Nikon COOLPIX P520 digital cameraIt is a compact superzoom camera with rich functionality. This device has an 18-megapixel matrix, created by BSI CMOS technology (with reverse illumination). The lens has a fairly decent zoom ratio - 42x. The camera we are considering is equipped with a 3.2-inch monitor turning in two planes and a resolution of 910 thousand points. The device is capable of recording video in Full HD with stereo sound, in addition, there is a mode of high-speed photo and video.
Specifications
The matrix is 18 megapixel (4896x3672, 1 / 2.3 inches).The lens - 41.7x optical zoom (24-1000 eq. 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; and also 640x480, 1280x720 or 1920x1080p. Camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 has a combined AV output and USB, as well as mini-HDMI. Overall dimensions of the device - 126x84x102 mm.
Superzoom
Cameras of this type are calledsuperzoom. Let's see what is meant by this term. These are devices that are equipped with a small matrix and have a stationary lens, which is characterized by an enormous multiplicity of approximation. Another popular name of this class is bridge cameras, which implies an intermediate position of such devices between the system and compact cameras. Almost all compact digital cameras that have a small matrix size are characterized by an extremely high zoom ratio. In devices with a large matrix, a similar approximation cannot be realized, since the optics would turn out to be too large, heavy and expensive.
In fact, only super-power approximationenough to justify the existence of this class and to ensure its popularity. However, the camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 (photo above) stands out from the crowd by the fact 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 eq. Mm), which significantly expands the possibilities of photography. A BSI technology (reverse illumination) allows you to read a picture with increased speed, thanks to this, the Full HD video format and high-speed shooting mode are provided.
Design
For some reason, in this case, the manufacturer has moved away fromThe usual traditional standards - strict black. As a result, this model has three variants of color performance. Camera Nikon COOLPIX P520 Red, as the name implies, is made in red. Although in fact it is more close to the color of rotten cherries. This model looks quite stylish. The next camera, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 1, is made in matte black, which is considered traditional for photographic equipment. The next option is also black, but with a glossy sheen that makes the device glamorous and more spectacular. This model is called the Nikon COOLPIX P520 Black 2.
Control system
The camera has a very successful case,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, then it is very quickly clogged with dust, and then it does not look so elegant. Between the lens and the handle is the autofocus light and auto-timer display. It has an orange glow. Around the trigger button is a lever that controls the zoom. Here is an interesting feature of the ergonomics of this model: the pseudo-mirror design of the Nikon COOLPIX P520 implies that you need to hold it, like the mirror devices, with the palm of your left hand under the lens, and your thumb should be positioned on the left, on the lens mount.
Just in this place designers have placedapproach control lever. This control partially simulates zoom ring on the lens. This element allows not only approximation / removal, but also can be used for manual focusing. On the left on the case is a button with a lightning bolt, it is designed to raise the built-in flash. In this model, there is no possibility of installing an external flash. In the place where the camera usually has this connector, 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 parameters: image size, image quality, color schemes PictureControl, white balance, shutter mode, metering type, ISO sensitivity, stabilizer mode and autofocus area mode.
Inconvenience of management
One of the miscalculations of the developers of this camerais the location of both drives on the back. As a result, the thumb of the right hand all the time 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 disadvantage is the inability to switch the image output between the electronic viewfinder and the monitor by pressing a button. In addition, there is no automatic switch sensor in case of a viewfinder approaching a face. The picture is displayed on the viewfinder in the case when the monitor is turned to the body of the screen. 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, the bright areas are poorly developed, but for cropping purposes it is quite enough.
Functional model
Monitor at Nikon COOLPIX P520 rotates freely intwo axes, turning away from the camera. This design allows you to shoot from unusual angles and portrait (vertical) orientation. The “DISP” key is located to the right of the viewfinder, it switches the modes for presenting information to the screen. When the trigger button is half-pressed, the zone in which the autofocus worked and also other information is displayed in green. But the ISO value determined by the automatics is not indicated when operating in the Auto ISO mode. Video filming starts without a preliminary transition after pressing a key with a red dot. The "Up" button selects the flash modes: "Off", "Fill-in" (forced off), "Auto", "Auto with red-eye reduction", "Rear curtain sync" and "Slow sync." It is forbidden to switch modes when the flash is lowered. The "Down" key turns on the macro mode, allows you to fix the focal length at infinity (image of mountains). This function is useful when shooting through glass or fireworks (when there is no object to fix). The “Left” key turns on the self-timer (with a delay of 2 or 10 seconds). "Right" includes exposure compensation.
Shooting modes, video, panorama
Nikon COOLPIX P520 has eleven standardmodes that switch the control disk. In Auto mode (green image of the camera), the camera takes over the entire control, the set of adjustable functions in it is limited. In the mode of the program machine “P”, the movement of the control disk shifts the program (the aperture / shutter speed determined by the automatic changes, while the exposure remains unchanged). As in most cameras, this model has a classic set of "A-S-M" (Exposure): "A" - the priority of the diaphragm; "S" - excerpts; “M” - manual installation of the ex-pair. "Night Landscape" provides for work in two versions: with a tripod and with hands. Backlighting works with the flash on, which illuminates a dark foreground object, or using HDR technology (wide dynamic range). In this case, several shots are taken at different exposure values, and then combined into one. User mode (“U”) - camera settings are saved, even the value of the zoom is remembered. The position of "SCENE" on the disk stores seventeen subject programs that are selected through the menu. When this mode is selected, most of the parameters are unavailable.
Videography
The camera can shoot videousing a variety of format settings, frame rate and resolution. The user can apply effects of the EFFECTS group, exposure compensation, but the set levels of the exposure parameters are ignored. You can set the aperture and shutter speed in the "M" mode, but the video will be performed on the machine, all settings are ignored. After recording a video, the device saves the video to a flashcard. Among the various options for the video there is a slow motion (accelerated) recording, as well as accelerated shooting (twice as fast).
Parameters, rate of fire, menu
When you press the "MENU" button, located onthe back of the camera, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 menu is displayed on the screen (the user’s manual tells in detail about all the modes, programs, settings and functions of the camera), where parameters are controlled for which there are no buttons on the 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 Controls”, 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.styles by coordinates "Contrast" and "Saturation". The menu item "Continuous" refers to the operation of the shutter. It allows regular frame-by-frame, continuous high-speed, continuous low-speed shooting. The “Pre-shooting buffer” mode fixes from the moment of descent half-pressing at a speed of 15 frames / sec. at a fixed resolution of 3 megapixels. All information is stored in the buffer. When you press the button, the recording stops, up to twenty pictures are recorded on the memory card. The “Best Picture Selection” mode performs ten shots in a row; after that, the camera selects and saves one best, the main selection criterion is the minimum image blur. This mode is recommended for photographing in low light conditions or when driving, when it is impossible to avoid shaking. In addition, it is optimal when shooting at large focal lengths, at which the slightest hand tremor turns into a significant lens dangling in the frame, which even the image stabilizer cannot always cope with.
The item "Sensitivity" consists of two parts -setting ISO sensitivity and setting the maximum shutter speed for camera automatics. This model also provides for setting the intensity of the noise reduction. The device offers three options - normal, moderate (weak) and enhanced. The “Setup” section is dedicated to managing the auxiliary settings of the camera.
GPS Navigation System
One of the most important features of thisThe model is a built-in global positioning navigation system. It allows using the signals that come from satellites, to determine the location of the camera. In modern devices, this function is being used more and more, it is especially popular among travel cameras (this model can also be referred to this class). The navigation system is activated in the corresponding section of the menu. When it is on, the satellite icon appears on the screen. In this case, the geographical coordinates are recorded along with the photos taken in EXIF. In addition, in this mode, the base of various points of interest and attractions. If you are near such a place, its name will appear at the bottom of the monitor. You can customize the captions of these objects along with the captured images, as well as their display during viewing.
Camera Nikon COOLPIX P520: User Reviews
Consider the positive aspects of this model.Most photo amateurs choose this device due to the huge zoom ratio and the wide angle in this mode. They note an efficient optical image stabilization, a unique control for various types of zooming or manual focusing, a full set of P-A-S-M modes. Many amateurs call interesting night hand-held settings (“Portrait” and “Landscape”) as advantages of this camera, combining several shots and improving quality at a high ISO level.
In addition, it is very popular.video shooting in high quality Full HD with stereo sound and high-speed video recording modes, the ability to edit video clips (trimming and saving frames as a separate file). Interesting is the built-in navigation GPS-system that records the coordinates of the location and the route (even when the device’s power is off). And what do professional photographers say about the Nikon COOLPIX P520? Reviews say that high-level exposure bracketing is implemented, a live bar graph on the monitor during shooting, high-speed high-speed shooting mode, D-Lighting function allowing to highlight dark areas, Backlighting function, panoramic shooting with viewing angle 180 and 360 degrees with one wiring with auto-gluing, as well as adjusting the intensity of noise reduction.
disadvantages
Nikon COOLPIX P520 (reviewsphoto amateurs confirm this) has a low aperture of the lens, a narrow aperture adjustment range, the presence of pronounced noise reduction artifacts even at a low ISO level, low speed in many modes. Users note the unstable operation and the periodic interruption of the device, the rapid discharge of the battery. The camera does not support RAW format, there is no connector for an external flash, HD / HS switch (high speed or high video resolution), orientation sensor (you have to turn the pictures manually when viewing). In addition, switching of data input from the monitor to the electronic viewfinder is performed by rotating the monitor to the device case; when the viewing function is turned on, the last frame taken is always displayed; slow display on the screen (up to two seconds) of detailed information about the photo.
Nikon COOLPIX P520: price
Если, прочитав нашу статью, вы решили приобрести this model, you can do it in any Nikon brand store, photo shops or home appliance supermarkets. This is a fairly popular device, it is almost everywhere in stock. If it so happens that it does not appear in the store, then it can be ordered. Nikon COOLPIX P520 (the price of this model is about 15 thousand rubles) is the optimal solution for a photography enthusiast who wants to purchase a universal camera that can work in various conditions, record any scenes, and not require a lot of interchangeable optics and not take a lot of places in the bag.
