• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SD960 IS advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Fast startup
    ~1.70 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Canon 520 HS advantages over Canon SD960 IS

  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 112 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.8 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 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
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

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Buy the Canon SD960 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 520 HS
Canon ELPH 520 HS

Review Excerpt

  • Compact 12x zoom; Optical image stabilization; Full HD movies; Handheld Night Scene mode; Good shutter lag time.

  • Uses microSD media; Short battery life; Flash is weak; Soft at telephoto; Tiny buttons.

  • Read our Canon 520 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon SD960 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Canon SD960 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon 520 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Canon SD960 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Canon SD960 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Canon 520 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Canon SD960 IS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Canon SD960 IS vs Canon SD980 IS

Canon 520 HS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon SD980 IS

Compared to Canon 510 HS

Canon SD960 IS
Canon 510 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Fast startup
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon SD960 IS vs Canon 510 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 510 HS
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 510 HS

Compared to Canon 530 HS

Canon SD960 IS
Canon 530 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Fast startup
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon SD960 IS vs Canon 530 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 530 HS
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 530 HS

Compare Other Cameras?