Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Detailed Review

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Main
The PowerShot SX520 HS was presented by Canon in July 2014. It is a Superzoom Digital Camera.
Brand Canon
Category Superzoom
Date 07/2014
Sensor Properties

In additional PowerShot SX520 HS has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 6 x 5 mm² (0.24″ x 0.18″).

Also PowerShot SX520 HS’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Canon does not support recording RAW images. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computeand involves one extra processing step but will almost always result in superior image quality.

Format Compact
Sensor area 6.17 x 4.55mm²
(0.24″ x 0.18″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 16.80 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 16.00 megapixel
Pixel size 1.79 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 2 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min) 24mm
Focal length (max) 1008mm
Aperture (max) 3.4
Aperture (min) 6.0
Viewfinder Properties

The PowerShot SX520 HS does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter

The PowerShot SX520 HS’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 15s.

The highest shutter speed of the Canon is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

Max. shutter speed 1/2000s
Min. shutter speed 15s
Sensitivity Properties

The PowerShot SX520 HS’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 3200 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 100 ISO
Max. sensitivity 3200 ISO
Exposure Modes

The PowerShot SX520 HS supports all general exposure modes.

The Canon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The PowerShot SX520 HS’s auto focus processor uses 9 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in low light).

The Canon doesn’t support manual focussing. That can be an issue if the auto focus has problems with your subject or lighting.

Type TTL
AF points 9
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The PowerShot SX520 HS features a built-in flash with a range of up to 6m (18 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Canon.

Built-in
Range 5.50m
(18 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The PowerShot SX520 HS features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.46 megapixel. That rather low resolution is no longer state of the art and will make it difficult to evaluate images on the display.

Unfortunately, the PowerShot SX520 HS’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The PowerShot SX520 HS does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 75.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 0.46 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

PowerShot SX520 HS video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Canon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Canon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Canon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Battery

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS works with a NB-6LH LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 210 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the PowerShot SX520 HS.

The PowerShot SX520 HS’s battery battery parameters:

Type NB-6LH LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 210 photos
Size

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS’s dimensions are 120.0 x 81.7 x 91.9mm³. (4.7″ x 3.2″ x 3.6″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 442 grams (14.3 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the PowerShot SX520 HS:

Dimensions Comparison

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.

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