Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon AW130

Below is a complete comparison of the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon AW130, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by brands Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and AW130 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 500 HS was introduced 5 years prior to the AW130 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the ELPH 500 HS grades against the AW130 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon Coolpix AW130. The whole galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Nikon AW130 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Canon ELPH 500 HS enjoys exterior dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Nikon AW130 has proportions of 110mm x 66mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

See the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon AW130 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the ELPH 500 HS vs the AW130.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and AW130 is 94 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The graphic below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ELPH 500 HS and AW130.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Nikon AW130 to give you extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.