Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Olympus SZ-12

The following is a thorough review of the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Olympus SZ-12, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is very similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was launched 11 months earlier than the SZ-12 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ELPH 500 HS scores vs the SZ-12 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Olympus SZ-12. The complete galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has physical dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-12 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the ELPH 500 HS against the SZ-12.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 500 HS and SZ-12 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The image underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and SZ-12.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-12 to deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.