Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon P520

Below is a in-depth overview of the Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Nikon. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX40 HS (12MP) and P520 (18MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX40 HS was announced 16 months before the P520 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SX40 HS matches up versus the P520 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS and Nikon Coolpix P520. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX40 HS Gallery and Nikon P520 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX40 HS has got external dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Nikon P520 has sizing of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Canon SX40 HS vs Nikon P520 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX40 HS compared to the P520.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX40 HS and P520 is 64 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading specifications. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX40 HS and P520.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Nikon P520 to deliver extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older SX40 HS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.