Nikon P520 vs Sony HX99

Its time to look more in depth at the Nikon P520 and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the P520 (18MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is fairly close but the P520 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The P520 was unveiled 6 years before the HX99 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the P520 grades vs the HX99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P520 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The full galleries are provided at Nikon P520 Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon P520 has outside 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 HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Nikon P520 and Sony HX99 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the P520 compared to the HX99.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the P520 and HX99 is 66 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching specifications. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the P520 and HX99.

Plainly, both of the cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The P520 has the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh easier. The older P520 will be behind in sensor tech.