Canon SX520 HS vs Panasonic S2

On this page, we will be evaluating the Canon SX520 HS and Panasonic S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX520 HS (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX520 HS was revealed 2 years after the S2 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX520 HS scores against the S2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX520 HS Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX520 HS has got outside 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) and the Panasonic S2 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX520 HS and Panasonic S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SX520 HS and the S2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX520 HS and S2 is 69 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading specs. The pic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX520 HS and S2.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Canon SX520 HS to deliver extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger SX520 HS should have a benefit in sensor technology.