Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS
94 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
37
![Canon ELPH 500 HS front Canon ELPH 500 HS front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Canon-ELPH-500-HS/Canon-ELPH-500-HS-front.jpg)
![Canon PowerShot SX520 HS front Canon PowerShot SX520 HS front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS/Canon-SX520-HS-front.jpg)
69 Imaging
40 Features
44 Overall
41
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-105mm (F2.0-5.8) lens
- 185g - 101 x 56 x 25mm
- Released February 2011
- Also referred to as IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1008mm (F3.4-6.0) lens
- 441g - 120 x 82 x 92mm
- Released July 2014
- Old Model is Canon SX510 HS
- Renewed by Canon SX530 HS
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Overview
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").
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
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.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Gallery
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.
Reasons to pick Canon ELPH 500 HS over the Canon SX520 HS
ELPH 500 HS | SX520 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Canon SX520 HS over the Canon ELPH 500 HS
SX520 HS | ELPH 500 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2014 | ![]() | February 2011 | More modern by 42 months |
Manual focus | ![]() | More exact focusing |
Common features in the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon SX520 HS
ELPH 500 HS | SX520 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 461k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Physical Comparison
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.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
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.
![Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS size comparison Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-ELPH-500-HS-vs-Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and SX520 HS is 94 and 69 respectively.
![Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS top view buttons comparison Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-ELPH-500-HS-vs-Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Sensor Comparison
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.
![Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS sensor size comparison Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Canon-ELPH-500-HS-vs-Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Screen and ViewFinder
![Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Screen and Viewfinder comparison Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-ELPH-500-HS-vs-Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SX520 HS Specifications
Canon ELPH 500 HS | Canon PowerShot SX520 HS | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | Canon |
Model | Canon ELPH 500 HS | Canon PowerShot SX520 HS |
Also called | IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S | - |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2011-02-07 | 2014-07-29 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | Digic 4+ |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-105mm (4.4x) | 24-1008mm (42.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.0-5.8 | f/3.4-6.0 |
Macro focus distance | 3cm | 0cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3.2 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 461k dot | 461k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | PureColor II Touch TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 15s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 5.50 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, on, off, slow synchro |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 185 gr (0.41 pounds) | 441 gr (0.97 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 56 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 120 x 82 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 180 pictures | 210 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NB-6L | NB-6LH |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail pricing | $175 | $219 |