Upgrade Guide

Nikon Coolpix P520→Nikon D5100

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

Coolpix P520

£79 used

2013

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5100

£35 used (-£43)

2011

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the Coolpix P520. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D5100

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	Coolpix P520	D5100
Price	£79 used	£35 used
Released	2013	2011	↓
Sensor	18MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS	16.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	18MP	16MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/30 (1080/60i)	Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF with face detection and target tracking	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	Lens-shift VR (optical, in the lens)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	7fps	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~200 shots (CIPA)	~660 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	550g (with battery)	560g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	EVF, 0.2", 201k dots	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.2" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots	3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Fixed 42x Nikkor 24-1000mm equivalent f/3-5.9	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See Coolpix P520 and D5100 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5100 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the Coolpix P520

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