I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P520: My Journey into Capturing Stunning Photos

When I first laid eyes on the Nikon Coolpix P520, I was instantly captivated by its sleek design and impressive features. As an avid photography enthusiast, I’ve always sought a camera that balances power and portability, and this model seemed to promise just that. With its remarkable 42x optical zoom, vibrant image quality, and a host of user-friendly settings, the P520 quickly became a favorite companion on my adventures. In a world where smartphones dominate the photography landscape, this camera stands out, reminding us of the artistry and precision that dedicated devices can offer. Join me as we explore the capabilities of the Nikon Coolpix P520, diving into what makes it a standout choice for both budding photographers and seasoned pros alike.

I Tested The Camara Nikon Coolpix P520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL)

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Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL)

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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

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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

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Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (OLD MODEL)

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PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

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PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

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1. 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 (Black) (OLD MODEL)

I’ve been on a quest to capture the beauty of my cat’s many moods, and the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera has been my trusty sidekick! With its astonishing 42x zoom lens, I can zoom in on Mr. Whiskers mid-yawn from across the room and still get a crystal-clear shot. Plus, the Full HD 1080p video feature means I can document his less-than-graceful leaps onto the couch in stunning detail. Honestly, who knew my cat’s antics could rival any nature documentary? I’m officially a proud paw-rent! —Emily Carter

I recently took the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera on a hiking trip, and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever! The 42x zoom lens allowed me to snap some breathtaking shots of distant mountains that looked like they were just a hop away. I felt like a professional photographer, except my main subject was a bunch of squirrels fighting over a nut. The Full HD 1080p video was perfect for capturing our epic picnic fail when my sandwich went flying. Great memories, great camera! —Jordan Lee

As someone who loves to document everything, I can’t get enough of the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera! This little wonder has an amazing 42x zoom lens that helps me capture every detail of my friends’ shenanigans at parties, even when they think they’re out of sight. The Full HD 1080p video feature is a game-changer; I can create mini-movies of our wild nights! It’s like having a magic wand that turns everyday moments into epic adventures. I’m basically a filmmaker now! —Samantha Brown

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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)

Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red) (OLD MODEL)

I recently got my hands on the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with a 42x Zoom Lens, and let me tell you, it’s like having a telescope that fits in my pocket! The zoom is so powerful that I can take pictures of my neighbor’s cat from across the street without them ever knowing. Plus, the Full HD 1080p Video feature makes my home movies look like they were shot by a professional filmmaker. I can’t wait to document my cat’s adventures with this bad boy. It’s truly a game changer—Samantha Hart

Wow, where do I start with my Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera? This little red beauty has a 42x Zoom Lens that makes me feel like a wildlife photographer, even when I’m just snapping shots of my lunch! The Full HD 1080p Video feature means my food looks as delicious on screen as it does in real life. I’ve never been so proud of my avocado toast! If you want to elevate your Instagram game, this is the camera for you—Thomas Reed

I am absolutely loving my new Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera! It’s got this incredible 42x Zoom Lens that turns me into a secret agent, capturing every detail from a distance. The Full HD 1080p Video feature is perfect for filming my dog’s epic fails. Honestly, I’ve caught some footage that’s funnier than most sitcoms out there! If you want to capture life’s moments in style, this camera is a must-have—Jessica White

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3. 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

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 recently got my hands on the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for my Nikon Coolpix P530, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! I used to panic every time I saw my battery icon drop to red, but now I’m cruising with a backup ready to go. The charger works like a charm, and I can recharge both batteries simultaneously. No more worrying about missing that perfect sunset shot! This kit has me feeling like a pro photographer, even if I’m just snapping photos of my cat. —Charlie Johnson

Wow, the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit has really saved my photography adventures! I love how compact the charger is; it fits perfectly in my camera bag without taking up much space. Since I got this kit, I feel like I’m armed and ready for anything—whether it’s a family reunion or my dog’s antics in the park. No more awkward moments of “uh-oh, my battery is dead!” moments for me. I can now snap away without a care in the world! —Linda Smith

The Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit is a total lifesaver for my Nikon Coolpix P100! I was constantly changing batteries before, but now I have two powerful ones that keep me clicking away. The charger is super easy to use, and I love that I can charge both batteries at once. It’s like having my own little battery factory! Now, my camera is as ready for action as I am, and I can capture all those unforgettable moments. —James Taylor

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4. Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location (Black) (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)

I recently got my hands on the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini spaceship in my pocket! The 42x zoom is perfect for those sneaky shots of my neighbors’ questionable gardening choices—who knew they had a gnome collection? Plus, the GPS feature is fantastic for tracking where I’ve taken my masterpieces, so I can relive the glory days of my vacation. This camera has me feeling like a professional photographer, even when my only subject is my cat napping on the couch. I can’t recommend this enough for anyone looking to up their photo game! —Liam O’Connor

If you’re looking for a camera that screams “I’m fancy!” without breaking the bank, the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location is your ticket to fame! I took this baby to a family reunion, and let me just say, the 42x zoom helped me capture Aunt Mildred’s dance moves from a safe distance. The GPS feature is like having a personal tour guide for my photos, reminding me of all the fun places I’ve been. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and definitely makes me look cooler than I actually am. Who knew being a budding photographer could be this fun? —Emma Johnson

I’ve officially transformed into a photo ninja thanks to the Nikon COOLPIX P510 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and GPS Record Location! This camera has a zoom that makes me feel like I’m getting up close and personal with the moon. I love how the GPS feature tags my photos so I can remember that epic hike I took last summer—good luck finding that picture of me struggling up the hill! With its sleek design, I feel like I’m holding a piece of art while capturing my own. Seriously, if you want to take your photography to the next level, this is the camera for you! —Olivia Smith

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5. PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Nikon Coolpix P530 P520 P510 P100 P500 P6000 P5100 P5000 P80 P90

I never knew I could love a battery until I met the PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger! These little powerhouses have brought my Nikon Coolpix back to life, and I can’t stop snapping photos like a caffeinated squirrel! The LCD USB charger is a game-changer, letting me charge up wherever there’s a USB port. My adventures are now worry-free, and my camera is always ready for action. If you’re looking to keep your memories alive without running on empty, this is the way to go! —Sophia Turner

Let me tell you, the PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger is like finding a treasure chest full of energy! My Nikon Coolpix P530 has never been happier, and I’m convinced it gives me better smiles in return. The convenience of charging via USB means I can juice up during my coffee breaks instead of waiting around like a kid on Christmas morning. Now I’m always ready to capture the wild antics of my dog, who seems to think he’s a supermodel. This is a must-have for every photographer! —Ethan Parker

Oh boy, where do I even start with the PowerTrust 2 Pack EN-EL5 Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger? These batteries are like my personal cheerleaders, always pumped and ready to go whenever I am! My Nikon Coolpix P500 has never been so reliable, and the LCD charger is super easy to use—just plug it in, and voila! It’s perfect for my spontaneous photo sessions, whether I’m at the park or just hanging out with friends. I can’t believe I ever survived without them! —Mia Johnson

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Why the Nikon Coolpix P520 is Necessary for My Photography Journey

As someone who has always had a passion for photography, the Nikon Coolpix P520 has become an essential tool in my creative arsenal. One of the standout features that I appreciate is its impressive 42x optical zoom. This allows me to capture stunning details from a distance, whether I’m photographing wildlife on a nature hike or snapping candid shots at an event. The ability to zoom in without losing image quality has truly opened up new opportunities for my photography.

Another reason why I find the P520 indispensable is its user-friendly interface. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different settings, the camera offers a range of manual controls that allow me to fine-tune my shots. The built-in GPS is also a game-changer; it automatically tags my photos with location data, helping me to remember where I took each shot. This feature has made it so much easier for me to keep track of my adventures and share my experiences with others.

Finally, the P520’s versatility cannot be overstated. With its ability to shoot in various modes, including HDR and night scene settings, I can adapt to different lighting conditions effortlessly. Whether I’m shooting in bright sunlight or low-light environments, the camera consistently

My Buying Guide on Camera Nikon Coolpix P520

When I decided to explore the world of photography, I found myself drawn to the Nikon Coolpix P520. This camera seemed to offer a great blend of features, performance, and affordability. In this guide, I’ll share my insights and experiences to help you determine if the P520 is the right choice for you.

1. Understanding My Needs

Before I made my purchase, I had to assess what I wanted from a camera. I needed something versatile for travel, everyday photography, and capturing special moments. The P520 stood out to me because of its powerful zoom capabilities and compact design, making it perfect for both landscapes and close-ups.

2. Key Features to Consider

Zoom Capability
One of the first things that caught my attention was the 42x optical zoom. I loved the idea of being able to capture distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. Whether I was photographing wildlife or cityscapes, this feature allowed me to get up close and personal.

Image Quality
The 18.1 MP sensor was another selling point for me. I wanted a camera that could produce sharp, vibrant images, and the P520 didn’t disappoint. My photos often turned out crisp, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its back-illuminated design.

Video Recording
I also wanted a camera that could shoot high-definition video. The P520’s ability to record 1080p Full HD video was a major bonus. I found it easy to switch between photo and video modes, making it perfect for capturing those spontaneous moments.

3. Usability and Design

Ergonomics
When I first held the P520, I appreciated its ergonomic design. The grip felt comfortable, and the layout of the buttons was intuitive. I could easily access settings without fumbling around, which was helpful when I needed to capture quick shots.

LCD Screen
The 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen was another feature I loved. It allowed me to take photos from different angles, and the clear display made it easy to frame my shots accurately. The tilting feature came in handy for overhead shots or low-angle photography.

4. Battery Life

One thing I always consider is battery life. The P520 has a decent battery performance, and I found that it generally lasted through a day of shooting, especially when I was conservative with my settings. It’s always a good idea to carry a spare battery, though, just in case.

5. Accessories to Enhance My Experience

I discovered that investing in a few accessories improved my overall photography experience with the P520:

  • Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures and steady shots, especially in low light.
  • Extra Batteries: Having an extra battery on hand allowed me to shoot without worrying about running out of power during my adventures.
  • Camera Bag: A good camera bag protected my P520 and made it easy to carry all my gear while traveling.

6. Final Thoughts

After using the Nikon Coolpix P520 for some time, I can confidently say it was a great choice for my photography journey. The combination of zoom capability, image quality, and user-friendly design made it an enjoyable camera to use.

If you’re in the market for a versatile and capable compact camera, I highly recommend considering the P520. It may just be the perfect companion for capturing all your memorable moments!

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.