Canon S120 vs Olympus E-500
The Canon PowerShot S120 and the Olympus Evolt E-500 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2013 and September 2005. The S120 is a fixed lens compact, while the E-500 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (S120) and a Four Thirds (E-500) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 8 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot S120 and the Olympus Evolt E-500? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon S120 and the Olympus E-500 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-500 is considerably larger (109 percent) than the Canon S120. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the S120 nor the E-500 are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the S120 has a lens built in, whereas the E-500 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the E-500 and their specifications in the Four Thirds Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the S120 gets 230 shots out of its Canon NB-6LH battery, while the E-500 can take 750 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLM-1 power pack.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
2. | Olympus E-500 | 130 mm | 95 mm | 66 mm | 479 g | 750 | n | Sep 2005 | 599 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 117 mm | 81 mm | 65 mm | 534 g | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 116 mm | 74 mm | 66 mm | 553 g | 240 | n | Feb 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G9 X | 98 mm | 58 mm | 31 mm | 209 g | 220 | n | Oct 2015 | 529 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G9 X Mark II | 98 mm | 58 mm | 31 mm | 206 g | 235 | n | Jan 2017 | 529 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon G15 | 107 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 352 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX50 | 123 mm | 87 mm | 106 mm | 595 g | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon P7800 | 119 mm | 78 mm | 50 mm | 399 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
11. | Olympus E-300 | 147 mm | 85 mm | 64 mm | 624 g | 750 | n | Sep 2004 | 799 | ebay.com | |
12. | Olympus E-330 | 140 mm | 87 mm | 72 mm | 637 g | 750 | n | Jan 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Olympus E-400 | 130 mm | 91 mm | 53 mm | 435 g | 500 | n | Sep 2006 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Olympus E-410 | 130 mm | 91 mm | 53 mm | 435 g | 500 | n | Mar 2007 | 699 | ebay.com | |
15. | Olympus E-510 | 136 mm | 92 mm | 68 mm | 538 g | 750 | n | Mar 2007 | 799 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic LF1 | 103 mm | 62 mm | 28 mm | 192 g | 250 | n | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic LX7 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Jul 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The S120 was launched at a lower price than the E-500, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon S120 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Olympus E-500 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-500 is 423 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.5 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.
Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon S120 offers a higher resolution of 12 megapixels, compared with 8 MP of the Olympus E-500. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.89μm versus 5.30μm for the E-500). However, it should be noted that the S120 is much more recent (by 7 years and 10 months) than the E-500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.
The resolution advantage of the Canon S120 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S120 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-500 are 16.3 x 12.2 inches or 41.5 x 31.1 cm for good quality, 13.1 x 9.8 inches or 33.2 x 24.9 cm for very good quality, and 10.9 x 8.2 inches or 27.6 x 20.7 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Canon PowerShot S120 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus Evolt E-500 are ISO 100 to ISO 400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-1600.
In terms of underlying technology, the S120 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-500 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
2. | Olympus E-500 | Four Thirds | 8.0 | 3264 | 2448 | none | 20.7 | 10.3 | 45 | 51 | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 1.5-inch | 13.0 | 4160 | 3120 | 1080/30p | 21.5 | 10.8 | 581 | 58 | |
5. | Canon G9 X | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.5 | 12.3 | 495 | 63 | |
6. | Canon G9 X Mark II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.9 | 12.5 | 522 | 65 | |
7. | Canon G15 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.9 | 11.5 | 165 | 46 | |
8. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
9. | Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
10. | Nikon P7800 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 21.2 | 11.7 | 200 | 54 | |
11. | Olympus E-300 | Four Thirds | 8.0 | 3264 | 2448 | none | 20.4 | 10.1 | -40 | 48 | |
12. | Olympus E-330 | Four Thirds | 7.4 | 3136 | 2352 | none | 20.8 | 10.4 | 73 | 52 | |
13. | Olympus E-400 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.0 | 10.6 | 127 | 53 | |
14. | Olympus E-410 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.1 | 10.0 | 494 | 51 | |
15. | Olympus E-510 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.2 | 10.0 | 442 | 52 | |
16. | Panasonic LF1 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.8 | 11.6 | 211 | 52 | |
17. | Panasonic LX7 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 20.7 | 11.7 | 147 | 50 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The S120 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the E-500 does not. The highest resolution format that the S120 can use is 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-500 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the S120 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon S120 and Olympus E-500 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Olympus E-500 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | optional | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 5.2/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon G9 X | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 6.0/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon G9 X Mark II | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 8.2/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon G15 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.1/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Nikon P7800 | 921 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Olympus E-300 | optical | n | 1.8 / 134 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
12. | Olympus E-330 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Olympus E-400 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Olympus E-410 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Olympus E-510 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Panasonic LF1 | 200 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Panasonic LX7 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The S120 has a touchscreen, while the E-500 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The Canon S120 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The S120 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the E-500 uses Compact Flash or xD Picture cards. The E-500 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the S120 only has one slot.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot S120 and Olympus Evolt E-500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Olympus E-500 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon G1 X | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Canon G9 X | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Canon G9 X Mark II | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon G15 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Canon SX50 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon P7800 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Olympus E-300 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Olympus E-330 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Olympus E-400 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Olympus E-410 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Olympus E-510 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Panasonic LF1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
17. | Panasonic LX7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the S120 offers wifi support, while the E-500 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Both the S120 and the E-500 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-500 was replaced by the Olympus E-510, while the S120 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the S120 and E-500 can be found, respectively, in the Canon S120 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-500 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon S120 and the Olympus E-500? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot S120:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (12 vs 8MP) with a 23% higher linear resolution.
- Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 215k dots).
- Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12.1 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the E-500 requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 130x95mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the E-500).
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
- More modern: Reflects 7 years and 10 months of technical progress since the E-500 launch.
Advantages of the Olympus Evolt E-500:
- Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
- Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
- More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (750 versus 230) out of a single battery charge.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2005).
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the S120 emerges as the winner of the contest (14 : 11 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon S120 and the Olympus E-500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S120 or the E-500 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
2. | Olympus E-500 | .. | 76/100 | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2005 | 599 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 5/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G9 X | 3.5/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | 529 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G9 X Mark II | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 529 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon G15 | 4/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX50 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon P7800 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
11. | Olympus E-300 | .. | .. | .. | + | o | 4.5/5 | Sep 2004 | 799 | ebay.com | |
12. | Olympus E-330 | .. | .. | .. | + | o | .. | Jan 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Olympus E-400 | .. | 85/100 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2006 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Olympus E-410 | .. | 86/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2007 | 699 | ebay.com | |
15. | Olympus E-510 | .. | 89/100 | .. | + + | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2007 | 799 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic LF1 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic LX7 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon G1 X vs Canon S120
- Canon G9 X Mark II vs Olympus E-500
- Canon S120 vs Leica M Typ 262
- Canon S120 vs Nikon D3200
- Canon S120 vs Olympus E-M1X
- Canon S120 vs Panasonic GM5
- Canon S120 vs Panasonic GX850
- Canon T6i vs Olympus E-500
- Canon XS vs Olympus E-500
- Fujifilm X-T1 vs Olympus E-500
- Olympus E-500 vs Olympus PEN-F
- Olympus E-500 vs Pentax K-1 II
Specifications: Canon S120 vs Olympus E-500
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | 24-120mm f/1.8-5.7 | Four Thirds lenses |
Launch Date | August 2013 | September 2005 |
Launch Price | USD 449 | USD 599 |
Sensor Specs | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor Format | 1/1.7" Sensor | Four Thirds Sensor |
Sensor Size | 7.6 x 5.7 mm | 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 43.32 mm2 | 224.9 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 9.5 mm | 21.6 mm |
Crop Factor | 4.5x | 2.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | 8 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels | 3264 x 2448 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 1.89 μm | 5.30 μm |
Pixel Density | 27.70 MP/cm2 | 3.55 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 80 - 12,800 ISO | 100 - 400 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 100 - 1,600 ISO |
Image Processor | Digic 6 | TruePic |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 56 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.3 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.9 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 246 | .. |
Screen Specs | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
Viewfinder Type | no viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.45x | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 2.5inch |
LCD Resolution | 922k dots | 215k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | no Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | no Peaking Feature |
Continuous Shooting | 12.1 shutter flaps/s | 2.5 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | CF or XD cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
External Flash | no Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | no HDMI |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Canon S120 | Olympus E-500 |
Battery Type | Canon NB-6LH | Olympus BLM-1 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 230 shots per charge | 750 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
100 x 59 x 29 mm (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.1 in) |
130 x 95 x 66 mm (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.6 in) |
Camera Weight | 217 g (7.7 oz) | 479 g (16.9 oz) |
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