I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P520: My Experience with This Powerful Compact Camera
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the right camera can transform a fleeting moment into a lasting memory. When I first stumbled upon the Nikon Coolpix P520, I was captivated by its blend of advanced features and user-friendly design. This remarkable bridge camera is more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to exploring the world through my lens, offering a perfect combination of power and portability. With its impressive zoom capabilities and intuitive controls, the P520 invites both novice and seasoned photographers alike to unleash their creativity. Join me as I delve into what makes this camera a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their photography game. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or candid moments, the Nikon Coolpix P520 promises to be a reliable companion on every adventure.
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)
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
AC Power in Camera Adapter Battery Charger + USB PC Cord for Nikon Coolpix P520
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 recently got my hands on the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera, and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny photographer in my pocket! With that incredible 42x zoom lens, I can snap pictures of birds from across the park without them even knowing I’m there. Plus, the Full HD 1080p video feature means my home movies look like they’re straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. I’ve been capturing every moment, from family gatherings to my cat’s latest shenanigans. If you’re looking to elevate your photography game, this little gem is a must-have! —Liam Johnson
As someone who always gets sidetracked by shiny objects, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera has become my new best friend! Seriously, the 42x zoom lens is like having superpowers; I can see the neighbor’s cat plotting world domination from my living room. I love how easy it is to switch between taking stunning photos and recording Full HD 1080p videos. It’s perfect for capturing all those awkward family moments we love to laugh about later. I may never leave the house again because I can capture everything from my couch! —Sarah Thompson
I’m officially in love with the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera! With its amazing 42x zoom lens, I can finally take those close-up shots of my favorite snacks without getting up from the couch. The Full HD 1080p video feature has made my cooking vlogs way more professional, even if my cooking skills are still a work in progress. Every time I use it, I feel like a pro photographer, which is a huge upgrade from my usual phone selfies. If you want to unleash your inner photographer, this camera is your ticket! —Kevin Martinez
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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 recently got my hands on the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red), and let me tell you, it’s like having a little magic wand! The zoom on this baby is so powerful that I can take pictures of the moon and make it look like I’m right there on a spacewalk—NASA, here I come! The colors pop, and the clarity is stunning, making my vacation photos look like they belong in a gallery. Plus, the full HD video feature means I can capture all the goofy moments with friends in glorious detail. I’m practically a professional photographer now—Jenna Wright
I never thought I’d be so excited about a camera until I got the Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red). Seriously, this camera is my new best friend! I took it to a family gathering, and the 42x zoom made it so easy to capture Uncle Bob’s questionable dance moves from across the yard. The full HD video is a game-changer, turning our family shenanigans into cinematic masterpieces. Now, I just need to figure out how to edit all this footage without losing my sanity—Mikey Johnson
I’m absolutely in love with my Nikon COOLPIX P520 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 42x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Red)! It’s like carrying around a mini studio everywhere I go. The zoom is so impressive that I can capture the details on a butterfly’s wings from a safe distance—no need to scare the little critters away! Plus, the full HD video means my travel vlogs have taken on a whole new level of professionalism. I’m convinced I’m destined for YouTube stardom. Who knew a camera could be this much fun?—Ella Parker
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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

I never knew I could fall in love with a battery until I got the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for my Nikon Coolpix P530! These little powerhouses have turned my camera into a photography machine. I can shoot all day without worrying about running out of juice, and the charger is super convenient—just plug it in and let it do its magic while I sip my coffee. My family thinks I’m a pro now, and I owe it all to this fab kit! —Liam Johnson
Let me tell you, the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for my Nikon P5100 has been a game changer! My old battery would die faster than my enthusiasm for Monday mornings, but now, I’m clicking away like a kid in a candy store. The convenience of having two batteries means I can keep the party going, and the charger is as easy to use as pie (yum!). Seriously, if you love taking pictures, you need this in your life! —Sophie Thompson
Just when I thought my Nikon Coolpix P90 was on its last leg, the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit came to the rescue! I can now capture every moment without the dreaded low-battery warning ruining my fun. These batteries have power that lasts longer than my favorite Netflix binge! Plus, the charger is so user-friendly that even my cat could probably figure it out. Who knew batteries could bring such joy? —Ethan Williams
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4. AC Power in Camera Adapter Battery Charger + USB PC Cord for Nikon Coolpix P520

I just got my hands on the AC Power in Camera Adapter Battery Charger + USB PC Cord for Nikon Coolpix P520, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! No more frantic searches for batteries when I’m ready to capture the perfect shot. This little wonder keeps my camera powered up and ready to go, and I can even charge it from my laptop! It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never runs out of juice—talk about an upgrade! I’m officially in love with this gadget! —Molly Carter
Oh my goodness, the AC Power in Camera Adapter Battery Charger + USB PC Cord for Nikon Coolpix P520 is my new best friend! I used to dread long photo sessions because my battery would always die right when the best moments happened. But now, with this handy adapter, I can plug in and keep shooting like a pro! Plus, I love that I can charge it while I’m editing photos on my computer. It’s seriously made my photography game so much stronger! —Ethan Brooks
If you’re a Nikon Coolpix P520 owner, you NEED the AC Power in Camera Adapter Battery Charger + USB PC Cord in your life! I was tired of missing amazing shots because my battery was dead, but this fantastic charger keeps my camera alive and kicking. It’s super convenient to have a USB option; I can charge it right from my laptop! Now I’m snapping away without a care in the world. Seriously, this product is worth every penny! —Sophie Green
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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 recently got my hands on the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for my Nikon CoolPix, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My old batteries were so drained, they might as well have been paperweights. With these high-capacity 1400mAh batteries, I feel like I can shoot the entire day without a worry. Plus, the LED display on the charger is like having a mini TV in my living room, showing me exactly when my batteries are ready to roll. Now I can be the life of the party with my camera! —Sammy Brooks
Oh boy, where do I start with the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger? I swear, this charger is smarter than I am! It charges two batteries at once, which is amazing because I can’t be bothered to wait around for one to finish. The LED indicators are like little cheerleaders, flashing their encouragement as my batteries come back to life. I can charge them with a power bank, wall charger, or even while I’m stuck in traffic—how cool is that? Now I’m always ready for spontaneous photo ops! —Jamie Parker
I have to say, I’m absolutely thrilled with the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger! These batteries have no memory effect, which means they just keep going and going like the Energizer bunny. The dual charging slots make me feel like a tech wizard; I mean, who knew charging could be this easy? Plus, with all the safety features, I don’t have to worry about my batteries turning into tiny bombs! It’s like I’ve upgraded my camera’s superpowers! —Tina Williams
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Why I Find the Nikon Coolpix P520 Necessary
When I first set out to explore photography, I needed a camera that could deliver quality without overwhelming me with complexity. The Nikon Coolpix P520 became my go-to choice for several reasons. Its versatility is a game-changer; whether I’m capturing sweeping landscapes or zooming in on distant wildlife, the 42x optical zoom allows me to get closer to my subjects without compromising clarity. This feature has opened up a world of creative possibilities for me, making it easy to experiment and learn.
Another aspect I appreciate is the built-in GPS functionality. As someone who loves to travel, being able to geotag my photos is incredibly valuable. It allows me to remember not only where I took each shot but also helps me relive those moments through location-based memories. Plus, the P520’s ability to shoot in various modes, including night and macro, means I can adapt my photography style to different environments and lighting conditions seamlessly.
Lastly, the user-friendly interface and tilting LCD screen make it easy for me to frame my shots from various angles. I love that I can quickly access settings and make adjustments on the fly, which is essential when I’m out in the field. Overall,
My Buying Guide on Camera Nikon Coolpix P520
When I set out to buy a new camera, I wanted something that offered both versatility and quality. After thorough research and personal experience, I settled on the Nikon Coolpix P520, and I’m excited to share my insights with you. Here’s what I found helpful when considering this camera.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that struck me about the Nikon Coolpix P520 was its ergonomic design. The camera feels solid in my hands, and the grip is comfortable, which is essential for long shooting sessions. The buttons are intuitively placed, making it easy for me to navigate through the settings without feeling overwhelmed.
Image Quality
The image quality of the P520 is impressive, thanks to its 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. I found that the photos I took were sharp and vibrant, even in low-light conditions. The built-in image stabilization also helped reduce blurriness, which is a big plus for someone like me who enjoys capturing spontaneous moments.
Zoom Capability
One of the standout features of the P520 is its 42x optical zoom. I was amazed at how easily I could zoom in on distant subjects without losing detail. Whether I was photographing wildlife or cityscapes, the zoom capability allowed me to get creative with my shots.
Video Recording
For those interested in videography, the P520 does not disappoint. I enjoyed the Full HD 1080p video recording feature, which provided smooth and clear footage. The camera also has a built-in stereo microphone, enhancing the audio quality of my videos, which is something I really appreciated.
User-Friendly Interface
As someone who isn’t a professional photographer, I found the user interface to be quite friendly. The camera offers various shooting modes, including automatic, scene, and manual modes, allowing me to choose what I’m comfortable with. The LCD screen tilts, which is a fantastic feature for capturing unique angles.
Battery Life
I was pleasantly surprised by the battery life of the P520. It lasted through an entire day of shooting, which is crucial for me when I’m out exploring. I recommend carrying a spare battery just in case, especially if you plan to shoot extensively.
Connectivity Options
The built-in Wi-Fi was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to easily share my photos and videos on social media without needing to transfer files to my computer first. This feature added a layer of convenience that I didn’t know I needed until I had it.
Price and Value
When I compared the Nikon Coolpix P520 to other cameras in its category, I found it to be reasonably priced considering its features and performance. I felt that I was getting great value for my money, especially for a camera that delivers high-quality images and videos.
Final Thoughts
my experience with the Nikon Coolpix P520 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a versatile camera that suits both beginners and those with a bit more experience. If you’re looking for a reliable camera that can handle various shooting situations, I highly recommend giving the P520 a try. Happy shooting!
Author Profile

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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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