Review of the Nikon Coolpix S520

Price: £160
www.nikon.co.uk
The Coolpix S520 is one of Nikon’s latest ‘Style’ compacts, seeing an 8MP sensor paired with a 3x optical zoom lens. ISO capabilities stretch from 64-2000, with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction and D-lighting helping images out.
At around 22mm thick it’s not the slimmest of compacts, but its brushed aluminium front and sturdy overall construction give it a feeling of solidity. Powering up the camera is speedy, as is shutting it down, with the clear menus facilitating easy operation.
Image quality is rather disappointing. Centre sharpness is satisfactory but this drops off towards edges and corners. The lens also exhibits signs of barrelling, and noise plagues shadow areas at low sensitivities. Green fringing can also make itself known, with the camera’s only saving grace being in its generally-sound metering system.

Our Verdict:
The S520’s images sadly don’t match its stylish form and make it rather poor value for money.

What We Like:
Sturdy design, good operational speed

What We Don't Like:
Image quality generally poor

Features: 17
Design: 18
Performance: 17
Image quality: 14
Value: 15
Nikon Coolpix S520 Review Score: 81%