• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 960.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Canon SX740 HS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.77 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    115g vs 299g
    Lighter weight

Canon SX740 HS advantages over Nikon S520

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    960 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 265 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    6 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k 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
    20.3 vs 8.1 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 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX740 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
Canon SX740 HS
Samsung NV30
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

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
Canon SX740 HS
Sony DSC-W120
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

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
Canon SX740 HS
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX720 HS

Nikon S520
Canon SX720 HS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Canon SX740 HS
Canon SX720 HS
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Nikon S520
Canon SX730 HS
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon SX740 HS
Canon SX730 HS
  • $447
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer video battery life
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
Compare Other Cameras?