Cyber-shot DSC-S500

Released 2006

A 6-megapixel AA-powered compact with a 32–96 mm-equivalent zoom lens, 2.4-inch screen and 25 MB internal memory.

Type: Compact
Sensor: Other
Megapixels: 6
Lens: 32–96 mm equivalent
Video: 320 × 240 at 30 fps
Body weight: 146 g

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Specifications

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Image and sensor

Camera type: Compact
Sensor format: Other
Sensor type: Super HAD CCD
Effective resolution: 6 MP
Largest image: 2816 × 2112
RAW recording: No
Standard ISO range: 80–400
Sensor detail: Optical 1/2.5-type Super HAD CCD; optical format is not a physical dimension. Exact instruction manual gives approximately 6,003,000 effective / 6,183,000 total pixels; Singapore archive different effective count is not used
Image formats: JPEG/Exif 2.21, Fine or Standard quality; maximum 2816×2112, with 3:2 2816×1872, 3M, 2M and VGA settings. No RAW recording

Lens and shooting

Built-in lens: 32–96 mm equivalent
Maximum aperture: f/2.8–4.8
Optical zoom: 3×
Stabilisation: None
Lens detail: Sony 3× zoom, physical 5.4–16.2 mm F2.8–4.8. Macro approximately 5 cm wide / 35 cm telephoto; normal focus approximately 50 cm in maker archive. Singapore Carl Zeiss branding conflicts with actual Sony lens nameplate and UK table
Autofocus: Single autofocus; no manually adjustable focus or distance presets. UK archive lists no AF illuminator and exact manual labels the front lamp only as self-timer lamp; Singapore affirmative entry conflicts
Shutter: Maker archive gives Auto 1/8–1/2000 second; Singapore table additionally gives Program auto 1–1/2000 second
Burst detail: Exact handbook: maximum three frames at all supported sizes/qualities, flash off, approximately 2-second recording interval. Singapore maker table separately qualifies approximately 2 seconds at 6M Fine / 1 second at VGA Standard; UK unqualified 1-second entry not used as a sustained full-resolution rate
Flash: Exact instruction manual Auto ISO range approximately 0.5–2.5 m wide / 0.5–2.0 m telephoto; red-eye reduction pre-flash available
Exposure controls: Auto, Program auto and six scene modes: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach and Candle. No manual or aperture/shutter-priority exposure. ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps; multi-pattern or spot metering. ISO Auto, 80, 100, 200 and 400

Video

Highest video resolution: 320 × 240 at 30 fps
Video detail: AVI Motion JPEG, 320×240 at 30 fps with recorded sound. No movie-sound playback through the camera buzzer; sound plays on TV or computer. UK archive 640×480 template entry conflicts with exact handbook

Screen and viewfinder

Viewfinder: None
Screen size: 2.4″
Screen dots: 110,000
Touchscreen: No
Tilting screen: No
Display detail: Fixed 2.4-inch TFT, maker states 110,000 dots in exact instruction manual and UK archive; dots are not captured image pixels. No touchscreen or tilting
Viewfinder detail: No separate viewfinder; composition uses rear LCD

Connections and design

Bluetooth: No
Battery life (maker's claim): 60 photographs
Body weight: 146 g
Release detail: Imaging Resource exact-model specification database records Date Available August 4 2006. Year 2006 retained conservatively because the precise first-sale day is not independently corroborated. Contemporary Sony US reporting planned August shipment; Sony China announced its regional model November 22 2006. No predecessor inferred from the maker calling it a new S-series member after S600.
Recording media: Approximately 25 MB internal memory; Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo, including MagicGate variants. No card supplied
Ports: Separate USB mini-B (Full-Speed USB 2.0) and A/V OUT mini-jack; NTSC/PAL composite video and audio. Exact manual Full-Speed specification overrides Singapore Hi-Speed heading
Battery life detail: Two supplied LR6 alkaline AA cells: approximately 60 shots / 30 minutes CIPA. Optional NH-AA-DB NiMH pair: approximately 350 shots / 170 minutes, not supplied. Alkaline values vary by brand, settings and conditions; supplied cells described as trial-use batteries
Charging: Supplied alkaline batteries cannot be recharged. Optional compatible NiMH cells require an external charger; no charger supplied. Optional AC-LS5K mains adaptor separate
Dimensions: 92.4×62.3×31.2 mm width×height×depth in UK archive; exact instruction manual rounds to 92×62×31 mm excluding protrusions
Weight detail: 146 g body only in UK archive; approximately 198 g including two batteries and wrist strap, etc. in exact instruction manual. Plastic body in Singapore maker table
In the box: Two AA alkaline batteries, dedicated USB cable, A/V cable, wrist strap, software/handbook CD and instruction manual; rechargeable cells, charger and Memory Stick Duo excluded

Pros and cons

Pros

32 mm-equivalent wide end
Uses AA batteries
25 MB internal memory

Cons

No image stabilisation or viewfinder
No RAW or manual exposure
Video limited to 320×240

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Sensor	Megapixels	Lens	Video	Body weight	Released
SonyCyber-shot DSC-S600	Compact	Other	6	31–93 mm equivalent	640 × 480 at 30 fps	133 g	2006
SonyCyber-shot DSC-H3	Compact	Other	8.1	38–380 mm equivalent	640 × 480 at 30 fps	264 g	2007
SonyCyber-shot DSC-S650	Compact	Other	7.2	35–105 mm equivalent	320 × 240 at 30 fps	130 g	2007

Sources

Photo: Pixinfo

Silver DSC-S500 front oblique view, showing USB and A/V sockets: Pixinfo
Silver DSC-S500 opposite front angle, showing strap eyelet: Pixinfo

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