Canon SX510 Comparison Review
The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in August 2013 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.9 megapixel.
Is the Canon SX510 a good camera? The SX510 has a Camera Elo of 1342. This rating puts the SX510 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX510 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon SX510 is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2013.
Canon SX510 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 |
15.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor |
1080/24p Video |
ISO 80 - 3 200 |
no viewfinder, LCD framing |
3.0 LCD, 461k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
3.8 shutter flaps per second |
250 shots per battery charge |
104 x 70 x 80 mm, 349 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon SX510 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX510 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX510 | 104 mm | 70 mm | 80 mm | 349 g | 250 | n | Aug 2013 | EUR 329 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G15 | 107 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 352 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | EUR 579 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon M | 109 mm | 66 mm | 32 mm | 298 g | 230 | n | Jul 2012 | EUR 599 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX400 | 104 mm | 69 mm | 80 mm | 313 g | 190 | n | Jul 2014 | EUR 179 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX420 | 104 mm | 69 mm | 85 mm | 325 g | 195 | n | Jan 2016 | EUR 299 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX500 | 104 mm | 70 mm | 80 mm | 341 g | 195 | n | Aug 2012 | EUR 319 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX520 | 120 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 441 g | 210 | n | Jul 2014 | EUR 299 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX600 | 104 mm | 61 mm | 26 mm | 188 g | 290 | n | Jan 2014 | EUR 249 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX700 | 113 mm | 66 mm | 35 mm | 269 g | 250 | n | Feb 2014 | EUR 349 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica X2 | 124 mm | 69 mm | 52 mm | 345 g | 450 | n | May 2012 | EUR 1 749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony H200 | 123 mm | 83 mm | 87 mm | 530 g | 240 | n | Jan 2013 | EUR 249 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon SX510 was launched in the US market at a price of $249. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Canon SX510 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon SX510 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX510 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/24p | 20.0 | 11.3 | 586 | 45 | |
2. | Canon G15 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.9 | 11.5 | 165 | 46 | |
3. | Canon M | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.2 | 827 | 65 | |
4. | Canon SX400 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.5 | 672 | 46 | |
5. | Canon SX420 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/25p | 20.3 | 11.7 | 806 | 48 | |
6. | Canon SX500 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 720/30p | 19.8 | 11.1 | 494 | 43 | |
7. | Canon SX520 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 20.1 | 11.5 | 672 | 46 | |
8. | Canon SX600 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 20.0 | 11.4 | 620 | 45 | |
9. | Canon SX700 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 11.4 | 629 | 45 | |
10. | Leica X2 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | none | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1275 | 74 | |
11. | Sony H200 | 1/2.3 | 15.2 | 5184 | 2930 | 720/30p | 19.9 | 11.2 | 529 | 44 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The SX510 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX510 can use is 1080/24p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX510 and comparable cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX510 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/1600s | 3.8/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon G15 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.1/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon M | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.3/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon SX400 | none | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/1600s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon SX420 | none | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 0.5/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon SX500 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/1600s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon SX520 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 1.6/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Canon SX600 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 3.9/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Canon SX700 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/3200s | 8.5/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Leica X2 | optional | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Sony H200 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/1500s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the SX510 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX510 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Canon G15 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon M | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon SX400 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon SX420 | - | mono / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Canon SX500 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Canon SX520 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon SX600 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
9. | Canon SX700 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
10. | Leica X2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Sony H200 | - | mono / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the SX510 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The SX510 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-129mm f/3.4-5.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 720mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the SX510 can be found in the free online Canon SX510 Manual or on the Canon support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the SX510 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX510 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2013 | EUR 329 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G15 | 4/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | EUR 579 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon M | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2012 | EUR 599 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX400 | .. | + | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jul 2014 | EUR 179 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX420 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | Jan 2016 | EUR 299 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX500 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2012 | EUR 319 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX520 | .. | + | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Jul 2014 | EUR 299 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX600 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2014 | EUR 249 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX700 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2014 | EUR 349 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica X2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | 4/5 | May 2012 | EUR 1 749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony H200 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Jan 2013 | EUR 249 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Canon SX510 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX510.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon SX510?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used in the Canon SX510 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Canon equipped the SX510 with the DIGIC 4 image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SX510?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.
Does the Canon SX510 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Which battery does the Canon SX510 use?
The camera gets its power from the Canon NB-6LH (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1D Mark III vs Canon SX510
- Canon SX400 vs Canon SX510
- Canon SX510 vs Canon SX710
- Canon SX510 vs Fujifilm XP140
- Canon SX510 vs Leica V-LUX 3
- Canon SX510 vs Nikon D2X
- Canon SX510 vs Nikon D70s
- Canon SX510 vs Nikon D750
- Canon SX510 vs Panasonic GX1
- Canon SX510 vs Panasonic GX800
- Canon SX510 vs Sony H200
- Canon SX510 vs Sony H300
Camera Model | Canon SX510 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 | |
Launch Date | August 2013 | |
Launch Price | USD 249 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | 1/2.3" Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | |
Sensor Area | 28 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 7.7 mm | |
Crop Factor | 5.6x | |
Sensor Resolution | 15.9 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 608 x 3 456 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 1.33 μm | |
Pixel Density | 56.73 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/24p Video | |
ISO Setting | 80 - 3 200 ISO | |
Image Processor | DIGIC 4 | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | No viewfinder | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 461k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/1600s | |
Continuous Shooting | 3.8 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | no | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | no Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Canon NB-6LH power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
104 x 70 x 80 mm (4.1 x 2.8 x 3.1 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 349 g (12.3 oz) |
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