• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX500 advantages over Olympus SP-100

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    80 mm vs 133 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    341g vs 589g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus SP-100 advantages over Canon SX500

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.9 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,200 mm vs 720 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-610UZ

Canon SX500
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $475
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus SP-100
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Fujifilm SL1000

Canon SX500
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $475
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Larger lens aperture
Olympus SP-100
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic FZ70

Canon SX500
Panasonic FZ70
  • $475
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus SP-100
Panasonic FZ70
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon SX510 HS

Canon SX500
Canon SX510 HS
  • $475
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus SP-100
Canon SX510 HS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX420 IS

Canon SX500
Canon SX420 IS
  • $475
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
Olympus SP-100
Canon SX420 IS
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
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