Sony Mavica MVC-CD500
About the CD500:
The Sony Mavica CD500 is the final, highest-spec CD-based Mavica.
Featuring a 5.0MP 1/1.8" CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 3x zoom, TIFF
capture, EVF and hot shoe, it was designed for enthusiasts and pros who
wanted archival-quality imaging with the convenience of
direct-to-mini-CD recording.
I do own this.
Historical Context
- Release Date: 2003
- Lineage: Final and most advanced CD Mavica — technical peak for the format.
- Market Position: Enthusiast/prosumer — aimed at users wanting high resolution and archival workflows.
Key Features & Specifications
| Image Sensor | 5.0 MP, 1/1.8" CCD |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2592 × 1944 pixels |
| Lens | 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar, 7–21mm f/2.0–2.5 (34–102mm equiv.) |
| Digital Zoom | 2x |
| Macro | Macro mode |
| Storage | 8cm CD-R/CD-RW (156MB) |
| Image Format | JPEG, TIFF, MPEG |
| Shots per CD | ~100–200 (JPEG quality-dependent) |
| Movie Mode | MPEG HQX, 320×240 |
| LCD | 1.8" TFT |
| Viewfinder | Electronic color EVF |
| Battery | Sony NP-FM50 InfoLithium |
| Connectivity | USB, A/V out, DC in, hot shoe |
| Dimensions | Approx. 139 × 97 × 101 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 590 g (without battery/disc) |
| Release Price | ~$1,000 USD |
Detailed Features
Sensor & Image Quality
5MP sensor — excellent detail for large prints and heavy cropping; supports TIFF for lossless capture.
Lens & Zoom
Carl Zeiss 3x zoom with fast apertures for great sharpness and low-light performance.
Storage & Transfer
Direct-to-disc recording and CD-RW support; USB for direct downloads when needed. CDs provide robust archival storage but writing speed limits burst capability.
Controls & Output
EVF, full manual exposure/focus options, hot shoe for external flash, TIFF mode, and advanced features for prosumer workflows.
User Experience
- Image Quality: Top-tier among CD Mavicas; rivaled early compact DSLRs.
- Manual Controls: Full options for creative and demanding use.
- Storage: Mini-CDs allowed convenient physical archiving and sharing.
- Portability: Robust prosumer build — solid but slightly heavy.
Legacy & Impact
- End of an Era: The CD500 closed out the Mavica CD line at its technical peak.
- Collector Value: Highly prized by retro-tech and Mavica enthusiasts.
Comparison to Other Mavica Models
- CD400: 4MP pro model with Zeiss optics; predecessor to CD500.
- CD350: 3.2MP mainstream model.
- CD1000: Older hybrid with large zoom but lower resolution.
Manual & My Opinion
Download the official manual (PDF)
My Opinion:
I own this CD500 — I only just acquired it in 2025. It's a remarkable piece to have: the 5MP sensor and Zeiss lens produce images with impressive detail and color, and TIFF capture plus the hot shoe make it genuinely useful for archival or creative work. The direct-to-CD workflow remains a unique, tactile way to archive and share photos; handing someone a burned mini CD still feels special. I'm glad to have this one in the collection.
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