The SD500 is the first Digital ELPH from Canon to be equipped with 7.1 megapixel resolution -- a major step forward for a camera this easy to use. With Canon's exclusive DIGIC II image processor, a big, two-inch LCD screen, and an outstanding set of features and capabilities, the SD500 is a digital camera designed to lead Canon's impressive Digital ELPH line.

The SD500's 7.1 megapixel CCD (the highest resolution in the Digital ELPH line) delivers images with unprecedented detail. Meanwhile, the powerful 3x optical zoom provides plenty of close-up excitement with a focal length equivalent to 37 to 111 millimeters in a 35-millimeter film camera. The camera's stylish new perpetual curve design -- a first in digital cameras -- fits your hands perfectly, and though its body is superbly slim, the SD500 has an oversized two-inch LCD screen that makes for easy framing and playback.

Designed to improve processing speed and image quality, the SD500's DIGIC II processor provides markedly faster camera startup, auto-focus and playback. Plus, it assures that every image is more accurate, with a broader range and vibrant colors. The processor is so fast and powerful that it could change the way even a die-hard film photographer feels about digital camera image quality and performance.

Canon has added nine special scene modes to help you take the best pictures in various situations. "portrait" sets a large aperture, focuses the subject, and artistically blurs the background to make your subject appear clear and bright. "foliage" captures excellent organic shots, like autumn leaves, greenery, or blossoms. "beach" gets clear shots at sunny locales without darkening faces. Other scenes include fireworks, night snapshot, kids and pets, indoor, and snow.

You can also set the camera to "digital macro" to shoot larger-than-life close-ups, or turn the dial to "underwater" to snap images with reduced backscatter, so you'll see the fish and coral, not your flash. If you're interested in taking pictures underwater, you'll want to make sure you pick up the WP-DC70 from Canon -- a waterproof case made especially for the SD500.

Ready for some filmmaking? With this camera, you can shoot great full motion video at an astonishing 60 frames per second (fps) -- perfect for capturing fast moving subjects. Always thinking, Canon designed the SD500 to also offer a 30 fps movie mode that is perfect for creating video files that are small enough to email.

The SD500 is the first of Canon's compact digital cameras to support the USB 2.0 high-speed standard. You'll enjoy the highest data transfer speeds with any USB 2.0 compatible computer, making it easier than ever to download your digital images from the camera and clear your memory card. Also, this camera's performance level is high enough to take full advantage of super-high-speed SD memory cards.

What's in the Box
PowerShot SD500 digital camera, wrist strap, SD memory card, battery pack, battery charger, digital camera solution CD-ROM, AV cable, and interface cable.