Canon SX520 HS vs Sony HX1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Canon SX520 HS versus Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the SX520 HS (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SX520 HS (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The SX520 HS was revealed 5 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX520 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SX520 HS grades against the HX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX520 HS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX520 HS Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX520 HS offers exterior 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 Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX520 HS versus Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SX520 HS compared to the HX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX520 HS and HX1 is 69 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The visual underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX520 HS and HX1.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX520 HS using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Canon SX520 HS will deliver more detail because of its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent SX520 HS is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.