Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon IXUS 165

The following is a detailed analysis of the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon IXUS 165, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are built by Canon. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and IXUS 165 (20MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was brought out 4 years prior to the IXUS 165 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon ELPH 500 HS being a Compact camera and the Canon IXUS 165 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ELPH 500 HS matches up vs the IXUS 165 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Canon IXUS 165. The entire galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Canon IXUS 165 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS enjoys outside dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Canon IXUS 165 has measurements of 95mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 128 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon IXUS 165 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ELPH 500 HS against the IXUS 165.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 500 HS and IXUS 165 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by researching specs. The image here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and IXUS 165.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can count on the Canon IXUS 165 to provide you with more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.