Nikon Coolpix P520 - review of the model, customer reviews and experts

Nikon digital camera COOLPIX P520 is a compact super-zoom camera with rich functionality. This device has an 18-megapixel matrix, created using BSI CMOS (backlit) technology. The lens has a fairly decent magnification of the zoom - 42x. The camera we are considering is equipped with a 3.2-inch monitor rotated in two planes and a resolution of 910,000 pixels. The device is capable of recording video as a Full HD with stereo sound, in addition, there is a mode of high-speed photo and video.

Specifications

The matrix is 18 megapixels (4896x3672, 1 / 2.3 inches). The lens is 41.7x optical zoom (24-1000 equivalent mm), F / 3.0-5.9. The information is stored on SD, SDHC or SDXC memory cards; In addition, there is a built-in memory of 15 MB. The format of photo files is JPEG; Video files - MOV (1920x1080p) with stereo sound; And also 640x480, 1280x720 or 1920x1080p. Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera has a combined AV-out and USB, as well as mini-HDMI. The overall dimensions of the device are 126x84x102 mm.

Superzoom

Cameras of this type are usually called superzums. Let's see 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 multiplicity of approximation. Another popular name for this class is bridge cameras, which means the intermediate position of such devices between system and compact cameras. Virtually all compact digital cameras that have a small matrix size are characterized by an extremely high zoom ratio. For devices with a large matrix, a similar approximation is impossible to realize, since the optics would have turned out to be too big, 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 (photo above) is distinguished from the total mass by the fact that its functionality is very rich, and in appearance and control it is close to the mirror chambers. The zoom factor of this camera reaches 42x, but the range starts from a rather wide angle (24 equiv mm), which greatly expands the possibilities of photography. And BSI (backlighting) technology allows you to read a picture at an increased speed, thanks to this and provides a video format Full HD and high-speed shooting mode.

Design

For some reason, in this case, the manufacturer moved away from the usual traditional standards - strict black color. As a result, this model has three color options. The camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 Red, as the name suggests, is made in red. Although in fact, he is closer to the color of rotten cherries. This model looks quite stylish. The next camera - Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 1 - is made in a matte black color, considered to be traditional for photographic equipment. The next option is also black, but with a glossy tint, making the device glamorous and more spectacular. This model is called the Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 2.

Control system

The camera has a very good performance of the case, it fits comfortably in the hand. Rubber pad on the handle with a notch is pleasant on tactile sensations, however, if you do not look after it, it quickly gets clogged with dust, and then it looks not so elegant. Between the lens and the handle is the autofocus illumination lamp and the self-timer display. It has an orange glow. A lever that controls the zoom is located around the shutter release button. Herein lies the interesting feature of the ergonomics of this model: the Nikon COOLPIX P520 pseudo-mirror design implies that it needs to be held, like the mirrors, with the palm of the left hand under the lens, and the thumb on the left, on the lens rim.

Just at this point the designers placed the zoom control lever. This control partially mimics the zoom ring on the lens. This element allows not only to zoom in / out, but can also be used for manual focus. On the left there is a lightning button on the case, it is designed to raise the built-in flash. In this model, it is not possible to install an external flash. In the place where the camera normally has this connector, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 has a stereo microphone and an antenna for the GPS module. Next to the zoom lever there is a programming button - "Fn". It allows you to set one of the following parameters: image size, image quality, PictureControl color schemes, white balance, shutter mode, metering type, ISO sensitivity, stabilizer mode and autofocus zone mode.

Inconvenience of management

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 always 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 lack of the ability to switch the output of the picture between the electronic viewfinder and the monitor by pressing a button. In addition, there is no automatic switch when the viewfinder approaches the face. The picture is displayed on the viewfinder in the case when the monitor is rotated by the screen to the body. Such an implementation is somewhat inconvenient when it is necessary to view the photographs taken during the survey. Also, the electronic viewfinder suffers from poor image quality. The picture is high-speed, the resolution is low, bright areas are poorly worked, but for framing purposes it is quite enough.

Functional model

The Nikon COOLPIX P520 monitor rotates freely in two axes, turning to the left of the camera. This design allows you to shoot from unusual angles and with a portrait (vertical) orientation. The "DISP" button is located to the right of the viewfinder, it switches the modes of information input to the screen. When the shutter release button is half-pressed green, the area where the autofocus has triggered is marked with green, and other information is displayed. But the ISO value specified by the automation is not indicated when operating in the "Auto-ISO" mode. Video recording starts without a preliminary transition after pressing the button with a red dot. The Up button selects the flash modes: Off, Fill (forced off), Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Back-curtain sync, and Slow sync. It is forbidden to switch modes when the flash is lowered. The "Down" button turns on the macro mode, allows you to fix the focal length at infinity (the image of the mountains). This function is useful for photographing through glass or fireworks (when there is no object for fixation). The "Left" key activates the self-timer (with a delay of 2 or 10 seconds). "Right" includes exposure compensation.

Shooting modes, video, panorama

Nikon COOLPIX P520 has eleven standard modes, which are switched by the control disk. In the "Auto Mode" (the image of the camera is green), all the control is taken by the camera, the set of adjustable functions in it is limited. In the programmed "P" mode, moving the control dial causes the program to shift (the aperture / shutter speed determined by the automatic control changes, and the exposure remains unchanged). As in most cameras, this model has a classic set of "ASM" (exposure modes): "A" - the priority of the aperture; "S" - excerpts; "M" - manual installation of the expo- sure. "Night Landscape" provides work in two versions: from a tripod and with hands. Backlighting works when the flash is on, which illuminates a dark foreground object, or using HDR technology (wide dynamic range). In this case, several pictures are taken at different exposure values, and then combined into one. User mode ("U") - the camera settings are saved, even the zoom value is memorized. The "SCENE" position on the disc stores seventeen scene programs that are selected through the menu. If you select this mode, most options are unavailable.

Videography

The camera can record video using a variety of format settings, frame rates and resolutions. The user can apply EFFECTS group effects, exposure compensation, but the set exposure levels are ignored. You can set the aperture and shutter speed in the "M" mode, but the video shooting will be performed on the machine, all settings will be ignored. After the video recording is complete, the device saves the video to the flashcard. Among various video options there is a slow (fast) recording, as well as accelerated shooting (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's manual explains in detail all the modes, programs, settings and functions of the camera) where parameters are controlled for which there are no buttons on the case Device. The essence of most of the parameters is quite understandable and does not require a detailed explanation. Image styles or color schemes for this model are called "Picture Control", which means image management. There are only four of them: standard (SD), bright (VI), neutral (NL), monochrome (MC).

The diagram shows the location and combination of styles according to the "Contrast" and "Saturation" coordinates. The menu item "Continuously" refers to shutter operation. It allows you to produce a normal frame-by-frame, continuous high-speed, continuous low-speed shooting. The mode "Pre-shooting buffer" fixes from the moment of half-pressing of descent with a speed of 15 frames / sec. In a fixed resolution of 3 megapixels. All information is stored in the buffer. When the button is pressed, recording stops, up to twenty pictures can be recorded on the memory card. The "Selecting the best shot" mode takes ten pictures in a row, then the camera selects and saves one's best, the main selection criterion is the minimum blur of the image. This mode is recommended for taking pictures in low light conditions or when driving, when shaking can not be avoided. In addition, it is optimal when shooting at large focal lengths, at which the slightest tremor of hands turns into a substantial bolting of the lens in the frame, which even the image stabilizer can not always cope with.

The item "Sensitivity" consists of two parts - setting the ISO sensitivity and setting the maximum shutter speed of the camera. In this model, you can also set the intensity of noise reduction. The device offers three options - normal, moderate (weak) and amplified. The "Setup" section is dedicated to controlling the auxiliary settings of the camera.

GPS Navigation System

One of the most important features of this model is the built-in navigation system of global positioning. It allows using the signals that come from satellites to determine the location of the camera. In modern devices, this function is used more often, especially it is popular among the "cameras for travel" (this model can be attributed to this model). The navigation system is activated in the corresponding menu section. When it is on, a satellite icon appears on the screen. In this case, geographical coordinates are recorded together with the photos taken in EXIF. In addition, in this mode there is a base of various points of interest and attractions. If you are located near such a place, the name of the monitor appears at the bottom of the monitor. You can set the signatures of these objects together with the images you have taken, and also display them when you view them.

Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera: user reviews

Let us consider the positive aspects of this model. Most amateur photographers choose this device due to the huge multiplicity of the zoom and the presence in this mode of a wide angle. They note efficiently operating optical image stabilization, a unique control for different types of zoom or manual focusing, a full set of PASM modes. Many fans like the advantages of this camera are interesting parameters of night shooting with hands ("Portrait" and "Landscape"), combining several frames and improving the quality at a high level of ISO.

In addition, video shooting in high quality Full HD with stereo sound and high-speed video recording modes, editing of clips (cropping and saving of frames by a separate file) is very popular. Interesting is the built-in GPS navigation system, which records the coordinates of the location of photography and the route (even when the device is powered off). And what do professional photographers say about the Nikon COOLPIX P520? The reviews say that high-level exposure bracketing, live histogram on the monitor during shooting, high speed of high-speed shooting mode, D-Lighting function that allows to highlight dark areas, "Backlighting" function, panoramic shooting with a viewing angle of 180 And 360 degrees with one wiring with autoscale, as well as adjusting the intensity of noise reduction.

disadvantages

The camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 (reviewed by photographers this is confirmed) has a low aperture lens, a narrow range of adjustment of the aperture, the presence of pronounced noise reduction artifacts even at low ISO, low speed in many modes. Users note the unstable operation and periodic hang of the device, rapid discharge of the battery. The camera does not support RAW format, there is no connector for external flash, HD / HS switch (high speed or high video resolution), orientation sensor (you have to turn over images manually). In addition, switching the input of data from the monitor to the electronic viewfinder is done by turning the monitor to the body of the device; When you turn on the view function, the last frame is always displayed; Slow display on the screen (up to two seconds) detailed information about the photo.

Nikon COOLPIX P520: price

If, after reading our article, you decided to purchase this model, you can do it in any Nikon brand store, photo shops or supermarkets of home appliances. This is a fairly popular device, it is almost everywhere available. If it happens that he is not in the store, he can be ordered. Nikon COOLPIX P520 (the price of this model is about 15 thousand rubles) is the optimal solution for a photographer who wants to buy a universal camera that can work in different conditions, record any scenes, besides, do not require a large amount of interchangeable optics and do not take much Places in the bag.