Canon SX500 IS vs Sony a3500

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Canon SX500 IS versus Sony a3500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the a3500 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the SX500 IS (1/2.3") and a3500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SX500 IS was launched 19 months prior to the a3500 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX500 IS scores vs the a3500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Sony Alpha a3500. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX500 IS offers outer dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") and a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX500 IS versus Sony a3500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SX500 IS against the a3500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX500 IS and a3500 is 80 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specs. The picture below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX500 IS and a3500.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX500 IS featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony a3500 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged SX500 IS will be behind in sensor tech.