Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20
94 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
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94 Imaging
32 Features
17 Overall
26
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-105mm (F2.0-5.8) lens
- 185g - 101 x 56 x 25mm
- Launched February 2011
- Other Name is IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 135g - 97 x 61 x 29mm
- Launched February 2009

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Overview
Here, we will be analyzing the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the L20 (10MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The ELPH 500 HS was unveiled 2 years after the L20 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the ELPH 500 HS scores against the L20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon Coolpix L20. The full galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Nikon L20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon ELPH 500 HS over the Nikon L20
ELPH 500 HS | L20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2011 | ![]() | February 2009 | Newer by 25 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+231k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Nikon L20 over the Canon ELPH 500 HS
L20 | ELPH 500 HS |
---|
Common features in the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon L20
ELPH 500 HS | L20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen |
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will have 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) while the Nikon L20 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs).
Analyze the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS and the L20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and L20 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 500 HS and L20.
Clearly, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Canon ELPH 500 HS to provide extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ELPH 500 HS should have an edge in sensor technology.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L20 Specifications
Canon ELPH 500 HS | Nikon Coolpix L20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Model | Canon ELPH 500 HS | Nikon Coolpix L20 |
Otherwise known as | IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2011-02-07 | 2009-02-03 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 64 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-105mm (4.4x) | 38-136mm (3.6x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.0-5.8 | f/3.1-6.7 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3.2 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 461 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | PureColor II Touch TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 8 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames per sec | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow, Off |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
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) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video file format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 185g (0.41 lb) | 135g (0.30 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 56 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 97 x 61 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
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 | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-6L | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $175 | $120 |