SD500 - no landscape mode?

[E2sen]

After months of research and dithering, I'm on the brink of getting the SD500 as my first digi-cam. The only thing holding me back is ... there doesn't seem to be any landscape shooting program? Seems like a really basic thing to have in a point-and-shoot camera. Do any of you take a lot of landscape pictures with this camera, and if you do, what setting do you use?

[JTL]

After months of research and dithering, I'm on the brink of getting the SD500 as my first digi-cam. The only thing holding me back is ... there doesn't seem to be any landscape shooting program? Seems like a really basic thing to have in a point-and-shoot camera. Do any of you take a lot of landscape pictures with this camera, and if you do, what setting do you use?You information is incorrect! Landscape mode, called "Infinity Mode" on the Canon SD500, is not acessed via the scene modes. There is a dedicated Macro/Infinity button...specifically, the left controller button, that toggles between Infinity Mode, Macro Mode and Normal Mode when the camera is set to MANUAL. Interestingly, Macro Mode also works when the camera is set to auto.

I have had the camera for about seven weeks and I absolutely love it. I shoot around 50/50 auto and manual. I never use the scene modes. When I shoot in manual, I always try to use ISO 50 (but, depending on lighting conditons, this is not always possible). I have been using this camera exclusively for the last month as my all-purpose shooter. It has definitly been up to the task. The camera takes suprisingly, stunningly good pictures...you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between an SD500 photo and a G6 photo. I highly recommend it..although some quality control issues have been reported. Make sure you buy form a reputable dealer who has a reasonable return policy in case you have any trouble. BTW, mine has been trouble-free.

Check these out these pix...

http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19881830-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19903839-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19903850-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/20013029-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19456250-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19876834-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/18309978-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19390235-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/19955886-L.jpg
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/20365925-L.jpg

[E2sen]

Thank you JTL. Yes, those are awesome pics, and it was the SD500's picture quality that finally tipped the balance for me -- I was going to get a Panasonic DMC-FX7 because of its image stabilizer, but a side-by-side comparison of photos between that camera and the SD500 changed my mind.

[tcstcs]

you both already have the SD500 so u r one step ahead of me. I have owned many canon camera that have the dial for manual and auto, then auto for portrait, landscape etc. My question is on the other cameras there is an auto mode on the SD500 is their just an auto (point and shoot) mode or does one have to choose from each of the scenes? The dial only has manual, scene, video and playback. Am I missing something? Would both of you suggest the SD500 versus the A510 (the 510 is slow and not good in low lighting)?

[JTL]

you both already have the SD500 so u r one step ahead of me. I have owned many canon camera that have the dial for manual and auto, then auto for portrait, landscape etc. My question is on the other cameras there is an auto mode on the SD500 is their just an auto (point and shoot) mode or does one have to choose from each of the scenes? The dial only has manual, scene, video and playback. Am I missing something? Would both of you suggest the SD500 versus the A510 (the 510 is slow and not good in low lighting)?Yes..there is an AUTO point-and-shoot mode on the SD500. As far as the A510 vs. SD500 goes...dude...that is like comparing apples to screwdrivers...it's an irrational comparison.

Your post has me really confused. :confused: If you were looking for something with manual controls (thus your interest in the A510) but you are also willing to spend $500.00 on an SD500, why wouldn't you be looking at the A95 instead of the A510? If you don't care about manual controls then the SD series is a great choice. If you aren't going to be doing a lot of cropping or making largre (11x14") prints...then you don't need the 7MP of the SD500. The other SD models (SD300/SD400) would be fine...(and less expensive).

[tcstcs]

I use the scenes of fast shutter speed, port. night shot etc on a510 (like a95) but not avail on sd500 (no sport shots). Not really into all manual yet but more the various scenes. don't like how slow a510 is in processing multi shots and night shots and night shots are very bad. A95, is it better in these two areas? A95 is quite a bit bigger and 4 batteries vs 2 (a510) thus much more to carry on trips... or is that stupid? :o thus thought of the sd500 as it is apparently great for night shots, video, and processing speed (however no sport shots). Why sd500 vs sd300/400 - better flash for night shots and battery. I know sd cameras are totally diff. than a-series but not sure which to go to. Had s30 and loved it. your comments much appreciated. thanks

[JTL]

I use the scenes of fast shutter speed, port. night shot etc on a510 (like a95) but not avail on sd500 (no sport shots). Not really into all manual yet but more the various scenes. don't like how slow a510 is in processing multi shots and night shots and night shots are very bad. A95, is it better in these two areas? A95 is quite a bit bigger and 4 batteries vs 2 (a510) thus much more to carry on trips... or is that stupid? :o thus thought of the sd500 as it is apparently great for night shots, video, and processing speed (however no sport shots). Why sd500 vs sd300/400 - better flash for night shots and battery. I know sd cameras are totally diff. than a-series but not sure which to go to. Had s30 and loved it. your comments much appreciated. thanksAlthough the SD500 does not have a "sport" scene mode specifically, it does have a scene mode called "Kids & Pets" which generally forces a faster shutter speed, although, except for the long shutter mode, you have no direct control of the shuter speed or the aperture...