• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon SX500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.77 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 341g
    Lighter weight

Canon SX500 advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

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 SX500
Samsung NV30
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

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 SX500
Sony DSC-W120
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

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 SX500
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX510 HS

Nikon S520
Canon SX510 HS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Canon SX500
Canon SX510 HS
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Canon SX420 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SX420 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SX500
Canon SX420 IS
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
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