Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Nikon S32

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Nikon S32, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the S32 (13MP) is fairly similar but the ELPH 500 HS (1/2.3") and S32 (1/3") feature different sensor size.

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The ELPH 500 HS was announced 4 years before the S32 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the ELPH 500 HS scores against the S32 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Nikon Coolpix S32. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Nikon S32 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has got physical measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Nikon S32 has sizing of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs).

Examine the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Nikon S32 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the ELPH 500 HS against the S32.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and S32 is 94 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing specs. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 500 HS and S32.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ELPH 500 HS using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Nikon S32 will offer greater detail with its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.