Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs SX500 IS: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, Canon’s PowerShot series has long been a stalwart option for enthusiasts seeking versatility without breaking the bank. Today, we’re pitting two of Canon’s notable models against each other: the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS (2011) and the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS (2012). Both occupy that sweet spot - bridging compact portability with expansive zoom ranges - yet they differ significantly in handling, feature set, and imaging performance.

Having spent extensive hours with each in diverse scenarios ranging from landscape vistas to fast-paced wildlife sessions, I’ll share hands-on insights and technical evaluations to help you decide which camera better meets your photographic ambitions. We’ll unpack key metrics, dissect usability, and analyze real-world image quality. Ready? Let’s zoom in.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But so Does Design

The initial impression of a camera goes beyond specs on paper - it’s about how it fits in your hands during those extended shooting sessions. The SX40 HS wears a traditional SLR-like “bridge” body, while the SX500 IS opts for a more compact, pocketable silhouette.

At 123×92×108 mm and 600 g, the SX40 HS is significantly heftier and larger than the SX500 IS’s 104×70×80 mm frame tipping the scales at 341 g. This extra mass and girth translate to a more confident grip and better balance, especially when pairing with the enormous 24–840 mm (35mm equivalent) 35x zoom lens.

The SX40 HS’s larger form factor allowed for well-spaced physical controls, including dedicated manual focus and exposure dials, which I find indispensable for faster operation and tactile feedback. In contrast, the SX500 IS, while pleasantly light and pocket-friendly, feels more cramped with fewer external buttons and a simplified control layout.

The SX40’s fully articulating 2.7-inch screen is also a boon for shooting at odd angles or video framing, compared to the fixed 3-inch panel on the SX500. Although the SX500’s screen packs a higher resolution (461k vs 230k dots), I valued the SX40’s flexibility and clarity in bright outdoor conditions. More on the displays shortly.

For photographers who spend serious time composing and tweaking settings manually, the SX40’s bridge design and ergonomics make a strong case. Casual shooters or travelers valuing compactness may prefer the SX500’s lighter footprint.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality: A Clash Between CCD and CMOS

Both cameras feature the same 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17×4.55 mm), but here is where their similarities end. The SX40 is equipped with a 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor - typically more sensitive and better for noise control - while the SX500 has a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, which generally prioritizes resolution over low-light performance.

In practical shooting tests under various lighting, the SX40’s BSI-CMOS sensor gave it an edge in detail retention and dynamic range. Its maximum native ISO 3200 (vs SX500’s 1600) provided cleaner images at higher sensitivities, crucial for indoor, night, or fast-action shooting. The SX500’s CCD, while delivering slightly higher resolution raw detail at base ISO, struggled with noise at ISO 800 and above.

I examined images shot side-by-side, focusing on landscape scenes with high contrast between shadows and highlights. The SX40 preserved highlight recoverability better and produced more natural-looking color gradations. The SX500’s images appeared somewhat flatter, with harsher noise and earlier loss of fine detail when pushing exposure post-capture.

That said, the SX500’s higher pixel count sometimes translates to more cropping flexibility - but given the sensor limitations and noise penalty, this advantage evaporates in low-light or high-contrast scenarios.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Your Camera Efficiently

How readily you can adjust settings during the crucial moments defines how consistently you capture your vision. Here, design language and controls fuse.

The SX40’s top-mounted mode dial includes quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes - modes essential for creative photographers. Dedicated physical controls for exposure compensation and focus also reflect its advanced user orientation. The electronic viewfinder further aids precision framing in bright conditions, something the SX500 entirely lacks.

The SX500 IS depends fully on its rear LCD for composition (no viewfinder), and control is minimal - mostly via menus and a single control dial. While this keeps the experience simple, the lack of continuous drive (only 1 fps burst) and manual exposure tweaks may frustrate more demanding photography workflows.

Both cameras lack touchscreen implementation, which is unsurprising given their era, but the SX500’s higher resolution display provides excellent clarity for reviewing shots, though it is fixed and less versatile.

For photographers who prize direct accessibility to manual controls and a viewfinder, the SX40 HS is a more satisfying device. The SX500 focuses on simplicity and portability at some cost to hands-on adjustment speed.

Zoom Performance and Lens Versatility: The Heart of Superzooms

Superzoom cameras hinge on their lens. The SX40 HS boasts an impressive 35x optical zoom, equivalent to a 24-840 mm focal length, spanning wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife reach. The SX500 IS offers a commendable but shorter 30x zoom (24-720 mm).

How do these ranges translate in action? The extra 120 mm of reach on the SX40 gives it a tangible advantage for distant telephoto use - birdwatching, safari, or sports spectatorship. The lens has a slightly brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.7 vs f/3.4), helping low-light shooting.

The SX40’s optical image stabilization proved essential given the long telephoto range - handheld shots at maximum zoom were far more stable compared to the SX500. Optical stabilization is comparable between them, but factors like lens construction and body design impact effectiveness, where the SX40 pulls ahead.

If you prioritize extreme zoom flexibility with reasonable aperture speed, especially for distant wildlife or sports, the SX40 HS clearly leads. The SX500 IS, while still capable for casual telephoto, will feel more limited in reach and light-gathering capacity.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy in a Variety of Situations

Autofocus (AF) performance determines your success in capturing fleeting moments. The SX40 HS and SX500 IS use contrast-detection autofocus (no phase detection), typical for small sensor compact cameras, but they handle AF very differently.

The SX40 features 9 AF points with face detection enabled, continuous AF for moving subjects, and multi-area AF for flexibility. It can shoot continuously at 10 fps (frames per second), giving it an edge in sports or wildlife tracking.

The SX500 has a single AF point, slower continuous shooting at 1 fps, but supports AF tracking to a limited degree and face detection.

In real-world testing, the SX40 locked focus faster and more reliably on moving subjects, particularly in good light conditions. I found it much easier to track erratically moving wildlife or kids playing sports. The 10 fps frame rate on SX40 is a serious advantage when timing the decisive moment.

The SX500 IS’s autofocus was adequate for static or slow-moving subjects but showed lag and occasional hunting in low light or fast action - unsurprising given its hardware constraints.

Image Stabilization, Flash, and Low-Light Shooting: Tools for Challenging Environments

Both cameras employ optical image stabilization, beneficial at telephoto focal lengths for handheld clarity. While neither camera features in-body sensor stabilization, their lens-based IS is competent.

The SX40’s wider aperture and higher ISO ceiling allow more freedom in dim conditions. Its built-in flash reaches a longer effective range (7 m vs 5 m) and supports external flash units, enhancing lighting versatility - a feature absent from the SX500.

Low-light photography on the SX40 benefits from ISO up to 3200, but visible noise is still present beyond ISO 800. The SX500 tops out at ISO 1600 but is noisier at anything above ISO 400, making it better suited to daylight or well-lit interiors.

If you regularly shoot indoors, events, or nightscapes, the SX40 offers greater flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures on the Go

Video has become a standard camera feature, and these models approximate early 2010s video standards.

The SX40 records Full HD 1080p at 24 fps using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. It also supports 720p at 30 fps and slow-motion options at lower resolutions (e.g., 640×480 at 120 fps). The articulated screen helps for tricky framing.

In contrast, the SX500 IS maxes out at 720p HD video at 25 fps, without slow-motion modes, and no HDMI output. No microphone input or headphone jack exist on either camera.

The longer zoom lens of the SX40 is an asset for telephoto video clips, though zooming during recording is noisy and somewhat jerky on both, reflective of their era.

In my test shoots, the SX40 delivered cleaner, more detailed footage with better low-light tolerance, making it the preferred choice for casual videography.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Extended Shooting and Sharing

The SX40 uses the NB-10L battery pack, delivering approximately 380 shots per charge. The SX500’s smaller NB-6L battery yields about 195 shots - roughly half the endurance.

This difference has significant practical implications for travel and extended fieldwork where charging opportunities are limited.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in single slots and USB 2.0 data transfer.

For wireless image transfer, they both include Eye-Fi compatibility, allowing Wi-Fi-capable SD cards integration - still revolutionary for 2011–2012 but now dated. Neither has Bluetooth or NFC.

If you value longer shooting sessions or anticipate demanding adventures, the SX40’s stamina is a strong advantage.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Should You Brave the Elements?

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. They are designed primarily for consumer use rather than rigorous professional environments.

The SX40’s larger build feels more robust but remains vulnerable to moisture and grit. Careful handling is essential regardless of the camera.

Those intending demanding outdoor shooting in challenging weather should consider protective accessories or alternative rugged models.

Image Samples and Visual Quality Comparison

We tested both cameras shooting identical subjects in diverse lighting and scenes. The differences in sharpness, color rendition, and noise are clear at pixel level.

Canon SX40 HS front Canon SX40 HS screen back Canon SX500 IS front Canon SX500 IS screen back

Notably, the SX40 HS produces images with more balanced exposure, richer color fidelity, and superior spectral range - especially evident in landscape photography with complex skies and shaded foliage.

The SX500 IS struggles with noise and color shifts beyond ISO 400, but its higher resolution can yield satisfying images for casual use and print sizes up to 8x10 inches.

Performance Ratings: Overall and by Photography Genre

Analyzing all feature data and shooting experiences, our experts assigned performance scores reflecting the cameras’ strengths and weaknesses.

The SX40 HS delivers a markedly higher overall score due to its advanced autofocus, long zoom range, high ISO capability, manual controls, and battery life.

Breaking down by photography type:

• Portraits: SX40 edges with bokeh from longer focal length and manual aperture control.
• Landscape: SX40’s dynamic range and sensor sensitivity win.
• Wildlife: SX40 excels with fast AF and long zoom.
• Sports: SX40’s burst shooting dominates.
• Street: SX500 gains for its compact size and discreetness.
• Macro: Tie - SX500 slightly better close focusing range.
• Night/Astro: SX40 superior due to better sensor and ISO range.
• Video: SX40 provides Full HD and more frame rates.
• Travel: SX500’s small form factor is advantageous.
• Professional: SX40’s manual control and flexibility preferred.

Putting It All Together: Which Canon Superzoom Should You Choose?

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS: The Enthusiast's Superzoom Workhorse

If you’re a photographer craving extensive zoom reach with fine control, faster autofocus, and higher image quality - even at the cost of size and weight - the SX40 HS is my top recommendation. Its bridge-style design offers a near-DSLR experience with a potent zoom lens suitable for landscapes, wildlife, sports, and even casual video work.

Moreover, the battery life and articulating screen add to its usability in diverse conditions.

I’ve found it particularly valuable for intermediate shooters stepping beyond point-and-shoots wanting better manual operation and handling.

Canon PowerShot SX500 IS: Compact Convenience and Casual Versatility

Alternatively, if your priority is ultra-portability, ease of use, and decent zoom range with respectable image quality at daylit scenes, the SX500 IS is a solid choice. Its CCD sensor provides higher resolution for infrequent low-light shooting.

Ideal users include travelers and street photographers who prize discretion and lightness over the bells and whistles of manual dials and long burst speeds.

That said, its slower autofocus and limited video capabilities make it less appropriate for demanding or professional contexts.

Final Thoughts: Experience and Practicality Unite

The Canon SX40 HS and SX500 IS each reflect thoughtful design tuned to different user expectations from the early 2010s bridge/compact superzoom paradigm. My extensive hands-on testing underscores that choosing between them hinges on your shooting style and priorities.

If mastering manual control, maximizing telephoto reach, and capturing fast action excite you, the SX40 is a rewarding companion. If minimalism, travel-friendliness, and straightforward operation appeal more, the SX500 remains a fascinating option.

I hope this detailed comparison has illuminated the subtle and not-so-subtle factors that distinguish these two cameras, helping you find the best fit for your photographic journey.

For further detailed side-by-side score breakdowns and sample downloads from our testing, please refer to our full database.

Happy shooting!