• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 520 HS advantages over Nikon S3600

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 200 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.8 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon S3600 advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 230 vs 190 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon S3600
Nikon S3600

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 Canon 510 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 510 HS
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 510 HS

Nikon S3600
Canon 510 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon 510 HS

Compared to Canon 530 HS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 530 HS
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 530 HS

Nikon S3600
Canon 530 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon 530 HS

Compared to Sony W690

Canon 520 HS
Sony W690
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $257
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Sony W690

Nikon S3600
Sony W690
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $257
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Sony W690

Compared to Nikon S5300

Canon 520 HS
Nikon S5300
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Nikon S5300

Nikon S3600
Nikon S5300
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Nikon S5300

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Canon 520 HS
Canon 170 IS
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Canon 170 IS

Nikon S3600
Canon 170 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3600 vs Canon 170 IS

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