• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Nikon S520 advantages over Leica CL

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner

Leica CL advantages over Nikon S520

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 220 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    7 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 154k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 2000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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

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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
Leica CL
Samsung NV30
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

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
Leica CL
Sony DSC-W120
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

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
Leica CL
Canon SD1200 IS
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A6500

Nikon S520
Sony A6500
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Nikon S520
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $162
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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