• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon PowerShot SX500 IS
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic GH3
GH3 vs GH4
Successor: Canon SX510 HS
SX500 vs SX510 HS
Panasonic GH5
GH4 vs GH5
General
Model Number: SX500 GH4
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Mid-Sized Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $329.99 $1500.00
Street Price: $498.00 $898.50
Date Available: 2012-09-15 2014-04-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 12.0 oz (341 g)
includes batteries
20.1 oz (569 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.1 x 2.7 x 3.2 in.
(104 x 70 x 80 mm)
5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3 in.
(133 x 93 x 84 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CCD Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 16.0 16.1
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 4/3
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.34 microns 3.75 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:   Fixed
Self-Cleaning: No Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score:   74
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):   23.2
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):   12.8
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):   791
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 1832 (6.0 MP, 16:9),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3) JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 0.8 12.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (25p)
640x480 (30p)
4096x2160 (24p)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (96p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio data: Linear PCM (stereo)) MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Canon Zoom Lens n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 24 - 720mm  
Focal Length (actual): 4.3 - 129mm  
Zoom Ratio: 30.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.4 (W) / f/5.8 (T) - f/8.0  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 0 cm to Infinity
0.0 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range: 0 - 50 cm
0.0 - 19.7 in
 
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detection; Face Detect AiAF, Single AF point (center or face select and track) Contrast Detection: Face/Eye detection, AF Tracking, 49-area-focusing, Custom Multi, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type:   EVF: 2,359K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, adjustable eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.34x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 461,000 dots 1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   25600
Minimum ISO (native):   200
ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; (Higher in 4MP Low Light scene mode) Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200-25600; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 100
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2/3/4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/1600 - 15 sec 1/8000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (Center) 1728-zone Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: SCN (Portrait, FaceSelf-Timer, Low Light (4.0MP), Snow, Fireworks), Creative Filters (Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect), Discreet, My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color) No scene modes. Creative Control (Stills): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine; Creative Control (Movies): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Fantasy, One Point Color
Self Timer: 2, 10, Custom seconds 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow Synchro; Red-Eye Reduction available Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups)
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: 1.6 ft. - 16 ft. (W), 4.6 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.0m (W), (1.4 - 3.0m (T)) Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200)
Max Flash Sync: 1/1600 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: No Yes
Uncompressed Format:   RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio data: Linear PCM (stereo)) MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Optional wired DMW-RSL1
Connections (extended): Mini (Type-C) HDMI Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, DMW-YAGH IU Connections
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):   0.35
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):   0.40
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):   Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.35
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 0.8 12.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): Unlimited Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.8
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   21
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   21
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):   0.19 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.057 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.35 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused):   0.050 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full AF, wide-area AF mode = 0.186s
Startup Time:   0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time:   0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:   4.2 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 195 shots 530 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   500 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NB-6L Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NB-6L Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Canon software suite (ImageBrowser EX, PhotoStitch) PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.5 PE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8); SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.1 SE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8, Mac OS X v10.5-10.8); LoiLoScope (trial version) (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8)
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3, Mac OS X v10.6 - 10.7 Windows, Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC 4 Processor, Zoom Framing Assist, 720p HD Movies. Up to 4Kp30 Ultra HD video, higher-res EVF and OLED monitor, 12fps full-res burst mode, 1/8000s top shutter speed, 1/250 x-sync, 200K shutter, optional DMW-YAGH Interface Unit.