First verify that your camera is actually an SD500 (takes SD cards) and not an S500 (takes CF cards). If your camera is actually an S500, this would probably be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free worldwide, and may also include free shipping both ways (free shipping varies with countries). This is regardless of your camera's warranty status.
Please check this link for more info.
Applicable cameras include:
A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110, IXUS V2/V3/300/400/430/500/II/IIs, IXY Digital 200a/300a/320/400/450/500/30/30a
Now if your camera is indeed an SD500, a stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open).
To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so,
please see this link for further info and a simple fix that may help.
It was very helpful. Thank you.
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