Nikon P520 vs Nikon D3000

Here is a detailed review of the Nikon P520 versus Nikon D3000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are created by Nikon. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the P520 (18MP) and D3000 (10MP) and the P520 (1/2.3") and D3000 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The P520 was launched 3 years later than the D3000 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D3000 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the P520 matches up versus the D3000 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P520 and Nikon D3000. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon P520 Gallery and Nikon D3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P520 features outer measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Nikon D3000 has dimensions of 126mm x 97mm x 64mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") having a weight of 536 grams (1.18 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon P520 versus Nikon D3000 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the P520 vs the D3000.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the P520 and D3000 is 66 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by researching specs. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the P520 and D3000.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The P520 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Nikon P520 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The younger P520 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.