A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon SX430 vs SX530

The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS and the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2017 and January 2015. Both the SX430 and the SX530 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The SX430 has a resolution of 19.9 megapixels, whereas the SX530 provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX430
versus
Canon SX530
Canon SX430   Canon SX530
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-1080mm f/3.5-6.6 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5
19.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
720/25p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600 ISO 100-3,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 461k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.5 shutter flaps per second 1.6 shutter flaps per second
195 shots per battery charge210 shots per battery charge
104 x 69 x 85 mm, 323 g 120 x 82 x 92 mm, 442 g
logo
Check SX430 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check SX530 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS and the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX430 and the Canon SX530 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon SX430 vs Canon SX530
Compare SX430 versus SX530 top
Comparison SX430 or SX530 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX530 is notably larger (37 percent) than the Canon SX430. Moreover, the SX530 is substantially heavier (37 percent) than the SX430. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX430 nor the SX530 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the SX430 gets 195 shots out of its NB-11LH battery, while the SX530 can take 210 images on a single charge of its NB-6LH power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX530 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 210 n Jan 2015 429ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX540 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 205 n Jan 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX620 97 mm 57 mm 28 mm 182 g 295 n May 2016 279ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 379ebay.com
12.
 
Canon SX410 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 185 n Feb 2015 279ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 349ebay.com
14.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 399ebay.com
15.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 549ebay.com
16.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic ZS70 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The SX430 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 30 percent) than the SX530, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Canon SX430 and Canon SX530 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the SX430 offers a higher resolution of 19.9 megapixels, compared with 15.9 MP of the SX530. This megapixels advantage translates into a 12 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the SX430 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.19μm versus 1.33μm for the SX530). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the SX430 is much more recent (by 2 years) than the SX530, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon SX430 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the SX430 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.8 x 19.3 inches or 65.4 x 49.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.6 x 15.5 inches or 52.3 x 39.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.2 x 12.9 inches or 43.6 x 32.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX530 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX430 is build around a CCD sensor, while the SX530 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

SX430 versus SX530 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
2.
 
Canon SX530 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.211.671247
3.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
4.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
5.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
7.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
8.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
9.
 
Canon SX540 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.780648
10.
 
Canon SX620 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.411.883849
11.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
12.
 
Canon SX410 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.211.672047
13.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
14.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
15.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
16.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
17.
 
Panasonic ZS70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the SX530 provides a better video resolution than the SX430. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/30p, while the SX430 is limited to 720/25p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The SX430 and the SX530 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX430 and Canon SX530 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX530none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX540none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX620none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/2000s 2.5/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
12.
 
Canon SX410none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
13.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Canon SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
15.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
16.
 
Canon T5optical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic ZS701166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

Both the SX430 and the SX530 have zoom lenses built in. The SX430 has a 24-1080mm f/3.5-6.6 optic and the SX530 offers a 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the SX430 and SX530 provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the SX530 has more tele-photo reach at the long end. The SX530 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX430 and the SX530 write their files to SDXC cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS and Canon PowerShot SX530 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon SX530-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon SX540-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon SX620-mono / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Canon SX410-stereo / mono---2.0---
13.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
16.
 
Canon T5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic ZS70-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
padding

The SX430 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the SX530 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX530 was succeeded by the Canon SX540. Further information on the features and operation of the SX430 and SX530 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX430 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SX530 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SX430 or the Canon SX530 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (19.9 vs 15.9MP) with a 12% higher linear resolution.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More compact: Is smaller (104x69mm vs 120x82mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 119g or 27 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (30 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the SX530 launch.


Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/25p).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (461k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (1.6 vs 0.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/3.4 vs f/3.5).
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2015).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (6 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SX430 06:06 SX530

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX430 and the Canon SX530 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX430 or the SX530 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX530..+ +....4/54/5 Jan 2015 429ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX540............ Jan 2016 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX620..........4/5 May 2016 279ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
12.
 
Canon SX410..o........ Feb 2015 279ebay.com
13.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
14.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 399ebay.com
15.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 549ebay.com
16.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic ZS70..+ +....4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check SX430 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check SX530 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon SX430 vs Canon SX530

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-1080mm f/3.5-6.6 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5
    Launch Date January 2017 January 2015
    Launch Price USD 299 USD 429
    Sensor Specs Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    Sensor Technology CCD BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 19.9 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5152 x 3864 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.19 μm 1.33 μm
    Pixel Density 70.91 MP/cm2 56.73 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/25p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 4+ DIGIC 4+
    Screen Specs Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 461k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 0.5 shutter flaps/s 1.6 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Body Specs Canon SX430 Canon SX530
    Battery Type NB-11LH NB-6LH
    Battery Life (CIPA)195 shots per charge210 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 104 x 69 x 85 mm
    (4.1 x 2.7 x 3.3 in)
    120 x 82 x 92 mm
    (4.7 x 3.2 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 323 g (11.4 oz) 442 g (15.6 oz)
    logo
    Check SX430 price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check SX530 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon SX430 vs Canon SX530