Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX120 IS

In this article, we will be comparing the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX120 IS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both created by Canon. The resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the SX120 IS (10MP) is relatively comparable but the ELPH 500 HS (1/2.3") and SX120 IS (1/2.5") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 500 HS was unveiled 18 months after the SX120 IS which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the ELPH 500 HS scores vs the SX120 IS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Canon PowerShot SX120 IS. The full galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Canon SX120 IS Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS provides external dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Canon SX120 IS has dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") and a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX120 IS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the SX120 IS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 500 HS and SX120 IS is 94 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by seeing a spec sheet. The image below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and SX120 IS.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ELPH 500 HS with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Canon ELPH 500 HS will show greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer ELPH 500 HS provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.