Upgrade Guide
Nikon D5200→Nikon Coolpix P520
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D5200. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Coolpix P520
-
Burst rate7fps vs 5fps
-
Generation1 year newer (2013 vs 2012)
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution18MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
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.
| Genre | D5200 | Coolpix P520 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -2.0 | ||
| Street | -1.1 | ||
| Travel | -0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.9 | ||
| Documentary | -1.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.5 | ||
| Landscape | -1.4 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.3 | ||
| Casual | -0.6 | ||
| Food | -1.1 | ||
| Macro | -1.4 | ||
| Architecture | -1.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | -2.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D5200 | Coolpix P520 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £73 used | £79 used | |
| Released | 2012 | 2013 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS | 18MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 18MP | ↓ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30 (1080/60i), 720p/60 | Full HD 1080p/30 (1080/60i) | |
| Autofocus | 39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | Contrast-detect AF with face detection and target tracking | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | Lens-shift VR (optical, in the lens) | |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 7fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~200 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 555g (with battery) | 550g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x | EVF, 0.2", 201k dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots | 3.2" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Fixed 42x Nikkor 24-1000mm equivalent f/3-5.9 | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D5200 and Coolpix P520 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Coolpix P520 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D5200
Related buying guides
Camera family history