• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX500 advantages over Olympus TG-5

  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 21 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus TG-5 advantages over Canon SX500

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.4
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 340 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    31 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    250g vs 341g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 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
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus TG-5

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-610UZ

Canon SX500
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus TG-5
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Focus peaking
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX510 HS

Canon SX500
Canon SX510 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus TG-5
Canon SX510 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Waterproof
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Canon SX500
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus TG-5
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Canon SX420 IS

Canon SX500
Canon SX420 IS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Newer
Olympus TG-5
Canon SX420 IS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Waterproof
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels

Compared to Olympus TG-6

Canon SX500
Olympus TG-6
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Focus peaking
Olympus TG-5
Olympus TG-6
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Newer
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