Canon S90 vs Canon SX500 IS

On this page, we are analyzing the Canon S90 and Canon SX500 IS, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Canon. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and SX500 IS (16MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and SX500 IS (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The S90 was released 3 years earlier than the SX500 IS and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S90 matches up against the SX500 IS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S90 & Canon PowerShot SX500 IS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon S90 Gallery & Canon SX500 IS Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Canon S90 enjoys physical measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Canon SX500 IS has specifications of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") and a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs).

Check the Canon S90 and Canon SX500 IS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the S90 compared to the SX500 IS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the S90 and SX500 IS is 92 and 80 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S90 and SX500 IS.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S90 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Canon SX500 IS will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The older S90 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.