Canon SX500 IS vs Sony a5100

Let's take a closer look at the Canon SX500 IS and Sony a5100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX500 IS (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the SX500 IS (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The SX500 IS was launched 24 months before the a5100 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SX500 IS grades vs the a5100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS & Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX500 IS Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX500 IS features outside measurements 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 a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX500 IS and Sony a5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SX500 IS versus the a5100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SX500 IS and a5100 is 80 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by going through specifications. The image below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX500 IS and a5100.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX500 IS due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony a5100 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SX500 IS will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.