P520
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Hands-on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820 superzooms at CP+ (video)
Nikon introduced a pair of step-up superzoom cameras here at CP+, with the P520 designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shooters and the L820 best suited for casual photographers looking to get a bit closer to the action. Both models include BSI CMOS sensors, with the $450 P520 snapping 18.1-megapixel stills and the $280 L820 capturing 16 megapixels. That first model includes a 42x (24-1,000mm) optical zoom lens while the latter sports a 30x (22.5-675mm) optic -- both offer lens-based image stabilization. Both options feature lens-mounted zoom toggles, pop-up flashes and dedicated video capture buttons, but only the P520 offers a dedicated mode dial, and if you're planning to make changes on the fly, that's really a necessity. We caught up with the duo at Nikon's CP+ booth this week -- we were expecting some inconsistency between the two based on price and specs alone, but after trying out both models, the Coolpix P520 is far and above the better option. The VGA-resolution 3.2-inch display was incredibly sharp and bright, and the vari-angle functionality lets you snap overhead and below-eye-level shots with ease. The camera was very responsive and the housing felt quite durable -- you definitely get quite a bit for your 450 bucks. The L820, on the other hand, felt very much like a low-end alternative, so unless you're on a strict budget or in the market for a sub-$300 model, you'll want to spend for the P520. You should be able to check out both cameras in retail stores beginning later this month, or you can take a look today in our hands-on after the break.
Get your superzoom on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820
Oh, the superzoom camera -- it's not a compact and the lens doesn't twist off, but for one reason or another, this confused category has survived against the odds. So, if superzooms happen to be your shooter of choice, we've got some good news: Nikon's got a new pair to add to the pickins. For those with deeper pockets, the Coolpix P520 might be on order, with an 18.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 3.2-inch vari-angle (tilt-and-swivel) VGA display. There's a 42x f/3.0-5.8, 24-1,000mm lens on board, netting you quite a bit of range. It also offers 1080/60i HD video shooting and WiFi compatibility through the optional ($60) WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. Casual photographers might be more taken with the Coolpix L820, which still packs a fair amount of punch, thanks to a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 30x, 22.5-675mm zoom lens with optical VR, and 1080p video shooting. Unlike its more feature-packed sibling, though, this model uses AA batteries -- which you might be into if international travel is on the agenda (those disposable cells are available worldwide, which helps if you aren't keen on plugging in a charger). Both offerings will hit stores in late February, with the P520 available for $450 and the L820 shipping for $280, in your choice of black or red finishes.
Barbie P520 cellphone turns up in China
Now, it's entirely possible that this isn't an official Barbie cellphone (or even an actual cellphone) but, if you're looking for something that's more Barbie-ish and, well, less cellphone-like than your usual phone, you may want to consider this new P520 model that recently turned up in China. Apparently, this one includes 2-inch,176 x 220 display, a 1.3 megapixel camera, "up to 2GB of expandable memory" (we're guessing a microSD card slot), built-in Bluetooth, not one but two SIM card slots and, yes, an actual mirror. Sold? Then you can apparently pick one up now for 780 yuan (or $114), although getting one over here will likely take a bit more doing.[Thanks, Daniel]
Kodak's P520 digiframe touts Quick Touch Border for off-screen flicking
We can all agree that touchscreens are pretty much the best thing ever, right? Good. Can we also agree that fingerprints on said screens are patently awful? Marvelous. Apparently Kodak is right in tune with us, as its 5-inch P520 digital photo frame enables owners to flick through photos without actually greasing up the LCD. The secret is the "Quick Touch Border," a sensitive side panel that lets viewers slide their finger to move to the next photo. From what we can garner, that's about all this thing really has going for it, but if that's plenty for you, look for it next month at around $79.95.
Hands-on with the Samsung P520 Armani
Well, Mr. Armani, sir, we've got to hand it to you -- you know how to make a phone, and a darned good one at that. Of course, our tongues are firmly planted in our cheeks here; we know full well that Giorgio Armani and crew did little more than slap its name on one of Samsung's more upscale fashion phones in an emergency countermeasure to LG's KE850 Prada, but regardless of the circumstances, the P520 Armani is a gorgeous, well-constructed, well-thought out phone of the highest order. Let's put it this way, then, Giorgio: you picked the right Samsung to grace with your legendary marque.The phone is dang small -- about the size of the P310 "credit card" phone -- which evokes educated guesses of what an iPhone nano might look and feel like. The P520's interface is a thinly veiled rehash of the same UI found on most of Samsung's modern handsets, though there's plenty of Armani media installed to make it clear exactly what it is that you paid extra for (not to say the extra-fancy box and brassy sheen aren't neat, too). Unlike LG's KU990 Viewty, we found the touchscreen to be a pleasure to use (very iPhone-like, actually) with a smooth, glassy surface that's bright, clear, easy to actuate, and easy to slide across. Make no mistake, this isn't a smartphone -- in fact, it barely qualifies as a feature phone in some respects -- but the Armani is easy to use, easy to carry, and a surefire conversation starter. Whether it's the right phone... well, that all depends on your priorities, we suppose.Thanks to the good folks at Wireless Imports for the hookup!%Gallery-12213%
Samsung's SGH-P520 is the Armani Phone
It's been awhile since we've heard from Samsung's SGH-P520. Now we know why. The pretty little touchscreen was undergoing a couture refitting in preparation for launch as the Armani Phone -- take that LG Prada. Priced at €400 (about $557), this FCC-approved tri-band GSM / EDGE candybar is listed with a 2.6-inch 240 x 320 pixel display, stereo Bluetooth, and microSD expansion to augment the 50MB on-board. Funny, we heard it also has WiFi though there's no mention of it by the folks at GSMHelpDesk who tracked this pup down. Expected before the end of the year in Europe.[Via Unwired View]
Samsung's SGH-P520 gets photographed
Shortly after learning that Samsung's touchscreen-based SGH-P520 was slightly more than a figment of our imagination, a foreign site has seemingly sat down with oodles of time and snapped more images than you're likely to look at. Still, this oh-so-thin mobile has the sex appeal nailed down solid, so be sure and take a closer look at all the curves awaiting you after the break.[Via Slashphone]
Samsung's touchscreen-based SGH-P520 gets legit
First comes the FCC leak, then comes a hunch, and just as fate would have it, now it's time to celebrate the fact that Samsung's SGH-P520 is apparently a tad more than a figment of one's imagination. Reportedly, this sexy handset will indeed be making its way onto store shelves, and rather than featuring an oh-so-typical keypad, users will rely solely on a touchscreen to navigate the GUI. Specs wise, it will boast a 2.6-inch 320 x 240 resolution LCD, GSM / EDGE connectivity, a three-megapixel camera, 50MB of internal memory, Bluetooth / WiFi, and a microSD card slot to boot. No word just yet on pricing nor availability, but do click on for one last shot.[Via Clubic]
Like the Prada, but not: Samsung's SGH-P520?
We can't confirm the authenticity of this thing just yet, but we can confirm that this particular model number passed through the FCC not long ago -- so it's plausible that this is the real deal. The SGH-P520 appears to be Samsung's nod to the ever-growing finger-friendly touchscreen segment, offering a Prada-esque experience (from that other Korean manufacturer, of course) with decent specs to match. Highlights are said to include a 3 megapixel camera, 50MB of onboard storage with microSD expansion, QVGA display (we woulda hoped for a little more, honestly), A2DP, EDGE data, and WiFi with UMA support in-box. There's no official word on when or where this thing might drop -- but with a triband GSM radio on board, it sure ain't launching here.
