Canon SX160 IS vs Nikon P520

Lets look a bit more closely at the Canon SX160 IS versus Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX160 IS (16MP) and the P520 (18MP) is pretty well matched and they possess the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX160 IS was unveiled 5 months after the P520 and they are of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the SX160 IS grades against the P520 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Nikon Coolpix P520. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Nikon P520 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX160 IS has got outside dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") having a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Nikon P520 has measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX160 IS versus Nikon P520 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SX160 IS vs the P520.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX160 IS and P520 is 86 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The pic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX160 IS and P520.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Nikon P520 to resolve greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.