Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon P520

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Canon and Nikon. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and P520 (18MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX230 HS was brought out 18 months prior to the P520 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the SX230 HS matches up against the P520 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS & Nikon Coolpix P520. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX230 HS Gallery & Nikon P520 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SX230 HS comes with outside dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Nikon P520 has sizing of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon P520 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SX230 HS versus the P520.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX230 HS and P520 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and P520.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Nikon P520 to deliver greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older SX230 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.