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Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

3.1 3.1 out of 5 stars 176 ratings

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SD500 Digital Camera

About this item

  • The first Digital Elph with an amazing 7.1 MP CCD, which captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
  • 3x optical zoom; 2.0-inch LCD display
  • Enhanced movie mode with fast 60-frame-per-second capture rate
  • DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing
  • Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion battery; stores images on SD memory card
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Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
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PriceCurrently unavailable.-8% $109.95
List:$119.99
-10% $89.99
List:$99.99
-20% $39.98
Typical:$49.99
$220.00
Delivery
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27
Get it Mar 28 - Apr 3
Customer Ratings
Easy to use
4.1
2.4
4.8
4.2
Picture quality
3.8
3.9
4.6
3.9
Zoom
3.8
3.9
4.6
Value for money
3.6
4.9
4.0
Sold By
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Lecran-US
Acute Tek (We Record SN)
display type
LCD
LCD
LCD
OLED
display size
2 inches
2.7 inches
2.4 inches
2.7 inches
lens type
Zoom
Wide Angle
Wide Angle
Macro
Converter
zoom type
Optical Zoom, Digital Zoom
Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom
shooting modes
Scene
Automatic, Portrait, Landscape, Macro
Easy
Manual
Landscape
connectivity tech
USB
USB
USB
USB
wired
video resolution
640 x 480, 30 fps, 320 x 240, with audio
1080p
1080p
1080p
HD 720p

What's in the box

  • Tripod
  • SD Card
  • Battery
  • Wrist Strap
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    Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom


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    Product Description

    Product Description

    This compact and lightweight Canon PowerShot ELPH 7.1MP Digital Camera comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The SD500 has a 7.1-megapixel resolution with a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom. Camera's 2" low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCD (118,000 pixels) gives a big image preview and playback. Other features include real-image optical zoom viewfinder; 9-point autofocus; Fast Frame Rate movie mode; PictBridge compatible; SD memory card compatible; built-in flash with auto and red-eye reduction modes and continuous shooting: 2 shots per second. Also includes software, USB and A/V cables and wrist strap. Made in USA. 2-1/4Hx1Wx3-1/3L".

    From the Manufacturer

    With a host of new features and a unique "perpetual curve" contoured design, the brushed stainless steel titanium grey 7.1-megapixel PowerShot SD500 continues the PowerShot tradition of pushing compact camera design into new territories.

    Driven by the same DIGIC II image processing architecture that propels Canon's EOS-1 pro-series digital SLR cameras, the camera features a 3.0x optical zoom, large 2.0-inch LCD, high-quality VGA video clips at 30 frames per second up to the capacity of the memory card, high-speed USB 2.0 connection, 'My Color' in-camera color editing, and a Print/Share button for easy PictBridge direct printing and fast file uploads. Its 7.1-megapixel sensor allows detailed enlargements up to 15 x 20 inches.

    New Design
    While still referencing original PowerShot designer Yasushi Shiotani's 'box and circle' concept, the PowerShot SD500 design represents a departure from the traditional rectangular PowerShot. The silky finish and distinctive curves are designed to feel great in the hand, while rounded contours exaggerate an already slender body, 8% lighter than the previous top-of-range PowerShot SD500.

    The large 2.0-inch LCD screen features a QuickBright function that takes the screen temporarily to maximum brightness for improved visibility when shooting outdoors. A Night Display option improves LCD visibility for composition and framing in low light conditions. A sophisticated mode dial replaces the mode switch of previous models.

    Blistering Performance
    Trusted by professional photographers and agencies such as Getty Images for its outstanding image rendering ability, DIGIC II assures superb image quality through improved colour gradation and white balance accuracy.

    DIGIC II also delivers instant 0.8 second start-up time, uninterrupted 2.0 frame per second shooting until the memory card fills, and the new USB 2.0 high-speed interface for fast uploads. Processing power also supports a new high-speed image playback function, image jump function (with search facility) during in-camera review, fast image rotation, and increased card writing speed. Auto focus speed is 55% faster than its predecessor, thanks to a more compact, redesigned 37-111mm zoom lens and its new rear focusing system, combined with DIGIC II processing.

    Shooting Features
    To increase shoot-and-share enjoyment, a Hold function now allows users to extend indefinitely the display of a newly shot image, and to delete it immediately if necessary without the requirement to switch to replay mode. The camera returns to shooting immediately when the shutter button is pressed again. A new My Colors menu gives users pre-capture control over image colors in stills and movies. Nine sophisticated color-editing features include Color Accent, which gives users the ability to convert all but one chosen color of an image to monochrome. Other My Colors functions allow favorite colors to be made more vivid and colors to be swapped--a feature designed for creative or fun purposes as well as practical applications, such as product design or interior decoration planning. Users can choose to save 2 copies of the image--with and without an effect applied.

    For maximum versatility and ease of use, the PowerShot SD500 has a total of 13 shooting modes. These include Auto, Manual (allowing more experienced or adventurous users to take control of settings such as white balance, exposure compensation and shutter speed, which extend from 15 seconds to 1/2000 second), and stitch assist for creating panoramas. 9 Special Scene modes include portrait, snow, and beach modes for simple set-up in popular shooting situations. A new more powerful flash features 6 modes and has a range of up to 4.8 meters at ISO Auto.

    New movie features
    The PowerShot SD500 incorporates a number of new advanced video features. Digital zoom is now available while shooting video and users can record up to one minute at 60 frames per second (fps) for smooth in-camera slow motion playback. Control over slow motion improves with more sensitive, five speed level adjustment, while white balance and exposure adjusts automatically when zooming during video capture. For recording clips suitable for email attachment, a ‘Compact' mode provides for recording up to 3 minutes of 15 fps, 160 x 120 resolution files.

    Ergonomics
    Despite successfully decreasing the size of the viewfinder, Canon's engineers have maintained a 16mm eye relief, perfect for prescription eyeglass wearers. The Intelligent Orientation Sensor not only rotates automatically images taken with the camera held vertically, it also improves auto white balance, auto focus and auto exposure by helping the Camera's iSAPS 'built-in photographer's assistant' to take into account likely positions of sky and foreground.

    Extending Creativity
    An optional waterproof case allows users to capture exciting marine life stills and video down to 40 meters. The case includes a diffusion plate to counter the 'snow' effect produced by particles suspended in the water, and a double glass lens to prevent fogging. Optional buoyancy compensation weights prevent the camera from pulling to the surface during scuba or skin diving. A new optional High Power Flash accessory, the HF-DC1, further extends the options for night and indoor shooting. With a guide number of 18 (ISO 100, meters), the slave flash automatically fires in-sync with the camera's in-built flash, ignoring any pre-flash. It can be adjusted to three power output settings based on the aperture value of the camera. The unit attaches to the camera with a supplied bracket that maintains the ability to mount both camera and flash on a tripod.

    Print and Share
    For photo prints without first uploading to a computer, the PowerShot SD500 supports full PictBridge functionality. When coupled with DIGIC II compact photo printers such as Canon's new Compact Photo Printer Selphy CP600, the camera/printer combination is capable of producing borderless photo prints in just 63 seconds. Wide (100 x 200mm) format landscape printing is also supported with these printers, images being automatically cropped to fit the wide format direct from the camera. Functions such as ID photo print, N-Up (Multi-image) printing, and movie clip series printing are also supported. One-touch upload is available via the print/share button and now supports direct transfer to both Windows and Mac platforms.

    Software and access to Canon iMAGE Gateway Software supplied includes ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Mac) for viewing, managing, and archiving images. Other software includes PhotoStitch and PhotoRecord, plus photo manipulation software ArcSoft PhotoStudio. Drivers include TWAIN (Windows 98/2000) and WIA (Windows Me). Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support allows the camera to connect to any Windows XP (SP1-2) and Mac OS X (v10.1.5-10.3) system without the requirement for a driver installation.

    Camera ownership entitles the purchaser to register for 100MB storage space on the Canon iMAGE Gateway, an online gallery where images and movies can be stored in albums and shared to selected friends and family. New My Camera functions (such as shutter sounds and start up images) can also be downloaded to the camera from Canon iMAGE Gateway.


    Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras

    Customer reviews

    3.1 out of 5 stars
    3.1 out of 5
    176 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, ease of use, size and image quality of the digital camera. For example, they mention it works well, is easy to operate and is perfect for applications that put size/weight at a premium. That said, they're happy with the picture quality, saying it's true looking and awesome. As for speed, they say it'll start up in 1 second and the flash recycle time is much quicker.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    36 customers mention28 positive8 negative

    Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They say it works well, takes great pictures, and is good for capturing video. Customers also mention that the videos are also of very nice quality. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.

    "...It works amazingly well, but at 4x, grain starts to become very apparent...." Read more

    "...included software is a little cumbersome to learn, but it works well once figured out...." Read more

    "...The audio recording quality of the S230 is actually pretty good, in fact good enough that I was able to use the camera to record concerts..." Read more

    "...this camera to anyone who wants an easy-to-use model that produces fabulous results." Read more

    19 customers mention16 positive3 negative

    Customers like the size of the digital camera. They mention that it fits into their pocket when not in use, and is perfect for applications that put size and weight at a premium. The camera is also reasonably bright and reasonably big, and it packs a punch for its size.

    "...in length then my 20GB iPod, (slightly thicker), the camera is a breeze to carry with you at all times...." Read more

    "...It is easy to use, lightweight and its very easy to download the pictures using the software and usb cable that comewith the camera...." Read more

    "...It's a great compact camera, I took it on vacation shortly purchasing it and got some insanely gorgeous photos in California...." Read more

    "...If you're looking for something pocketable with legendary Canon quality, look no further." Read more

    18 customers mention16 positive2 negative

    Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They mention that the directions are clear and easy to follow. They also appreciate the good features and the easy-to-operate menus. The camera is very fast to start up and it's easy to download pictures using the software and USB.

    "...It is easy to use, lightweight and its very easy to download the pictures using the software and usb cable that comewith the camera...." Read more

    "...I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants an easy-to-use model that produces fabulous results." Read more

    "...The features are good. The menus are pretty easy to operate. It is VERY fast to start up. I love that!..." Read more

    "...Excellent features include:easy to usesmall..." Read more

    15 customers mention12 positive3 negative

    Customers like the image quality of the camera. They say the pictures are awesome, rich, and true looking. They also appreciate the great detail and sleek construction. Overall, customers are happy with the product's image quality.

    "...Improved color modesAmazing macro funtionsleek designimage quality A-MAZING!..." Read more

    "I just got this camera and it's got great detail in the pictures...." Read more

    "...The Disney cruise ship did fireworks from it and the pix are awesome. Cant wait until the 4th of July!2...." Read more

    "...this camera for its video capabilities because it can record 30 frame per second video at 640x480 resolution (regular television standard)...." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the speed of the digital camera. They mention that it is ready to shoot in 1 second, the flash recycle time is much quicker, and the USB2 port downloads images quickly.

    "...The flash recycle time is much quicker as well. No morewaiting (provided you have a properly charged battery in the camera)..." Read more

    "...2. Super fast 1 second, ready to shoot time from the pocket. Didnt miss a single action moment!3...." Read more

    "...The menus are pretty easy to operate. It is VERY fast to start up. I love that!..." Read more

    "...I really enjoy shopping online with Amazon.com. I trust them, delivery is fast and the prices are outstanding!..." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it's the best value for the money and a very good buy if you're looking for something under $500.

    "I love this camera. It's my second Canon and, at 7MP, the best value for the money I've seen...." Read more

    "This camera is well worth the money! I needed a good camera because I am majoring in Graphic Design...." Read more

    "...I trust them, delivery is fast and the prices are outstanding!..." Read more

    "...Conclusion: very good buy if you are looking for something under 500$ including the 1GB Sd card and battery." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the battery life of the digital camera. They mention that it has a good battery life.

    "...It rocks!4. Battery life was fantastic...." Read more

    "...I'm still very pleased with battery life, and the quality of pictures. I'd probably add another star if I could." Read more

    "...It's sleek and holds its charge pretty well (I later invested in a second battery and charger for when I used it heavily)...." Read more

    "Very Good Buy. I am happy with the picture quality and the battery life...." Read more

    6 customers mention3 positive3 negative

    Customers are mixed about the brightness of the digital camera. For example some mention it's reasonably bright, has a very powerful flash, and double the FPS. That said, others say that the focus and flash seem to be sluggish when a quick shot is necessary.

    "...It is reasonably bright and reasonably big and reasonably fine-grained, but it is not as nice as the really new pocket-cams...." Read more

    "...I never really took to the camera, it was slowwwww to focus, and even though it was step up in megapixel power, the grain was HORRIBLE...." Read more

    "...it has a very very powerfull flash, I LOVE IT... evey time a take a new photo Its a new great expetience... you can control every thing, tha light......" Read more

    "...Good features include:fast shutter speed, although not quite fast enough...." Read more

    Absolutely love it
    5 Stars
    Absolutely love it
    I'm going to state it right away, I am a die-hard Canon fan. I have Canon digital and film slr's, flashes, lenses, bags, the whole deal. But, I'm not so blinded by camera love that I can't spot crap when I see it. I have owned three different Canon compact digital cameras, and this is heads above all, the best of them!I started out with the S400, a camera I had for two years and LOVED. Took about 9000+ images on it. It started to act funny, and I knew it was time for an upgrade so I got the Canon Powershot A95. I never really took to the camera, it was slowwwww to focus, and even though it was step up in megapixel power, the grain was HORRIBLE. The S400 outperformed it in image quality. I especially didn't like the A95 after I took it on a trip with me to Vegas, so two months later I sold it.I saw the SD500 at a store and on a whim, (since it looked so similar to my dear beloved S400) picked it up to play with it. I accidently had grabbed the shutter when I went to pick it up and BOOM, in the span of a millisecond, it had focused and fired off a shot. Right there, I knew I had my new camera.Starting off, the camera is a thing of beauty for the eyes. Smaller in length then my 20GB iPod, (slightly thicker), the camera is a breeze to carry with you at all times. THAT BEING SAID, I've read what other reviewers have written about the camera's durability and rated it badly because the lcd cracked. Just because the camera is 'pocket sized', doesn't mean in any way that you should stick it in your pants pocket. And then sit down with it in there, no less. Anything is bound to break if you do that! Get a sturdy case. It needs to be protected.The camera is so much wuicker to focus then the previous powershot elph models. That strange, slow clicking sound is gone, it focuses in under half a second and fires. The flash recycle time is much quicker as well. No morewaiting (provided you have a properly charged battery in the camera)Regarding battery life, it's pretty average for a rechargeable lithium battery. Alot of people do not like propriety batteries, I don't mind them, I have three for the camera in case I'm on a long trip. There's no reason not to have an extra, you don't want to be caught in the perfect moment to capture a photo and realize you have a dead battery with no alternative.This camera does not have full manual controls, like the A95 does. You cannot adjust the aperture or the shutter speed. This doesn't bother me, as I own a digital slr with full manual controls, but if you do not own an slr and are looking for a compact with manual contorls, this would NOT be the camera for you. Check out the Canon Powertshot A series.The image viewfinder is large enough, at 2 inches. I find myself sometimes getting finger prints on it easily when I go tograb the camera, but those are easily removed. The brightness of the lcd is also user adjustable, which is something you take for granted. I was going crazy when I had the A95 because I couldn't make the screen darker. It was so bright, everything looked blown out and the images looked COMPLETELY different exposure wise once you got them on the computer.This powershot elph camera introduces a few new features that are incredibly neat and worth mentioning.My colors has several user editable functions, like color swap, (two colors that you define that can be exchanged to make a really cool effect) and one of my personal favorites, color accent which lets you define one color, say, a pink shirt a friend is wearing (you point the camera and the color and hit the arrow button and it copies the color data) and it turns everything else in the picture black and white except for that one color so that it stands out. You can acheive this effect in photoshop, but being able to do it this easily in a camer is VERY cool.I also like the option of shooting with positive film color effects. Blues are bluer, greens are greens, and reds are, well, you get the idea. It's different from the vivid mode because it just doesn't blast everything out, it makes the colors pop, but keeps them rich and true looking at the same time. The only gripe I have with this and the color accent features is that you cannot change the iso setting when you are in this mode, which to me, is a gross oversight. These functions are only accessible in the manual section of the camera, you should be able to change the ISO! I mean, you can change the white balance, why not let us be able to change the iso?! The camera would be perfect if you were able to do that...Digital Macro is another really cool feature. You can take macros photos, but much further. It utilizes the digital, not optical zoom on the camera to bring the object closer while still keeping it clear. It works amazingly well, but at 4x, grain starts to become very apparent.The stitch assist (panoramic) mode is still here, but this time you have to click through the menu to find it instead of having it readily avialible on the selection knob. I noticed that you cannot shoot a panoramic sequence in macro mode, which dissapointed me bcause I wanted to try some flower panos. Again, this is an oversight that really would've made the camera sing even more had it been included.The movie mode! Oh my gosh, the movie mode. Best move mode on a canon compact, I believe. Double the FPS. The little movies look great. And unlink the A95, which would cut out after 30 seconds no matter how much room you had on your card, this'll let you keep going.All in all, this is the best compact digital I've owned so far. I didn't think I'd ever be able to find a compact that I've loved like my S400, but I have. And it's better.To sum it up:Pros:Near instant start-up (under .5 seconds)lightning fast focuslightning fast flashImproved color modesAmazing macro funtionsleek designimage quality A-MAZING!lcd screen brightness user adjustiblebest movie mode on a compact!Cons:No iso control in my colors modeno macro in pano modeIn the end, buy a sturdy case, and for goodness sake, have some sense and don't stick it in your pocket and sit on it! You will be happy with this camera if you can follow those rules. If you want a high qaulity compact digital camera with limited manual controls, this is it for you!
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2005
    Style: SD500 Digital CameraVerified Purchase
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely love it
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2005
    I'm going to state it right away, I am a die-hard Canon fan. I have Canon digital and film slr's, flashes, lenses, bags, the whole deal. But, I'm not so blinded by camera love that I can't spot crap when I see it. I have owned three different Canon compact digital cameras, and this is heads above all, the best of them!

    I started out with the S400, a camera I had for two years and LOVED. Took about 9000+ images on it. It started to act funny, and I knew it was time for an upgrade so I got the Canon Powershot A95. I never really took to the camera, it was slowwwww to focus, and even though it was step up in megapixel power, the grain was HORRIBLE. The S400 outperformed it in image quality. I especially didn't like the A95 after I took it on a trip with me to Vegas, so two months later I sold it.

    I saw the SD500 at a store and on a whim, (since it looked so similar to my dear beloved S400) picked it up to play with it. I accidently had grabbed the shutter when I went to pick it up and BOOM, in the span of a millisecond, it had focused and fired off a shot. Right there, I knew I had my new camera.

    Starting off, the camera is a thing of beauty for the eyes. Smaller in length then my 20GB iPod, (slightly thicker), the camera is a breeze to carry with you at all times. THAT BEING SAID, I've read what other reviewers have written about the camera's durability and rated it badly because the lcd cracked. Just because the camera is 'pocket sized', doesn't mean in any way that you should stick it in your pants pocket. And then sit down with it in there, no less. Anything is bound to break if you do that! Get a sturdy case. It needs to be protected.

    The camera is so much wuicker to focus then the previous powershot elph models. That strange, slow clicking sound is gone, it focuses in under half a second and fires. The flash recycle time is much quicker as well. No morewaiting (provided you have a properly charged battery in the camera)

    Regarding battery life, it's pretty average for a rechargeable lithium battery. Alot of people do not like propriety batteries, I don't mind them, I have three for the camera in case I'm on a long trip. There's no reason not to have an extra, you don't want to be caught in the perfect moment to capture a photo and realize you have a dead battery with no alternative.

    This camera does not have full manual controls, like the A95 does. You cannot adjust the aperture or the shutter speed. This doesn't bother me, as I own a digital slr with full manual controls, but if you do not own an slr and are looking for a compact with manual contorls, this would NOT be the camera for you. Check out the Canon Powertshot A series.

    The image viewfinder is large enough, at 2 inches. I find myself sometimes getting finger prints on it easily when I go tograb the camera, but those are easily removed. The brightness of the lcd is also user adjustable, which is something you take for granted. I was going crazy when I had the A95 because I couldn't make the screen darker. It was so bright, everything looked blown out and the images looked COMPLETELY different exposure wise once you got them on the computer.

    This powershot elph camera introduces a few new features that are incredibly neat and worth mentioning.

    My colors has several user editable functions, like color swap, (two colors that you define that can be exchanged to make a really cool effect) and one of my personal favorites, color accent which lets you define one color, say, a pink shirt a friend is wearing (you point the camera and the color and hit the arrow button and it copies the color data) and it turns everything else in the picture black and white except for that one color so that it stands out. You can acheive this effect in photoshop, but being able to do it this easily in a camer is VERY cool.

    I also like the option of shooting with positive film color effects. Blues are bluer, greens are greens, and reds are, well, you get the idea. It's different from the vivid mode because it just doesn't blast everything out, it makes the colors pop, but keeps them rich and true looking at the same time. The only gripe I have with this and the color accent features is that you cannot change the iso setting when you are in this mode, which to me, is a gross oversight. These functions are only accessible in the manual section of the camera, you should be able to change the ISO! I mean, you can change the white balance, why not let us be able to change the iso?! The camera would be perfect if you were able to do that...

    Digital Macro is another really cool feature. You can take macros photos, but much further. It utilizes the digital, not optical zoom on the camera to bring the object closer while still keeping it clear. It works amazingly well, but at 4x, grain starts to become very apparent.

    The stitch assist (panoramic) mode is still here, but this time you have to click through the menu to find it instead of having it readily avialible on the selection knob. I noticed that you cannot shoot a panoramic sequence in macro mode, which dissapointed me bcause I wanted to try some flower panos. Again, this is an oversight that really would've made the camera sing even more had it been included.

    The movie mode! Oh my gosh, the movie mode. Best move mode on a canon compact, I believe. Double the FPS. The little movies look great. And unlink the A95, which would cut out after 30 seconds no matter how much room you had on your card, this'll let you keep going.

    All in all, this is the best compact digital I've owned so far. I didn't think I'd ever be able to find a compact that I've loved like my S400, but I have. And it's better.

    To sum it up:

    Pros:

    Near instant start-up (under .5 seconds)

    lightning fast focus

    lightning fast flash

    Improved color modes

    Amazing macro funtion

    sleek design

    image quality A-MAZING!

    lcd screen brightness user adjustible

    best movie mode on a compact!

    Cons:

    No iso control in my colors mode

    no macro in pano mode

    In the end, buy a sturdy case, and for goodness sake, have some sense and don't stick it in your pocket and sit on it! You will be happy with this camera if you can follow those rules. If you want a high qaulity compact digital camera with limited manual controls, this is it for you!
    Images in this review
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    47 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2006
    Style: SD500 Digital CameraVerified Purchase
    6 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2006
    Style: SD500 Digital CameraVerified Purchase
    9 people found this helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

    Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
    Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2017
    Style: SD500 Digital CameraVerified Purchase