• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 156.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX260 HS advantages over Nikon S5200

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 156 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 230 vs 160 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S5200 advantages over Canon SX260 HS

  • Less expensive
    $180 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 32 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    146g vs 231g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX260 HS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S5200

Review Excerpt

  • 20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.

  • Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
Nikon S5200
Nikon S9100
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony TX200V

Canon SX260 HS
Sony TX200V
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $363
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Touchscreen
Nikon S5200
Sony TX200V
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $363
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony TX20

Canon SX260 HS
Sony TX20
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $370
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Touchscreen
Nikon S5200
Sony TX20
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $370
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Nikon S9500

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9500
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon S5200
Nikon S9500
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video
Nikon S5200
Canon SX280 HS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
Compare Other Cameras?