• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 180.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S550 advantages over Canon 520 HS

  • Less expensive
    $230 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories

Canon 520 HS advantages over Nikon S550

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    336 mm vs 180 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • 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
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 36 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

  • 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
  • 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 Nikon S550

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 520 HS
Canon ELPH 520 HS
All 520 HS 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 Pentax M50

Nikon S550
Pentax M50
  • $195
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $140
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S550 vs Pentax M50

Canon 520 HS
Pentax M50
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $140
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Pentax M50

Compared to Ricoh R50

Nikon S550
Ricoh R50
  • $195
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S550 vs Ricoh R50

Canon 520 HS
Ricoh R50
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Ricoh R50

Compared to Nikon S560

Nikon S550
Nikon S560
  • $195
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Nikon S550 vs Nikon S560

Canon 520 HS
Nikon S560
  • $372
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon 520 HS vs Nikon S560

Compared to Canon 510 HS

Nikon S550
Canon 510 HS
  • $195
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S550 vs 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

Compared to Canon 530 HS

Nikon S550
Canon 530 HS
  • $195
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S550 vs 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

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