Canon SX500 IS vs Canon SX540 HS

Here is a complete review of the Canon SX500 IS and Canon SX540 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both produced by Canon. The resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the SX540 HS (20MP) is pretty close and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX500 IS was revealed 4 years earlier than the SX540 HS and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SX500 IS grades against the SX540 HS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS & Canon PowerShot SX540 HS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX500 IS Gallery & Canon SX540 HS Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX500 IS enjoys external measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Canon SX540 HS has specifications of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX500 IS and Canon SX540 HS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SX500 IS vs the SX540 HS.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and SX540 HS is 80 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX500 IS and SX540 HS.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can expect the Canon SX540 HS to render extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older SX500 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.