• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1008.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Canon SX520 HS

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 91 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    207g vs 441g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX520 HS advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,008 mm vs 480 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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
  • 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 Panasonic ZS20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX520 HS

Review Excerpt

  • Very long zoom lens; Full HD video; Great grip; Built-in GPS; HDR and Handheld Night Shot modes.

  • Poor image quality due to excessive noise suppression; Flash too close to the grip; No GPS logging; Battery only charges in the camera; Limited touchscreen.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS10
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Faster shutter
Canon SX520 HS
Panasonic ZS10
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS8
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon SX520 HS
Panasonic ZS8
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
Canon SX520 HS
Panasonic ZS19
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Panasonic ZS20
Canon SX530 HS
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX530 HS
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $259
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SX540 HS

Panasonic ZS20
Canon SX540 HS
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon SX520 HS
Canon SX540 HS
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $364
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
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