Sony Mavica CD500 Point & Shoot Camera
The Sony Mavica CD500 is a 5MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — known for its 5MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor and Optical Disc Storage. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony Mavica CD500 Point & Shoot Camera
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Camera Overview — Sony Mavica CD500
Key Features — Sony Mavica CD500
5MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 2592x1944 pixels with 14-bit DXP A/D conversion for detailed image processing.
Optical Disc Storage: Records images directly to CD-R or CD-RW discs instead of memory cards, a defining feature of the Mavica line and a notable artifact of early digital camera design.
Built-In & Hot Shoe Flash: Includes a pop-up flash for quick use plus a hot shoe for attaching external flash units.
2.5-Inch TFT LCD: 123,200-dot rear display serves as the primary composition and review tool, as no optical viewfinder is present.
Four In-Camera Color Profiles: Standard, Vivid, Sepia, and Black & White modes allow basic creative adjustments without post-processing.
3 fps Burst Mode: Continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second provides some flexibility when capturing moving subjects.
Camera Specifications — Sony Mavica CD500
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/1.8 inch |
| Resolution | 5MP |
| Processor | 14-bit DXP A/D conversion |
| ISO Range | 100 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Other |
| AF Points | 5 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 2592x1944 |
| Burst Rate | 3 fps |
| Max Frame Rate | Other |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
| Video Color Profiles | Standard |
Description — Sony Mavica CD500
The Sony Mavica CD500 is a point-and-shoot camera centered on a 5MP sensor with a 1/1.8-inch sensor size and 14-bit DXP A/D conversion image processing. Its most defining feature is its use of optical disc media for storage — an approach that distinguishes it from the memory card-based cameras that dominate digital photography. Images are captured at up to 2592x1944 pixels, and the camera supports burst mode at up to 3 frames per second for sequences of moving subjects.
The autofocus system relies on contrast detection with 5 focus points. ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 400, best suited to well-lit shooting conditions. The 2.5-inch TFT LCD display offers 123,200 dots of resolution for composing and reviewing shots.
For flash, there is both a built-in pop-up flash and a Standard ISO hot shoe supporting TTL-compatible external units. In-camera color profiles include Standard, Vivid, Sepia, and Black & White. The body is made of plastic with metal accents, weighs 606g, and measures 139 x 96 x 103mm.
Power comes from a Sony InfoLithium NP-FM50 battery, rated at approximately 120 shots per charge.
Pros — Sony Mavica CD500
- ✓5MP, 1/1.8-inch sensor with 14-bit DXP A/D conversion image processing
- ✓Optical disc storage medium — a distinctive and unconventional approach to image capture
- ✓Dual flash options: built-in pop-up flash plus Standard ISO hot shoe with TTL compatibility
Cons — Sony Mavica CD500
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
- ✗ISO range tops out at 400, limiting performance in lower light conditions
- ✗Battery rated for only approximately 120 shots per charge
Videos — Sony Mavica CD500
CD Mavica: Sony's Weird CD Burning Digital Cameras! — This Does Not Compute