Olympus's 2005 AA-powered budget compact — 5MP CCD, 38-114mm equivalent zoom, 2cm Super Macro, xD storage
The Camedia C-500 Zoom was a 5-megapixel budget compact announced at the PMA show in February 2005, sold in the USA as the D-595 Zoom. It sat near the end of Olympus's long-running boxy AA-powered Camedia line, priced at £199.99 in the UK.
It couples a 5-megapixel CCD with a 3x optical zoom equivalent to 38-114mm, framed on a 1.8in LCD. Nineteen shooting modes include a manual mode with control of shutter speed and aperture, plus a Super Macro mode focusing down to 2cm. A built-in help system guides newer users. Storage is xD-Picture Card, power is two AA batteries, and the body weighs about 220g.
It suits buyers wanting a cheap, simple mid-2000s CCD compact that runs on ubiquitous AA cells; the close-focusing macro mode is a genuine strength, while the unremarkable lens range and small screen keep expectations modest.
Used checks: xD-Picture Card storage is the weak point, as cards are discontinued and command silly prices, so bundled cards matter. AA power removes charger anxiety, but inspect the battery bay for leakage damage. Confirm the lens extends and retracts cleanly and the mode dial registers all positions.