Nikon P520 vs Sony HX5

Below, we are contrasting the Nikon P520 versus Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the P520 (18MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the P520 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The P520 was announced 2 years later than the HX5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the P520 matches up vs the HX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P520 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon P520 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P520 provides physical dimensions of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P520 versus Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the P520 against the HX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P520 and HX5 is 66 and 92 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the P520 and HX5.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The P520 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Nikon P520 will resolve greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The younger P520 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.