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Canon's Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver) packs features galore into its compact (3.96 x 2.18 x 0.98"/10 x 5.5 x 2.5 cm) and lightweight (5.82 oz/165 g) body--a 12.1MP CMOS high resolution sensor, 4.4x wide-angle 24-105mm lens (equivalent in 35mm format), and full 1920 x 1080 HD video with stereo sound, for starters.
It's also got the advanced HS system delivering clear, sharp photos with detail and nuance in low light, with high or low ISO images. Optical image stabilization keeps away the shaky pictures and video, and Smart AUTO recognizes and sets optimal exposure, shutter and focus settings for 32 predefined shooting situations. The Super Slow Motion Movie mode records video at 240fps for a very slow motion playback, and the High-Speed Burst mode allows you to shoot still photos at up to 8.2fps.
A large range of creative effects is available, including fisheye effect, miniature effect (stills and video), toy camera effect that creates a vignette similar to pinhole cameras, monochrome, super vivid, color accent, color swap (pick one color in a photo and replace that color with another of your choice), super vivid color for artistic effect, and many more. This ELPH is fully loaded and ready to go.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.1 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 12.8 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CMOS |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV Audio: Linear PCM |
| Max Resolution | 12MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 |
| Other Resolutions |
10.6MP: 4000 x 2664 @ 3:2 9MP: 2992 x 2992 @ 1:1 9MP: 4000 x 2248 4.4MP: 2816 x 1584 @ 16:9 5.3MP: 2816 x 1880 @ 3:2 6MP: 2816 x 2112 @ 4:3 4.4MP: 2112 x 2112 @ 1:1 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 1.7MP: 1600 x 1064 @ 3:2 1.9MP: 1600 x 1200 @ 4:3 1.4MP: 1200 x 1200 @ 1:1 0.23MP: 640 x 360 @ 16:9 0.27MP: 640 x 424 @ 3:2 0.3MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3 0.23MP: 480 x 480 @ 1:1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Color Spaces | None |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
EFL: 4.3-18.8 mm (35mm equivalent: 24-105 mm) Aperture: f/2.0 (W) - 5.8 (T) |
| Zoom |
Optical: 4.4x Digital: 4x |
| Focus Range |
Wide: 1.97" (5 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 1.31' (40 cm) - Infinity Macro: 1.18" (3 cm) - 19.69" (50 cm) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100-3200 |
| Shutter | 15 - 1/1500 sec |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Evaluative, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: AE Lock Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Tungsten |
| Burst Rate |
Up to 3.4 fps at 12.1 MP
1
Please Note:Approx. 8.2 shots/sec. (in High-speed Burst) close |
| Self Timer |
2 Sec, 10 Sec
2
Please Note:Shooting start time (0-10 sec. (in one-second increments), 20/25/30 sec.) and number of shots (1-10 shots (in one-shot increments)) can be specified. close |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, FE Lock, Flash On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 1.6 - 16' (0.49 - 4.88 m) Telephoto: 1.6 - 6.6' (0.49 - 2.01 m) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC MMC MMCplus HC MMCplus |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 3.2" LCD Rear Screen (461000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0 HDMI C (Mini) AV Output |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | NB-6L Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.96 x 2.18 x 0.98" / 10.06 x 5.54 x 2.49 cm |
| Weight | 5.82 oz / 165 g Camera Only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Results
As a professional wildlife photographer I own a lot of Canon bodies and L-Glass. I have a Mark III, 7D, 40D, G12 and now the Powershot 500 HS.
I us...Read complete review
As a professional wildlife photographer I own a lot of Canon bodies and L-Glass. I have a Mark III, 7D, 40D, G12 and now the Powershot 500 HS.
I used to use my G12 as a walk around camera but I've put it in an Ikelite housing for underwater photography and scuba diving. Since it is a hassle taking it out of the housing when you need a camera I decided to get a real pocket camera to carry with me for the fun photos.
I did a lot of research and read all the reviews I could find on the internet and it boiled down to either the PowerShot 300 HS or the 500 HS. I finally decided on the 500 because of the excellent reviews it go for picture quality and ease of use. I wasn't particularly interested in a touch screen mode of operation so I was leaning toward the 300 since I am used to Canon's control layout. I read some reviews that the touch screen lagged a bit and some people had a difficult time using it. But the PS 300 HS only had a 200,000 pixel LCD and the PS 500 had a larger and much better 460,000 pixel screen (I might be off a bit on the actual numbers).
To make a long story short.. I LOVE this little camera. It has all the controls you would want or need on a P&S pocket camera but the added Scenes really (and I mean "really") work. I was just on a scuba trip and the glare of the water and bright sandy beaches play havoc on getting good results so I used the Beach and Snow scenes and the pictures turned out great.
The Low Light Night scene is equally as good with photos I could never get with my G12 unless I shot in RAW. Amazing photos from such a small camera. Or you can just put it in Program, AV or TV mode and set the settings yourself.
As for the touch screen, I really like it and haven't had a bit of problem using it. I even used a stylus that I use for my iPhone when my hands were slippery and greasy from sun block and the stylus worked great and no fingerprints on the LCD.
The 1080 HD is great but I am shooting in the 1260 x 720 mode which is definitely big enough for the web and the one touch record button is another plus. The videos turn out great and the zoom in and out also works well in video mode, you just have to give it time to focus if you are shooting something close up or with lots of detail.. then edit out the OOF bits from zooming in and out.
I will give this little camera an excellent score. I haven't found anything at all I don't like about it except (and I'm stretching here) that it doesn't have a non slip coating on the housing so since it is so small you have to be careful that it doesn't slip out of your grip. Just use the included small lanyard and keep it on your wrist in case it slips. I wanted a small pocket camera so I'm not taking points off because of this.
The only other thing is again because of the small size and it is that I find myself putting my finger over the flash when holding it for a flash shot. Just be careful where you place your left hand finger as it is natural to hold the camera by the upper left hand corner and that is right where the flash is. Again, not a deal breaker because I wanted a small camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Canon really messed up this ELPH
I have purchased 3 ELPH series cameras in the past. I thought that the newest version would have all the great aspects of the previous cameras. The canon HS 500 is not as sturdy,...Read complete review
I have purchased 3 ELPH series cameras in the past. I thought that the newest version would have all the great aspects of the previous cameras. The canon HS 500 is not as sturdy, don't drop this camera or it will be the end! It is common for the retractable lens to malfunction. The touchscreen is unresponsive at times. There is no focus setting on the video setting, and my video's are constantly going in and out of focus. And lastly and most importantly, My images are so affected by lighting, my other canon cameras ( earlier model ELPH's) I just point shoot and voila a great crystal clear photo...but with this model I must be very creative with light settings in order to get the same effect.
Reviewed by 44 customers
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
Easy to use, great features, EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD PHOTOS!
Pros
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
We have used these cameras in high school after school arts programing. They are dynamic enough for lesson plans about shutter speed etc. while being easy to use and travel with. Perfect for teaching.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
The handiest feature is the ability to shoot pictures or video, both in high def. To shoot pictures, use the normal button on top. To shoot video, touch the red dot on the screen.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
The camera is great, and fast.
The touch screen is mediocre. Buttons work best.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
The shape of this camera is perfect for sliding in and out of a pocket. A smooth design with almost no knobs or buttons. The shape tapers at one end. Perfect for the pocket but not my hands. Aways felt like it might slip. Just wasn't comfortable for me to handle. Also I was disapointed in the image quailty. Maybe I had a bad one, maybe I expected too much, I don't know. I have a DSLR and wanted a pocket camera for times when my DSLR is too big. I didn't expect same quality as a DSLR, but out of fifty or so test pictures only about five were acceptable to me. I didn't like the camera, and I knew I never would. B&H gave me a full refund. The return was easy. I'm totaly happy.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
Most other cameras have too much menu navigation depth. The touch screen on the Powershot 500 HS ELPH is very well laid out and simplifies the menu.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
I have purchased 3 ELPH series cameras in the past. I thought that the newest version would have all the great aspects of the previous cameras. The canon HS 500 is not as sturdy, don't drop this camera or it will be the end! It is common for the retractable lens to malfunction. The touchscreen is unresponsive at times. There is no focus setting on the video setting, and my video's are constantly going in and out of focus. And lastly and most importantly, My images are so affected by lighting, my other canon cameras ( earlier model ELPH's) I just point shoot and voila a great crystal clear photo...but with this model I must be very creative with light settings in order to get the same effect.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
It's just great
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
I have been looking for a point & shoot camera for a while now. I am a professional photographer and I always carried around my 5DII...but it gets heavy. I like to use it when I'm totally in the photo session mood...but not when I just want snap shots of a very casual family outing for example. I love that now it does not leave my purse or pocket and I can shoot away anything and everything with just one hand if I want! I love the touch screen and the definition is great. I love that it has a 2.0 aperture so I have shot most of my images without the need of the flash, unless I'm backlighting a subject. All in all, easy to use, handy, light, big screen and I can lend it to my 10 year old without worrying that he might drop a heavey camera with an expensive lense on it!
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
Bought this little camera for video. I think generally Canon does a good job with video. It shoots HD and is handy to use and carry in my pocket. The touchscreen is not responsive and I don't like it. All of the settings are not going to be found by just using intuition and searching. You must look at the manual. I don't like that either. Photo quality is ok for stills and pretty good for video. I bought this camera primarily for HD video, then secondly for size, convenience, and price. If price was not a factor I would have chosen the Canon s100.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
have only had this a short time and find that it is handy, easy to use and shoots great pictures under various conditions.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
It is VERY easy to use. I had other cameras and this one is the best. Compact and loaded with features.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
The camera is just excellent. This is my 6th Canon camera and i never was disappointed with quality image or settings. Extremely easy to use, flexible with multiple settings. BH Photo has a fast shipping and professional costumer service.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
Nice easy to use point&shot camera. Very convenient touch-screen; Video: nice 1080p, but the optical picture stabilization (as you could expect in small camera body) is limited; Good appendix for my Nikon DSL.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
This camera is easy to use. The big screen makes it easier to snap and view photos. The problem is that the photos come out with a slight red tinge.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
I had the previous Elph 500 for about 7 years and 6000 pictures. This camera was a replacement for that unit. I love this camera. Easy to use menus, small pocketsize design and Canon quality !! The pictures by the way are incredible.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
I'm very happy with the PS Elph 500. It takes excellent pictures, and the f2.0 aperture allows taking pictures in ultra-low light conditions without having to use flash! Even pictures at ISO 800+ have an acceptable level of noise given the ISO setting, which is more than I can say about a Lumix camera that I previous had that produced poor images at ISO 400!
Many of the built in scene modes are great, including movies that can be acquired at 240 fps (at a lower resolution). I typically acquire video at 1280 since it is at 30fps.
Like most compact cameras, there may be some shutter lag and increased focus time in dark environments, but this not a DSLR.
I had initially pondered getting an s90/s95 or G12, but they were either too bulky or a little higher than my budget. The Elph 500 met all of the criteria and I am very happy with my purchase.
I would highly recommend this camera to a friend.
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
The PS 500 HS replaced an older ELPH as a casual camera when I choose not to carry a DSLR. Image quality is great, AF solid in most conditions. It is small enough to carry easily, shaped well to hold, unlike some earlier soap-bar ELPHs.
- I knew it had a touch screen, but was shocked to learn that is almost ALL it has! On-off, shutter release, and a review button are physical, but most else is screen based. I suspect this will be mostly a point and shoot outside, since it is hard to make many adjustment using the LCD screen in bright conditions. Ditto the composing function, but I expected that.
-Biggest annoyance was finding only a Getting Started pamplet; the User's Manual is on a CD.
C'mon, Canon, give us a paper manual for Pete's sake!
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
I really like this camera, I recently owned the powershot elph 300 hs (sadly it was stolen) and there were some things I wish I could've controlled more like the aperture and focusing. With this camera you can do just that! I really like the touch screen and that you can adjust many settings to get just the right shot.
I was also a little worried about the touch screen when I got it, as I had heard some bad reviews about it but it's not bad, it's not as sensitive as an iphones screen but but it gets the job done and it's easy to use.
I would definitely buy this camera again!
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Comments about Canon Powershot 500 HS Digital ELPH Camera (Silver):
SMALL COMPACT GREAT SHOTS GREAT VIDEO IDEAL FOR ALL MY KIDS ACTIVITIES....
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