Olympus D-500L Vintage Digital Camera
The Olympus D-500L is a 0.85MP 1/2 inch compact camera — known for its 0.85MP 1/2-Inch Sensor and Optical TTL Viewfinder. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus D-500L Vintage Digital Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus D-500L
Key Features — Olympus D-500L
0.85MP 1/2-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 1024x768 pixels, representative of early consumer digital camera technology from the mid-1990s.
Optical TTL Viewfinder: Provides a direct optical framing experience with diopter adjustment, a notable feature for a digital camera of this era.
1.8-Inch Color LCD: Rear display is limited to image playback only, with no live view capability, reflecting early digital camera design conventions.
AA Battery Power: Runs on four standard AA alkaline or NiMH batteries, making power sources easy to source and replace anywhere.
Built-In Pop-Up Flash: Integrated flash provides on-camera fill light, with a proprietary Olympus hot shoe allowing connection of external flash units.
Fixed Non-Interchangeable Lens: The lens cannot be swapped, so shooting flexibility is defined entirely by the built-in optic.
Camera Specifications — Olympus D-500L
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2 inch |
| Resolution | 0.85MP |
| ISO Range | 180 – 180 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 1 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 1024x768 |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 1.8 inch LCD (color, non-live view, playback only) |
| Viewfinder | Optical TTL SLR viewfinder with diopter adjustment |
| Storage Media | Other |
Description — Olympus D-500L
The Olympus D-500L is a vintage digital camera built around a 1/2-inch sensor producing 0.85MP resolution at a maximum image size of 1024x768 pixels, with color captured in the sRGB profile. It features an optical TTL SLR viewfinder with diopter adjustment, a notable characteristic that separates it from basic point-and-shoot designs of the period. The 1.8-inch color LCD is available for playback purposes only.
Autofocus uses a single-point contrast detection system with no subject tracking or eye detection. Power comes from 4x AA alkaline or NiMH batteries, with a rated life of approximately 200 shots. A built-in pop-up flash is included, and the proprietary Olympus hot shoe allows for external flash use.
The body is made of plastic with some metal components, weighing 490g and measuring 115 x 77 x 130 mm. The lens is fixed and non-interchangeable, and there is no image stabilization. Connectivity includes USB, but no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
The fixed ISO of 180 applies in all shooting conditions.
Pros — Olympus D-500L
- ✓Optical TTL SLR viewfinder with diopter adjustment provides a direct, optical framing experience
- ✓Built-in pop-up flash plus proprietary Olympus hot shoe for external flash support
- ✓Flexible battery options — accepts both alkaline and NiMH AA batteries for easy sourcing
Cons — Olympus D-500L
- ✗Fixed ISO of 180 with no ability to adjust sensitivity
- ✗Maximum image resolution of only 1024x768 at 0.85MP limits usable output size significantly
- ✗1.8-inch LCD is playback-only with no live view capability
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