• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1008.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 960.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX520 HS advantages over Canon SX720 HS

  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon SX720 HS advantages over Canon SX520 HS

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    35 mm vs 91 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    270g vs 441g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-820UZ

Canon SX520 HS
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
Canon SX720 HS
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Bulb shutter

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX530 HS
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SX720 HS
Canon SX530 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX710 HS
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
Canon SX720 HS
Canon SX710 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Canon SX540 HS

Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX540 HS
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SX720 HS
Canon SX540 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX730 HS
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Canon SX720 HS
Canon SX730 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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