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Review Summary
2014-06-19T20:00:00
An amazing camera for the price. Upclose pictures of my birds thru my glass door are perfect shots everytime. Very detailed in colors and contrast. Absolutely perfect for me. Videos are excellent quality also! I love this camera!
sissy
2014-06-03T20:00:00
A plastic piece around the lens is only glued in and when you take the lens cover off the plastic piece is stuck in the lens cover. Now the plastic piece is completely gone and the cover will not go on the lens. The camera freezes all the time and will not take pictures. The word busy is constantly being displayed. I have had other Canon power shots and loved them. This model I totally dislike and am frustrated every time I use it.
Dee
2014-01-13T19:00:00
I compared this camera side-by-side with another Canon SX 50 and from that we found the image stabilizer and the auto focus were not working correctly. We compared the photo image at a 100 times and 200 times. My Canon SX 50 would not stay focused. The image stabilizer was very unstable. I am sending this camera back to Canon for a replacement. This is a great camera. Mine may somehow have missed the quality inspections. Hopefully I can change my review when I get my replacement
Stevehoutx
2013-12-26T19:00:00
I received this camera as a Christmas gift in 2012 and just love everything about it! Easy settings, nice quality photos every time! The only problem i can think of is that sometimes it gets finiky with low light and doesnt want to take the photo.
zann
2013-11-02T20:00:00
This is one of the many cameras that I have but the canon powershot sx500 is is the best. Not only is it portable and small but it also has a 30x zoom and 60x super zoom. This camera has a number of scene modes and effects which make my photos clear and vibrant. I would recommend this product because it is easy to use and has a long battery life.
Ktana234
2013-11-02T20:00:00
I bought this camera Canon SX500IS on 2nd Nov 2013, It very good I would recommend to my friends. Excellent quality product, awesome pictures . Easy to use. Probably Canon would have provided soft case with it, would have have appreciated. Thanks canon. I did not fond any Cons, because it is perfect for my use specially outings, travelling and short safari.
Sach
2013-10-12T20:00:00
Every time I have used this camera for one single occasion (no more than a couple of hours each time, I have had to recharge the battery. Fortunately (?) the guy at store recommended that I get a second battery. Since one battery is always charged, that helps. I do not like that the lens doesn't close up (prone to scratches); I do not like the short battery life; it does not indicate on the screen which setting I'm using; it does not fit in my purse. In short, I regret buying the camera. I will buy another camera but will do a LOT more homework. The reviews on this one did not indicate the problems I am experiencing. I can't even think of anyone I want to pass this camera along to.
SandyN
2013-09-15T20:00:00
I love my camera (Canon Powershot SX500IS) because of the 50 X zoom. It enable me to take pictures of the moon and the detail was incredible. A friend has a DSLR high end camera and lens that couldn't get the close up shot that I did. Canon will always be my camera of choice because I have never had to replace one. I only buy a new camera when Canon has developed a camera with features that my other Canon cameras don't have (example 50X zoom). Canon cameras enable me to always take beautiful unblurred photos. I LOVE my Canon cameras.
kdldreamer
2013-09-13T20:00:00
I bought this camera brand new. I was a little bummed because at first I wanted the Canon Elph 110 for vlogging purposes, but the store I went to had sold out of the Elph so I had to pull out a little extra cash for this camera. As it was $90 more. I know the capabilities of the Elph because my friend has one, and this camera although more expensive and quoted to take crisp photos, does not amount to the elph *digital* camera! The video quality on the Canon SX500 IS is grainy and performs horribly in all lighting except outdoors. The best photos are taken on auto if the object is still. I shouldn't have wasted my money, and my warranty is up. Canon you let me down, for the very first time. But I do love my 60D!!!! I just wish I could get my hands on the Canon Elph 110.
asinate
2013-09-02T21:00:00
For those times that you don't what to take your DSLR with you, this is an excellent "tag-along" companion. The 30X zoom with excellent stabilization will get you just about anywhere.Good resolution, too.
Saul W.
2013-08-29T20:00:00
After owning a Rebel ET for years decided to go smaller. It fits my needs totally. Really wanted a camera with video. Although I am satisfied with the camera I was a bit disappointed that the soft carrying case, PSC-4050, would not accept my camera because it was too small. Other than that I love all your canon cameras.
Hector
2013-08-19T21:00:00
Great camera, user friendly. Awesome picture quality and clarity.
Dawn
2013-08-02T20:00:00
I have been using Canon cameras for some time. I deceided to move to a bit larger camera for the 30x zoom feature which is great. Problem is my pictures are rarely if ever clear and sharp with this model. Very disappointed with this model. Can only guess the lens is low quality. Will buy Canon again but will check lens quality closely.
Boomer918
2013-07-22T21:00:00
Simple to use, lots of features. Great fit in hands, had to takes pixs of my roof and climbing up a 14ft latter was with ease. Had it for a few weeks and happy that we purchased this camera. Its small, the zoom is a great feature and for the price well its a good as it gets for what it can do.
JOSEPH F.
2013-07-21T20:00:00
I have been using a cheaper 10 megapixel point and shoot camera for a few years now but really wanted a high end Cannon Rebel or better but was just not affordable for me yet so I thought I would at least upgrade to this SX 500 IS and WOW! I am Blown Away with this Camera. For the money this Camera Performs beyond my expectations. The Zoom feature is fantastic and the picture quality is amazing. I highly recommend this Camera and with a little patience and study of the more detailed manual available on-line the results are quite incredible.
Big G.
2013-07-02T21:00:00
I bought this camera for my husband - an avid hiker. He wanted a great optical zoom, and good light sensors. On the night of the Super Moon, he took this new camera out, and took detailed pictures of the craters on the moon using the Auto settings. I have a fairly new DSLR (I'm still learning how to use manual settings), and was not able to get anywhere close to the beautiful pictures that he was able to get with the Auto settings on this camera.
Lori N.
2013-07-02T20:00:00
This camera was a Christmas present to my wife and myself. I used this camera at several concerts in an arena. I was able to take photos, from the middle seating level near the back of the arena. I used the optical zoom without the flash, just using the concert lighting. The photographs are incredible, beautiful quality, the close ups were almost like a portrait shot. The video is also incredible, I would not hesitate to buy this camera if I had to do it over.
JJ
2013-07-02T20:00:00
My wife and I purchased this as a Christmas gift to our selves. At first I used it in auto mode. I then began exploring manual mode photos. I was shocked at the quality images the SX 500 IS produces. I only wish I could attach a photo to this review.
hidee
2013-06-28T20:00:00
Researched the camera to no end, reviews looked good, bought one at Sam's Club, returned it the next day. My wife and I were excited to buy the new camera. Brought it home and charged the battery over night. The next day we went to setup the camera and we kept getting a memory card error. Canon website informed us to format the card in the camera, and we did. After taking one shot, the error code came back. We returned it back to Sam Club and they informed us that dozens of units were returned for the same reason. Disappointed Customer !!
Sams G.
2013-06-27T20:00:00
Used to own a nice Minolta with 3 lenses; weighed about 15 pounds total; moved up to small digital, pocket sized; bought this for a trip to California - what a great buy! I've never taken such nice shots so easily, and the zoom and wide angle capabilities made the trip to Yosemite something we'll never forget; the pictures are amazing!
Mr B.
2013-06-23T20:00:00
I have had this camera for a couple of weeks and i have falling in love with this camera. I love the pictures it takes, I take pics of flowers and birds the most. The camera brings the birds right in.
michlong
2013-06-16T20:00:00
Terrible camera! The worse one I have ever used! You can use disposable camera that perform better than this one. The auto focus drowns out your photos! Too much lighting! Of course you can tweak the settings, if you had time, but for a quick point and shoot camera, this is NOT the one. Also, many of my photos get out of focus. When the flash is not on, the pictures are distorted! When the flash is on, there usually is too much light cast on people's faces. The default size of the pictures are set really small, which you might as well delete every photo you take. It is REALLY HARD to figure out how to change the default setting to a higher quality image. And even at that, the "higher quality" image is not really higher quality. The battery is the worse battery life I have ever seen. I would rather use a 99 Cent Store battery than this one. Granted that you can recharge it, but when you are out taking pictures, the battery drains SUPER FAST. If you take video, you might get 10 minutes from it before the battery is depleted! The only cool feature is the zoom lens, which can zoom pretty darn far, for the small size of this camera.
forevermemorable
2013-06-10T20:00:00
Great little camera, easy to hold and use. Very nice features, great quality of pictures
spikynanna
2013-05-27T21:00:00
Needed to replace a SX1300, wasn't sure I wanted to upgrade to this type camera but I'm glad I did. I love the zoom capability and how clear the pictures are. The only bad thing I can say about this camera is that because of it's size it will not fit in my purse.
NANCY W.
2013-05-22T20:00:00
I purchased this camera because of the great features and compact size. Performance in terms of picture quality was very disappointing. The LCD was very grainy/pixelated. Good light, low light, stills, motion...nothing looked crisp. Performance seemed sluggish. Hoping that it was the particular camera I had...I returned it and got another. Unfortunately, the image quality was just as poor...the LCD was just as blurry...and it seemed just as slow...so it must be the nature of the product. I have returned it and will invest in something else.
SOFFEFDL
2013-05-20T21:00:00
I use the camera to photograph daily activities including but not limited to nature, food, sports and people for my online blog. Great camera for the price. The live video and sound also works great. Not great for indoor(low light)shots or action shots, but it has great zoom capabilities. As long as you have good light and keep the camera steady you will have some great photos.
Lauryn G.
2013-05-20T21:00:00
Remarkable capability for the price. And with a rechargeable battery pack, no need to have a closet full of Duracells!
WILLIAM M.
2013-05-14T21:00:00
Love this little Canon bridge camera. While it will not replace my DSLR, it is small, portable, easy to use and takes very nice clear pictures.I like that you can put it on auto and just have fun, or you can use the full manual settings for more control. I gave up the viewfinder in order to get a nice light camera that I can take anywhere.
CAROL-ANN H.
2013-05-03T20:00:00
I really like this camera. The only problem is that it would be nice if there was a page I could print out the would show "all" the icons with their purpose instead of having to keep going back to my computer to try and look it up in the guide I downloaded. It is hard to see some of the images on my computer.
DJ
2013-04-29T21:00:00
Very easy to use right out of the box. Purchased to bring on honeymoon I have a larger slr camera. I have taken a few test photos and love the zoom and quality.
Mike
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Compact digital still camera with built-in flash, 30x Optical, 4x Digital and 120x Combined Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
16.0 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD
Approx. 16.6 Megapixels
Approx. 16.0 Megapixels
Focal Length: 4.3 (W) - 129.0 (T) mm (35mm film equivalent: 24-720mm)
4.0x
Normal/Auto: 0 in (0cm) - infinity (W), 4.6 ft. (1.4m) - infinity (T)
Macro AF: 0 in - 1.6 ft. (0-50cm) (W)
TTL Autofocus, Manual Focus
3.0-inch TFT Color LCD with wide viewing angle
Approx. 461,000 dots
Approx. 100%
f/3.4 (W), f/5.8(T)
1-1/1600 sec.
15-1/1600 sec. (Total shutter speed range)
Auto, ISO 100/200/400/800/1600
Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot
Manual Exposure, Program Shift, Safety Shift, AE Lock
Still Images: +/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments
Videos: +/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments (not available during shooting)
Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off, Facial brightness is also evaluated in Face Detect
1.6 ft. - 16 ft. (W), 4.6 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.0m (W), (1.4 - 3.0m (T))
10 sec. or less (battery voltage: 3.7 V)
+/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments
M, Av, Tv, P, Live View Control, Auto, SCN, Creative Filters, Discreet, Movie
Portrait, Face Self-timer, Low Light, Snow, Fireworks , Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect , Standard, iFrame Movie
My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color
Approx. 10-sec. delay/approx. 2-sec. delay/custom
None
Normal: Approx. 0.8 shots/sec. (in P mode)
Normal: Approx. 2.8 shots/sec. (in Low Light mode)
AF: Approx. 0.5 shots/sec. (in P mode)
LV: Approx. 0.6 shots/sec. (in P mode)
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
Design rule for Camera File system, DPOF (Version 1.1) compliant
Superfine / Fine
Still Image: Exif. 2.3 (JPEG)
Video: MOV (Image: H.264; Audio: Linear PCM (Stereo))
Large: 4608 x 2592; Medium 1: 3264 x 1832; Medium 2: 1920 x 1080; Small: 640 x 360
Large: 4608 x 3072; Medium 1: 3264 x 2176; Medium 2: 1600 x 1064; Small: 640 x 424
Large: 4608 x 3456; Medium 1: 3264 x 2448; Medium 2: 1600 x 1200; Small: 640 x 480
Large: 3456 x 3456; Medium 1: 2448 x 2448; Medium 2: 1200 x 1200; Small: 480 x 480
HD 1280 x 720: 25 fps
iFrame Movie HD 1280 x 720: 30 fps 25 fps
Miniature Effect HD 1280 x 720: 5 fps / 2.5 fps / 1.25 fps
Miniature Effect 640 x 480: 6 fps / 3 fps / 1.5 fps
640 x 480: 30 fps (29.97)
NTSC/PAL
Mini connector (audio/video)
Mini-HDMI
Via mini A/V connector
SD memory card slot; direct connection to Canon SELPHY, PIXMA Photo Printers & PictBridge compatible printers
Battery Pack NB-6L, Compact Power Adapter CA-DC10 (included with AC Adapter Kit CA-DC40)
Approx. 195 shots
Approx. 4 hours
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C
Operating Humidity: 10-90%
4.09 x 2.74 x 3.16" / 104.0 x 69.5 x 80.2mm
11.2 oz. / 318g camera body
Compact pair includes 30x superzoom camera; plethora of scene modes. The Canon PowerShot 160Read more
By Perch J.
I am a novice photographer, point and shoot. I wanted a camera that would allow me to grow my photography skills without killing my wallet. The Power Shot SX500 IS is the best camera for my needs, a bridge camera between professional grade and my older shirt pocket camera. The camera is small enough to fit in a larger size fanny pack, so no Sherpa is needed to carry gear. It has a 30X lens that will reach out far into the landscape. Plus, it can easily be used as a point and shoot camera. It ...
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Low Light Perfection
By KittyMama
As an early birthday gift to myself, I purchased this camera. I was looking for something to take close ups of my art work and also something that works good in low light situations. I have found it! Granted, I've only been playing with it 2 days but I could not be more pleased. I've taken low light pictures of some of my figurative sculpts and they look AMAZING! I've even been able to FINALLY capture a portrait of my ever-moving cat. I researched and looked and was about to buy a competitors...
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Replacing the SX40 HS, the Canon PowerShot SX500 IS is Canon's new superzoom compact, sporting a 24-720mm (35mm equivalent) f/3.4-5.8 lens-slightly shorter than its predecessor's 35x optic, but with a higher-resolution 16MP sensor. Canon says advances it has made in noise reduction means images will be excellent quality at higher speeds.
Key features: Canon PowerShot SX500 IS
• 30x optical zoom lens starts at 24mm
• 1/2.3" CCD ensor
• 720p HD Video
• 3-inch, 461k dot LCD monitor
• Smart Auto with 32 predefined shooting situations
• Intelligent IS with 6 image stabilization modes
• Zoom Framing Assist tracks and captures moving subjects
• High-Speed AF
The Canon PowerShot SX500 offers remarkably improved lag time and high-speed autofocus, so you can capture sports as well as the kids before they run out of the frame. There's also a high-resolution 3-inch 461k dot LCD monitor. A prominent Movie button means less burrowing through menu options when you're ready to shoot video. Video capture is at 720p at 25fps, and the camera is compatible with Apple's iFrame standard for faster downloading compatible Apple and Windows computers.
The Canon PowerShot SX500's 32 scene modes include Smart Auto, which can choose the most appropriate scene. Zoom Framing Assist makes using the zoom lens easier; the camera will automatically zoom out automatically to get up close to moving subjects, then automatically zooms back.
Shooting modes include: Manual exposure, aperture, and shutter-priority and program, Smart Auto, portrait, low light, snow, fireworks, creative filters, iFrame mode, Discreet mode (disables flash and all camera sounds), Live View control, face self timer, and more. Creative filters include Miniature Effect, Poster Effect, Toy Camera, Fisheye, Super Vivid and Monochrome.