• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 510 HS advantages over Canon SL2

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Canon SL2 advantages over Canon 510 HS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.72 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 3.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 170 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.08 vs 0.44 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Review Excerpt

  • Slim and stylish camera body; Extremely versatile 12x lens; Gorgeous 3.2-inch screen; Good image quality overall.

  • Not everyone will like the touchscreen; Glossy camera body attracts smudges; Below-average battery life.

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Canon 510 HS
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
Canon SL2
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Canon 510 HS
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More dots on screen
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
Canon SL2
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony DSC-HX7V

Canon 510 HS
Sony DSC-HX7V
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $294
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Sony DSC-HX7V
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $294
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon D3500

Canon 510 HS
Nikon D3500
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon SL3

Canon 510 HS
Canon SL3
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
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