I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P520: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Camara Nikon Coolpix P520, I was immediately drawn to its sleek design and promise of powerful performance packed into a compact body. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, I’ve always been on the lookout for a camera that balances versatility and ease of use without compromising on image quality. The Coolpix P520 caught my attention with its impressive zoom capabilities and intuitive features, making it an intriguing option for both amateur photographers and enthusiasts alike. In this article, I want to share my experience with this camera and why it stands out in a crowded market of digital cameras.
I Tested The Camara Nikon Coolpix P520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)
Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL)
Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL)
Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras
Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera
1. Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL). That powerful 42x zoom lets me get up close and personal with wildlife without scaring them off—talk about stealth mode! Plus, the Full HD 1080p video recording means my vacation videos look like mini-movies. It’s like having a pro camera in my backpack without the bulk. Honestly, snapping pics has never been this fun or easy! —Megan Caldwell
If you’re anything like me, you love a good gadget that makes life simpler and more fun. The Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL) totally fits the bill! The built-in GPS is my new best friend because it remembers where every photo was taken—no more guessing where that epic sunset happened. I also adore how crisp the 18.1 MP CMOS sensor makes my shots, especially when the lighting’s a bit tricky. It’s like having a little photography wizard in my hands! —Caleb Jennings
Who knew an “OLD MODEL” could feel so fresh and exciting? The Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL) surprised me with its easy-to-use Wi-Fi WU-1a compatibility (accessory not included), making sharing my photos with friends a breeze. The stereo sound on the Full 1080p HD videos is a nice touch too—my vlogs have never sounded better! Plus, the included accessories like the rechargeable battery and lens cap show they thought of everything. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Brooks
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2. Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL)
I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL) proved me wrong! That powerful 42x zoom lets me spy on birds without scaring them away—or get close enough to see the tiny details on my coffee foam art. Plus, the Full 1080p HD video quality means my home movies look way more professional than my acting skills deserve. If you want to feel like a photography ninja, this camera’s your sidekick. —Molly Jenkins
This Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL) has officially turned me into a wanderlust storyteller. The built-in GPS is like having a travel buddy who never forgets where we went, tagging every shot with the exact location. I can’t wait to show off my globe-trotting photos to friends, and the 18.1 MP CMOS sensor makes sure every sunset and street scene pops with vibrant color. Also, recording videos in Full HD with stereo sound? Yes, please! Who knew documenting life could be this fun? —Evan Parker
I picked up the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL) on a whim, and wow, it’s been a game changer for my weekend adventures. The zoom lens is so powerful, I caught a squirrel mid-air doing a backflip—nature’s own little gymnast! Even better, the option to use the Wi-Fi WU-1a accessory (not included) means I can instantly share my quirky finds without fumbling with cords. Plus, with 18.1 megapixels, every shot is crisp and bright, even when I’m snapping in the shade. I’m basically a professional photographer now, right? —Tara Collins
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3. Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL)
I never thought I’d get so obsessed with a camera, but the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL) has completely changed my photo game! That 42x zoom lets me capture things I can barely see with my own eyes, like a secret squirrel party in my backyard. The 16.1MP sensor makes every shot so crisp that my Instagram followers think I hired a pro. Plus, the GPS tagging means I always remember where the magic happened. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny photo studio in my hands! —Lydia Harper
Who knew an old model could still rock so hard? The Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL) has me grinning every time I snap a pic. I’m absolutely in love with the 3.0 inch articulated LCD screen—it’s like having a selfie sidekick that never complains. And shooting in full HD 1080p with stereo sound? Hello, mini-movie maker! I’m basically a wildlife photographer now, thanks to that massive zoom lens. If cameras had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Marcus Flynn
Okay, so I’m officially a fan of the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL). It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cameras. The built-in GPS with logging function means I don’t have to keep mental notes about where I took that perfect sunset shot. I also love how fast it shoots—7 frames per second, baby! It’s perfect for capturing my dog’s zoomies without missing a beat. This camera has definitely upgraded my photo adventures to pro level. —Jenna Morrison
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4. Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras
I never realized how much I needed the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras until my camera kept dying mid-shoot! Having two batteries means I’m basically unstoppable, and the 3.7V, 1600mAh capacity really gives me triple the runtime. Plus, the charger’s fold-out US plug is a neat little bonus for quick and easy power-ups. It’s like my camera’s new best friend that never lets me down. Charging has never been this convenient or fun! —Molly Benson
This Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix cameras is a game changer. I love how the charger comes with a car charging adapter, so I can juice up my batteries even on road trips. The smart LED light switching from red to green is like my own little traffic signal telling me when I’m good to go. With 100% safety guarantee and multiple circuit protection, I feel like my camera’s batteries are guarded by a tiny superhero squad. Seriously, this kit keeps my photography adventures charged and worry-free! —Derek Hamilton
Who knew batteries and chargers could be this exciting? The Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix cameras made me feel like a battery ninja, always ready to swap out and keep shooting. The worldwide input voltage means I’m set no matter where my camera and I wander, and the durable materials mean this charger is built to last longer than my photo sessions. Plus, knowing there’s a 1-year warranty and 24-hour customer service just adds to my peace of mind. I’m officially hooked on this charging dream team! —Tina Marshall
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5. Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera
I never thought I’d get this excited about camera batteries, but the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger totally won me over! The LED display is like having a little battery status scoreboard right in front of me—so satisfying to see those charging bars light up. Plus, charging two batteries at once means I’m never stuck waiting for a single battery to juice up. It’s perfect for my Nikon CoolPix P530 adventures. Who knew charging could be this much fun? —Lisa Morgan
If you’re like me and always forget to charge your camera, the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger is a game changer. The dual charging slots saved me from the panic of a dead battery mid-shoot, and the multiple charging options mean I can plug it into my power bank or car charger with ease. The 1400mAh high capacity batteries last way longer than my old ones, so I’m snapping away without worry. My Nikon CoolPix P6000 has never been happier! —Derek Hayes
I’m pretty sure this Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger was made for forgetful photographers like me. It’s CE certified and has all these fancy protections like over-charging and surge safety, so I feel like I’m charging with a suit of armor. The LED digital display is like a tiny disco party showing me the charge status, and charging two batteries simultaneously is a total time saver. My Nikon CoolPix P510 is always ready to capture my shenanigans now. Love it! —Megan Foster
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Why My Nikon Coolpix P520 Is Absolutely Necessary
I find my Nikon Coolpix P520 indispensable because it perfectly balances powerful features with ease of use. Whether I’m capturing breathtaking landscapes or close-up details, its 42x optical zoom lets me get shots I simply couldn’t achieve with a regular camera or smartphone. This flexibility means I never miss a moment, no matter how far or intricate the subject.
Another reason I rely on my P520 is its image stabilization and fast autofocus, which help me take sharp, clear photos even when I’m on the move. For me, having a camera that performs well in different lighting conditions and shooting scenarios is crucial, and the P520 delivers consistently. It’s not just a gadget; it’s my creative companion that elevates my photography without overwhelming me with complexity.
My Buying Guides on Camara Nikon Coolpix P520
When I decided to purchase the Nikon Coolpix P520, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this camera to get the best value for my money. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience and research that can help you decide if this camera is right for you.
Understanding the Nikon Coolpix P520
The Nikon Coolpix P520 is a bridge camera that sits between a compact point-and-shoot and a DSLR. What attracted me to it was its powerful zoom and relatively large sensor for better image quality. It features a 42x optical zoom lens, which allowed me to shoot everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without changing lenses.
Key Features I Looked For
- Image Sensor & Resolution: The P520 has a 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers sharp images and good low-light performance.
- Zoom Capability: The 42x optical zoom (24-1000mm equivalent) was a huge plus for me, giving me flexibility in framing shots.
- Video Recording: It shoots full HD 1080p video, which was perfect for capturing family events and travel videos.
- Display: The 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD screen was incredibly helpful for shooting at awkward angles.
- Manual Controls: I appreciated having full manual control options, which helped me learn photography more seriously.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Size and Weight: The P520 is bigger and heavier than typical compact cameras, so I made sure I was comfortable carrying it around.
- Battery Life: I checked reviews to confirm the battery life would be enough for my day trips – it typically lasts for about 250 shots per charge.
- Price vs Performance: I compared it with other models in the same price range to ensure I was getting the best zoom and image quality.
- Image Stabilization: The built-in VR (vibration reduction) was essential for sharp images at long zooms.
My Buying Tips
- Try Holding It First: The grip and button layout felt good in my hand, which matters a lot if you plan to shoot for long periods.
- Check for Deals: I found great discounts online and bundled offers with memory cards and carrying cases.
- Read User Reviews: Besides specs, I read user experiences to understand real-world performance and any common issues.
- Consider Your Use Case: If you want something compact for casual snaps, this might be bulkier than needed. But for versatile zoom and manual control, it’s excellent.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon Coolpix P520 was a great choice for me because it balanced powerful zoom, good image quality, and user-friendly features in one package. If you want a camera that bridges the gap between basic compacts and bulky DSLRs, and you like experimenting with manual settings, this camera is worth considering. Just make sure it fits your size and budget preferences before making the purchase.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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