Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX160 IS

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon SX160 IS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Canon. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and SX160 IS (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ELPH 500 HS was announced 3 years prior to the SX160 IS which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the ELPH 500 HS grades versus the SX160 IS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Canon PowerShot SX160 IS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Canon SX160 IS Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon ELPH 500 HS provides exterior measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Canon SX160 IS has proportions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") and a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs).

Contrast the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon SX160 IS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the SX160 IS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and SX160 IS is 94 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through specs. The image underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 500 HS and SX160 IS.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Canon SX160 IS to produce more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.