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

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Differences

Canon SX500 advantages over Ricoh WG-5 GPS

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $380 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Ricoh WG-5 GPS advantages over Canon SX500

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 240 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    236g 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
    1.5 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Ricoh WG-5 GPS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SP-610UZ

Canon SX500
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $424
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
Olympus SP-610UZ
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon SX510 HS

Canon SX500
Canon SX510 HS
  • $424
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
Canon SX510 HS
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Canon SX500
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $424
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Olympus TG-3

Canon SX500
Olympus TG-3
  • $424
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
Olympus TG-3
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Canon SX420 IS

Canon SX500
Canon SX420 IS
  • $424
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Newer
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
Canon SX420 IS
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?