-megapixel BSI CMOS (back-illuminated) sensor. The lens has a pretty decent zoom ratio - 42x. The camera we are considering is equipped with a 3.2-inch swivel monitor in two planes with a resolution of 910,000 dots. The device is capable of recording video in Full HD quality with stereo sound, in addition, there is a high-speed photo and video mode.
Specifications
Matrix - 18 MP (4896x3672, 1/2.3 inches). Lens - 41.7x optical zoom (24-1000 equiv. mm), f/3.0-5.9. Information is stored on SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards; in addition, there is a built-in memory of 15 MB. Photo file format - JPEG; video files - MOV (1920x1080p) with stereo sound; as well as 640x480, 1280x720 or 1920x1080p. The Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera has a combined AV output and USB, as well as mini-HDMI. Overall dimensions of the device - 126x84x102 mm.
Superzoom
Photo cameras of this type are called superzooms. let'sLet's understand what is meant by this term. These are devices that are equipped with a small matrix and have a stationary lens, characterized by a huge zoom ratio. Another popular name for this class is bridge cameras, which implies an intermediate position of such devices between system and compact cameras. Almost all compact digital cameras with a small sensor size are characterized by extremely high zoom ratios. It is unrealistic to implement a similar approximation for devices with a large matrix, since the optics would turn out to be too large, heavy and expensive.
In fact, only a super-powerful approximation is already enough to justify the existence of this class and ensure its popularity. However, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera (photo above) stands out from the crowd also in that its functionality is very rich, and in appearance and control system it is close to SLR cameras. The zoom ratio of this camera reaches 42x, but the range starts from a fairly wide angle (24 equiv. mm), which significantly expands the possibilities of photography. And BSI (back-illumination) technology allows you to read the image at an increased speed, thanks to this, Full HD video format and high-speed shooting mode are provided.
Design
For some reason, in this case, the manufacturer has moved away from the usual traditional standards - strict black. As a result, this model has three color options. Camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 Red, as the name implies, is made in red. Although in fact it is closer to the color of rotten cherries. This model looks quite stylish. The next camera - Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 1 - is made in matte black, which is considered traditional for photographic equipment. The next version is also black, but with a glossy sheen that makes the device glamorous and more spectacular. This model is called Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 2.
Control system
The camera has a very good body design, it fits comfortably in your hand. The rubber pad on the handle with a notch is pleasant in terms of tactile sensations, however, if you do not take care of it, it will quickly become clogged with dust, and then it will not look so elegant. Between the lens and the handle is an autofocus assist lamp and an indication of the self-timer. It has an orange glow. Around the release button is a lever that controls the zoom. This is where the interesting feature of the ergonomics of this model lies: the pseudo-mirror design of the Nikon COOLPIX P520 means that it is necessary to hold it, like SLR devices, with the palm of your left hand under the lens, and place your thumb on the left, on the lens barrel.
Just in this place the designers placed the zoom control lever. Such control partially imitates zooming with a ring on the lens. This element allows you to not only zoom in / out, but can also be used for manual focusing. On the left side of the case there is a button withdepicting a lightning bolt, it is designed to raise the built-in flash. This model does not have the ability to install an external flash. In the place where this connector is usually located on cameras, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 has a stereo microphone and a GPS module antenna. Next to the zoom lever there is a programming button - "Fn". It allows you to set one of the following options: image size, image quality, PictureControl color schemes, white balance, shutter mode, metering type, ISO sensitivity, stabilizer mode, and AF area mode.
Uncomfortable control
One of the miscalculations of the developers of this camera is the location of both disks on the rear panel. As a result, the thumb of the right hand constantly has to rush between them and all the buttons. It is much more convenient to work when one disc is in front, on the handle. The next inconvenience is the inability to switch the image output between the electronic viewfinder and the monitor by pressing a button. Also, there is no auto-switch sensor when the viewfinder is close to the face. The picture is displayed on the viewfinder when the monitor is turned with the screen towards the body. Such an implementation is somewhat inconvenient when it is necessary to view the taken photos during the shooting process. Also, the electronic viewfinder suffers from poor image quality. The picture is high-speed, the resolution is low, the bright areas are poorly worked out, but for cropping purposes it is quite enough.
Functionalmodels
The Nikon COOLPIX P520 monitor rotates freely in two axes, turning away from the camera to the left. This design allows you to shoot from unusual angles and in portrait (vertical) orientation. The "DISP" key is located to the right of the viewfinder, it switches the modes of presenting information on the screen. When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the area where autofocus has worked is marked in green, and other information is also displayed. But the ISO value determined by the automation is not indicated when working in the "Auto-ISO" mode. Movie recording starts without prior transition after pressing the red dot key. The Up button selects flash modes: Off, Fill (forced off), Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Rear-curtain sync, and Slow sync. Do not switch modes while lowering the flash. The "Down" key turns on the macro mode, allows you to fix the focal length at infinity (image of mountains). This feature is useful when taking pictures through glass or fireworks (when there is no subject to capture). The "Left" key turns on the self-timer (with a delay of 2 or 10 seconds). "Right" turns on exposure compensation.
Shooting modes, video, panorama
Nikon COOLPIX P520 has eleven standard modes, which are switched by the control dial. In “Auto Mode” (green camera image), all control is taken over bycamera, the set of adjustable functions in it is limited. In the “P” programmer mode, moving the control dial shifts the program (the aperture / shutter speed determined by the automatics changes, while the exposure remains unchanged). As in most cameras, this model has a classic set of "A-S-M" (exposure modes): "A" - aperture priority; "S" - excerpts; "M" - manual setting of the exposure couple. "Night landscape" provides for work in two versions: from a tripod and from hands. "Backlighting" works when the flash is on, which illuminates a dark foreground subject, or using HDR (high dynamic range) technology. In this case, several shots are taken at different exposure values, and then combined into one. Custom mode ("U") - camera settings are saved, even the zoom value is remembered. The "SCENE" position on the disc stores seventeen scene programs, which are selected via the menu. When this mode is selected, most options are disabled.
Video shooting
The camera can record movies using a variety of format, frame rate and resolution settings. The user can apply the effects of the EFFECTS group, exposure compensation, but the set levels of exposure parameters are ignored. You can set the aperture and shutter speed in the “M” mode, but video shooting will be performed on the machine, all settings are ignored. After the video recording is completed, the device saves the video to the flash card. Among the various video optionsthere is slow (fast) recording, as well as fast motion (twice as fast).
Parameters, rate of fire, menu
When you press the "MENU" button located on the back of the camera, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 menu is displayed on the screen (the user manual tells in detail about all the modes, programs, settings and functions of the camera), where the parameters for which there were no buttons on the body of the device. The essence of most of the parameters is quite clear and does not require a detailed explanation. Picture styles or color schemes for this model are called "Picture Control", which means image control. There are only four of them: standard (SD), bright (VI), neutral (NL), monochrome (MC).
The diagram shows the location and combination of styles in the "Contrast" and "Saturation" coordinates. The menu item "Continuous" refers to the operation of the shutter. It allows you to perform conventional frame-by-frame, continuous high-speed, continuous low-speed shooting. The "Pre-shooting buffer" mode locks from the moment the shutter is pressed halfway at a speed of 15 frames / sec. in a fixed resolution of 3 megapixels. All information is stored in a buffer. When the button is pressed, recording stops and up to twenty pictures are recorded on the memory card. The Best Shot Selector mode takes ten shots in a row, after which the camera selects and saves the best one, the main selection criterion is the minimum image blur. This mode is recommended for taking pictures in low light conditions or when moving whenshaking cannot be avoided. In addition, it is optimal when shooting at long focal lengths, at which the slightest tremor of the hands turns into significant dangling of the lens in the frame, which even the image stabilizer cannot always cope with.
The "Sensitivity" item consists of two parts - setting the ISO sensitivity and setting the maximum shutter speed of the camera's automatics. This model also provides for setting the intensity of noise reduction. The device offers three options - normal, moderate (weak) and enhanced. The "Settings" section is dedicated to managing the auxiliary settings of the camera.
GPS navigation system
One of the most important features of this model is the built-in global positioning navigation system. It allows using signals that come from satellites to determine the location of the camera. In modern devices, this function is used more and more often, it is especially popular among “travel cameras” (this model can also be attributed to this class). The navigation system is activated in the corresponding menu section. When enabled, the satellite icon appears on the screen. In this case, the geographical coordinates are recorded together with the photographs taken in EXIF. In addition, the database of various points of interest and attractions works in this mode. If you are near such a place, then its name will appear at the bottom of the monitor. You can customize the labels of these objects along withcaptured pictures, as well as their display during playback.
Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera: user reviews
Let's consider the positive aspects of this model. Most amateur photographers choose this device due to the huge zoom ratio and the presence of a wide angle in this mode. They note effective optical image stabilization, a unique control for different types of zoom or manual focus, a full set of P-A-S-M modes. Many amateurs cite interesting handheld night shooting options ("Portrait" and "Landscape") as advantages of this camera, combining several shots and improving quality at a high ISO level.
In addition, high-quality Full HD video recording with stereo sound and high-speed video recording modes, the ability to edit clips (trimming and saving frames as a separate file) are very popular. The built-in GPS navigation system is also interesting, which records the coordinates of the place of photography and the route (even when the device is turned off). And what do professional photographers say about the Nikon COOLPIX P520? Reviews say that it has a high level of exposure bracketing, live histogram on the monitor during shooting, high-speed shooting mode, D-Lighting function that allows you to brighten dark areas, Backlighting function, panoramic shooting with an angle of view of 180 and 360 degrees with one wire with auto-glue, as well as adjustmentnoise reduction intensity.
Flaws
The Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera (reviews from amateur photographers confirm this) has a low lens aperture, a narrow aperture adjustment range, pronounced noise reduction artifacts even at a low ISO level, low speed in many modes. Users note unstable operation and periodic freezing of the device, a quick discharge of the battery. The camera does not support the RAW format, there is no connector for connecting an external flash, an HD / HS switch (high speed or high video resolution), an orientation sensor (you have to turn the pictures manually when viewing). In addition, switching data input from the monitor to the electronic viewfinder is performed by turning the monitor towards the body of the device; when you turn on the view function, the last frame taken is always displayed; slow display (up to two seconds) of detailed information about the photo.
Nikon COOLPIX P520 Price
If, after reading our article, you decide to purchase this model, you can do it at any Nikon brand store, photo stores or household appliance supermarkets. This is a fairly popular device, it is available almost everywhere. If it so happens that it is not in the store, then it can be ordered. Nikon COOLPIX P520 (the price of this model is about 15 thousand rubles) is the best solution for a photography enthusiast who wants to purchase a universal camera that can work in various conditions, capture any scene, and, moreover, does not requirea large number of interchangeable optics and does not take up much space in the bag.
