Canon SX40 HS vs Olympus E-500

On this page, we are evaluating the Canon SX40 HS and Olympus E-500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the SX40 HS (12MP) and E-500 (8MP) and the SX40 HS (1/2.3") and E-500 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor size.

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The SX40 HS was unveiled 5 years later than the E-500 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon SX40 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SX40 HS scores versus the E-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX40 HS & Olympus E-500. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX40 HS Gallery & Olympus E-500 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX40 HS provides outside measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Olympus E-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX40 HS and Olympus E-500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SX40 HS compared to the E-500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX40 HS and E-500 is 64 and 70 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The graphic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX40 HS and E-500.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX40 HS using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Canon SX40 HS will show greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger SX40 HS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.