Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520
65 Imaging
33 Features
39 Overall
35


66 Imaging
42 Features
51 Overall
45
Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
- 600g - 128 x 88 x 87mm
- Launched January 2009
- Later Model is Canon SX20 IS
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1000mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
- 550g - 125 x 84 x 102mm
- Revealed January 2013
- Previous Model is Nikon P510
- Replacement is Nikon P530

Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Overview
Here, we will be evaluating the Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the SX10 IS (10MP) and P520 (18MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The SX10 IS was unveiled 5 years prior to the P520 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX10 IS grades against the P520 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX10 IS & Nikon Coolpix P520. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX10 IS Gallery & Nikon P520 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX10 IS over the Nikon P520
SX10 IS | P520 |
---|
Reasons to pick Nikon P520 over the Canon SX10 IS
P520 | SX10 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2013 | ![]() | January 2009 | Newer by 49 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.7") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SX10 IS and Nikon P520
SX10 IS | P520 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Both are selfie friendly | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither features Touch screen |
Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Physical Comparison
When you are going to travel with your camera, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon SX10 IS enjoys exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Nikon P520 has measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).
Check the Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SX10 IS against the P520.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX10 IS and P520 is 65 and 66 respectively.

Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The image below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX10 IS and P520.
As you can tell, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Nikon P520 to give extra detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SX10 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.

Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX10 IS vs Nikon P520 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS | Nikon Coolpix P520 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX10 IS | Nikon Coolpix P520 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2009-01-15 | 2013-01-29 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.16 x 4.62mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixels | 18 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | - |
Maximum resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4896 x 3672 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-560mm (20.0x) | 24-1000mm (41.7x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.8-5.7 | f/3.0-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 0cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
Screen sizing | 2.5 inches | 3.2 inches |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 921k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15s | 8s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/3200s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | 7.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 5.20 m | - |
Flash settings | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/500s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | H.264 | - |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Optional |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 600 gr (1.32 lb) | 550 gr (1.21 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 128 x 88 x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") | 125 x 84 x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") |
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 | - | 200 photographs |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | EN-EL5 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec or custom) | - |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/MMC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $275 | $380 |