Canon SX520 vs Nikon Z50

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Nikon Z50 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2014 and October 2019. The SX520 is a fixed lens compact, while the Z50 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX520) and an APS-C (Z50) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 20.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon SX520		Nikon Z50
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
24-1008mm f/3.4-6		Nikon Z mount lenses
15.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor		20.7 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200		ISO 100-51,200 (100 - 204,800)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 461k dots		3.2 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
1.6 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
210 shots per battery charge		320 shots per battery charge
120 x 82 x 92 mm, 441 g		127 x 94 x 60 mm, 450 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Nikon Z50? 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

The physical size and weight of the Canon SX520 and the Nikon Z50 are illustrated 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.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z50 is notably larger (21 percent) than the Canon SX520. It is noteworthy in this context that the Z50 is splash and dust-proof, while the SX520 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX520 has a lens built in, whereas the Z50 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the Z50 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

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.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX520	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	441 g	210	n	Jul 2014	399
2.		Nikon Z50	127 mm	94 mm	60 mm	450 g	320	Y	Oct 2019	859
3.		Canon SX540	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	205	n	Jan 2016	399
4.		Canon SX530	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	429
5.		Canon SX710	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349
6.		Canon SX700	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	250	n	Feb 2014	349
7.		Canon SX60	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	549
8.		Canon T5	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
9.		Canon SX510	104 mm	70 mm	80 mm	349 g	250	n	Aug 2013	249
10.		Nikon B600	122 mm	82 mm	99 mm	500 g	280	n	Jan 2019	349
11.		Nikon D5500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	420 g	820	n	Jan 2015	899
12.		Nikon D5300	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799
13.		Sony A6400	120 mm	67 mm	50 mm	403 g	410	Y	Jan 2019	899
14.		Sony A6100	120 mm	67 mm	59 mm	396 g	420	n	Aug 2019	749
15.		Sony A6300	120 mm	67 mm	49 mm	404 g	400	Y	Feb 2016	999
16.		Sony HX90V	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	360	n	Apr 2015	429
17.		Sony H200	123 mm	83 mm	87 mm	530 g	240	n	Jan 2013	249
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX520 was launched at a lower price than the Z50, despite having a lens built in. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX520 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Nikon Z50 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the Z50 is 1218 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 SX520 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the Z50 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 20.7MP, the Z50 offers a higher resolution than the SX520 (15.9MP), but the Z50 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.22μm versus 1.33μm for the SX520) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z50 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 2 months) than the SX520, 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 Z50 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z50 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX520 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 Z50 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z50 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-204800.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon SX520	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Nikon Z50	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon SX540	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
4.		Canon SX530	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon SX710	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Canon SX700	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
7.		Canon SX60	1/2.3	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	19.2	10.8	127	39
8.		Canon T5	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
9.		Canon SX510	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/24p	..	..	..	..
10.		Nikon B600	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Nikon D5500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1438	84
12.		Nikon D5300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.9	1338	83
13.		Sony A6400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24	13.6	1431	83
14.		Sony A6100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Sony A6300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24.4	13.7	1437	85
16.		Sony HX90V	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony H200	1/2.3	15.2	5184	2930	720/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z50 provides a better video resolution than the SX520. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Z50 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX520 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX520 and Nikon Z50 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon SX520	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6	Y	Y
2.		Nikon Z50	2360	n	3.2	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	Y	n
3.		Canon SX540	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX530	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX710	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	6.0	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX700	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/3200s	8.5	Y	Y
7.		Canon SX60	922	n	3.0	922	swivel	n	1/2000s	6.4	Y	Y
8.		Canon T5	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
9.		Canon SX510	none	n	3.0	461	fixed	n	1/1600s	3.8	Y	Y
10.		Nikon B600	none	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.4	Y	Y
11.		Nikon D5500	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
12.		Nikon D5300	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
13.		Sony A6400	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	Y	n
14.		Sony A6100	1440	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	Y	n
15.		Sony A6300	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	n	1/4000s	11.0	Y	n
16.		Sony HX90V	638	n	3.0	921	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony H200	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/1500s	0.8	Y	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z50 has a touchscreen, while the SX520 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z50 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z50 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 SX520 and the Z50 write their files to SDXC cards. The Z50 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the SX520 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 SX520 HS and Nikon Z50 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon SX520	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Nikon Z50	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon SX540	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon SX530	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon SX710	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon SX700	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon SX60	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon T5	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon SX510	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Nikon B600	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
11.		Nikon D5500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Nikon D5300	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Sony A6400	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
14.		Sony A6100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony A6300	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony HX90V	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony H200	-	mono	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the Z50 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the SX520 does not provide wifi capability.

The Z50 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the SX520 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX520 was succeeded by the Canon SX530. 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 conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SX520 and the Nikon Z50? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS:

• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the Z50 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (120x82mm vs 127x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the Z50).
• 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 July 2014).

Advantages of the Nikon Z50:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20.7 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 16%.
• 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 definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic 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 (1040k vs 461k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in 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 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 1.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (320 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-II standard.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 2 months of technical progress since the SX520 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z50 is the clear winner of the contest (27 : 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape 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 SX520 and the Nikon Z50 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX520 and the Z50 in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX520	..	+	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jul 2014	399
2.		Nikon Z50	5/5	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2019	859
3.		Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399
4.		Canon SX530	..	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	429
5.		Canon SX710	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349
6.		Canon SX700	..	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	Feb 2014	349
7.		Canon SX60	3/5	+ +	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549
8.		Canon T5	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
9.		Canon SX510	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2013	249
10.		Nikon B600	..	+	..	3.5/5	3/5	Jan 2019	349
11.		Nikon D5500	5/5	+	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899
12.		Nikon D5300	4/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799
13.		Sony A6400	4/5	+	85/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jan 2019	899
14.		Sony A6100	..	..	82/100	4/5	5/5	Aug 2019	749
15.		Sony A6300	4.5/5	+	85/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999
16.		Sony HX90V	4/5	+ +	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	429
17.		Sony H200	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jan 2013	249
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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon SX520 vs Nikon Z50

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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