Sony Cybershot DSC-T500 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization
by Sony
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony Cybershot DSC-T500 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization
Customer Review: Sony T500 - I think this one is a keeper!
Summary: 5 Stars
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!
Customer Review: The Hybrid Video/Digital Camera is here with the Sony T500
Summary: 5 Stars
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...
Customer Review: Finally High Quality video in my pocket!
Summary: 5 Stars
Living in LA is great because you never know what or who you're going to see. Now I have the ability to record HD video with something that I can keep in my pocket. They moved the mic to the front of the camera (instead of the top which past models had, and your finger always found a way to cover it). The mic is also in stereo now. The HD video is easily uploaded to YOUTUBE, and the photos are great. If you're going to be taking alot of video, get a second battery. For photos the battery is fine.
This is my third sony camera, never had a problem with them. My biggest tip for pocket cameras is NEVER buy one that the LENS comes out when turned on, THEY ALWAYS BREAK. Thats why I go with sony. They have great lenses that dont pop out and break.
Customer Review: A Truly Amazing Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: Good Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned this camera for almost a month now and have been very satisfied with it. The 5x zoom is excellent and much better than my prior camera's 3x zoom. The HD video is super and I can get over 3 hours of HD video on my 16gb memory card pro duo. I was worried about the battery life based upon other reviews. The camera took 120 pictures and 7 minutes of HD video outside with no flash. That is plenty good for me. I have an extra battery just in case and estimate the flash will bring down the number of pictures to about 2/3 of what I got without the flash.
All in all, this camera is very nice, takes good pictures and video, and was worth what I paid.
jeff