Canon SL2 has a
24.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 7 processor. On the other hand, Canon 500D has a
15.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Canon SL2's sensor provides 9MP more than Canon 500D's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the SL2 and 500D sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SL2 and Canon 500D Cameras
Canon SL2 and Canon 500D have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Canon 500D has 59% larger pixel area (22.08µm 2 vs 13.84µm 2 ) compared to Canon SL2, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Canon SL2 and Canon 500D sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, SL2 has scored 79, 16 points higher than 500D.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Canon SL2
79
23.6 bits
13.4 Evs
1041 ISO
Canon 500D
63
21.7 bits
11.5 Evs
663 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Canon SL2
or the
Canon 500D ,
including hyperfocal distance.
