Canon SX60 vs Nikon D5600

The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and the Nikon D5600 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2014 and November 2016. The SX60 is a fixed lens compact, while the D5600 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX60) and an APS-C (D5600) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 14.2 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

	VS
Canon SX60		Nikon D5600
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
21-1365mm f/3.4-6.5		Nikon F mount lenses
14.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-3200 (100-6400)		ISO 100-25600
Electronic viewfinder (922k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 922k dots		3.2" LCD, 1037k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
6.4 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
340 shots per battery charge		970 shots per battery charge
128 x 93 x 114 mm, 650 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 SX60 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

The physical size and weight of the Canon SX60 and the Nikon D5600 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5600 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the SX60 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 somewhat larger (1 percent) than the Canon SX60. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX60 nor the D5600 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX60 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 SX60 gets 340 shots out of its NB-10L battery, while the D5600 can take 970 images on a single charge of its EN-EL14a power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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)	Camera Model
	Canon SX60»	5.0 in	3.7 in	4.5 in	22.9 oz	340	n	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Nikon D5600«	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699		Nikon D5600
	Canon SX70« »	5.0 in	3.6 in	4.6 in	21.4 oz	325	n	Sep 2018	549		Canon SX70
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799		Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549		Canon G16
	Canon G15« »	4.2 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.4 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	499		Canon G15
	Canon SX50« »	4.8 in	3.4 in	4.2 in	21.0 oz	315	n	Sep 2012	429		Canon SX50
	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 P900« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	5.4 in	31.7 oz	360	n	Mar 2015	599		Nikon P900
	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
	Panasonic FZ300« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	4.6 in	24.4 oz	380	Y	Jul 2015	599		Panasonic FZ300
	Panasonic FZ200« »	4.9 in	3.4 in	4.3 in	20.7 oz	540	n	Jul 2012	599		Panasonic FZ200
	Panasonic FZ150« »	4.9 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	18.6 oz	410	n	Aug 2011	499		Panasonic FZ150
	Sony HX400V« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	4.1 in	23.3 oz	300	n	Feb 2014	499		Sony HX400V
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX60 was launched at a lower price than the D5600, 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX60 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 SX60 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D5600 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the D5600 offers a higher resolution than the SX60 (14.2MP), but the D5600 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 1.40μm for the SX60) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D5600 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 1 month) than the SX60, 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 SX60 are 23 x 15.4 inch or 58.5 x 39 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 12.3 inch or 46.8 x 31.2 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 10.2 inch or 39 x 26 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D5600 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D5600 offers substantially better image quality than the SX60 (overall score 45 points higher). The advantage is based on 4.9 bits higher color depth, 3.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. 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 can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the SX60 has an electronic viewfinder (922k dots), while the D5600 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX60 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 SX60 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 SX60 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 SX60 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 SX60 HS and Nikon D5600 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

The D5600 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the SX60 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX60 was succeeded by the Canon SX70. 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 the Canon SX60 better than the Nikon D5600 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS:

• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6.4 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D5600 requires a separate lens.
• 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 September 2014).

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5600:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 14.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 30%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (45 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (4.9 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.2 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (3.4 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• 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 922k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• 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 340) out of a single battery charge.
• 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 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the SX60 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D5600 is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 SX60 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 SX60 or the D5600 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 (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	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon SX60	+ +	75/100	4/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Nikon D5600	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699		Nikon D5600
	Canon SX70	+ +	..	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	Sep 2018	549		Canon SX70
	Canon G1 X Mark II	+	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799		Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon G16	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549		Canon G16
	Canon G15	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499		Canon G15
	Canon SX50	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429		Canon SX50
	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 P900	..	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2015	599		Nikon P900
	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
	Panasonic FZ300	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	599		Panasonic FZ300
	Panasonic FZ200	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599		Panasonic FZ200
	Panasonic FZ150	+ +	76/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	499		Panasonic FZ150
	Sony HX400V	+ +	..	4/5	..	4/5	Feb 2014	499		Sony HX400V
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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 would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, 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 SX60 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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