Canon SD3500 IS vs Canon SX500 IS

Let's take a deeper look at the Canon SD3500 IS versus Canon SX500 IS, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Canon. The sensor resolution of the SD3500 IS (14MP) and the SX500 IS (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SD3500 IS was manufactured 3 years prior to the SX500 IS which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SD3500 IS grades vs the SX500 IS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS and Canon PowerShot SX500 IS. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SD3500 IS Gallery and Canon SX500 IS Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SD3500 IS offers outside dimensions of 99mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Canon SX500 IS has specifications of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs).

Compare the Canon SD3500 IS versus Canon SX500 IS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SD3500 IS compared to the SX500 IS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD3500 IS and SX500 IS is 95 and 80 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SD3500 IS and SX500 IS.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Canon SX500 IS to offer greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged SD3500 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.