• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1000.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon P520 advantages over Sony QX30

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,000 mm vs 720 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony QX30 advantages over Nikon P520

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    57 mm vs 101 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    193g vs 550g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Buy the Nikon P520

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Sony QX30

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P510

Nikon P520
Nikon P510
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon P510

Sony QX30
Nikon P510
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony QX30 vs Nikon P510

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Nikon P520
Panasonic ZS40
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon P520 vs Panasonic ZS40

Sony QX30
Panasonic ZS40
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony QX30 vs Panasonic ZS40

Compared to Nikon P530

Nikon P520
Nikon P530
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon P530

Sony QX30
Nikon P530
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony QX30 vs Nikon P530

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Nikon P520
Canon SX710 HS
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon P520 vs Canon SX710 HS

Sony QX30
Canon SX710 HS
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
  • $689
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony QX30 vs Canon SX710 HS

Compared to Nikon L840

Nikon P520
Nikon L840
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon L840

Sony QX30
Nikon L840
  • $700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony QX30 vs Nikon L840

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