Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic ZS8

On this page, we are reviewing the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic ZS8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is very similar and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 500 HS was brought out 5 months prior to the ZS8 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ELPH 500 HS scores vs the ZS8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The entire galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Canon ELPH 500 HS provides outer 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) and the Panasonic ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the ZS8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and ZS8 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 500 HS and ZS8.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS8 to offer you greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively.