Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The compact Canon Digital ELPH series is bulking up; perhaps not as apparent in size, but definitely in megapixels. The Canon PowerShot SD500 has 7.4 total and 7.1 effective megapixels on its large 1/1.8-inch CCD. Besides upgrading the amount of megapixels in this series, Canon redesigns the SD500’s compact outer shell. Retaining a slight 3.37 x 2.24 x 1.04-inch form, the SD500 adds a comfortable rounded edge to its right side. This “Perpetual Curve Design” departs from the sharp 90-degree angles distinguishing earlier Digital ELPHs. For $499.99, the SD500 offers automatic and manual options in an easy-to-use interface. The Canon PowerShot SD500 will be available beginning in March.
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Picture Quality / Size Options
There are five image sizes, each available in three compression settings of Superfine, Fine, and Normal. The following 4:3 formatted resolutions are available: 3072 x 2304, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, and 640 x 480.

Picture Effects Mode
The Canon PowerShot SD500 has a vast array of color modes. For those who like playing with color, but not with computers, this is a great camera. In its color mode, the SD500 offers the following options: Vivid Blue, Vivid Red, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Green and Custom Color. There is also a Color Accent mode that allows the user to pick an object and color and make the rest of the photo black and white, creating the same look that antique photographs achieve. Finally, there is a Color Swap setting that lets users swap the color of their shirts for the color of the sky – or whatever objects they choose. This camera also includes basic color modes: Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, and Black & White.

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