Canon SX40 HS vs Canon SX510 HS

Its time to look closer at the Canon SX40 HS versus Canon SX510 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both designed by Canon. The resolution of the SX40 HS (12MP) and the SX510 HS (12MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX40 HS was announced 23 months earlier than the SX510 HS making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX510 HS being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX40 HS scores versus the SX510 HS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon PowerShot SX510 HS. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX40 HS Gallery and Canon SX510 HS Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon SX40 HS offers exterior measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Canon SX510 HS has measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 349 grams (0.77 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX40 HS versus Canon SX510 HS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SX40 HS against the SX510 HS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX40 HS and SX510 HS is 64 and 80 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SX40 HS and SX510 HS.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same megapixels and you should expect similar quality of pictures but you should really consider the release date of the products into consideration. The older SX40 HS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.