• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon 520 HS advantages over Panasonic ZS25

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 28 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS25 advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 336 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 190 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 520 HS
Canon ELPH 520 HS
All 520 HS Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS25
Panasonic ZS25
All ZS25 Deals

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

Panasonic ZS25
Canon 510 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Panasonic ZS25 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

Panasonic ZS25
Canon 530 HS
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Panasonic ZS25 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

Panasonic ZS25
Sony W690
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $257
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic ZS25 vs Sony W690

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Canon 520 HS
Panasonic ZS19
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS25
Panasonic ZS19
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Longer exposure

Compare Panasonic ZS25 vs Panasonic ZS19

Compared to Panasonic ZS30

Canon 520 HS
Panasonic ZS30
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Panasonic ZS30

Panasonic ZS25
Panasonic ZS30
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic ZS25 vs Panasonic ZS30

Compare Other Cameras?