Canon SX520 HS vs Nikon P500

Its time to look more closely at the Canon SX520 HS vs Nikon P500, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Nikon. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX520 HS (16MP) and P500 (12MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX520 HS was introduced 3 years later than the P500 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SX520 HS scores versus the P500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and Nikon Coolpix P500. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX520 HS Gallery and Nikon P500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX520 HS features outside dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Nikon P500 has dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX520 HS vs Nikon P500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SX520 HS versus the P500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX520 HS and P500 is 69 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX520 HS and P500.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Canon SX520 HS to provide greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher SX520 HS provides an advantage in sensor technology.