Here are a few images that accurately reflect the abilities
of any given camera model. The images are altered only in
terms of size and sharpness after reduction and by the JPEG
compression used. Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that
any marbling or artifacts visible in the images are due to
the compression required to display them here. We feel however,
that they still faithfully represent the results we experienced.
STILL LIFE PHOTO
This subject is photographed in a room that has a mix of fluorescent
and incandescent light, but which is not brightly lit. The camera's
flash is used to add fill light. The backdrop is 1.95 m (6.5
ft) from the camera.
With the zoom set to the widest angle, the S500 easily captures
the subject in its entirety. The photo shows very little barrel
distortion and the
auto white balance does a very good job with the mixed lighting.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f 2.8
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/60 sec
Res:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
On
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2 MB
Focal Lgth:
36 mm (35mm Eq.)
While the power of the flash is sufficient
with this subject, brighter images can be had if the S500 is
set to the Auto mode which uses Auto ISO, or if in the
Manual mode the camera is set to Auto ISO.
ZOOM PHOTO
Now we zoom in on a specific area. The intent is to test the
sharpness of the image at the zoom's maximum setting. The camera
remains at the same distance as with the preceding photo.
At the full magnification of the zoom the image is free of
distortion and the exposure is perfect. Much detail can be
seen and the compression is
discreet enough to avoid blurring the edges of elements in the image.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4.9
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/60 sec
Res:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
On
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.4 MB
Focal Lgth:
108 mm (35mm
Eq.)
MACRO PHOTO
Aperture: f3.9, shutter speed: 1/6 sec, 50 ISO.
The S500's Macro mode
lets the camera focus on a subject as close as 5 cm (2 inches)
and as far as 46 cm (1.5 ft) when the lens is set to the wide
angle position, and 30 cm to 46 cm (1 to 1.5 ft) at the full
telephoto setting.
At the minimum distance, the S500 captures a field of view (horizontally)
of approximately 5 cm (2 inches). And at this distance the flash should
be forced off to avoid overexposing the image.
BUILDING PHOTO
This image is our outdoor test. The architecture of the building,
in particular the angled girders, immediately show the presence
of jaggies. The shadowed entrance can also often reveal the quality
of the exposure.
Photos captured with the PowerShot S500 show no notable chromatic
aberration throughout the focal range of the lens.
With this shot, the image is well exposed and the colours are
accurate.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f7.1
Exposure:
Program
Shutter SP:
1/250 sec
Res:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.3 MB
Focal Lgth:
36 mm (35mm Eq.)
ZOOM PHOTO
Zoomed in, the value of the Evaluative light metering is clear.
The segmented metering takes into account both the brighter parts of the
frame, and those in shadow, selecting a combination of aperture and shutter
speed that results in an image that shows no overexposure of the foreground,
and yet reveals a fair bit of detail in the shadowed areas such as those
behind the building's glass doors.
Photo
Information
Format:
JPEG
Aperture:
f4.9
Exposure:
Program
Shutter Sp:
1/320 sec
Res:
2592 x 1944
Flash:
Off
Quality:
Superfine
ISO:
50
File Size:
2.8 MB
Focal Lgth:
108 mm (35mm
Eq.)
NIGHT PHOTO
As this camera is capable of long exposures, a photo taken
at night is included.
Aperture: f2.8, shutter
speed: 15 sec., 50 ISO.
The S500 is equipped with a Long
Shutter mode that is enabled in the Rec Menu, and activated
in the Function menu. Although the metering is unable
to provide a guide for how long a night exposure should be,
the shutter speed can be set between 1 and 15 seconds, and
experimentation quickly indicates the shutter speed that will
produce the best results.
In addition, the S500's ISO sensitivity can be controlled, extending the
camera's capability for night photography.
A noise reduction system is automatically used with exposures
that are longer than 1.3 seconds, and it effectively removes
most of the noise that is captured over a long exposure, particularly
at the lower ISO settings which are the least sensitive to noise.
Although a relatively simple use camera, the S500 is able to capture night
exposures that reveal details that are totally imperceptible to the naked
eye.
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Test Photos
