In summary
Canon’s Digital Ixus 500 has the same compact, stainless steel body and 3x zoom lens as earlier models, with a new Print/Share button that allows image files to be downloaded directly to a Canon Direct or PictBridge-enabled photo printer, or a PC. Lens aperture is controlled automatically using evaluative metering. Centre-weighted and spot metering are also provided. . . [more]
Full review
Canon’s Digital Ixus 500 has the same compact, stainless steel body and 3x zoom lens as earlier models, with a new Print/Share button that allows image files to be downloaded directly to a Canon Direct or PictBridge-enabled photo printer, or a PC. Lens aperture is controlled automatically using evaluative metering. Centre-weighted and spot metering are also provided. The mode dial has four positions: auto, manual, stitch assist (for panoramas) and movie. The Ixus 500 offers VGA video capture at 10 frames per second – a first for the Ixus range – and can capture up to 30 seconds per clip. Dedicated buttons are provided for selecting the metering, focus, flash and drive modes and the Function button accesses resolution, compression, white balance, ISO, effects and compensation settings.
On test, the Ixus 500 produced sharp, well-exposed pictures with accurate colours but slightly elevated contrast. We found shadow noise in shots taken at ISO 200 and higher settings. The low-light settings were difficult to access, however long exposures were clean and virtually noise-free. The white balance control was an above-average performer, with the custom (manual) setting delivering close-to-accurate colours. Battery life was better than average but overall camera responsiveness was fairly slow.
Strengths
- Well-built, compact body
- Excellent range of auto and manual controls
- Uses CompactFlash cards
Weaknesses
- Mode dial easily reset
- Small controls and LCD
- Video limited to 10 fps [BG05]
Specifications
Image sensor: 7.18 x 5.32mm CCD with 5.3 million photosites (5.0 megapixels effective)
Lens: 7.4-22.2mm f2.8-4.9 (equivalent to 36-108mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical; up to 4.1x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 87 x 57 x 27.8mm
Weight: 185g (without battery and card)
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
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Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
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Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
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