Canon SX230 HS vs Nikon B500

Here, we will be looking at the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon B500, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and B500 (16MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX230 HS was launched 5 years earlier than the B500 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Nikon B500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SX230 HS matches up vs the B500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Nikon Coolpix B500. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Nikon B500 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX230 HS enjoys outside measurements of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Nikon B500 has proportions of 114mm x 78mm x 95mm (4.5" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 541 grams (1.19 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX230 HS and Nikon B500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SX230 HS versus the B500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX230 HS and B500 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SX230 HS and B500.

As you can tell, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Nikon B500 to give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SX230 HS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.