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Canon PowerShot SD500 Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot SD500 is a 7.1MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot SD500 Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SD500 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot SD500

The Canon PowerShot SD500 is a compact point-and-shoot camera built around a 7.1MP sensor in a 1/1.8-inch format, powered by Canon's DIGIC II image processor. It delivers still images at a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 pixels and offers a selection of five color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Monochrome — giving shooters some control over the look of their images straight from the camera. The ISO range runs from 50 to 400, keeping things practical for everyday outdoor and indoor shooting.

For video, the SD500 captures footage up to 480p with frame rate options of 15fps, 30fps, and 60fps, all in 8-bit color. Autofocus relies on contrast detection across a 9-point system. The camera includes a built-in flash with multiple modes, a 2.0-inch TFT LCD display at 118,000 dots, and an optical tunnel viewfinder as a backup framing option.

Storage is handled via SD card or Memory Stick. The body is constructed from stainless steel and polycarbonate, measures 87 x 57 x 26 mm, and weighs 170g — genuinely pocketable. Battery is the NB-3L, rated for approximately 140 shots per charge.

Connectivity includes USB, though there is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Key Features — Canon PowerShot SD500

7.1MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 3072x2304 pixels, delivering detailed images for a mid-2000s compact camera.

DIGIC II Image Processor: Canon's second-generation DIGIC processor handles image rendering and helps reduce noise across the ISO 50–400 range.

3x Optical Zoom Lens: Built-in zoom lens covers a versatile focal range for everyday shooting without carrying extra gear.

Five In-Camera Color Profiles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Monochrome options let you set the look of your images directly in the camera.

Stainless Steel Body: Stainless steel and polycarbonate construction at 170g and 87 x 57 x 26 mm makes the SD500 durable and genuinely pocketable.

Optical Tunnel Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the LCD for framing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions.

Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot SD500

Canon PowerShot SD500 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/1.8 inch
Resolution7.1MP
ProcessorDIGIC II
ISO Range50 – 400
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points9 points
Max Photo Resolution3072x2304
Burst Rate2 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Canon PowerShot SD500

The Canon PowerShot SD500 is a compact point-and-shoot camera featuring a 7.1MP sensor in a 1/1.8-inch format, processed by Canon's DIGIC II image processor. Maximum still image resolution is 3072x2304 pixels, with five color profile options: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Monochrome. The ISO range spans 50 to 400, and burst mode is supported at up to 2 frames per second.

Video capture reaches 480p at frame rates of 15fps, 30fps, or 60fps in 8-bit color. The 9-point contrast detection autofocus system handles focusing duties. A 2.0-inch TFT LCD at 118,000 dots serves as the primary framing and review screen, backed by an optical tunnel viewfinder.

The body is made of stainless steel and polycarbonate, measuring 87 x 57 x 26 mm and weighing just 170g. Storage options include SD and Memory Stick, and connectivity is provided via USB. The camera runs on a NB-3L battery rated at approximately 140 shots per charge.

Pros — Canon PowerShot SD500

  • ✓7.1MP resolution on a 1/1.8-inch sensor delivers detailed stills at up to 3072x2304 pixels
  • ✓Five color profiles (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Monochrome) offer in-camera creative flexibility
  • ✓Stainless steel and polycarbonate body at just 170g and 87 x 57 x 26 mm makes it genuinely pocketable

Cons — Canon PowerShot SD500

  • ✗ISO maxes out at 400, limiting low-light performance
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
  • ✗480p is the ceiling for video resolution with no higher-resolution option

Videos — Canon PowerShot SD500

Canon PowerShot SD400 Review — SpaztasticTV

Resources & Downloads — Canon PowerShot SD500

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon PowerShot SD500

What memory cards does the Canon PowerShot SD500 accept?+
The SD500 supports both SD cards and Memory Stick media. Either format can be used for storing photos and video.
Does the SD500 have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that neither in-body nor digital image stabilization is present. The image stabilization type is listed as None.
What is the maximum video resolution and frame rate?+
The SD500 records video at a maximum resolution of 480p. Available frame rates are 15fps, 30fps, and 60fps, all captured in 8-bit color.
What autofocus system does the SD500 use?+
It uses a contrast detection autofocus system with 9 focus points. Eye tracking and subject tracking are not supported.
Can the SD500 connect wirelessly to a phone or computer?+
No. The SD500 does not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It connects to a computer via USB only.
How long does the battery last on the SD500?+
The SD500 uses a Canon NB-3L battery rated for approximately 140 shots per charge according to the specifications.

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