Canon SX500 IS vs Nikon P520

Here, we will be reviewing the Canon SX500 IS and Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the P520 (18MP) is pretty similar and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX500 IS was launched 5 months earlier than the P520 so they are of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SX500 IS grades vs the P520 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS & Nikon Coolpix P520. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX500 IS Gallery & Nikon P520 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX500 IS comes with exterior dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Nikon P520 has measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX500 IS and Nikon P520 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SX500 IS against the P520.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SX500 IS and P520 is 80 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading specifications. The picture below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX500 IS and P520.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Nikon P520 to deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively.