• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax S1 advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Canon 520 HS advantages over Pentax S1

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Buy the Pentax S1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 520 HS
Canon ELPH 520 HS

Review Excerpt

  • Compact 12x zoom; Optical image stabilization; Full HD movies; Handheld Night Scene mode; Good shutter lag time.

  • Uses microSD media; Short battery life; Flash is weak; Soft at telephoto; Tiny buttons.

  • Read our Canon 520 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm Z90

Pentax S1
Fujifilm Z90
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Pentax S1 vs Fujifilm Z90

Canon 520 HS
Fujifilm Z90
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Fujifilm Z90

Compared to Canon 510 HS

Pentax S1
Canon 510 HS
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax S1 vs Canon 510 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 510 HS
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 510 HS

Compared to Nikon S100

Pentax S1
Nikon S100
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax S1 vs Nikon S100

Canon 520 HS
Nikon S100
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Nikon S100

Compared to Panasonic TS20

Pentax S1
Panasonic TS20
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More pixels

Compare Pentax S1 vs Panasonic TS20

Canon 520 HS
Panasonic TS20
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Panasonic TS20

Compared to Canon 530 HS

Pentax S1
Canon 530 HS
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax S1 vs Canon 530 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 530 HS
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 530 HS

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