Canon SX520 HS vs Panasonic SZ5

On this page, we are matching up the Canon SX520 HS vs Panasonic SZ5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the SX520 HS (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX520 HS was manufactured 2 years later than the SZ5 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SX520 HS grades versus the SZ5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX520 HS Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX520 HS has outer measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has proportions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Canon SX520 HS vs Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the SX520 HS versus the SZ5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SX520 HS and SZ5 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The photograph here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX520 HS and SZ5.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Canon SX520 HS to provide you with more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The younger SX520 HS is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.