Canon SX500 IS vs Samsung ST30

Here is a detailed review of the Canon SX500 IS versus Samsung ST30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Canon and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the SX500 IS (16MP) and ST30 (10MP) and the SX500 IS (1/2.3") and ST30 (1/3") have different sensor sizing.

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The SX500 IS was launched 20 months later than the ST30 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SX500 IS grades against the ST30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Samsung ST30. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Samsung ST30 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Canon SX500 IS has got outside 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 Samsung ST30 has specifications of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX500 IS versus Samsung ST30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the SX500 IS vs the ST30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and ST30 is 80 and 98 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX500 IS and ST30.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX500 IS due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Canon SX500 IS will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The fresher SX500 IS provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.