The PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH is the first of Canon's super-compact digital cameras to offer five-megapixels of resolution. Utilizing the same CCD sensor as that found on the top-rated PowerShot G5, the Powershot S500 captures JPEG images in SuperFine, Fine and Normal resolution modes and is the first camera in its class to offer 640 x 480 movie recording at ten frames per second for up to 30 seconds per clip. Users can also capture 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 movies with sound at 15 frames per second for up to three minutes per clip. The Powershot S500, like the Powershot S410 adds the new Print/Share button which speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon Direct Photo 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 email.
The PowerShot S500 features an ultra-compact and fast (f/2.8-4.9) 3x (36-108mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. The lens - with its seven-element design - also offers a wide Autofocus range from as close as two inches (in macro mode) to infinity. Canon has also extended the power and range of this camera's digital zoom to 4.1x (from a previous high on Digital ELPH Cameras of 3.6x).
For taking pictures on the fly, the S500 offers a continuous burst mode that captures up to 2.2 frames per second at full resolution. The PowerShot S500 also has a shutter speed that extends to a fast 1/2000 of a second and features a built in flash with a range of up to 11 feet and automatic, red-eye reduction and slow synch settings. The camera's sharp, clear and easy to read 1.5-inch LCD monitor even allows users to check the smallest of details thanks to a 10x playback zoom.
An Intelligent Orientation sensor detects whether an image has been recorded horizontally or vertically. During image playback, the sensor detects the proper orientation of each image, and previews them accordingly without the need to rotate the camera for image viewing. It also adjusts AF, AE and white balance accordingly. Similarly, when using the ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser software included with the cameras, vertical and horizontal picture orientation is automatically detected and appropriately displayed.
When powered down, the lens is safely tucked away inside of the highly durable stainless steel body that measures just 3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches. This is truly a "pocket size" camera and at a scant 6.5 ounces. As with all the Canon compacts, it has a light-assisted autofocus that even works in the dark. An advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when off-center.
PowerShot S500 Features
5.0 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2592x1944 pixel images
3x optical 36-108mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom, 3.6x digital zoom
1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.)
Advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system
Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
Movie mode w/sound 640x480 up to 30 secs., 320x240 up to 3 minutes long
2.5fps Continuous exposure mode
Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
Low-light focus assist illuminator
Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
Intelligent Orientation sensor
Builtin microphone and speaker
Lithium rechargable battery and charger included
Direct print to CP-200/300 and PictBridge printers
All new Print/Share button
USB connectivity for PC and Mac
Optional WP-DC500 Waterproof Case
The Canon PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH is available at retailers nationwide in April 2004, and has a suggested retail price of $499.
Physical Views
The S500 compared to an average CD disc.
The Casio QV-R51 compared to the S500 Digital ELPH
Available (USB connection only. Exclusive software program RemoteCapture is included in the camera kit.)
Recording Media
CompactFlash™ card (Type I)
File System
Design rule for Camera File system, DPOF compliant
Image Recording Format
Still Images : JPEG (Exif 2.2) Movies : AVI (Image data : Motion JPEG Audio data : WAVE [monaural])
Compression
Superfine/fine/normal
Number of Recording Pixels
Still Images large : 2592 x 1944 pixels medium 1 : 2048 x 1536 pixels medium 2 : 1600 x 1200 pixels small : 640 x 480 pixels
Movies 640 x 480 pixels (Approx. 30 sec.) Approx. 10 frames/sec. 320 x 240 pixels (Approx. 3 min.) Approx. 15 frames/sec. 160 x 120 pixels (Approx. 3 min.) Approx. 15 frames/sec.
* The data in parentheses refer to the maximum movie length per shooting
Playback Modes
Single image view, index view (9 thumbnails), magnified view (LCD monitor zooms images up to approx. 10x), slide show, Auto play or image output to Compact Photo (CP-300/CP-200/CP-100/CP-10) and Bubble Jet printers.
My Camera Settings (Customizing)
Start-up image, start-up sound, shutter sound, operation sound and self-timer sound can be customized with the following procedures.
1. Using the images and sounds recorded on the camera. 2. Using the downloaded data from your computer using the supplied software.
Interface
USB (mini-B, PTP [Picture Transfer Protocol]), Audio/Video output (NTSC or PAL selectable, Monaural audio)
Power Source
Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (type: NB-1LH/NB-1L) AC Adapter Kit ACK500, Car Battery Charger CBC-NB1
Operating Temperature
0--40 °C (32--104 °F)
Operating Humidity
10--90%
Dimensions (w x h x d)
87.0 x 57.0 x 27.8 mm (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.) (excluding protrusions)
Weight
Approx. 185 g (6.5 oz.) (camera body only)
(Specifications as represented by the manufacturer)
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
