Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic SZ5

Below, we will be evaluating the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 500 HS was introduced 17 months before the SZ5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the ELPH 500 HS matches up versus the SZ5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has got exterior 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 Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the ELPH 500 HS compared to the SZ5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and SZ5 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 500 HS and SZ5.

Clearly, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Panasonic SZ5 to resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.