Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Canon SX520 HS, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Canon. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and SX520 HS (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was launched 4 years prior to the SX520 HS which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick view of how the ELPH 500 HS grades versus the SX520 HS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. The complete galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Canon SX520 HS Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS provides exterior dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Canon SX520 HS has measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 441 grams (0.97 lbs).

Check out the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Canon SX520 HS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the ELPH 500 HS compared to the SX520 HS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and SX520 HS is 94 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The image here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ELPH 500 HS and SX520 HS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Canon SX520 HS to give you extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.