Clicky

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3

Portability
80
Imaging
40
Features
40
Overall
40
Canon PowerShot SX500 IS front
 
Olympus Tough TG-3 front
Portability
90
Imaging
40
Features
46
Overall
42

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Key Specs

Canon SX500 IS
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.4-5.8) lens
  • 341g - 104 x 70 x 80mm
  • Launched August 2012
  • Successor is Canon SX510 HS
Olympus TG-3
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-100mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
  • 247g - 112 x 66 x 31mm
  • Announced March 2014
  • Refreshed by Olympus TG-4
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Overview

In this article, we will be evaluating the Canon SX500 IS versus Olympus TG-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the TG-3 (16MP) is relatively close and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The SX500 IS was introduced 19 months earlier than the TG-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the SX500 IS grades versus the TG-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
	
	

Reasons to pick Canon SX500 IS over the Olympus TG-3

 SX500 IS TG-3 
Manual focus More exact focus
Screen resolution461k460kClearer screen (+1k dot)

Reasons to pick Olympus TG-3 over the Canon SX500 IS

 TG-3 SX500 IS 
AnnouncedMarch 2014August 2012Fresher by 19 months

Common features in the Canon SX500 IS and Olympus TG-3

 SX500 IS TG-3 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen measurement
Selfie screen Absent selfie screen
Touch screen Absent Touch screen

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX500 IS has got physical measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-3 has dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX500 IS versus Olympus TG-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX500 IS vs the TG-3.

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and TG-3 is 80 and 90 respectively.

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 top view buttons comparison

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SX500 IS and TG-3.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same MP and you should expect comparable quality of pictures but you need to factor the production date of the cameras into account. The older SX500 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 sensor size comparison

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX500 IS as a Portrait photography camera
Olympus TG-3 as a Portrait photography camera
46
manual focus
above average flash sync (1/1,600 seconds)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
offers face detect autofocus
no external flash support
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
37
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
comes with face detect autofocus
lack of manual focus
external flash not possible
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Street Comparison

Canon SX500 IS Street photography info
Olympus TG-3 Street photography info
51
image stabilization (Optical)
no articulating screen
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
59
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
environment proof
no moving screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
more heavy than average in class (247 grams)
Cutting-edge AI developed by Apple deciphers subtle nuances in pixels

Sports Comparison

Canon SX500 IS Sports photography advice
Olympus TG-3 Sports photography advice
45
excellent zoom range (24-720mm 30.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (16MP)
offers tracking focus
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
not so great battery (195 per charge)
lacks phase detect autofocus
47
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent megapixels (16MP)
comes with tracking focus
environment proof
good battery (330 shots)
max frames per second low (5.0 fps)
no shutter priority
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Travel Comparison

Canon SX500 IS Travel photography highlights
Olympus TG-3 Travel photography highlights
60
decent MP (16MP)
has built in flash
really wide (24mm)
great reach (720mm)
lack of Timelapse function
not so great battery (195 shots)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
74
good battery (330 per charge)
environment proof
decent megapixels (16MP)
flash built-in
pretty wide (25mm)
great max aperture (f2.0)
more heavy than average in class (247 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
Photography Glossary

Landscape Comparison

Canon SX500 IS as a Landscape photography camera
Olympus TG-3 as a Landscape photography camera
46
manual focus
really wide (24mm)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
not so great battery (195 per charge)
lack of Timelapse function
56
pretty wide (25mm)
great max aperture (f2.0)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent megapixels (16MP)
environment proof
good battery (330 CIPA)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX500 IS as a Vlogging camera
Olympus TG-3 as a Vlogging camera
28
really wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detect autofocus
slow maximum aperture (f3.4)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of microphone socket
34
pretty wide (25mm)
great max aperture (f2.0)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
no microphone support
more heavy than average in class (247g)
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Canon SX500 IS vs Olympus TG-3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX500 IS and Olympus TG-3
 Canon PowerShot SX500 ISOlympus Tough TG-3
General Information
Make Canon Olympus
Model type Canon PowerShot SX500 IS Olympus Tough TG-3
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Waterproof
Launched 2012-08-21 2014-03-31
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Digic 4 TruePic VII
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Full resolution 4608 x 3456 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO 1600 6400
Minimum native ISO 80 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 1 -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-720mm (30.0x) 25-100mm (4.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.4-5.8 f/2.0-4.9
Macro focusing range 1cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 461 thousand dots 460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen tech TFT Color LCD TFT-LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 15 seconds 4 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/1600 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 1.0fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.00 m -
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, redeye reduction, fill-in, off, LED
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/1600 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video data format H.264 H.264, Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 341 grams (0.75 lb) 247 grams (0.54 lb)
Dimensions 104 x 70 x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") 112 x 66 x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 195 pictures 330 pictures
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID NB-6L LI-92B
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD, SDHC, SDXC, Internal Memory
Card slots One One
Launch cost $299 $350