• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S4100 advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • Less expensive
    $180 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Canon 520 HS advantages over Nikon S4100

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 130 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S4100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 520 HS
Canon ELPH 520 HS
All 520 HS Deals

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 Pentax RS1000

Nikon S4100
Pentax RS1000
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S4100 vs Pentax RS1000

Canon 520 HS
Pentax RS1000
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Pentax RS1000

Compared to Nikon S3100

Nikon S4100
Nikon S3100
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon S4100 vs Nikon S3100

Canon 520 HS
Nikon S3100
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Nikon S3100

Compared to Pentax RS1500

Nikon S4100
Pentax RS1500
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S4100 vs Pentax RS1500

Canon 520 HS
Pentax RS1500
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Pentax RS1500

Compared to Canon 510 HS

Nikon S4100
Canon 510 HS
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S4100 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

Nikon S4100
Canon 530 HS
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S4100 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

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