Very sharp for a compact camera
Decent video performance
Some nice extra features
Generally average performance
Introduction
The Canon 500 HS is the head of the class for Canon’s ELPH / IXUS range in 2011, with a 3.2-inch touchscreen, a host of creative color and shooting modes, and a bright (f/2.0-5.9) 4.4x zoom lens. If you’re a lover of touchscreen control and fun extras, the 500 HS / IXUS 310 HS will sate your appetite—while still providing solid picture quality for a compact camera.
There are better performing cameras in this price range, but the 500 HS is a good option for those looking for a fun, stylish alternative that can bring the creative side of any photographer out.
It debuts at an MSRP of $299 and is available in a lovely pink, silver, or brown.
| This review is organized into 16 pages | ||
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Page 1
Product Tour
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Page 2
Color
The Canon 500 HS was average in its depictions of colors. It also sports an impressive amount of color modes that make your photos stand out. Read More... |
Page 3
Noise
The Canon 500 HS suffers from some noise across the ISO range, performing about on average with similar cameras. Read More... |
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Page 4
Resolution
The Canon 500 HS has a very sharp lens for a compact camera, but suffers from some distortion across its zoom range. Read More... |
Page 5
Video
The 500 HS produced very good video color accuracy for a compact camera while also producing acceptably sharp details in motion. Read More... |
Page 6
Sample Photos
A gallery of photos taken with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS Read More... |
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Page 7
Playback
The camera makes the most of its touchscreen in playback on the camera, with a variety of interesting ways to review photos and apply effects. Read More... |
Page 8
Hardware
The 500 HS is a 3.2-inch touchscreen compact camera, will fit in your pocket, and has a few surprising tricks up its sleeve. Read More... |
Page 9
Controls
The 500 HS has a well-designed touchscreen interface and some nice tricks in playback mode, but it could use an extra physical control or two. Read More... |
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Page 10
Design & Handling
The Canon 500 HS has a nice metal body, but feels a little slick in the hand and its touchscreen control doesn’t lend itself to much single-handed shooting. Read More... |
Page 11
Canon S90 Comparison
 We compare the ELPH 500 HS to the S90. Read More... |
Page 12
Sony TX9 Comparison
 We compare the ELPH 500 HS to the DSC-TX9. Read More... |
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Page 13
Samsung TL225 Comparison
 We compare the ELPH 500 HS to the TL225. Read More... |
Page 14
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS. Read More... |
Page 15
Photo Gallery
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Part 16
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS. Add your comments... |
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Shop for the Canon ELPH 500 HS
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Canon ELPH 500 HS Manual
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(add your own)