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Sony Cybershot DSC-T500 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization | 
| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
Buy New: $240.99
as of 9/9/2010 17:30 CDT details
New (6) Used (6) Refurbished (6) from $209.98
Seller: yankee443
Rating:  46 reviews
Sales Rank: 20766
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries: 1
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 5
Display Size: 3.5
Maximum Focal Length: 59
Minimum Focal Length: 5.8
Maximum Resolution: 12
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 4.2 x 0.9 x 2.8
MPN: DSC-T500/B
Model: DSC-T500
UPC: 027242732032
EAN: 0027242732032
ASIN: B001DTA7IW
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 10.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor | | • | Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x optical zoom lens; Optical SteadyShot image stabilization | | • | HD Movie Mode records 720p high definition video | | • | Face Detection technology captures faces naturally; | | • | 4MB internal memory; capture images to Memory Stick Duo Media or Memory Stick PRO Duo Media |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
With Sony's Smile Shutter technology, the DSCT300 helps automatically capture smiles as they happen, while Face Detection technology helps deliver accurate, natural images of family and friends. You can expect stunning detail and color thanks to its 10.1-megapixel resolution, Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens, and intelligent scene recognition mode.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 46
 DSC-T500 Is The Camera I've Been Waiting For! October 14, 2008
Michael J. Foley (Sherman Oaks, CA United States)
82 out of 85 found this review helpful
I've seen this coming. The technology has been advancing so quickly that it was only the waiting that's been tough. I bought this camera right away and am VERY pleased with it. I just don't know where to start.
This is both an excellent stand alone still camera with 10.1 MP, which provides enough details for 19 by 13" prints. To my experienced eyes, the images are in a word superb. It is also a tiny HD camcorder with 720P and stereo sound! It's not quite as good as a stand alone HD camcorder but with the ease of flicking a switch into the movie mode as well as the size of the camera, it is nothing short of astonishing. I easily loaded both images as well as video clips into Windows Movie Maker and edited between the two and burned a DVD with excellent results.
It certainly doesn't require it, but if you have a flat panel with an HDMI input, this camera really shines.
All the settings (except for power, switch between image and movie and telephoto) are made by touching icons on the seemingly huge screen and is fairly easy to master. Great care has been taken so that the camera's feature are easy to use. This is my first camera with a touch screen and it is wonderful! One of the camera's nicest features turns out to be the ability to take still photos while shooting video. While editing, it's nice to be able to add a still image before or after the video clip. Especially when you fade into it.
You'll need a bit of time on how to hold the camera. At least with me, I kept getting fingers in front of the lens. Your left hand need to hold the camera toward the bottom. The camera is both light yet heavy enough that it feels good in your hands.
My camera did not ship with a Memory Stick. I just ordered a 16GB card for a little over a hundred dollars and according to the manual will hold 4001 10MP images or an amazing 3 hours and 17 minutes of video in the 720P Fine mode. Video clips are limited to 10 minutes each and this may concern some but is more than enough for me. I also ordered 2 extra batteries since the video especially seems to eat up power. No case is included so you'll need that if you're interested. Cables are included except for the HDMI cable. The camera comes with a camera stand that you hook the cables to and then to your computer/television/receiver. Viewing the photos and videos on the camera itself is a joy.
There are too many bells and whistles that this camera offers to list here. Check out the details listed on this site. I will mention that the photos of the camera confused me and I found that there's a panel on the front of the camera that slides down and that turns the camera on.
I've always owned Canon Powershot Digital Elps in the past and have really liked them. But this new one from Sony is a sort of masterpiece.
If I run into any problems with this camera, I will update this review. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them.
UPDATE 10/17/08
I ordered two off brand batteries from Accessory Genie, which are offered on the Amazon site, charged them up and installed them to find a screen saying something like USE COMPATIBLE BATTERY. So, they are going back. I ordered the genuine Sony batteries, which I really should have from the start. The camera is just getting better and better as I use it.
UPDATE 2 10/22/08
I got the Sony battery, charged it up and installed it and it works perfectly. So it was the off brand battery that was the problem. With two batteries, unless you plan on taking a lot of video, should be fine for a day's shooting. I want to take a bunch of video and photos in Vegas in mid Nov. I might just add another Sony battery just in case. I went for a walk today and took some video as well as photos, came home and loaded it into Windows Movie Maker and came up with a successful video that I then burned to disc and watched on my 52" Sony XBR flatscreen. Really very nice. Not quite as good as my stand alone Canon HD camera, but the difference in camera size is considerable. To think that this camera is storing video on a 16GB Memory Stick is truly amazing. Over three hours of it! I mentioned that you can take 3 still photos while shooting video with an icon on the lower left bottom of the screen, they are of a lower resolution. Still makes acceptable 5 by 7" prints but not nearly as good as the stand alone stills. When edited into the video mix they are 16 by 19 and look extremely close to the video images.
I still am in love with this camera!
UPDATE 3: (12/24/08)
Enjoying the camera. Getting more accustomed to using the features. Been using the higher ISO setting for dark/night shots, which can be accessed by touching the REC Mode and then touching the SCN icon and then touching the ISO icon with the upward pointing arrow. Learned that wherever you touch the screen, it will focus on that spot. A very nice bonus. This feature works in the Auto and Program mode. Just got back from Cape Cod, where I carried the camera with me everywhere. Reviews are finally being posted on a few sites and they are good, except for the battery life. Considering all that this camera does, that's not a really big deal.
Sony T500 - I think this one is a keeper! October 28, 2008
E. Goldblatt (LA, CA)
31 out of 32 found this review helpful
I've tried just about EVERY point and shoot that takes HD Video, plus countless other digital cameras over the years. The HD P&S's I've tried are: Canon TX1, Panasonic TX5, several flash drive camcorders that also take still pic's, Sanyo HD1000 & HD700, Samsung HV24HD, and ALL the Kodak's that take HD Video. By the way - it's a good thing that the places I buy these cameras from have a good return policy or I would have been in big trouble. My wife thinks I'm obsessed; she's right! Unfortunately, all of the above cameras had some serious issues - suffice it to say, not acceptable!
My criterion is pretty simple, but not easy to find. All I really just want is a small point and shoot that takes decent wide screen (16:9) pictures and HD 720 or 1080 videos. Nothing pro - I'm reasonable - the pic'/vid's need to look decent, clear, not make me sea sick to watch on my HDTV, stay in focus, sound quality OK, able to zoom during video (and the sound not cut out - i.e. Samsung), and able to stick in my pocket. I don't care about millions of screen shot selections, smile detection, and all the other gimmicky things. My computers are all able to play the new video formats so playback is not a problem. Why is this so darn hard????? This is 2008 (almost 2009) - we should have flying cars by now - right!!! Sorry for the rant - it's just frustrating!
Anyway, I think I found what I've been looking for - at least for now. This new Sony T500 basically does it all.
I'll start with Video - all I can say is NICE. Even in dim rooms, they look pretty good - outside even better! I have a media center computer hooked up to my HDTV - they really look nice and clear. Smooth playback. Zooming is nice and the video actually seems to stay in focus. Color is nice. Stereo sound quality is clear, stable to look at even while moving (no sea sickness with this one). What can I say - it just looks good - no major complaints. The video is, I think, the real strong point for the little camera.
Now for the Pictures - I've taken some really stunning pictures. Clear, color balanced, sharp, zoom is nice. Outside/good lighting is great; inside in low light, a bit grainy - but not bad - definitely acceptable. You have to play with the settings to get good indoor pictures, again really not bad at all. Flash seems strong. Focus fast. Lag Time - no problem. Good Zoom. Simple and intuitive operation and options.
Bottom line, my other favorite camera, the Canon G7, may take better stills, but this T500 takes solid still pictures and has FAR superior video, is much smaller, and easier to schlep around.
My few grips (and it should be no deal breaker for anyone in my humble opinion) is:
1) Battery life not so hot - I had to pick up two extra batteries - no big deal really, I just throw them in my pocket and when one dies out I just replace!
2) Indoor pics are somewhat grainy and unpredictable. But all in all, I happy with the pictures. Just take several of the same indoor shots and one will be good for you.
3) Memory Cards: as with many other camera geeks out there, I really wish Sony would just give the option of using SDHCs. I have so many SD cards (ranging from the old 16 mb SD to 16 GB SDHCs. Now I can't use them! Well - I just bought a new duo 8 GB - kinda costly, but "Resistance is (was) Futile" - I had no choice!
That's about it - I really like this camera and will keep it - at least until the next Point and Shoot that looks "to good to be true" comes out!
***** UPDATE *****
OK - some of you are going to think I'm crazy, but I just had to try out the new Canon SX-10 (really wanted the SX-1 - but not in USA yet). Well, to my great surprise, I still like the Sony T500 better. I will admit that the pictures on the SX10 are better, but only slightly better for my needs. So the con's outweigh the pro's - I'm keeping the Sony!
1) The Sony take MUCH better video (wide-screen 720P) while the Canon only the 480. The Sony is much clearer, sharper, and looks great on the big screen. This is important for me anyway!
2) Outdoor pictures are almost the same for both cameras (at least on my screen), and indoor are slightly better on the Canon, but not bad at all on the Sony. Canon is just a bit "sharper", but again, the Sony ain't bad! I do like the 20X zoom, but I guess that's just not as important for my needs.
3) The physical size difference is a big factor for me - the Sony slips into my shirt pocket and and Canon is huge. I could live with the larger size if the pics/vids where FAR superior - but they are not and I think I would bring the Sony everywhere, as I might think twice about the Canon.
4) Battery: The Sony takes rechargeable batteries (I now have three since they do not last long) and the Canon take 4 AA's. I kinda like the little Sony batteries better (although they just run out too fast), I can just throw my two extra's in my pocket and switch them out when needed. Otherwise, with the Canon, you would have to schlep around 4 large batteries if you run dry.
All in all - I'm still happy with the Sony, so I'll keep it - FOR NOW!!! Stay tuned - I'm sure I'll be trying out other cameras soon! Got my eye on the Panasonic Z28!
The Hybrid Video/Digital Camera is here with the Sony T500 October 27, 2008
BZAM (California)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I, like many, have been searching for a device that successfully combines the camera with the camcorder. We have an older point and shoot Sony camera, and a Canon MiniDV Camcorder and I've noticed over the last year the camcorder has been spending more time left at home, while the number of short clips from the still camera was growing.
The new Sony T500 was delivered last week and it's exceeding many of my expectations. The large touch screen on the back allows the design to be simple and intuitive. I thought I would miss control buttons on the back, but don't. There are smaller form factors out there, but the T500 easily fits in a pocket and is definitely on the sleek and compact side of things. Camera feels solid and well built.
HD Video Recording:
Simply toggle the switch to the right and you're in movie mode. Outdoor shooting in good light produces some very impressive video. Displayed on a flat screen, I'd have to say this little camera easily out performs my non HD camcorder. Low light shooting was not as sharp and a camcorder probably does better in low light. That said, I would still not hesitate in buying this camera. Zoom during video moves at one speed (unlike a camcorder where you can control the speed that you zoom in and out), but it's a good, moderately slow speed. Audio is crisp and clean.
Shooting video may take a little getting used to. Because the T500 is so much smaller and lighter then a camcorder, extra thought must go into keeping the camera still and keeping your motions smooth during panning. I haven't come close to the 10 minute video limit. I know some will argue you need unlimited shooting time for weddings, birthdays, etc. but when I put movies together with iMovie, I've found that any clips over a couple minutes make the movie REALLY boring. For those special occasions, I have no problem lugging around my camcorder, but for daily life and times you don't want to shove a camcorder in people's faces, the Sony T500 excels.
Still Photos:
Like video recording, outdoor and good lighting produce some beautiful photos. Indoor and low light are not as good but I've found the "Twilight Portrait" scene mode produces some decent photos. We primarily view our photos on a flat screen, and the 16:9 picture mode is great for landscapes and scenery shots. Even though it's not an Ultra Wide 28mm lens, the wide angle is still wider then our previous camera (3-4 year old Sony). Sure a larger zoom would be nice, but considering the slim design, 5X is pretty good, and you better have a tripod if you're shooting video above 5-10X. Not surprisingly, the still camera is a noticeable upgrade to our old 5 mega pixel camera.
Battery life does seem a little short, but I've been shooting a lot of video and spending a lot of time reviewing on the large touchscreen. Definitely need a back up, and I like the US version of the battery charger. Prongs fold out and you simply plug it in the wall (No Cord Mess).
Overall, I'm very satisfied with our purchase. The video and photo quality are impressive. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to sell off the camcorder, but I know it will be spending even more time stored at home...
A Truly Amazing Camera October 13, 2008
L. Liu (Antarctica)
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
This is an outstanding camera and by far the greatest digital camera I have ever owned. The still image quality is perfect, and the camera just looks and feels so awesome. You can tell Sony put a lot of effort into the design and didn't cut corners anywhere.
The most impressive feature of this camera is HD video recording. The quality of the recorded video blows away my non-HD camcorder that I bought just a few months ago. It's amazing that such a tiny digital camera can provide such amazing HD video. There's really no need to own a camcorder if you have this camera, the video quality is that good.
Bottom line, this camera is THE BEST on the market. Nothing else even comes close.
Very happy with t500-exelent camera!!! October 15, 2008
Joe Black (NY, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Some people wonder why this camera does not have futures that have T77 and T700, Simply if you put all the futures in one T500 then who is going to bather bying T77 and T700, thats just simple business! Im very happy with this camera, exelent build, LCD panel, amaizing videos as well pictures comes out great too, there is nothing much I can say bad about this camera, yes one thing I would say, batteries could be stronger, runs out fast specially after video recordings!!!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 46
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