Canon SX500 IS vs Nikon L840

Its time to look more closely at the Canon SX500 IS and Nikon L840, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the L840 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX500 IS was introduced 3 years prior to the L840 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Nikon L840 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SX500 IS scores against the L840 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS & Nikon Coolpix L840. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX500 IS Gallery & Nikon L840 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SX500 IS comes with outer dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) whilst the Nikon L840 has sizing of 114mm x 89mm x 96mm (4.5" x 3.5" x 3.8") with a weight of 538 grams (1.19 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX500 IS and Nikon L840 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SX500 IS versus the L840.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SX500 IS and L840 is 80 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX500 IS and L840.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same megapixels and you can expect comparable quality of photos but you might want to take the age of the cameras into account. The more aged SX500 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.