Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon P7100

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon P7100, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the P7100 (10MP) is relatively close but the ELPH 500 HS (1/2.3") and P7100 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The ELPH 500 HS was unveiled 12 months earlier than the P7100 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ELPH 500 HS matches up versus the P7100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Nikon Coolpix P7100. The full galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Nikon P7100 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS features external measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Nikon P7100 has dimensions of 116mm x 77mm x 48mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 1.9") having a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

Examine the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Nikon P7100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the P7100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and P7100 is 94 and 82 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 500 HS and P7100.

Clearly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ELPH 500 HS using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Canon ELPH 500 HS will provide you with extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS will be behind in sensor innovation.