Canon ELPH 510 HS vs Sony HX99

Here is a extended assessment of the Canon ELPH 510 HS versus Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the ELPH 510 HS (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the ELPH 510 HS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 510 HS was manufactured 7 years before the HX99 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ELPH 510 HS scores against the HX99 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 510 HS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 510 HS Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 510 HS comes with physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Canon ELPH 510 HS versus Sony HX99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the ELPH 510 HS compared to the HX99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 510 HS and HX99 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 510 HS and HX99.

Clearly, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ELPH 510 HS featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will offer more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older ELPH 510 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.