Thanks to Nikon Singapore, we had the opportunity to review the Nikon COOLPIX P520 compact camera and we brought it out to the Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa for some photography fun.
As you all probably know, parking at Resorts World Sentosa is really expensive and hence, we parked our car at Sentosa’s Beach Carpark and then boarded Sentosa Bus 1 which goes to Resorts World Sentosa. The other bus that also goes to Resorts World Sentosa is Sentosa Bus 2 and if you prefer taking the Sentosa Express Train, you can do so at the Waterfront Station.
In case you’re wondering how much parking at Sentosa’s Beach Carpark cost, it cost only $1 [after 5pm on weekdays] and our entrance to Sentosa was free as we have the Sentosa Islander Card.
Now, we are going to let the photos do the talking and the photos that you see in this entry are all taken with the Nikon COOLPIX P520 [unless otherwise indicated]:
While waiting for Sentosa Bus 1
Onboard Sentosa Bus 1
With the Rainbow Merlion at Resorts World Sentosa
Outside the Universal Studios Singapore
Popcorn Delight Near Celebrity Cafe and Bakery at the Universal Studios Singapore, Hollywood Zone
A Photo with Kungfu Panda, Hollywood Zone
A Photo of Far Far Away Castle at Universal Studio Singapore, Far Far Away Zone
At the Waterworld [lots of real explosions and truly not to be missed], Lost World Zone
A Photo with Gloria the Hippopotamus at Madagascar Zone
A Photo with the loveable Monkey at Marty’s Casa Del Wild Food Court, Madagascar Zone
A Photo with the Police Petrol Car near Mel’s Drive-In Restaurant at Hollywood Zone
At the Latest Attraction, Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase, New York Zone
Inside the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase [a rather safe and slow ride suitable for children], New York Zone
At the Souvenir Shop where Sesame Street Merchandise are being sold.
Was so tempted to get Oscar the Grouch because he’s really so cute.
A photo of Jacqueline with the School Bus at New York Zone
A photo of me at New York Zone.
Our first time at the Transformers ride, Sci-Fi City Zone
We waited nearly 40 minutes just to experience a 5-minutes thrill.
Ended the evening with some Japanese Bento Sets from Gloria’s Snack Shack, Madagascar Zone
As you can see from the photos that we have taken, we had a really wonderful time at the Universal Studios Singapore with the Nikon COOLPIX P520.
On a side note, this message is for all you Students: Universal Studios Singapore is now having a promotional offer whereby you can purchase a Universal Studios Singapore Student Season Pass for only $88. This gives you 6 months unlimited access to your favourite rides and shows, as well as exclusive dining and shopping offers, from now till the end of November.
You can purchase the Universal Studios Singapore Student Season Pass at any Universal Studios Singapore ticket booth and it is valid for purchase in May and June 2013, for Students aged 13 years & up. Do note that the Season Pass usage and benefits are valid till 30 Nov 2013 only.
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Camera Performance
To be honest, we were quite disappointed with the way the photos turned out. We took more than a hundred shots and the photos in this entry are somewhat the best photos that we have taken with it. We’re not sure if we have pushed the camera to the extreme by trying out night shots but even some indoor shots didn’t quite meet our expectations.
Some of the indoor shots that we’ve taken:
Flowers from Far East Flora
Home-cooked Chilli Crabs with Fried Buns
Sushi Platter from Sakae Sushi Restaurant
Taking photos of moving subjects proved to be a really challenging task and most of the time, the photos turned out quite blurry. These could be due to the laggy shutter speed and autofocus system.
However, with that said, the 42x optical zoom range is mightily impressive and it allows you to shoot photos of subjects from afar. The flip-out rotating 3.2-inch LCD also allows you to take self-photos without much of a hassle. If you’re after a mega-zoom compact camera and you don’t really care about having additional features that you hardly will use, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 will work just fine as a point and shoot compact camera.
So what do you think of the Nikon COOLPIX P520?
If you’re interested, the Nikon COOLPIX P520 is available at all Nikon Authorised Dealers for $719 and for more information and updates, do check out Nikon Singapore’s Facebook Page as they have some exciting photography workshops coming up!