Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic ZS20

Here is a detailed overview of the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic ZS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly comparable and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was announced 14 months earlier than the ZS20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ELPH 500 HS scores against the ZS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has outside dimensions 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 ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Panasonic ZS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS vs the ZS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 500 HS and ZS20 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and ZS20.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS20 to produce extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.