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Rating: - SD500 Camera Review
I brought this camera from Amazon after reading the good reviews about this camera in a lot of sites. Amazon shipped it before time. I am not a professional photographer so I can't provide technical details. I am very satisfied with this camera. However would have loved more optical zoom on this camera. Would always recommend Amazon!!

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Rating: - Worked beautifully for 2 years
Bought my camera in November 2005. For 2 years, it took great pictures indoors (and outdoors in good light) Evreyone loved its sleek construction. Last month...the zoom lever completely jammed, and the mode selector is also nearly jammed...completely disappointing, and what was worse was the price quote from Canon to repair (good customer service in calling to report the problem...emailed the link to me immediately and got back to me with the price quote quickly after I shipped it to them) but the price quote - 130$! I can get the new sd1000 for 166 (today, hopefully less on black friday) not sure if this is a flaw that others experienced, but the camera worked very well during the 2 years I had it. Looking at the SD1000 now, only because it was reviewed very well...but I hope it doesnt die in 2 years as well!

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Rating: - Why won't Canon stand behind their product?
While the camera looks great, the pictures are sharp and ease of use is attractive....beware the E18 error.

After buying this camera I experienced the E18 error out of the box. The E18 is when the lens locks in the open position for any number of reasons; misuse, sand or dirt, touching the lens while moving and, from what I can tell, no reason at all. I returned the camera for a replacement. The second camera worked for 6 months then, to my surprise...E18 error. I called Canon, sent it back and within a few weeks they repaired it under warranty. Flash forward about a year...E18 error. However, now I have no warranty and Canon wants to charge me $195 to fix what can only be a product defect, not my fault, as I take care of this camera very well.

So instead of sending it in for the price of buying a new camera, I google "E18 error" to see if it is fixable on my own. Surprise! There are entire web pages dedicated to the E18. Wikipedia has a page for the E18 error. There have been thousands of accounts and emails posted from inept and rude Canon service reps and managment (although most people I dealt with were kind, but unhelpful).

After unsuccessfully convincing Canon the onus is on their poor product quality and they should at least fix the camera for me, I gave up my quest and bought a new camera...a Sony, so far so good.

Bottom line: Canon will not stand behind its product. This defect, while not experienced by all, has been experienced by tens of thousands (this fact is from Canon itself). After the warranty is out, they will not help you. They will sell you a refurbished camera for $175....no thanks.

I didn't buy a "disposable" camera, however, that is what Canon is selling. Which is only emphasized by their very established policies in dealing with E18 errors. Buyer beware, and at least do your research.

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Rating: - canon powershot SD500
This is my second identical camera that I've ordered. It's really a great camera, that's why I got a second one for my son.
Even though both are refurbished, no one can tell: they look brand new!
And the price is unbeatable.

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Rating: - big step up for underwater pictures
searched for weeks for appropriate camera. settled for the canon sd500 when came available locally as never turned on display model at local office supply store. what a great camera. forget all the professional comments about picture edges blurring, color reproduction ablity,etc...this is an excellent, easy to use camera with excellent video capability. it takes excellent regular pictures and videos, but really shines when combined with its underwater casing that worked flawlessly. the clarity of the pictures is easily 200% improved and the ability to take videos that show the fish in motion was incredible. we had another family with us at st. martin and they are buying an sd500 as soon as possible. what a step above any camera i have owned, and the people who market and sell disposable underwater cameras should be run out of business.
pros: size and weight
easy to use
great video capability (paired with 2gb ultra II sd)
optional underwater case works flawlessly
beautiful pictures even blown up on 17 inch screen
cons: everyone wanted to use it at the same time
after seeing the pictures from the first day