• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon ELPH 300 HS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.77 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Canon ELPH 300 HS advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 220 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
    230k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 2000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S520

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon ELPH 300 HS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Nikon S520
Samsung NV30
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S520 vs Samsung NV30

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Samsung NV30
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Samsung NV30

Compared to Sony DSC-W120

Nikon S520
Sony DSC-W120
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S520 vs Sony DSC-W120

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Sony DSC-W120
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Sony DSC-W120

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Nikon S520
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S520 vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure

Compare Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Compared to Canon SD1200 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD1200 IS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS

Compared to Canon 320 HS

Nikon S520
Canon 320 HS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $231
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon 320 HS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon 320 HS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $231
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Canon 320 HS

Compare Other Cameras?