Sony Cybershot S500 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000FQCFUC
• Item model number: DSC-S500
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,112 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 30, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

An amazing combination value, simplicity and performance makes the Sony Cybershot DSC-S500 a perfect entry-level choice for first-time digital photographers. Advanced features place it at the head of its class: 6.0-megapixel resolution for tight crops and big prints, a quality 3x optical zoom and wide-angle shooting capability, a large 2.4-inch LCD screen for setting up shots and sharing results, 25 MB internal memory for capturing images in-camera, and up to 350 shots using optional Stamina rechargeable batteries. (Stamina batteried not included--must be purchased separately.)

Advanced Features, Affordable Price
For an entry-level digital camera, the Cybershot DSC-S500 incorporates an amazing array of advanced digital features--including 6.0 MP resolution for more detail when you crop photos and make big prints. It's also amazingly simple to use, with point-and-shoot autofocus and autoexposure controls that help you get great shots every time.

One Lens Does It All
The DSC-S500 has a quality Sony lens that adjusts from 32mm wide-angle to 96mm telephoto setting (35mm equivalent), so it's great for room interiors, group shots, and panoramic landscapes as well as close-ups. And 3x optical/2x digital zoom performance lets you zoom in close or pull back for perspective--so you'll be able to cover vacation trips, holiday gatherings and special events with a more interesting range of shots.

Easy Ways to Shoot and Share
For shooting without a flash memory card, the DSC-S500 provides 25 MB internal memory to capture shots in-camera for later transfer to computer or printer. There's also a slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media, plus a bright 2.4-inch LCD screen for setting up shots and checking results. Up to 350-shot Stamina power with optional NiMH rechargeable battery keeps you shooting longer--and the supplied Cybershot Viewer software makes it easy to upload photos and scroll through thumbnail images on your PC screen.

6.0-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition when you make big prints or crop in tight on your subject. The Sony advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

3x Optical/2x Digital Zoom
3x optical zoom helps the DSC-S500 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots for better composition; the Sony precision 2x digital zoom provides an additional 2x magnification to zoom in close without jagged edges.

Capture Images In-Camera
With 25 MB internal memory, the DSC-S500 allows you to shoot without using a memory card--then easily transfer your images to optional Memory Stick Duo media, upload photos to your computer, or make prints on your digital printer.

Large 2.4-Inch LCD Screen
The DSC-S500 gives you a big, bright LCD screen for reading camera menus, composing shots, checking results, and sharing your photos on location.

Convenient Photo Modes
To adjust quickly for specific shooting situations, the DSC-S500 lets you choose from several convenient photo modes: Auto, P-Auto, and Scene Selections for Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candlelight, and Beach environments.

QVGA Movie Mode
The DSC-S500 can capture 320 x 240 AVI audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Burst Mode
You can fire off three shots automatically at 1-second intervals (VGA standard mode) or 2-second intervals (6 MP mode)--a great way to capture a child's first steps or a pet's best tricks.

Stamina Battery Power
With optional Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries, you can capture up to an amazing 350 shots--shooting capacity that's about the equivalent of 10 rolls of 35mm film. With supplied AA alkaline batteries, the DSC-S500 can capture up to 60 shots.

Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience
The DSC-S500 has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media--the compact, high-capacity storage media that are compatible with millions of devices worldwide.

Cybershot Viewer Software
Sony's new software that makes it easier to upload images from camera or Memory Stick Duo media--then organize and browse through photos on your PC screen by simply scrolling through thumbnail images.

What's in the Box
Sony DSC-S500 digital camera, two AA one-use Alkaline batteries, USB cable, wrist strap, software CD-ROM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Camera!, September 26, 2006

By 

Tiger Girl (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot S500 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I just received my Sony S500, and I love it! It's small, light, yet not so small that it's hard to manage. The LCD screen is huge! Bigger than any I've seen on a camera of this size! The pictures are crystal clear, and the camera itself is super easy to use and understand. The one, and ONLY thing, I don't like is that you cannot hear the audio on the camera when playing back videos (you have to plug it into a computer or tv to hear audio). It's not really a big deal and it makes it a fun surprise when you do plug it in:) The price is great and I am so glad I found this little steal!

98 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great buy!, August 27, 2006

By 

Kim "Teacher Girl" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot S500 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camera is a great little buy. I did a TON of research into digital cameras....for over a year or so and finally decided upon this one. I bought it at Best Buy when it was first released and the price could not be beat. I literally bought it the day my new nephew was born and it only took about 15 minutes learn to use. The pictures turned out great and the modes are super easy to use. Only a couple turned on blurry, but I believe that was more the photographer than the camera. There is a power saver option that comes on to reserve the battery power. I do however suggest buying rechargable batteries. This camera is super great for the price compared to Canon and Nikon. The software is super easy to use as well. I suggest this camera for first time digital camera users such as myself. Excellent camera and excellent price!

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bargain Price with Decent Quality, November 16, 2006

By 

AMGrumm (Suburbia, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Cybershot S500 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I was disappointed that this little gadget did not come with an ac adaptor, for it devours two double AA's in no time (about 160 pictures). Remember to turn the camera off after you've uploaded your pics to the computer.

The disappointment was mitigated when I realized this handy little camera shoots video. It seems to me that you are only limited to how much video you can shoot by how much memory you have available.
You must indulge on the 2 Gig Memory Stick.

This handy gadget has proved it's worth as it has enabled me capture some wonderful memories.