Canon PowerShot SX500 IS Digital Camera - Black (16.0 MP, 30x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

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While some may consider these gimmicks that can be done with separate software, they can be fun to play with if you're looking to do something different and can actually help you set up your shot appropriately for the effect you're after. From our point of view, we need to show that in a test shot but we couldn't get enough light onto the subject (a memory card) because the lens kept blocking our studio light.

What the SX500 is good for is outdoor shots in good lighting for small prints (8x10 or smaller) or viewing onscreen at 50 percent or smaller.Ultimately then, while the SX500 is an excellent camera on the whole it’s unlikely to be to everyone’s taste. On the top of the camera you’ll find the main exposure mode dial that offers access to all of the camera’s various shooting modes.

And if 30x doesn’t sound like it offers quite enough telephoto reach then the SX500’s zoom can be further extended up to a maximum of 60x via Canon’s ‘ZoomPlus’ technology. Those who prefer to let the camera do all the work can take advantage of the Smart Auto mode and let the camera choose a suitable setting from over 30 pre-programmed scenes. If resolution isn't an issue, you can drop it down and the further you drop it, the more boost to the zoom you get.As mentioned on the previous page, one by-product of the camera’s diminutive body is that the 3in LCD screen takes up most of the back of the camera. For those who are addicted to the photo filters from a favorite smartphone app, Canon includes several of its high-quality Creative Filters: Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, and Poster Effect.

While we could just about live with these limitations, there are certain to be many superzoom enthusiasts who cannot.The door to the battery compartment has a lock but just has to be pulled harder with your thumb and it will open. The PowerShot SX500 IS provides an unbeatable combination of massive zoom range in a compact lightweight body that, for now at least, is unmatched by anyone else. Going above that you'll start to see more color noise, artifacts, and loss of detail, which just results in subjects that appear soft and desaturated. Another mode, Live View Control, lets you easily experiment with exposure and color while seeing your results onscreen before you shoot (the same goes for the filters).