Value (6.0)
Consumers should make sure they know what they're looking for before dropping $499.99 on the Canon PowerShot SD500. The camera has a few manual options such as white balance and exposure compensation, but lacks control of the shutter speed and aperture. The SD500 has 7.1 megapixels, which in theory is good enough to print nice 20 x 30-inch prints. However, most people that want to print pictures of that size also want more manual control. If consumers want great 8 x 10-inch prints, they can get those from the 5-megapixel SD400, which sells for a hundred bucks less. If consumers really do want massive amounts of megapixels, they could opt for the Sony P200, which packs automatic modes with a 7.2-megapixel CCD and also sells for a hundred bucks less. It seems like the SD500’s $499 price tag buys style and megapixels, so if that’s what you’re after, look no further; otherwise, unless you have money to burn, there are much better deals out there.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD400 — This digital camera was released alongside the SD500 and shares many of the same features. The 3x optical zoom lens, 2-inch LCD, and modes are the same. However, there are a few differences. The SD400 packs 5 effective megapixels on a smaller 1/2.5-inch CCD. The SD400 also sticks to the traditional sharp lines of the Digital ELPH line, sacrificing some of the stylistic integrity of its sibling but selling for a more reasonable $399.99 price tag.

Casio Exilim EX-Z750 — This model targets the same style-driven point-and-shoot audience as the SD500, but adds a little more flexibility to its shooting options with more manual control. The camera body is not quite as attractive as the SD500’s, but still keeps a slim and flat profile for easy transportation. The 7.2-megapixel Z750 has a 1/1.8-inch CCD, 3x optical zoom, and an impressive 2.5-inch LCD screen. Selling for $449.99, the Z750 adds several movie modes — most notably its Past Movie Mode — but lacks the ease of use that the SD500 offers.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 — This Sony digital camera looks similar to its P-series cohorts, with a flat rectangular body that has one rounded side. The 7.2-megapixel Cyber-shot has a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2-inch LCD screen. It retails for $399 and offers manual control of shutter speed and aperture.

 

Fujifilm FinePix Z1— Fujifilm entered the ultra-slim and sleek market of digital cameras with the introduction of the Z1, which aims to reinvigorate the trendy camera market. The 5.1-megapixel Z1 has automatically oriented modes similar to those of the SD500 and sells for a bit less at $449.95. This camera has a telescopic 3x optical zoom lens that stays inside the camera at all times rather than extending beyond the surface of the camera body. With a 2.5-inch LCD screen on the back of a uniquely rugged camera body, constructed from a single sheet of metal, the Z1 has strength and a sex appeal that the SD500 just can’t live up to.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters— This camera is made for point-and-shooters who want to win the megapixel war. It comes fully equipped with automatic and scene modes and is easy to use right out of the box.

Budget Consumers— This category of consumers is likely to be scared by the $499 price tag, even though 7.1 megapixels are offered. Budget consumers or those interested in getting the most for their money should look elsewhere.

Gadget Freaks— The Color Swap mode will keep gadget freaks busy whitening their teeth and taking stains out of their shirts with this cool, in-camera option. However, there is not much for the gadget-inclined audience beyond the My Colors mode.

Manual Control Freaks— Manual control freaks will be freaked out that there is no aperture control and only partial shutter speed control on the SD500. It does have an easy manual white balance setting, but that probably won’t be enough to attract those true manual control lovers.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists— Pros and serious hobbyists will be extremely disappointed in the lack of manual options and the fact that the camera has trouble staying steady on a tripod because of its slightly curved bottom surface. The lack of AF settings will also deter most serious hobbyists who will likely view the sparse selection offerings as insufficient.