Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus SZ-15

Lets take a more detailed look at the Canon SX500 IS and Olympus SZ-15, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the SZ-15 (16MP) is very well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX500 IS was announced 10 months before the SZ-15 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX500 IS grades versus the SZ-15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Olympus SZ-15. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX500 IS has exterior measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-15 has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Canon SX500 IS and Olympus SZ-15 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the SX500 IS compared to the SZ-15.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX500 IS and SZ-15 is 80 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX500 IS and SZ-15.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the exact same megapixels therefore you should expect similar quality of images but you might want to take the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged SX500 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.