• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon ELPH 500 HS advantages over Ricoh Theta SC

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 7 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh Theta SC advantages over Canon ELPH 500 HS

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 180 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    102g vs 186g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    14.5 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    7 mm vs 24 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh Theta SC

Review Excerpt

  • Backlit sensor; High Resolution screen; Touchscreen interface; 24mm equivalent wide-angle zoom; Full HD video.

  • Below-average battery life; Touchscreen requires more pressure than cell phones; Zoom toggle difficult to use; Soft corners and moderate chromatic aberration.

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD4000 IS

Canon ELPH 500 HS
Canon SD4000 IS
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Ricoh Theta SC
Canon SD4000 IS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX75

Canon ELPH 500 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX75
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • More dots on screen
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Ricoh Theta SC
Panasonic DMC-FX75
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX700

Canon ELPH 500 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX700
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $204
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Less shutter lag
Ricoh Theta SC
Panasonic DMC-FX700
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $204
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus TG-1

Canon ELPH 500 HS
Olympus TG-1
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Fast startup
Ricoh Theta SC
Olympus TG-1
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Waterproof

Compared to Olympus TG-2

Canon ELPH 500 HS
Olympus TG-2
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $383
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh Theta SC
Olympus TG-2
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $383
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Waterproof
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