• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon G11

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 48 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 400g
    Lighter weight

Canon G11 advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.08 vs 1.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    140 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 390 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 2000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Nikon S520
Samsung NV30
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Higher extended ISO
Canon G11
Samsung NV30
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony DSC-W120

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-W120
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon G11
Sony DSC-W120
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon G11
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon P7000

Nikon S520
Nikon P7000
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon G11
Nikon P7000
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Canon G12

Nikon S520
Canon G12
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon G11
Canon G12
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
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