Canon SX520 HS vs Casio EX-ZR400: A Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can feel overwhelming with so many options offering similar specifications yet very different user experiences. In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine two intriguing models in the small sensor superzoom category: the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Casio Exilim EX-ZR400. Both cameras offer long focal length ranges, compact bodies, and appealing feature sets but target slightly different user needs and photographic ambitions.

We’ve personally tested both extensively across a variety of real-world scenarios - portrait, landscape, wildlife, street, macro, video, and more - to provide you with comprehensive, actionable insights. By the end of this comparison, you’ll understand the strengths, limitations, and best use cases for each camera, enabling you to make an informed decision suited to your photography journey.

Canon SX520 HS vs Casio EX-ZR400 - Intuitive size and ergonomics directly affect handling comfort, portability, and shooting stability.

First Impressions: Handling and Build Quality

When you pick up the Canon SX520 HS, the first thing you notice is its noticeably larger and heftier body measuring 120 × 82 × 92 mm and weighing 441 grams. It feels more substantial in hand - closer to an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera in grip and control layout. The Casio EX-ZR400 is significantly smaller and lighter, measuring 105 × 59 × 29 mm and weighing only 205 grams, making it very travel-friendly and easy to carry all day.

Top-line ergonomics and button placement further define shooting comfort and speed:

• The Canon places physical dials and buttons for intuitive manual control, which you’ll appreciate during dynamic shooting conditions.
• Casio opts for a cleaner top, with fewer dedicated controls, leaning towards casual users who prefer simplicity.

Ergonomically, if you plan longer shooting sessions or desire more physical control for manual exposure or aperture priority, Canon’s larger body gains the edge. But for street photography or travel where discretion and minimal weight matter more, Casio’s compactness is hard to beat.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 × 4.55 mm with 16-megapixel resolution, which is typical for the small sensor superzoom category.

Despite the shared sensor size and resolution, image quality nuances separate these models due to their image processors and lens designs:

Image quality depends heavily on how the sensor data is interpreted by the processor, noise reduction algorithms, and lens quality. Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor is mature and balanced, delivering pleasing colors and good noise control especially up to ISO 800-1600. Casio’s Exilim Engine HS emphasizes sharpness and high-speed processing but at times may introduce more aggressive noise reduction that slightly softens images at high ISO.

In controlled lighting, both cameras deliver clean, detailed images at base ISO. However:

• Canon SX520 HS shows smoother gradations and more natural skin tones, benefiting portrait and travel photographers.
• Casio EX-ZR400 can deliver punchier subject contrast, which may appeal for certain landscape and street shots, but watch carefully for softening or detail loss under dim conditions.

Display and User Interface: Your Window to Creativity

Both models feature a 3-inch fixed LCD with ~461k dots, but the screen technology differs:

• The Canon’s LCD is basic with no touchscreen or articulations.
• Casio touts its Super Clear TFT color LCD, which offers higher brightness and better outdoor visibility.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, which can challenge shooting in bright sunlight where framing on the LCD can be tricky. Canon’s larger body and button layout somewhat compensate here by giving you stable hold and better hand placement.

For menu navigation and quick adjustments, both menus are reasonably approachable but Canon’s system is more conventional and straightforward - something users upgrading from Canon DSLRs or mirrorless will appreciate. Casio’s interface is geared more towards casual users with scene modes and automated settings prominent.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical, especially for fast-moving subjects, wildlife, and sports photography.

Canon’s face detection AF system offers a clear advantage for portrait and event photography, ensuring accurate focus on faces with ease. However, its 2 fps continuous shooting speed is relatively slow, unsuitable for serious sports or wildlife action bursts.

Casio excels in burst shooting, with an impressive 30 fps continuous shooting mode albeit at lower resolution. This high frame rate caters well to capturing fast action where quantity can compensate for some resolution trade-offs. However, Casio’s lack of face or eye detection limits precise AF usability for portraits.

In our testing, Canon’s AF was more reliable and consistent when framing subjects under mixed lighting, but Casio rewarded high-speed shooting enthusiasts with speed bursts compatible for fun action sequences or experimental creative captures.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach for the Distant

Superzoom cameras are defined by their focal length versatility.

The Canon SX520 HS zooms to an astounding 1008 mm (42× optical zoom) - that’s professional-level reach favoring wildlife and sports photographers wanting to get close to distant subjects without changing lenses. However, be mindful that the lens slows down to f/6.0 at the tele end, which may require good light or higher ISOs.

Casio’s lens tops out at 300 mm (12.5× zoom), which is less dramatic but offers a faster maximum aperture at tele (f/5.9), helping in lower light conditions and aiding subject isolation with background blur - albeit marginal, given the sensor size.

Interestingly, Casio shines in macro photography with a minimum focusing distance of just 1 cm, letting you photograph intricate close-ups and details. Canon’s macro range is specified as 0 cm, but practical performance favors Casio for closer sharp focusing.

The difference in image stabilization methods is another factor: optical lens-based stabilization in Canon is efficient for handheld telephoto shots, while Casio’s sensor-shift stabilization stabilizes the entire sensor and can offer benefits during video recording and macro focusing.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance can restrict shooting sessions or travel plans.

Casio’s EX-ZR400 impresses with a longer battery life, rated roughly 500 shots per charge, making it a practical companion for days of shooting without worrying about recharging. The Canon, with around 210 shots, is comparatively modest, reflecting its larger image processing demands and zoom lens.

Both cameras support standard SD card formats, providing flexibility, but with only a single card slot each.

Video Features and Creativity

Videographers will weigh options differently.

Both cameras record Full HD (1080p) video at 30 fps with straightforward encoding. Canon utilizes optical image stabilization aiding smoother footage at long zoom.

Casio steps up the creative ante with its super slow-motion modes offering frame rates up to 1000 fps at low resolutions - fun for experimental or artistic video content but impractical for professional productions. The sensor-shift stabilization also benefits handheld movies but limited manual control and lack of microphone inputs restrict serious videographers.

Practical Use Across Photography Genres

Understanding how these cameras perform in different shooting scenarios is key for your decision. We tested extensively in these common disciplines:

The most comprehensive visual breakdown of genre strengths is summarized here:

Image Quality in Action: Sample Gallery

A side-by-side glance at what these cameras produce is invaluable. We shot the same scenes in similar conditions to compare sharpness, color fidelity, and dynamic range.

Canon SX520 HS front Canon SX520 HS screen back Casio EX ZR400 front Casio EX ZR400 screen back

• Canon SX520 HS images emphasize natural colors, smoother tonal gradations, especially for skin and blue skies.
• Casio EX-ZR400 photos lean slightly towards punchier contrasts, sometimes at the expense of midtone detail.

When discerning real-world output, subtle detail retention and noise handling matter most and favor Canon for photo purists, while Casio rewards fast-action enthusiasts with volume over ultimate detail.

Workflow and Connectivity

Both cameras are basic in connectivity:

Casio’s Eye-Fi compatibility allows you to wirelessly transfer images via Wi-Fi with compatible cards, a useful feature for casual shooters wanting immediate social sharing. Canon lacks any wireless features, requiring cable connection or card removal to PC.

Neither supports RAW shooting, impacting professional workflows where post-processing flexibility is critical.

Summary of Technical and Performance Scores

Here is an overall performance comparison based on a weighted evaluation of image quality, handling, AF, zoom, battery, and video features:

Who Should Choose Canon SX520 HS?

• You want maximum zoom reach to capture distant wildlife, sports, or detailed landscapes.
• You value face detection autofocus for portraits and event shooting.
• You prefer a camera with more manual control and physical buttons for intuitive exposure adjustments.
• You accept a larger, heavier camera for increased handling comfort and zoom power.
• You want superior image tones and more natural color reproduction for everyday shooting.

Suitable for: Amateur wildlife photographers, travelers prioritizing zoom versatility, casual portrait shooters wanting reliable autofocus, and those upgrading from entry-level compacts.

Who Should Choose Casio EX-ZR400?

• You want an ultra-compact, lightweight camera that fits in a shirt pocket for travel and street photography.
• You enjoy capturing high-frame-rate bursts and creative slow-motion video.
• You desire excellent macro close-up capabilities for nature, artifacts, or product photography.
• You seek longer battery life for extended outings without charging.
• You prefer a camera with brighter lenses for shooting in varied lighting and less bulk.

Suitable for: Travel vloggers, action photographers on a budget, street photographers liking discretion, macro enthusiasts, and social media content creators experimenting with slow motion.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Superzoom Fits Your Creative Path?

Choosing between the Canon SX520 HS and the Casio EX-ZR400 boils down to your priorities:

• If zoom reach and manual control top your list, and you can manage a larger camera, Canon’s excellent telephoto range with solid autofocus makes it the best fit.
• If you want versatility in video slow-motion features, superb macro capability, and prioritize size and battery life, Casio offers a compelling compact choice.

Remember, neither camera supports RAW image capture, so if you require professional-quality post-processing depth, consider other models.

We encourage you to handle both in store or rent them if possible. Real-world feel and personal comfort often outweigh specs. Keep your shooting style and favorite subjects front and center when deciding.

By carefully weighing these details, we’re confident you’ll find a compact superzoom tailored to unlock creativity and enhance your visual storytelling. Happy shooting!

To help you explore further, check out these official accessory recommendations for each camera model and sample RAW workflow tips for small sensor compacts.