Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520
89 Imaging
46 Features
51 Overall
48


66 Imaging
42 Features
51 Overall
45
Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20.3MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-960mm (F3.3-6.9) lens
- 270g - 110 x 64 x 36mm
- Announced February 2016
- Older Model is Canon SX710 HS
- Refreshed by Canon SX730 HS
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1000mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
- 550g - 125 x 84 x 102mm
- Introduced January 2013
- Earlier Model is Nikon P510
- Successor is Nikon P530

Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Overview
Below, we are evaluating the Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX720 HS (20.3MP) and the P520 (18MP) is very close and they use the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The SX720 HS was launched 3 years later than the P520 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX720 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.
Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SX720 HS grades vs the P520 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and Nikon Coolpix P520. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX720 HS Gallery and Nikon P520 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX720 HS over the Nikon P520
SX720 HS | P520 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2016 | ![]() | January 2013 | More recent by 38 months |
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer display (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon P520 over the Canon SX720 HS
P520 | SX720 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Display dimension | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Common features in the Canon SX720 HS and Nikon P520
SX720 HS | P520 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focusing | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch display |
Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX720 HS features physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Nikon P520 has sizing of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).
See the Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SX720 HS and the P520.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SX720 HS and P520 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching specifications. The photograph underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX720 HS and P520.
To sum up, each of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You should expect to see the Canon SX720 HS to provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2.3MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SX720 HS provides a benefit in sensor tech.

Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon P520 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS | Nikon Coolpix P520 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX720 HS | Nikon Coolpix P520 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2016-02-18 | 2013-01-29 |
Body design | Compact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | DIGIC 6 | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.16 x 4.62mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.5mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20.3 megapixels | 18 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | - |
Highest resolution | 5184 x 3888 | 4896 x 3672 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-960mm (40.0x) | 24-1000mm (41.7x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-6.9 | f/3.0-5.9 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display diagonal | 3 inch | 3.2 inch |
Display resolution | 922 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | - | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 8 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 5.9fps | 7.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.00 m | - |
Flash settings | Auto, on, off, slow synchro | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Optional |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 270g (0.60 lbs) | 550g (1.21 lbs) |
Dimensions | 110 x 64 x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") | 125 x 84 x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 250 photographs | 200 photographs |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | NB-13L | EN-EL5 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) | - |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $379 | $380 |