Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we will be looking at the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Pentax. The resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the ELPH 500 HS (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizing.

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The ELPH 500 HS was revealed 3 years prior to the MX-1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ELPH 500 HS scores against the MX-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS provides external measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

See the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the ELPH 500 HS and the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and MX-1 is 94 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The picture below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 500 HS and MX-1.

Clearly, both cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The ELPH 500 HS has got the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging. The more aged ELPH 500 HS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.