Canon SX510 vs Nikon D5600

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the Nikon D5600 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2013 and November 2016. The SX510 is a fixed lens compact, while the D5600 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX510) and an APS-C (D5600) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon SX510		Nikon D5600
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
24-720mm f/3.4-5.8		Nikon F mount lenses
15.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/24p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 80-3200		ISO 100-25600
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 461k dots		3.2" LCD, 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
3.8 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge		970 shots per battery charge
104 x 70 x 80 mm, 349 g		124 x 97 x 70 mm, 465 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the Nikon D5600? 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.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX510 and the Nikon D5600 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5600 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the SX510 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5600 is considerably larger (65 percent) than the Canon SX510.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX510 has a lens built in, whereas the D5600 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D5600 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the SX510 gets 250 shots out of its NB-6LH battery, while the D5600 can take 970 images on a single charge of its EN-EL14a power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon SX510»	4.1 in	2.8 in	3.1 in	12.3 oz	250	n	Aug 2013	249	-		Canon SX510
	Nikon D5600«	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Canon SX740« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	265	n	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon SX730« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.6 oz	250	n	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Canon SX420« »	4.1 in	2.7 in	3.3 in	11.5 oz	195	n	Jan 2016	299			Canon SX420
	Canon SX410« »	4.1 in	2.7 in	3.3 in	11.5 oz	185	n	Feb 2015	279	-		Canon SX410
	Canon SX530« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	15.6 oz	210	n	Jan 2015	429	-		Canon SX530
	Canon SX520« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	15.6 oz	210	n	Jul 2014	399	-		Canon SX520
	Canon SX60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	4.5 in	22.9 oz	340	n	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Nikon A1000« »	4.5 in	2.8 in	1.6 in	11.6 oz	250	n	Jan 2019	429			Nikon A1000
	Nikon D3400« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.7 oz	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	14.8 oz	820	n	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D5300« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	16.9 oz	600	n	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	540	n	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	500	n	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Ricoh WG-60« »	4.8 in	2.4 in	1.2 in	6.8 oz	300	Y	Oct 2018	279			Ricoh WG-60
	Sony H200« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	3.4 in	18.7 oz	240	n	Jan 2013	249			Sony H200
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The SX510 was launched at a lower price than the D5600, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX510 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Nikon D5600 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D5600 is 1211 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX510 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D5600 offers a 3:2 aspect.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

With 24MP, the D5600 offers a higher resolution than the SX510 (15.9MP), but the D5600 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 1.33μm for the SX510) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D5600 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 2 months) than the SX510, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 Nikon D5600 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5600 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX510 are 23 x 17.3 inch or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inch or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inch or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D5600 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D5600 provides a faster frame rate than the SX510. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D5600 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX510 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX510 and Nikon D5600 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The D5600 has a touchscreen, while the SX510 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Nikon D5600 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX510 and the D5600 write their files to SDXC cards. The D5600 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the SX510 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 SX510 HS and Nikon D5600 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the D5600 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The SX510 does not feature such a mic input.

The D5600 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the SX510 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX510 was succeeded by the Canon SX520. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon SX510 better than the Nikon D5600 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS:

• Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D5600 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (104x70mm vs 124x97mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the D5600).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2013).

Advantages of the Nikon D5600:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 25%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/24p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 461k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/1600s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 3.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (970 versus 250) out of a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 2 months of technical progress since the SX510 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5600 is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX510 and the Nikon D5600 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX510 or the D5600 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon SX510»	+ +	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Aug 2013	249	-		Canon SX510
	Nikon D5600«	-	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Canon SX740« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon SX730« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Canon SX420« »	-	-	-	-	-	Jan 2016	299			Canon SX420
	Canon SX410« »	o	-	-	-	-	Feb 2015	279	-		Canon SX410
	Canon SX530« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jan 2015	429	-		Canon SX530
	Canon SX520« »	+	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Jul 2014	399	-		Canon SX520
	Canon SX60« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Nikon A1000« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	3/5	Jan 2019	429			Nikon A1000
	Nikon D3400« »	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	+	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D5300« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	+ +	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Nikon D5200« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Ricoh WG-60« »	-	-	-	-	-	Oct 2018	279			Ricoh WG-60
	Sony H200« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Jan 2013	249			Sony H200
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon SX510 vs Nikon D5600

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.

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