Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SX500 IS and Sony NEX-6 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX500 IS has external dimensions of 104 x 70 x 80 mm (4.09 x 2.76 x 3.15″) and weighs 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz) (including batteries). Sony NEX-6 has external dimensions of 120 x 67 x 43 mm (4.72 x 2.64 x 1.69″) and weighs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SX500 IS and the Sony NEX-6. Sony NEX-6 is 3mm shorter and 37mm thinner than Canon SX500 IS but it is also 16mm wider. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SX500 IS has a built-in lens but Sony NEX-6 doesn't. Once you put a lens on NEX-6, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon SX500 IS and Sony NEX-6.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon SX500 IS and Sony NEX-6.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SX500 IS is 4g lighter than the Sony NEX-6 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on NEX-6, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS nor Sony Alpha NEX-6 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SX500 IS and Sony NEX-6's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Sony NEX-6 features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Canon SX500 IS has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to NEX-6.