Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Sony HX20V

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Sony HX20V, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Canon and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 500 HS was manufactured 17 months prior to the HX20V making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the ELPH 500 HS grades versus the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 500 HS has physical measurements of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Sony HX20V in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS compared to the HX20V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 500 HS and HX20V is 94 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 500 HS and HX20V.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You can expect to see the Sony HX20V to offer you greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older ELPH 500 HS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.