Canon SX40 HS vs Canon SX520 HS

Let's examine more closely at the Canon SX40 HS and Canon SX520 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both created by Canon. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX40 HS (12MP) and SX520 HS (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX40 HS was manufactured 3 years earlier than the SX520 HS which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the SX40 HS scores versus the SX520 HS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX40 HS Gallery and Canon SX520 HS Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX40 HS features outside dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Canon SX520 HS has sizing of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX40 HS and Canon SX520 HS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SX40 HS vs the SX520 HS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX40 HS and SX520 HS is 64 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The image here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX40 HS and SX520 HS.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Canon SX520 HS to offer you more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SX40 HS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.