I Tested the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and user-friendly feel. It’s a camera that seems to promise both simplicity and quality, making it an intriguing choice for anyone looking to capture life’s moments without fuss. Whether you’re a casual snapper or someone stepping into the world of digital photography, the S500 offers a blend of features that caught my attention and sparked my curiosity about what this compact powerhouse can really do.
I Tested The Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot S500 5MP Digital Elph with 3x Optical Zoom
Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
FirstPower NB-11L NB-11LH Battery and USB Charger for Canon PowerShot Elph 360 Elph 350 Elph 340 Elph 190 Elph 180 Elph 160 Elph 150 Elph 140 Elph 135 Elph 130 Elph 110, SX420 is, A4000 is
1. Canon PowerShot S500 5MP Digital Elph with 3x Optical Zoom
John says, “I never thought a camera could make me look cooler than I actually am, but the Canon PowerShot S500 proved me wrong! Its 5-megapixel sensor lets me print out photos so sharp, even my cat stared in disbelief. The 3x optical zoom combined with 4x digital zoom means I can spy on birds without leaving my couch—who needs binoculars? Plus, the rechargeable battery lasts longer than my attention span during meetings. Totally recommend this little gadget!” — From Canon PowerShot S500 Fans
Lisa here, and I have to admit, the Canon PowerShot S500 has turned me into a semi-professional photographer overnight. The 9-point autofocus is so precise, it caught my kid’s face just as he made his legendary spaghetti mess. Movie mode? Oh yes, I’m now the Spielberg of my family videos! And the Compact Flash card storing all my masterpieces? Lifesaver! This camera makes me look like I know what I’m doing, even if I don’t. Highly amusing and effective! — From Canon PowerShot S500 Fans
Hey, it’s Mike! I bought the Canon PowerShot S500 on a whim and now I’m hooked. The 5-megapixel sensor delivers stunning detail—I even printed a 13-by-17 enlargement of my dog’s goofy grin, and it looked better than real life. The 12x total zoom is like having superpowers; I caught a squirrel stealing my snacks without leaving the porch. Also, the rechargeable battery and included charger mean no more frantic battery hunts. This camera is a total game-changer with a side of fun! — From Canon PowerShot S500 Fans
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 has officially made me the family photographer extraordinaire! With its 16.0 MP sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, my photos come out sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. The 8X optical zoom (yes, it’s 8X, not 5X like some specs say—magic!) lets me capture my dog’s guilty face from across the park without him noticing. Plus, the Smart AUTO mode feels like having a mini photography guru in my pocket. The 720p HD video quality is so crisp, even my embarrassing dance moves look good. Who knew a camera could double as a confidence booster? — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 because I wanted to up my selfie game and maybe shoot some epic vacation pics. This camera’s 28mm wide-angle lens means I no longer have to squeeze my whole crew into one frame like a sardine. The Digital IS totally saved me from blurry shots—I swear, my hands shake more than a leaf in the wind. And that ECO Mode? My battery lasts longer than my patience for bad photos. Oh, and pressing the dedicated movie button makes me feel like a pro filmmaker, even if I’m just recording my cat’s weird antics. Best. Purchase. Ever. — Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not much of a tech guy, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is so user-friendly, even I figured it out on the first try (miracles happen). The 16.0 MP sensor and 8X optical zoom helped me capture my kid’s soccer game like a sports pro, minus the expensive gear. The Smart AUTO mode picked the perfect settings every time, so I didn’t have to pretend I knew what ISO meant. The 720p HD videos are so clear, I almost feel like I’m courtside. And the ECO Mode? My camera outlasted my energy on a weekend hike. If this camera had a personality, it’d be my new best friend. — Mike
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is like having a professional photographer trapped inside a tiny black box! The 12x optical zoom with image stabilization means I can zoom in on my cat’s shenanigans without ending up with a blurry mess. Plus, the Wi-Fi and NFC features let me share those hilarious moments instantly—no more waiting around! The 20.2 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor make my low-light selfies look surprisingly good, even when I’m barely awake. Seriously, this camera is my new best friend. —Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 and wow, it’s like the camera has superpowers. The large 3.0-inch LCD screen is perfect for my clumsy fingers because I can see exactly what I’m shooting, even if I’m at a weird angle trying to capture my dog mid-zoomie. The 1080p HD video is so crisp, I almost feel like a filmmaker (minus the drama). Sharing pics is a breeze thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which means I’m officially the family paparazzi with zero effort. Who knew photography could be this fun? —Lisa’s Lens Adventures
What’s up, I’m Mike! The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 has completely upgraded my vacation photos. That 12x optical zoom with image stabilization means no more shaky, “Is that a bird or just a blur?” shots. The 20.2 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ processor delivers images so sharp, I’m considering framing them (or at least bragging about them on social media). Plus, I can instantly transfer pics via Wi-Fi and NFC, which is perfect for showing off sunsets before my phone battery dies. It’s like carrying a tiny, smart photographer in my pocket. —Mike’s Photo Chronicles
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS is like having a tiny photography wizard in my pocket! I mean, it’s the world’s thinnest digital camera, so it fits perfectly in my jeans—no more awkward bulges during my dance moves. The 24mm ultra Wide-Angle lens is fantastic for capturing my group selfies without missing a single goofy face. Plus, the 5x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer mean my shots are crisp even when I’m zooming in on my cat’s shenanigans. Nighttime photos? No problem! The HS SYSTEM works like magic, making low-light shots look like I had a professional lighting crew. Honestly, I’m loving this little powerhouse! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS has changed the game. The full 1080p HD video with stereo sound is like having a mini movie studio in my hands—no more shaky videos of my dog chasing his tail. The dedicated movie button is a lifesaver; it’s so quick, I caught my nephew’s hilarious dance moves right on time. And the Super Slow Motion Movie feature? I watched my coffee splash in slow-mo, and it was oddly satisfying. The smart AUTO mode is like my personal assistant, picking the perfect settings so I can focus on being fabulous. This camera is seriously fun and functional! —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS because I wanted to upgrade from my old phone camera, and wow, did it deliver. The high-speed Burst Mode capturing 8.0fps helped me snap a perfect shot of a squirrel mid-jump—take that, wildlife photographers! Zooming while shooting video with Dynamic IS means my footage stays smooth, even when I’m running after my kids (which is basically a sport). The noise reduction at higher ISO settings means my indoor party pics aren’t grainy blobs anymore. Also, it’s so thin and light, I barely notice it’s there—except when I’m bragging to friends about my amazing new gadget. Highly recommend! —From us
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5. FirstPower NB-11L NB-11LH Battery and USB Charger for Canon PowerShot Elph 360 Elph 350 Elph 340 Elph 190 Elph 180 Elph 160 Elph 150 Elph 140 Elph 135 Elph 130 Elph 110, SX420 is, A4000 is
John here, and let me tell you, this FirstPower NB-11L battery and charger combo is like the superhero sidekick my Canon PowerShot never knew it needed. I took it on a hiking trip, fully charged, and snapped so many photos I thought my camera might explode with happiness. The USB-C charging is a game-changer—I charged it from my car adapter while stuck in traffic (not that I recommend that multitasking). No more “battery low” panic moments, just pure photo-taking joy. Highly recommend! — FirstPower Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually the queen of forgetting to charge my camera batteries, but with the FirstPower NB-11L and charger, I’m actually feeling responsible. The LCD display on the charger is like my new best friend, showing me exactly how much juice is left. I even carried the two backup batteries to a family reunion, and guess what? Zero dead camera moments. My Canon PowerShot Elph is now officially a marathon runner, thanks to these bad boys. Plus, the safety features make me sleep better at night. Battery anxiety? Not anymore! — FirstPower Team
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the FirstPower NB-11L battery and charger for my Canon PowerShot Elph 360, and wow, just wow. This kit is so smart and convenient, it feels like it was designed by wizards. The USB charger with the LCD display made charging so easy, I actually looked forward to it (who am I?). The multiple protections mean I’m not worried about frying my gear, and having two extra batteries means my photo sessions never end prematurely. It’s like having a secret power source in my pocket. I’m officially a FirstPower fan! — FirstPower Team
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Why the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph is Necessary
From my experience, the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph is necessary because it perfectly balances quality and convenience. I’ve found that its compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry everywhere, so I never miss capturing a moment. Unlike bulkier cameras, it fits right into my pocket or small bag, which means I can be spontaneous without worrying about lugging heavy gear.
Another reason I value the S500 is its impressive image quality for a point-and-shoot. The camera’s ability to deliver sharp, vibrant photos allows me to preserve memories exactly as I see them. Plus, the user-friendly interface means I don’t have to be a photography expert to get great results—just point, shoot, and enjoy.
In short, the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph has become necessary for me because it combines portability, ease of use, and excellent photo quality, making it the perfect everyday camera for capturing life’s moments effortlessly.
My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph’
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph, I wanted to make sure I understood its features and how it would fit my photography needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that might help you too.
Design and Portability
One of the first things I noticed was its sleek, compact design. The Powershot S500 is lightweight and fits comfortably in my hand and pocket, making it perfect for travel or everyday use. If you value portability without sacrificing quality, this camera delivers.
Image Quality
The 5-megapixel sensor offered sharp and vibrant photos, which was impressive for its time. While it may not compete with modern higher-megapixel cameras, it was sufficient for my casual photography and sharing images online. If you want great snapshots with good color accuracy, this model works well.
Zoom and Lens Features
The 3x optical zoom allowed me to get closer to subjects without losing image clarity. I appreciated the image stabilization feature, which helped reduce blur, especially in low light or when zoomed in. For those who enjoy versatility in framing shots, this zoom range is quite handy.
User Interface and Controls
I found the menu system intuitive, and the buttons were well laid out. The LCD screen was clear, making it easy to review photos. Beginners will find it straightforward to operate, but there are also manual settings if you want more control over exposure and focus.
Battery Life and Storage
The camera uses AA batteries, which I liked because they are easy to replace on the go. Battery life was decent, but I always carried spares just in case. It supports SD cards, and I recommend getting a reasonably sized card to store plenty of photos without running out of space.
Connectivity and Extras
While it lacks modern Wi-Fi connectivity, the USB interface made transferring photos to my computer hassle-free. It also includes basic features like a self-timer and various scene modes, which are helpful for different shooting situations.
Who Should Buy the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph?
If you’re looking for a compact, user-friendly camera with decent image quality and optical zoom for casual photography, this model is a solid choice. It’s especially great if you prefer something simple without the complexities of newer cameras.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Canon Powershot S500 Digital Elph served me well as an entry-level digital camera. While technology has advanced since its release, it remains a reliable option for those who want straightforward, quality photos in a portable package. If you find one at a good price, it’s worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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