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Canon SX500 vs Nikon Z6

The Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and the Nikon Z6 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2012 and August 2018. The SX500 is a fixed lens compact, while the Z6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX500) and a full frame (Z6) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX500
versus
Nikon Z6
Canon SX500   Nikon Z6
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 Nikon Z mount lenses
15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 80-1,600 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 461k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
0.8 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
195 shots per battery charge310 shots per battery charge
104 x 70 x 80 mm, 341 g 134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and the Nikon Z6? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon SX500 and the Nikon Z6 are illustrated 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.

Size Canon SX500 vs Nikon Z6
Compare SX500 versus Z6 top
Comparison SX500 or Z6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z6 is considerably larger (86 percent) than the Canon SX500. It is noteworthy in this context that the Z6 is splash and dust-proof, while the SX500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX500 has a lens built in, whereas the Z6 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the SX500 gets 195 shots out of its Canon NB-6L battery, while the Z6 can take 310 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15b power pack. The power pack in the Z6 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX500 104 mm 70 mm 80 mm 341 g 195 n Aug 2012 US$ 329ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX400 104 mm 69 mm 80 mm 313 g 190 n Jul 2014 US$ 249ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 185 n Feb 2015 US$ 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 US$ 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX510 104 mm 70 mm 80 mm 349 g 250 n Aug 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX700 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 250 n Feb 2014 US$ 349ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 Y Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.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 obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX500 was launched at a lower price than the Z6, 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX500 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Nikon Z6 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Z6 is 2964 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.0. The sensor in the SX500 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the Z6 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon SX500 and Nikon Z6 sensor measures

With 24.3MP, the Z6 offers a higher resolution than the SX500 (15.9MP), but the Z6 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 1.33μm for the SX500) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z6 is a much more recent model (by 6 years) than the SX500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z6 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z6 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX500 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z6 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot SX500 IS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z6 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the SX500 is build around a CCD sensor, while the Z6 uses a BSI-CMOS 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.

SX500 versus Z6 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 3456720/30p19.811.149443
2.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
3.
 
Canon SX400 1/2.3 15.9 4608 3456720/30p20.111.567246
4.
 
Canon SX410 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.211.672047
5.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
6.
 
Canon SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
7.
 
Canon SX510 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/24p20.011.358645
8.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
9.
 
Canon SX700 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.111.462945
10.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
11.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
12.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
14.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
15.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
16.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
17.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
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 can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Z6 provides a better video resolution than the SX500. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z6 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX500 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX500 and Nikon Z6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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 SX500none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/1600s 0.8/s Y Y
2.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon SX400none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/1600s 0.8/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX410none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX510none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/1600s 3.8/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX700none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 8.5/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
14.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon Zf3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The SX500 has one, while the Z6 does not. While the built-in flash of the SX500 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z6 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z6 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 SX500 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the Z6 uses XQD cards.

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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 SX500 IS and Nikon Z6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX500-stereo / mono---2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon SX400-stereo / mono---2.0---
4.
 
Canon SX410-stereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX510-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon SX700-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
12.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
13.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon ZfYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the Z6 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the SX500 does not provide wifi capability.

Both the SX500 and the Z6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX500 was replaced by the Canon SX510, while the Z6 was followed by the Nikon Z6 II. Further information on the features and operation of the SX500 and Z6 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z6 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon SX500 better than the Nikon Z6 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the Z6 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (104x70mm vs 134x101mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the Z6).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2012).

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z6:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 461k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/1600s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (310 versus 195) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years of technical progress since the SX500 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z6 is the clear winner of the contest (29 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. 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.

SX500 07:29 Z6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX500 and the Nikon Z6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 SX500 or the Z6 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX500..+ +....4/54/5 Aug 2012 US$ 329ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX400..+........ Jul 2014 US$ 249ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410..o........ Feb 2015 US$ 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX510..+ +....4.5/54/5 Aug 2013 US$ 249ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX700..+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 US$ 349ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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 make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon SX500 vs Nikon Z6

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-720mm f/3.4-5.8 Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2012 August 2018
    Launch Price USD 329 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    Sensor Technology CCD BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.33 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 56.73 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 4 EXPEED 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 25.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 3299
    Screen Specs Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 461k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/1600s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 0.8 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Canon SX500 Nikon Z6
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-6L Nikon EN-EL15b
    Battery Life (CIPA)195 shots per charge310 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 104 x 70 x 80 mm
    (4.1 x 2.8 x 3.1 in)
    134 x 101 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 341 g (12.0 oz) 675 g (23.8 oz)
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    Check SX500 offers at
    ebay.com
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    Check Z6 offers at
    ebay.com

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