Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Pentax K-S2

In this article, we are comparing the Canon ELPH 520 HS and Pentax K-S2, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Canon and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the ELPH 520 HS (10MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ELPH 520 HS (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ELPH 520 HS was introduced 4 years before the K-S2 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon ELPH 520 HS being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ELPH 520 HS scores against the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 520 HS and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are available at Canon ELPH 520 HS Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 520 HS features outer measurements of 87mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Canon ELPH 520 HS and Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the ELPH 520 HS compared to the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 520 HS and K-S2 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by seeing technical specs. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 520 HS and K-S2.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ELPH 520 HS using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will show greater detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 520 HS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.