Unbiased digital camera reviews, advice, and prices
Note: this camera was first sold in Feb 2004. There may be newer versions available.
Canon PowerShot S500
Canon PowerShot S500
D-
HQ Grade: D-
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 1 out of 5
"E18 Error"
  • 2 out of 5
"E18"
See rating based on 138 user reviews
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This camera is ranked

Canon PowerShot S500 Reviews

  • 3.79 out of 5

Rating: 3.79 of 5
(138 user reviews)

Professional Reviews of the Canon S500

  • 4.9 out of 5
The quality and versatility of the ELPH series has impressed me from the start, and the 5.0-megapixel S500 doesn't disappoint (Imaging Resource - 9/9/04)

This pro reviewer is very impressed with the Canon PowerShot S500. Despite the camera's tiny size, users can still control ISO, white balance, and shutter time, giving them a fair amount of creative control. Image quality is excellent. read original review

  • 4.45 out of 5
All things considered, I still very much recommend these cameras (DC Resource - 3/5/04)

This joint review of the Canon PowerShot S400 and S500 concludes that they are both very good cameras, but not the industry leaders that previous digital ELPHs were. The S500's image quality is very good, but the lack of preset scene modes and limited video recording time lower its score. Despite their similarities, the S410 delivers better macro performance than the S500. read original review

Canon S500 Reviews by DigitalCamera-HQ Users

Page 1 of 2 (31 DigitalCamera-HQ reviews total)

  • 1 out of 5
E18 Error (Mincho - 3/23/08)

I got the E18 error and can not fixe it.read more

  • 2 out of 5
E18 (Gem - 10/16/07)

I liked Powershot S500. However, when it has some problem difficult to fix if not under the warranty. Because everything (to fix broken memory card... read more

  • 1 out of 5
E18 Error Horror (Lindsay Cooper - 1/5/07)

Great camera, except after I got the E18 error in less than 10 uses w/ the camera. It renders the camera useless and costs over... read more

  • 5 out of 5
I love the camera (jenny - 12/12/06)

I just find the display too small compared to the newer digitals that are out now.
One other problem is I can't figure out why... read more

  • 2 out of 5
DON'T BUY IT (cynthia - 11/28/06)

This is my mom's camera. It was fine when I used it two weeks ago, and I hadn't touched it since. Today, I turned it... read more

  • 3 out of 5
E18 takes control! (Snezhana - 11/2/06)

Ive had my camera for about 2.5 years. It was great but it broke fast. Plus the e18 error ruined the whole camera. I dont... read more

  • 2 out of 5
E18 ( - 6/19/06)

pro: picture quality was good,
con: shutter lags, most of all, the infamous E18 error killed it.read more

  • 2 out of 5
Another one bites the dust.. ( - 5/31/06)

Yes another dead S500. Fortunately it broke the first time under warranty, but the second time it was not. Now it is not turning on... read more

  • 1 out of 5
Don't buy it! ( - 4/7/06)

Almost one year to the date I purchased this camera, the infamous E18 sign came up. I took excellent care of this camera and while... read more

  • 5 out of 5
Rather good ( - 3/24/06)

I bought this camera when it was $400 and still love it. It is easy enough to use for technophobes, and offers enough settings to... read more

  • 2 out of 5
I expected it to last longer, and I took care of it! ( - 2/27/06)

It's still working and I've had fun with it but the shudder is sticking, and now wont close. The knobs are all jammed up too. read more

  • 1 out of 5
3 words: class action suit This thing is worthless ( - 2/27/06)

1 year 3 e18 errors 2 battery errors and maybe only 400 pictures taken. Support is miserable.. stay away from canon go sonyread more

  • 3 out of 5
memory card error ( - 2/9/06)

i love the camera but it stopped working, memory card error !!!!read more

  • 2 out of 5
So disappointed. :-( I really liked it but it isn't reliable ( - 2/9/06)

I am so sad. I have a dance coming up in a week and suddenly the camera lens doesn't work..its like jammed and on the... read more

  • 2 out of 5
Easy to use, great pictures...but now the E18 has got hold of it !!!! ( - 1/20/06)

WE brought on the basis of good reviews but where woorried about the e18 error also. Have taken excellent photos, and taken it aborad, but... read more

  • 3 out of 5
Good but can be better ( - 12/9/05)

I have taken this camera for use on 3 different trips around the country & one Down Under (both Australia & New Zealand) plus numerous... read more

  • 4 out of 5
Great camera; but LCD is mediocre. ( - 11/9/05)

This is my second digicam. First was a basic 1.2 mp cheapie that was not much more than a drugstore disposeable.

I'm not a... read more

  • 2 out of 5
Great camera for as long as it lasts. ( - 11/1/05)

Bought Camera 15 months ago took some wonderful shots went abroad with it twice second trip the inevitable problem with the lens focus arrangement,with the... read more

  • 4 out of 5
Compact and handy ( - 11/1/05)

I initially chose this camera because of the size. It's small and compact and can fit easily in my handbag or jeans pocket, which is... read more

  • 5 out of 5
Almost perfect ( - 10/26/05)

This camera is very good and the defects are very few and already identified by a lot of people. The auto mode is so good... read more

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