Nikon Coolpix P520 Compact Digital Camera 18.1 Megapixels 3.2 Inch Screen 42x Optical Zoom Black

I read all the reviews on Amazon and other photography sites, I compared all the Nikon P models...the p510, p520, p530 etc. overall this had the best ratings across all the sites, and best overall feedback. Not too mention it was an amazing price on Amazon. I received the camera, used it for some sporting events, two indoor birthday parties, and also for some videos. Overall it is an amazing camera, and takes great pictures. Focus is a little slow when zoomed out far, but this camera has a very powerful zoom, so any zoom would have a difficult time focusing with such a powerful zoom. Going from pictures to video is simple and easy, and the flip screen is a great extra that I love.

An excellent, almost utterly outstanding camera! Fantastic low-light capability -- I really didn't think you could get a 42X zoom and low-light capability like this on a digital camera. 42X zoom is probably a bit of an overkill -- it's there if you want it, however. I'm still getting used to it, so I know I'm missing some of the finer points of the camera. I purchased this particular model for the GPS capability, which is pretty good, especially when the camera is used outdoors. I'm hoping that the software can be updated with a few tweaks: 1) Capability to turn off the "Power-on" sound -- you can change the graphics, but I haven't found a way to turn the sound off. Depending on the venue, it could be a bit distracting. 2) GPS is captured in a "Degrees / Minutes / Seconds" format -- I would like to see the capability of displaying a "Degrees / Minutes.decimals" format. 3) Would like to see the GPS info available for display on the screen, as well as being added to the picture. Right now, the GPS info is recorded as part of the picture's file properties. Also, if you modify the file, you lose the GPS info. All my previous digital cameras have been of the pocket, "Point and Shoot" variety. Sure, they had their positive points, but they were limited in true picture-taking capabilities. This camera takes on some size and weight, but it gives you so much more in picture quality. No, it's not a thousand-dollar camera, and it won't fit in your pocket, but for me, it's now my standard go-to camera. If you don't need the GPS capability, I would recommend the Coolpix P530 camera, or its follow-on. Highly recommended -- you won't be disappointed.

I picked up this camera as a Christmas gift for my wife. The first few shots out of the box were great - mostly stills, between 3 and 15 feet away, indoors with ideal lighting. If that's the kind of photography you're planning on doing, this is your camera. Outdoor shots, less than ideal lighting, or anything requiring even minimal zoom were basically worthless. This camera will not focus in dim or dark lighting, and will not focus when zoomed. We even tried a tripod, but it just couldn't handle it. Kind of a shame - the zoom lens on this camera is pretty impressive, but the software just isn't up for the job. My iPhone camera blows away the P520 in most situations. We gave this thing an honest try for about 3 weeks, then ordered a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The plan was to do a side-by-side comparison of the two and return the lesser camera. The Lumix blew away the Coolpix in every single area. Crisp, clear shots day or night, zoomed or close up, handheld or tripod. Needless to say the Coolpix P520 was returned a week or so after we got the Lumix. This camera WILL disappoint you - I definitely would not recommend it.

I have been wanting to upgrade to a "big girl" camera for a while now and after doing some research decided to start with this. I looked into DSLR cameras but by the time I would have gotten a lens that I wanted it was going to cost upwards of $1000 and after trying one in a camera store I left feeling a little overwhelmed. I just got this in the mail yesterday and was able to quickly figure out pretty much all of the auto settings. I am really satisfied with the results as this is going to be mainly used for family photos and travel. I like the idea that I can adjust things manually if I want, so I think this will be a nice camera to sort of learn on and then eventually upgrade again to a DSLR if I end up wanting to. So far, I am impressed with this camera as a beginner and look forward to learning all the ins and outs and producing great photos!

We got the Nikon Coolpix p520 over Christmas. Over all it is a great camera. The 42x optical zoom is nothing short of incredible. It allows me to capture the craters on the moon and with the macro setting turned on, to get detailed rain drops hanging off leaves. The shutter speed is also great – ranging from 1 to one four-thousandths of a second. There are no stock lens filters available for this camera which was disappointing because I wanted to fit it with a UV filter to protect the lens. Also the aperture limited to F:3 TO F:8.4 which doesn’t give the same control of depth of focus as I had wanted. For the price I would definitely recommend this as an all-around capable and reliable camera that is capable of taking stunning images.