Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic ZR3

On this page, we are reviewing the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic ZR3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is fairly similar and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was introduced 13 months after the ZR3 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the ELPH 500 HS grades versus the ZR3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS offers exterior measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the ZR3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and ZR3 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by going over a spec sheet. The picture here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 500 HS and ZR3.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZR3 to deliver greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent ELPH 500 HS is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.