The Nikon Coolpix S520 was introduced in January of 2008 as part of Nikon’s Spring 2008 lineup. The new Coolpix S520 is part of Nikon’s “Style” series, a line that seeks to combine sophisticated elegance with advanced technology and speedy operation. If they were automobiles, the Nikon S-series cameras would be the sleek and nimble sports coupes exuding speed, elegance and class.
One of four new S-Series cameras introduced by Nikon, the 8.1 megapixel Coolpix S520 takes its place beside the still offered S510 which sports the same resolution. Like the more expensive S510, the new camera offers sophisticated optical vibration reduction image stabilization technology. The body is quality-crafted aluminum instead of stainless steel body. There is high ISO 2000 sensitivity for shooting in low light, the camera is compatible with the new high capacity SDHC storage cards, and it is equipped with most of Nikon’s latest “In-Camera innovations” that make for better pictures.
Let me preface by saying that Nikon threw a little curve here by launching a new camera that, while less expensive, also offers less than its predecessor in some respects. For example, we consider LCD resolution to be a big issue because a sharp picture makes it much easier to enjoy playback, zoom in, and determine if a picture is in deed in focus. Well, the S520′s 2.5-inch display only has 153k pixel resolution compared to the older S510′s 230k pixel. That can make a big difference. Of less importance is that internal storage has shrunk from 52MB to just 23MB. No real big deal, but if your storage card is full and you need some extra space to tide you over, it may matter. Finally, the S520 is also in sort of a difficult position compared to the also new 10-megapixel S550. That camera does not only have more resolution, but also a 230k-pixel high-res screen, yet it costs the same US$229. What it comes down to — but unfortunately that is not clearly explained in Nikon literature or the website — is that the S520, like the S510, has optical lens shift vibration reduction as opposed to the less effective digital vibration reduction. At least that is what the Nikon press release says. Nikon’s glossy camera comparison brochure simply shows the S520 as having “vibration reduction” like all other new S and P series Nikons. If that is so, then after all is said and done, the S520 is essentially the same camera as the S510 but at a lower price, and for that you give up LCD display resolution and get an aluminum body instead of stainless steel.
Form should follow function, and with the S520, as it did with the S510, it mostly does. The camera is very small, with a footprint of 3.7 x 2.1 inches — about as tall as a credit card and a bit wider. It’s just under an inch thick, which despite its light weight of 4.1 ounces (w/o battery) gives it a substantial feel unlike that of the ultra-thins. Most of the backside is taken up by the 2.5-inch LCD with anti-reflection coating for very good outdoor viewability. To the right of the big display are the few hardware controls, all nicely and logically arranged.
The front of the S520 is flat and very clean. Three little dots mark the microphone, the tiny flash and the AF-illuminator light sit on top of the lens barrel. The barrel itself is large, and the actual lens sits off-center. That looks kind of weird and it’s the camera’s only design element that misses the mark. The lens barrel itself is big and motors out a good distance when you turn the camera on. A folding internal zoom would be nice in such a stylish camera.
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