Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26
94 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
37


93 Imaging
39 Features
24 Overall
33
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 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)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F3.2-6.5) lens
- 164g - 96 x 60 x 29mm
- Introduced February 2012

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Overview
Below, we are reviewing the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Nikon. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and L26 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The ELPH 500 HS was introduced 11 months prior to the L26 and they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the ELPH 500 HS scores vs the L26 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Nikon Coolpix L26. The whole galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Nikon L26 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon ELPH 500 HS over the Nikon L26
ELPH 500 HS | L26 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display dimension | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+231k dot) |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Nikon L26 over the Canon ELPH 500 HS
L26 | ELPH 500 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2012 | ![]() | February 2011 | More modern by 11 months |
Common features in the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon L26
ELPH 500 HS | L26 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen |
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has got physical dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Nikon L26 has measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).
Compare the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the L26.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and L26 is 94 and 93 respectively.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and L26.
Clearly, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Nikon L26 to produce greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon L26 Specifications
Canon ELPH 500 HS | Nikon Coolpix L26 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Nikon |
Model type | Canon ELPH 500 HS | Nikon Coolpix L26 |
Otherwise known as | IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S | - |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2011-02-07 | 2012-02-01 |
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 measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-105mm (4.4x) | 26-130mm (5.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.0-5.8 | f/3.2-6.5 |
Macro focusing range | 3cm | 10cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3.2 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 461 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen tech | PureColor II Touch TFT LCD | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 seconds | 4 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1600 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE 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) | 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Microphone 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 | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 185 grams (0.41 lb) | 164 grams (0.36 lb) |
Dimensions | 101 x 56 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 96 x 60 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 180 photographs | 200 photographs |
Battery form | Battery Pack | AA |
Battery ID | 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/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $175 | $70 |