• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1000.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon P520 advantages over Canon SL2

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Canon SL2 advantages over Nikon P520

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.72 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    69 mm vs 101 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    22 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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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Buy the Nikon P520

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Buy the Canon SL2
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (White)
All SL2 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • 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.

  • Read our Canon SL2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P510

Nikon P520
Nikon P510
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon P510

Canon SL2
Nikon P510
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $649
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon P510

Compared to Samsung WB1100F

Nikon P520
Samsung WB1100F
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $527
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon P520 vs Samsung WB1100F

Canon SL2
Samsung WB1100F
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $527
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SL2 vs Samsung WB1100F

Compared to Nikon P530

Nikon P520
Nikon P530
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon P530

Canon SL2
Nikon P530
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon P530

Compared to Nikon D3500

Nikon P520
Nikon D3500
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P520 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3500

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon P520
Canon SL3
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in GPS
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon P520 vs Canon SL3

Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon SL3

Compare Other Cameras?