Canon M3 vs Canon SX520 HS

Let's look more closely at the Canon M3 vs Canon SX520 HS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Canon. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and SX520 HS (16MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and SX520 HS (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The M3 was unveiled 7 months later than the SX520 HS so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon M3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the M3 grades versus the SX520 HS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS M3 & Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. The full galleries are provided at Canon M3 Gallery & Canon SX520 HS Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon M3 provides external measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Canon SX520 HS has dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs).

Check the Canon M3 vs Canon SX520 HS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the M3 versus the SX520 HS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the M3 and SX520 HS is 85 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specs. The photograph below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the M3 and SX520 HS.

All in all, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Canon M3 will deliver more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more recent M3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.