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Canon S500 Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon S500 is a 5.0MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon S500 Point & Shoot Camera

Canon S500 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Canon S500

The Canon S500 is a compact point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/1.8-inch sensor delivering 5.0MP resolution and a maximum still image output of 2592x1944 pixels. Housed in a metal body measuring 91.4 x 58.4 x 30.5 mm and weighing just 200g, it strikes a balance between durability and portability that suits everyday carry. The ISO range runs from 50 to 400, giving shooters some flexibility in varying light conditions without pushing into high-sensitivity territory.

Autofocus is handled by a contrast detection system, and the camera features an optical viewfinder alongside a 1.5-inch LCD display for composing shots. For video, the S500 captures footage at up to 480p resolution at 30fps. Storage is handled via CompactFlash cards, and the camera connects to a computer over USB.

Power comes from a NB-1LH Lithium-Ion battery rated for 90 minutes of use. A built-in flash is included for low-light situations. There is no image stabilization of any kind, and no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

The metal construction gives the body a reassuringly solid feel for a camera of its size and era.

Key Features — Canon S500

5.0MP 1/1.8" Sensor: Captures stills at up to 2592x1944 pixels, a competitive resolution for a compact camera of this era.

Metal Body Construction: Solid metal chassis measuring 91.4 x 58.4 x 30.5 mm gives the camera durability while remaining genuinely pocketable at 200g.

ISO 50–400 Range: A base ISO of 50 allows for clean, low-noise captures in bright outdoor conditions.

Optical Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the 1.5-inch LCD for composing shots, useful in bright sunlight.

Built-In Flash: Onboard flash handles basic low-light and fill situations without requiring any additional accessories.

CompactFlash Storage: Uses CF cards for storage, which were widely available and offered reliable performance at the time of release.

Camera Specifications — Canon S500

Canon S500 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly, Portrait, Street
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/1.8 inch
Resolution5.0MP
ISO Range50 – 400
AF SystemContrast Detection
Max Photo Resolution2592x1944
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationNone
Display1.5 inches LCD
ViewfinderOptical

Description — Canon S500

The Canon S500 is a 5.0MP point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/1.8-inch sensor, outputting stills at up to 2592x1944 pixels. Its metal body measures 91.4 x 58.4 x 30.5 mm and weighs 200g, making it a compact and sturdy option for everyday photography. The camera offers an ISO range of 50 to 400 and uses a contrast detection autofocus system.

Composition is aided by both a 1.5-inch LCD display and an optical viewfinder. Video capture is supported at up to 480p at 30fps. A built-in flash is included for supplemental lighting.

Storage is via CompactFlash cards, and the camera connects to computers via USB. The NB-1LH Lithium-Ion battery provides a rated 90 minutes of use. Note that there is no image stabilization, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth on this model.

Pros — Canon S500

  • ✓5.0MP sensor with a maximum resolution of 2592x1944 pixels provides solid still image output for the class
  • ✓Compact metal body at 91.4 x 58.4 x 30.5 mm and 200g makes it genuinely pocketable and durable
  • ✓ISO range starting at 50 enables clean captures in bright light conditions

Cons — Canon S500

  • ✗No image stabilization of any type — optical, in-body, or digital — which can lead to motion blur in handheld shots
  • ✗ISO tops out at 400, limiting shooting options in low-light environments
  • ✗480p video resolution is modest, with no higher resolution options available

Videos — Canon S500

Why you NEED A Canon SD1000! — Russell Scott

Resources & Downloads — Canon S500

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon S500

What memory cards does the Canon S500 use?+
The Canon S500 uses CompactFlash (CF) cards for storage. These are a legacy card format, so you may need a dedicated CF card reader to transfer images to a modern computer.
Does the Canon S500 have image stabilization?+
No. The S500 has no image stabilization of any kind — optical, in-body, and digital IS are all listed as absent or disabled in the specifications. Keeping the camera steady or using well-lit environments will help minimize blur.
What is the maximum ISO on the Canon S500?+
The S500's ISO range runs from 50 to 400. The low minimum of ISO 50 is useful in bright conditions, but the ceiling of 400 means performance in dim lighting will be limited.
Can the Canon S500 record video?+
Yes, the S500 can record video at up to 480p resolution at 30fps. No higher resolution modes are available, and no color profiles or bit depth options are specified.
How does the Canon S500 connect to a computer?+
The S500 connects via USB. There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support, so wired transfer is the only option for moving files to a computer.
What battery does the Canon S500 use, and how long does it last?+
The camera uses a NB-1LH Lithium-Ion battery, rated for approximately 90 minutes of use according to the specifications.

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