The ultimate in stylish, high performance digital photography, the Digital IXUS 500 delivers quality prints up to A3 size. With a super hard Cerabrite finish, this flagship of the IXUS range brings together uncompromising build quality and an abundance of integrated technologies in a triumph of miniaturization. A 3x optical zoom culminates 60 years of Canon optical heritage to deliver crisp, corner-to-corner clarity.
Price Range: $0
Amazon Rating: 
(111 Reviews)
Epinions Rating: 
(28 Reviews)
| Store | Notes | Store Rating | Price | Tax & Shipping | Buy |
|---|
5-megapixel effective recording * DIGIC processor for better color quality * 1-1/2" color LCD viewscreen * optical viewfinder * JPEG options: resolution up to 2592 x 1944; 2048 x 1536; 1600 x 1200; 640 x 480 *.
Adding megapixel power to the popular S400 Digital Elph, Canon's PowerShot S500 bumps up the resolution to 5 megapixels--providing richer details and improved clarity. Elegantly designed and super compact, the S500 has a protective stainless steel shell with a celabrite finish, which mixes metals and ceramics to produce a tough cool-toned exterior that is visually stunning. It also features a 3x optical zoom, high-resolution video capture, and Canon's new Print/Share button, which helps you quickly connect directly to a printer or send an image via e-mail.
The S500's 5-megapixel sensor captures a wealth of detail. Optics and Resolution The 5-megapixel PowerShot S500 can capture 2592 x 1944 images for poster-size prints. It also has 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480 resolution modes.
The 3x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 7.4-22.2mm (35mm equivalent: 36-108mm). It also has a 4.1x digital zoom. Movie Mode The PowerShot S500 lets you capture high-resolution 30-second video clips with sound at 640 x 480 (10 frames per second).
You can also capture 3-minute movies at lower resolution settings: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 (both at 15 frames per second). More Camera Features 9-point Artificial Intelligence autofocus (AiAF) for fast and sharp images, even with off-center subjects 1.5 inch low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD (118,000 pixels) Real-image optical zoom viewfinder Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, and slow sync modes Record a voice memo of up to 60 seconds and attach to images Shutter speed: 15 - 1/2,000 seconds White balance control: Auto, pre-set (daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, fluorescent H), or custom white balance Continuous shooting: 2.2 frames (maximum 14 images) 2x to 10x zoom into captured images while reviewing via the LCD Canon Technology Features Digic Imaging Processor: While much technical discussion of digital cameras centers around the optics and the CCD sensor, the complex task of image rendering is the job of the image processor--the "brains" of a digital camera. Canon's latest, exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor significantly enhances digital camera performance in numerous areas.
DIGIC's high-speed signal processing is combined with high-capacity buffering to give Canon digital cameras fast response and continuous shooting capability unmatched by other digital cameras. DIGIC delivers longer battery life and beautiful, rich color rendition with far fewer white saturation problems. And DIGIC's unequaled precision delivers clear, noise-free images that are demonstrably superior.
Canon's 9-point AiAF makes it easier to focus even when your subject is off-center in the frame. iSAPS Technology: Canon iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) technology dramatically improves the performance of AF (Autofocus), AE (Auto Exposure), and AWB (Auto White Balance). By analyzing a huge volume of photography data, accumulated over 60 years and the manufacture of over 150 million cameras, Canon engineers arrived at statistical relationships among focal length, focus distance, scene brightness, and other factors.
Equipped with this "fore knowledge" Canon PowerShot cameras can optimize AF/AE/AWB settings for any given scene more rapidly and more effectively. Multi-point AiAF: Canon's wide-area, multi-point AiAF (artificial intelligence autofocus) automatically selects one or more focusing points based on factors, such as subject position and motion. AiAF works in conjunction with iSAPS Technology to more quickly and accurately achieve autofocus under a wide variety of shooting conditions.
You get fast, accurate AF whether you hold the camera horizontally or vertically, with stationary or moving subjects, with off-center subjects, and even in low-light/low-contrast lighting. Direct Printing/Sharing The PowerShot S500 introduces a new Print/Share button that speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98 computers for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or placement in e-mail. When connected to a Canon Compact Photo printer, a Movie Print mode divides the selected clip into equal parts and prints thumbnails of a maximum 63 equally spaced frames onto a single sheet of Postcard Size Paper.
Storage and Transfer Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I only) and the included 32 MB card holds approximately 21 images at the Large/Fine setting. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. Power and Size The camera is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-1LH).
With the LCD on, you will get approximately 190 shots. It measures 3.43 x 2.24 x 1.09 inches and weighs 6.5 ounces (without batteries). What's in the Box This package contains the PowerShot S500 digital camera, 32 MB CompactFlash memory card, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-1LH), battery charger (CB-2LS), USB and A/V cables, and wrist strap.
The supplied software on the CD-ROM includes browsing and printing software ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Mac). Other software includes PhotoStitch, plus photo and movie manipulation software ArcSoft PhotoStudio and VideoImpression..
MPN: 9343a005aa
Family Line: Canon PowerShot
Weight: 0.41 lb.
Image Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 5.3 Megapixel
Optical Zoom: 3x
Camera Type: Compact
Interchangeable Lens: Not Interchangeable Lenses
Optical Zoom: 3x
35mm Zoom Lens: 36 - 108 mm
Digital Zoom: 4.1x
Focus Type: Autofocus
Focus Range: 18 in. to Infinity (w) / 18 in. to Infinity (t)
Macro Focus Range: 2 - 18 in. (w) / 12 - 18 in. (t)
Focal Length: 7.4 - 22.2 mm
Camera Resolution: 5.3 Megapixel
Image Resolutions: 640 x 480, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200
Video Resolutions: 320 x 240 (QVGA), 640 x 480 (VGA), 160 x 120
Video Speed: 15 fps
Max Movie Length: 180 Seconds
Video Format: AVI
Aperture Range: f2.8/f4.9 (w/t)
Shutter Speed: 15 - 1/2000 sec
White Balance: Auto, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset)
Frames Per Second: 2.2 Frames
Memory Type: CompactFlash Card Type I
Compression Modes: Fine, SuperFine, Normal
Compression Type: JPEG
File Size (High Res.): 2 MB (64 images on 128MB card)
File Size (Low Res.): 0.08 MB (about 1,600 images on 128MB card)
ISO Speeds: Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400
Flash Type: Built-In
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Fill-in Flash, Red-eye Reduction Flash, Slow Sync
Viewfinder: Optical
LCD Panel: With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size: 1.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution: 118,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position: Without LCD Protected Position
Interface Type: USB
Video Interface: Video Out
Battery Type: Proprietary Lithium
Battery Life: 190 Images
Self Timer: 2 Sec., 10 Sec.
Built-in MP3 Player:
Built-in Microphone: With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker: With Built-in Speaker
Tripod Mount: With Tripod Mount
Operating System: Apple Mac OS 9, Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98SE, Microsoft Windows ME, Microsoft Windows XP
Width: 3.43 in.
Depth: 1.09 in.
Height: 2.24 in.
Weight: 0.41 lb.
Warranty: 1 Year
Included Accessories: Software, USB Cable, Video Cable, Hand Strap, 32 MB Memory Card, Lithium Battery, Battery Charger
Product ID: 22128121
4 years and still amazing!
Author's Rating:
This was my first digital camera that I received back in 2004 - and only now do I see it failing on me (there are lines that look like scratches that are probably produced on the image due to worn out card reading mechanism). I also own a Canon EOS Rebel 35mm camera and will say Canon is the brand to go with.
I would buy the s500 for any really young person today trying to learn digital photography...and not paying much for it. Yes, it doesn't look as fancy as the new ones, but my photos have been amazing quality in the highest resolution modes using manual mode. [...]
The only thing that has been upgraded over the years with all the cameras has been the size of the LCD screen - which I've gotten used to. Yes it's about half as small as a standard cellphone screen nowadays.
The boxy size of it fits in all jeans pockets and small purses.
It does video too and is one of the old-fashioned digital cameras compared to today.
I was a 35mm experienced photographer when I began using it for candid shots and was not disappointed due to the ability to control a lot of the functions.
Also it uses the old style compact flash cards as memory, which are bigger, as are the rectangle batteries, but it's very compact made as a whole. Best quality are the photos!
Jun 23, 2008
4 years and still amazing!
Author's Rating:
This was my first digital camera that I received back in 2004 - and only now do I see it failing on me (there are lines that look like scratches that are probably produced on the image due to worn out card reading mechanism). I also own a Canon EOS Rebel 35mm camera and will say Canon is the brand to go with.
I would buy the s500 for any really young person today trying to learn digital photography...and not paying much for it. Yes, it doesn't look as fancy as the new ones, but my photos have been amazing quality in the highest resolution modes using manual mode. [...]
The only thing that has been upgraded over the years with all the cameras has been the size of the LCD screen - which I've gotten used to. Yes it's about half as small as a standard cellphone screen nowadays.
The boxy size of it fits in all jeans pockets and small purses.
It does video too and is one of the old-fashioned digital cameras compared to today.
I was a 35mm experienced photographer when I began using it for candid shots and was not disappointed due to the ability to control a lot of the functions.
More …
i loved it until i lost it..
Author's Rating:
I got this camera about 4 years ago, and I just lost it/got it stolen so in a way, this is a tribute to it..
So, it goes to say that this camera definitely lasted me a long time. I loved the digital zoom [which I used constantly since it came in great use during concerts, shows and for small things I want to capture out in the distance] and the image size of my pictures [and resolution] when I uploaded my pictures on my computer. It always made me look normal- some of my friend's cameras just made people look weirdly colored or not as clear, but mine always shone through. Even when all the new, slimmer, touch-screen cameras came out, I thought of getting a new one but I always loved my camera and I used it a lot. Yes, it was bulky and yet it never prompted people to say, "WOW, let me see your camera!", but I loved it. The only thing that did annoy me a little was the time that it took to start up and stuff- I missed some good moments because of it. And its video recording format is really limited [I think it had a time limit and you can't zoom while filming? I think.] But overall, I loved it and I miss it. Go Canon!!
Apr 12, 2008
i loved it until i lost it..
Author's Rating:
I got this camera about 4 years ago, and I just lost it/got it stolen so in a way, this is a tribute to it..
So, it goes to say that this camera definitely lasted me a long time. I loved the digital zoom [which I used constantly since it came in great use during concerts, shows and for small things I want to capture out in the distance] and the image size of my pictures [and resolution] when I uploaded my pictures on my computer. It always made me look normal- some of my friend's cameras just made people look weirdly colored or not as clear, but mine always shone through. Even when all the new, slimmer, touch-screen cameras came out, I thought of getting a new one but I always loved my camera and I used it a lot. Yes, it was bulky and yet it never prompted people to say, "WOW, let me see your camera!", but I loved it. The only thing that did annoy me a little was the time that it took to start up and stuff- I missed some good moments because of it. And its video recording format is really limited [I think it had a time limit and you can't zoom while filming? I think.] But overall, I loved it and I miss it. Go Canon!!
More …
It's up in the air Some pics are good while some pics are really BAD!!!
Author's Rating:
This Camera was my primary camera until I bought the DSC-S700. This Camera Takes great Outdoor pics but so far as indoor pics there is much to be desired. I gives this a 1 star since that any camera that you pay for should take ALL pics Good regardless if it is indoors or out.
Jan 02, 2008
pretty good
Author's Rating:
I received this camera as a gift three years ago and it has served me well. It is easy to use and takes high quality pictures. It tends not to want to take the picture unless the image is in focus, which I love. And I have never experienced an E18 error. I also love the video feature and have captured some great moments on it (works better with a larger memory card).
My complaint is that it does take a long time to power on which can be annoying when youre trying to quickly snap a picture of something that is happening right at that moment.
As time has gone on, the power on has taken longer than it did in the beginning, and it takes a REALLY long time (10 seconds-ish) to switch back from play mode to snap mode. And sometimes it will just shut itself down when I go from play to snap mode, even with a full battery.
I am assuming that these faults have come with the aging of the camera and that my beloved first digital camera is slowly dying. It really has served me well for these 3 years but now it is starting to malfunction, and repairs are not cheap! (I dropped it while at the circus recently and the panoramic,b&w and video functions stopped working and I was told it would cost a minimum of $134 to fix it.)
Sep 20, 2007
pretty good
Author's Rating:
I received this camera as a gift three years ago and it has served me well. It is easy to use and takes high quality pictures. It tends not to want to take the picture unless the image is in focus, which I love. And I have never experienced an E18 error. I also love the video feature and have captured some great moments on it (works better with a larger memory card).
My complaint is that it does take a long time to power on which can be annoying when youre trying to quickly snap a picture of something that is happening right at that moment.
As time has gone on, the power on has taken longer than it did in the beginning, and it takes a REALLY long time (10 seconds-ish) to switch back from play mode to snap mode. And sometimes it will just shut itself down when I go from play to snap mode, even with a full battery.
I am assuming that these faults have come with the aging of the camera and that my beloved first digital camera is slowly dying. It really has served me well for these 3 years but now it is starting to malfunction, and repairs are not cheap! (I dropped it while at the circus recently and the panoramic,b&w and video functions stopped working and I was told it would cost a minimum of $134 to fix it.)
More …
Compact Size camera
Author's Rating:
The size of the camera allows you to even carry in jeans pant pocket, which is impossible in A-series. Image stabilization is very good, pic quality is good even when traveling in car. The flash is pretty powerful. This is the best cannon camera for all those people who want to keep the camera in pockets and not in bag or hand.
Feb 20, 2007
wonderful camera
Author's Rating:
A birthday gift for my daughter. Lots of great digital pictures were the result! Great quality pictures, the only minor problem was a loose on/off knob. It still works but requires more attention than it should. But still takes super quality pics....
Jan 16, 2007
GREAT CAMERA! I'm loving it!
Author's Rating:
I'm surprised to see that a lot of people only give 1* to this camera! I've had it for 2 years now and i just love it! Thanks to it, I discovered I had a real passion for photography... It's very easy to use and my pictures are great! When I show them, people usually tell me " you must have an expensive camera"... and i just show them my little Canon S500 and they are surprised with the result!
I'm just loving it!
Oct 13, 2006
Junk! Do NOT Buy It!!
Author's Rating:
Over 90% of pictures I took by this Canon are blurry. No way can you fix it. I really got fed up with it. Waist your money. Waist your time. More important, waist your precious moments!
Sep 20, 2006
Shocked and Dissapointed
Author's Rating:
I have known Canon to be a very high quality company. However, I was deeply shocked and disappointed to find that this camera fails to meet the expectations I had about this camera. A few years ago I bought the Fujiffilm 3800. I loved this camera but after a few ski trips I found it rather bulky. I then bought the Canon S500 becaus of its small size and after many good reviews about the S400. For most of the pictures I take on a ski trip this camera is fine. However, if you are taking pictures other than outdoors in the daytime, this camera is worse than a disposable camera. First, there is no red-eye reduction. It simply does not work when I set it to take flash with red-eye reduction. Second, pictures taken at dusk or dawn come out blurry. I would speculate that the shutter speed is way too slow and you would need a tripod. Third, night picture?....Forget about it. I tried to get a beatiful picture of the Chicago skyline but the picture was underexposed. So, I tried the manual mode and played with the exposure settings and I could not get a setting that would produce non-blurry pictures. Looks like I'll be back in the market for a Fujifilm. After all the reviews I've read, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop (E18, LCD, etc.). Not to mention the terrible service that I have been reading about.
Aug 13, 2006
Shocked and Dissapointed
Author's Rating:
I have known Canon to be a very high quality company. However, I was deeply shocked and disappointed to find that this camera fails to meet the expectations I had about this camera. A few years ago I bought the Fujiffilm 3800. I loved this camera but after a few ski trips I found it rather bulky. I then bought the Canon S500 becaus of its small size and after many good reviews about the S400. For most of the pictures I take on a ski trip this camera is fine. However, if you are taking pictures other than outdoors in the daytime, this camera is worse than a disposable camera. First, there is no red-eye reduction. It simply does not work when I set it to take flash with red-eye reduction. Second, pictures taken at dusk or dawn come out blurry. I would speculate that the shutter speed is way too slow and you would need a tripod. Third, night picture?....Forget about it. I tried to get a beatiful picture of the Chicago skyline but the picture was underexposed. So, I tried the manual mode and played with the exposure settings and I could not get a setting that would produce non-blurry pictures. Looks like I'll be back in the market for a Fujifilm. After all the reviews I've read, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop (E18, LCD, etc.). Not to mention the terrible service that I have been reading about. More …
Lens Jams!
Author's Rating:
After just over a year, my lens jammed and the display read "e18". So I was pretty upset to discover that this is an extremely common defect - and a defect that Canon refuses to admit. Try Googling Canon S500 e18", and you'll see what I meant.
Don't buy it unless you want a very expensive paperweight.
Jul 09, 2006
