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

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Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon SD790 IS

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 179g
    Lighter weight

Canon SD790 IS 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 330 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Nikon S520

Your purchases support this site

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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 SD790 IS
Samsung NV30
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon SD790 IS 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 SD790 IS
Sony DSC-W120
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Sony DSC-W120

Compared to Canon SD770 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD770 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD770 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD770 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Canon SD770 IS

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Nikon S520
Canon SD880 IS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S520 vs Canon SD880 IS

Canon SD790 IS
Canon SD880 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Canon SD880 IS

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 SD790 IS
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $201
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SD790 IS vs Canon SD1200 IS

Compare Other Cameras?