Canon SX520 HS vs Canon SX540 HS

Let's take a closer look at the Canon SX520 HS and Canon SX540 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both produced by Canon. The sensor resolution of the SX520 HS (16MP) and the SX540 HS (20MP) is fairly close and both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX520 HS was manufactured 17 months prior to the SX540 HS making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SX520 HS grades against the SX540 HS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS & Canon PowerShot SX540 HS. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX520 HS Gallery & Canon SX540 HS Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX520 HS provides exterior measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Canon SX540 HS has proportions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX520 HS and Canon SX540 HS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SX520 HS compared to the SX540 HS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX520 HS and SX540 HS is 69 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions purely by researching specs. The image below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX520 HS and SX540 HS.

All in all, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Canon SX540 HS to result in extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SX520 HS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.