Canon SX520 HS vs Olympus XZ-1

Below is a comprehensive review of the Canon SX520 HS versus Olympus XZ-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX520 HS (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SX520 HS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SX520 HS was introduced 3 years later than the XZ-1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX520 HS scores versus the XZ-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX520 HS Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX520 HS has physical measurements 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 Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX520 HS versus Olympus XZ-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX520 HS vs the XZ-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX520 HS and XZ-1 is 69 and 88 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading specifications. The visual below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX520 HS and XZ-1.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX520 HS using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Canon SX520 HS will offer greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger SX520 HS provides an advantage in sensor innovation.