Canon SX420 IS vs Canon SX520 HS

On this page, we will be matching up the Canon SX420 IS and Canon SX520 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both are created by Canon. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the SX420 IS (20MP) and SX520 HS (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX420 IS was announced 18 months after the SX520 HS which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon SX420 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SX420 IS scores vs the SX520 HS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX420 IS and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX420 IS Gallery and Canon SX520 HS Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX420 IS features physical measurements of 104mm x 69mm x 85mm (4.1" x 2.7" x 3.3") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Canon SX520 HS has proportions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs).

See the Canon SX420 IS and Canon SX520 HS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SX420 IS versus the SX520 HS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX420 IS and SX520 HS is 80 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specifications. The pic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX420 IS and SX520 HS.

Plainly, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Canon SX420 IS to resolve more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern SX420 IS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.