Canon PowerShot SX510 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX520 HS

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS was introduced in August 2013 and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS was introduced in July 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX510 HS over Canon PowerShot SX520 HS.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX520 HS over Canon PowerShot SX510 HS.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS have 3.0" Fixed screens with 461k dot resolution.

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Canon PowerShot SX520 HS features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

Canon PowerShot SX520 HS has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. Canon PowerShot SX520 HS is equipped with DIGIC 4+ processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon PowerShot SX510 HS

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
  Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot SX510 HS has a Mini HDMI and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS come with NB-6LH battery pack with battery life of 250 shots on Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and with battery life of 210 shots on Canon PowerShot SX520 HS.

External Storage Slots

Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/1600 sec on Canon PowerShot SX510 HS, and up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. Canon PowerShot SX510 HS can shoot continuously up to 3.8 fps. Canon PowerShot SX520 HS can shoot continuously up to 1.6 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and 5.50 m on Canon PowerShot SX520 HS..

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS body has dimensions of 104 x 70 x 80 mm (4.09 x 2.76 x 3.15") and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS body has dimensions of 120 x 82 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.23 x 3.62"). Canon PowerShot SX510 HS weighs 349 g (0.77 lb / 12.31 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS weighs 441 g (0.97 lb / 15.56 oz).

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS

Canon PowerShot SX520 HS

104 mm

70 mm

120 mm

82 mm

70 mm

82 mm