Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220
96 Imaging
34 Features
33 Overall
33


97 Imaging
33 Features
11 Overall
24
Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-336mm (F3.4-5.6) lens
- 155g - 87 x 54 x 19mm
- Revealed January 2012
- Alternative Name is IXUS 500 HS
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 2000
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 100g - 90 x 56 x 18mm
- Revealed February 2009

Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Overview
In this write-up, we are evaluating the Canon ELPH 520 HS versus Nikon S220, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the ELPH 520 HS (10MP) and the S220 (10MP) is fairly well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The ELPH 520 HS was released 2 years later than the S220 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ELPH 520 HS scores vs the S220 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 520 HS and Nikon Coolpix S220. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 520 HS Gallery and Nikon S220 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon ELPH 520 HS over the Nikon S220
ELPH 520 HS | S220 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2012 | ![]() | February 2009 | Fresher by 36 months |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon S220 over the Canon ELPH 520 HS
S220 | ELPH 520 HS |
---|
Common features in the Canon ELPH 520 HS and Nikon S220
ELPH 520 HS | S220 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Lacking Touch display |
Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Physical Comparison
If you are intending to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 520 HS comes with exterior dimensions of 87mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Nikon S220 has sizing of 90mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 100 grams (0.22 lbs).
Contrast the Canon ELPH 520 HS versus Nikon S220 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the ELPH 520 HS versus the S220.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 520 HS and S220 is 96 and 97 respectively.

Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The graphic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 520 HS and S220.
To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of images though you really should factor the release date of the products into consideration. The fresher ELPH 520 HS should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.

Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Nikon S220 Specifications
Canon ELPH 520 HS | Nikon Coolpix S220 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon ELPH 520 HS | Nikon Coolpix S220 |
Also referred to as | IXUS 500 HS | - |
Class | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Revealed | 2012-01-09 | 2009-02-03 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | DIGIC 5 | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 2000 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-336mm (12.0x) | 35-105mm (3.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.4-5.6 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus distance | 1cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 2.5 inches |
Resolution of screen | 461 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | PureColor II G TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 8 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames per second | 11.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 2.50 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 155g (0.34 lbs) | 100g (0.22 lbs) |
Dimensions | 87 x 54 x 19mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.7") | 90 x 56 x 18mm (3.5" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 190 images | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-9L | EN-EL10 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (3 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch pricing | $279 | $56 |