Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70
69 Imaging
40 Features
44 Overall
41


71 Imaging
34 Features
34 Overall
34
Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1008mm (F3.4-6.0) lens
- 441g - 120 x 82 x 92mm
- Introduced July 2014
- Previous Model is Canon SX510 HS
- Renewed by Canon SX530 HS
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 50 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-624mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 410g - 110 x 83 x 90mm
- Introduced March 2009

Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Overview
Here, we will be looking at the Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the SX520 HS (16MP) and X70 (12MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The SX520 HS was introduced 5 years after the X70 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.
Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SX520 HS grades versus the X70 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and Pentax X70. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX520 HS Gallery and Pentax X70 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX520 HS over the Pentax X70
SX520 HS | X70 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | July 2014 | ![]() | March 2009 | More modern by 66 months |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax X70 over the Canon SX520 HS
X70 | SX520 HS |
---|
Common features in the Canon SX520 HS and Pentax X70
SX520 HS | X70 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX520 HS has exterior dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Pentax X70 has measurements of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") and a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs).
Examine the Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SX520 HS compared to the X70.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX520 HS and X70 is 69 and 71 respectively.

Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at a spec sheet. The image underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX520 HS and X70.
Clearly, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Canon SX520 HS to give more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger SX520 HS will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.

Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX520 HS vs Pentax X70 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX520 HS | Pentax X70 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Pentax |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX520 HS | Pentax X70 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2014-07-29 | 2009-03-02 |
Body design | Compact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Digic 4+ | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 50 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-1008mm (42.0x) | 26-624mm (24.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.4-6.0 | f/2.8-5.0 |
Macro focus range | 0cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 461 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15 secs | 4 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 2.0 frames per sec | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.50 m | 9.10 m |
Flash modes | Auto, on, off, slow synchro | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 441 gr (0.97 pounds) | 410 gr (0.90 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 120 x 82 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") | 110 x 83 x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 210 shots | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-6LH | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $219 | $200 |