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Canon SX520 vs Leica TL

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Leica TL are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in July 2014 and November 2016. The SX520 is a fixed lens compact, while the TL is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX520) and an APS-C (TL) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX520
versus
Leica TL
Canon SX520   Leica TL
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-1008mm f/3.4-6 Leica T mount lenses
15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 ISO 100-12,500
No viewfinder, LCD framing Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 461k dots 3.7" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
1.6 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
210 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
120 x 82 x 92 mm, 441 g 134 x 69 x 33 mm, 384 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and the Leica TL? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SX520 and the Leica TL. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The TL can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, titanium), while the SX520 is only available in black.

Size Canon SX520 vs Leica TL
Compare SX520 versus TL top
Comparison SX520 or TL rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica TL is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Canon SX520. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX520 nor the TL are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX520 has a lens built in, whereas the TL is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the SX520 gets 210 shots out of its Canon NB-6LH battery, while the TL can take 400 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC13 power pack. The power pack in the TL can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 US$ 1 695ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX510 104 mm 70 mm 80 mm 349 g 250 n Aug 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX530 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 210 n Jan 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 205 n Jan 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX700 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 250 n Feb 2014 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 US$ 349ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 140 mm 82 mm 43 mm 450 g 300 n Jan 2012 US$ 1 699ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
14.
 
Leica TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 US$ 1 949ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon B600 122 mm 82 mm 99 mm 500 g 280 n Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H200 123 mm 83 mm 87 mm 530 g 240 n Jan 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
17.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX520 was launched at a lower price than the TL, despite having a lens built in. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX520 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Leica TL an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the TL is 1225 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX520 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the TL offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon SX520 and Leica TL sensor measures

With 16.1MP, the TL offers a higher resolution than the SX520 (15.9MP), but the TL nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 1.33μm for the SX520) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the TL is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 3 months) than the SX520, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica TL are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX520 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the TL uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

SX520 versus TL MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
2.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
3.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
4.
 
Canon SX510 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/24p20.011.358645
5.
 
Canon SX530 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.211.671247
6.
 
Canon SX540 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.780648
7.
 
Canon SX700 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.111.462945
8.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
9.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
11.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.112.3123874
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
13.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
14.
 
Leica TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
15.
 
Nikon B600 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.712.2109552
16.
 
Sony H200 1/2.3 15.2 5184 2930720/30p19.911.252944
17.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The SX520 and the TL are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the TL can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX520 and Leica TL in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX510none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/1600s 3.8/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX530none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX540none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX700none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 8.5/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon T5optical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro11440 n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Leica TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon B600none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony H200none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The TL has a touchscreen, while the SX520 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX520 and the TL write their files to SDXC cards.

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Connectivity 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 SX520 HS and Leica TL and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SX510-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Canon SX530-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX540-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX700-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon T5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
14.
 
Leica TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
15.
 
Nikon B600-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
16.
 
Sony H200-mono / mono---2.0---
17.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the TL offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the SX520 does not provide wifi capability.

Both the SX520 and the TL have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX520 was replaced by the Canon SX530, while the TL was followed by the Leica TL2. Further information on the features and operation of the SX520 and TL can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX520 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica TL Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SX520 or the Leica TL – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS:

  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the TL requires a separate lens.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in July 2014).

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Reasons to prefer the Leica TL:

  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.7" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 461k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 1.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (400 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the SX520 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the TL is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SX520 04:17 TL

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX520 and the Leica TL place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX520 and the TL in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 US$ 1 695ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX510..+ +....4.5/54/5 Aug 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX530..+ +....4/54/5 Jan 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540............ Jan 2016 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX700..+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 349ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro15/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 1 699ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
14.
 
Leica TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 US$ 1 949ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon B600..+....3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H200........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
17.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon SX520 vs Leica TL

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX520 Leica TL
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-1008mm f/3.4-6 Leica T mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2014 November 2016
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 1,695
    Sensor Specs Canon SX520 Leica TL
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 370.52 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.33 μm 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 56.73 MP/cm2 4.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 12,500 ISO
    Screen Specs Canon SX520 Leica TL
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.7inch
    LCD Resolution 461k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX520 Leica TL
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 1.6 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX520 Leica TL
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Canon SX520 Leica TL
    Battery Type Canon NB-6LH Leica BP-DC13
    Battery Life (CIPA)210 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 120 x 82 x 92 mm
    (4.7 x 3.2 x 3.6 in)
    134 x 69 x 33 mm
    (5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 441 g (15.6 oz) 384 g (13.5 oz)
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