This camera has features including a 8.0 Megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD, DIGIC III Image Processor, 4x optical zoom lens with a shift-type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) system and 2.5-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle. It uses Battery Pack NB-5L to shoot up to approx. 230 images (based on the CIPA standard when the LCD monitor is on), and SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and MultiMediaCards for the recording media. Images are utilized with a direct print compatible printer, computer and TV via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed.
Price Range: $200 - $390
Amazon Rating: 
(355 Reviews)
Epinions Rating:
(8 Reviews)
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera has an impressive array of top-tier photo features including an advanced ultra-compact zoom lens and optical viewfinder to easily capture, record and share brilliant images under a full range of shooting conditions, all within a curvaceous, eye-catching compact design. It is a digital camera that will really get your creative juices flowing. It starts with a high resolution 8.0 Megapixel CCD, a 4x Optical Zoom with Canon's exclusive UA Lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer for steady zooming.
There's also a DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection and Red-eye correction, an ISO 1600 setting for sharper images in low light, 5 Movie Modes and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating for easy viewing. Still Resolution - Up to 3,264 x 2,448 (Large), 3,264 x 1,832 (Widescreen) - 16 - 9 Movie modes - 640 x 480 / 320 x 240 (30 fps/15 fps) available up to 4GB or 60 minutes, 640 x 480 (2 hours at 0.5 fps/1 fps), 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps), 160 x 120 (3 min.
at 15 fps) On camera editing Windows and Macintosh capable Computer Interface - USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B jack); Video Out - NTSC/PAL (connect cables included); Audio Out - Monaural Power Source - 1. Battery Pack NB-5L; 2. AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC30 (both included) Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 3.56 x 2.22 x 1.04 in./90.4 x 56.5 x 26.4mm; Weight - Approx.
5.82 oz./165g (camera body only).
MPN: IXUS950IS
Weight: 0.36 lb.
Image Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 8.3 Megapixel
Optical Zoom: 4x
Camera Type: Compact
Family Line: Canon PowerShot
Interchangeable Lens: Not Interchangeable Lenses
Optical Zoom: 4x
35mm Zoom Lens: 35 - 140 mm
Digital Zoom: 4x
Focus Type: Autofocus&Manual Focus
Focus Range: 19.2 in. to Infinity (w)
Macro Focus Range: 0.8 - 19.2 in. (w) / 1.3 - 19.2 in. (t)
Focal Length: 5.8 - 23.2 mm
Camera Resolution: 8.3 Megapixel
Image Resolutions: 640 x 480, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 3264 x 1832
Video Resolutions: 320 x 240 (QVGA), 640 x 480 (VGA), 160 x 120
Video Speed: 30 fps
Video Format: AVI, Motion JPEG
Aperture Range: f2.8/f5.5 (w/t)
Shutter Speed: 15 - 1/1600 sec
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset)
Frames Per Second: 1.3 Frames
Memory Type: Multimedia Card, SD Card, SDHC Card
Compression Modes: Fine, SuperFine, Normal
Compression Type: JPEG, EXIF 2.2, DPOF 1.1
File Size (High Res.): 2.8 MB (46 images on 128MB card)
File Size (Low Res.): 0.12 MB (about 1,067 images on 128MB card)
ISO Speeds: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 80
Flash Type: Built-In
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Fill-in Flash, Red-eye Reduction Flash, Slow Sync
Viewfinder: Optical
LCD Panel: With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size: 2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution: 230,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position: Without LCD Protected Position
Interface Type: USB 2.0
Video Interface: Video Out
Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Battery Life: 230 Images
Self Timer: 2 Sec., 10 Sec.
Built-in Microphone: With Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speaker: With Built-in Speaker
Operating System: Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista
Width: 3.6 in.
Depth: 1 in.
Height: 2.2 in.
Weight: 0.36 lb.
Included Accessories: 32 MB Memory Card, Lithium Battery, Battery Charger, Strap, AV Cable
Release Date: June, 2007
Product ID: 47293310
Quite a little camera
Author's Rating:
I have been very happy with the quality of pictures we get with this camera. We have owned 5 digital cameras now (my wife is efficient at killing them). This one is the best, and not the most expensive.
Jul 05, 2008
A nice pocket shooter
Author's Rating:
I bought this camera to replace the slightly larger PowerShot A720 that our family lost. The SD850 is worth the extra money for two reasons:
First, it's so small that it actually fits inside my shirt pocket. I don't have to carry it awkwardly in a belt holster.
Second, the flash delay is much, much improved. The A720 took forever for the flash to power up after taking a picture that I felt I was missing a lot of opportunities.
There's nothing really wrong with the A720. For the money -- about $150 -- it was a great camera. But if you value a smaller body and quicker flash availability, this is the camera for you.
Jul 03, 2008
We absolutely love this camera!!
Author's Rating:
This camera is the best bang for the buck!! The screen is large and the picture crisp! The effects this thing can do are amazing! You would pay $500+ for some cameras that do these things. I can't believe what we got for what we paid for this. Definately worth it. Since we've gotten it a few weeks ago we have only charged the camera once (when we got it) and it is still going ang going!
Jul 03, 2008
fantabulous
Author's Rating:
This was an amazing camera. I love it and bring it everywhere. It is easy to use and i am familiar with canon cameras, so it was an extremely delightful transition to this camera. The pictures are often "better than real life" according to a friend. I like quick pictures but i also like quality landscapes or close ups for enlargement. This works perfectly for both.
Jul 03, 2008
Beware the "WATER DAMAGE" scam
Author's Rating:
How many of us Canon "Water Damage" victims are there, I wonder?
Like another reviewer, I purchased the Canon SD850 IS several months ago and have used it regularly. It suddenly stopped working - the lens would not retract. I sent it to Canon for service under their one year warranty. They decided that it would not be "economically feasible" (exact words) to repair the camera and have sent it back to me still broken. Canon "customer care" says that the technicians found "water damage" even though the camera was never around water and worked fine up until the moment it stopped. They even suggested I might have spilled something into it (no way) or perhaps the water damage was caused by going from an air-conditioned environment into a warm humid environment. Ridiculous! Don't most people vacation in warm places? If a camera stops working because it is in warm and humid environment, the label on the camera should clearly state - stay away from nice places!
So it seems that if Canon decides they don't want to repair a camera under warranty, they can just claim "water damage" and they are off the hook. No recourse for the customer, no appeal process.
If you are looking for a $300.00 disposable camera, this is it!
Jun 28, 2008
Beware the "WATER DAMAGE" scam
Author's Rating:
How many of us Canon "Water Damage" victims are there, I wonder?
Like another reviewer, I purchased the Canon SD850 IS several months ago and have used it regularly. It suddenly stopped working - the lens would not retract. I sent it to Canon for service under their one year warranty. They decided that it would not be "economically feasible" (exact words) to repair the camera and have sent it back to me still broken. Canon "customer care" says that the technicians found "water damage" even though the camera was never around water and worked fine up until the moment it stopped. They even suggested I might have spilled something into it (no way) or perhaps the water damage was caused by going from an air-conditioned environment into a warm humid environment. Ridiculous! Don't most people vacation in warm places? If a camera stops working because it is in warm and humid environment, the label on the camera should clearly state - stay away from nice places!
So it seems that if Canon decides they don't want to repair a camera under warranty, they can just claim "water damage" and they are off the hook. No recourse for the customer, no appeal process.
More …
Great Camera, but...
Author's Rating:
If you are looking for a camera with great features, look no further.
The price is actually reasonable for what you get. With the simple
click of a button, you have a beautiful detailed photo that captures
the moment and will last forever. The only reason I rated this with
4 stars was because of the size. It always aggravated me that I couldn't
put it in my pocket because it was too thick. Otherwise, I love this
camera, and if size isn't an issue for you, this camera is a fantastic
purchase!
Jun 26, 2008
Best point and shoot
Author's Rating:
This is the best point and shoot I have ever had. It takes great pictures and absolutely amazing macros. Nothing rivals this camera's macros in a point and shoot. The flash is far better than any camera I've used. The flash creates exact and correct lighting and color in absolute black. The extra settings make great creative pictures possible as well. Sure more settings would be nice, changing the f-stop would be great.
Overall this camera takes great pictures. In full light and outdoors, the pictures are always incredible. Inside, it's touchy, you usually need a flash otherwise you'll get blur. The lack of flash control makes it hard. At times in low light it will take too bright of a flash and overexpose your picture whiting out colors. It would be nice if they could have a setting for high/low/auto flash. There are new models out that are certainly somewhat better but this camera is very solid. It's also a great price for what you get. No other camera is as good for this price.
Jun 22, 2008
Best point and shoot
Author's Rating:
This is the best point and shoot I have ever had. It takes great pictures and absolutely amazing macros. Nothing rivals this camera's macros in a point and shoot. The flash is far better than any camera I've used. The flash creates exact and correct lighting and color in absolute black. The extra settings make great creative pictures possible as well. Sure more settings would be nice, changing the f-stop would be great.
Overall this camera takes great pictures. In full light and outdoors, the pictures are always incredible. Inside, it's touchy, you usually need a flash otherwise you'll get blur. The lack of flash control makes it hard. At times in low light it will take too bright of a flash and overexpose your picture whiting out colors. It would be nice if they could have a setting for high/low/auto flash. There are new models out that are certainly somewhat better but this camera is very solid. It's also a great price for what you get. No other camera is as good for thi
More …
Gift for wife.
Author's Rating:
I needed a camera for my wife that not only takes good pictures but is easy to use. After reading the information on Imaging- [...] and Digital Camera Resource Page I choose the Canon PowerShot 850. She is going to Africa and with the 8.0 MP and IS I knew that even if it didn't have the zoom I wanted the pictures could still be cropped and enlarged with out loss of critical detail. She loves it and learned to use it without a lot of problems. I have a Canon ESO 20D and find that I am using her camera more than mine. The pictures are unbelievable for such a small camera even under low light. And every one has been very pleased with the portrait shots we have taken of them.(Don't be afraid to zoom in on their face). I can't wait to use it take pictures of the forth of July fireworks. I would rate it a 5 and recommend it to any one who is not concerned with more control of the camera. Most people who think they want more control never take the time to learn how to use it anyway.
Jun 20, 2008
Cannon does not support their customer
Author's Rating:
Bought a SD850 in Feb, failed in May while taking photo's. Sent back to Cannon and they would not warranty the camera. I would never purchase a Cannon again, they are very arrogant and don't support their customers.
Jun 18, 2008
A real Gem with excellent battery life and results
Author's Rating:
My son and I have been using the Canon 850IS for almost a year now. This is either our sixth or seventh Digital Camera. We equipped it with a 4GB card and have no worries of running out of memory. I have taken hundreds of photos with it and am always pleased. It slips into a shirt or jacket pocket easily. I actually prefer it to my Nikon Super Zoom 8700.
Jun 18, 2008
Author's Rating:
Pros: Good picture quality
Cons: No wide angle, no manual controls
The Bottom Line: Good camera for traveling
Review: I have previously owned S100, S320, S400, SD550, SD700, SD890 and G9 cameras. SD850 was definitely one of my favorites in this line of PowerShots. In this review, I would like to analyze what Canon has advertised and what you actually get Canon add:... Read Full Review by irinette, May 9, 2008
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS / IXUS 950 Digital Camera
Author's Rating:
Pros: Price, image stabilization, features and performance, 4x zoom, face recognition
Cons: Soft corners and chromatic aberrations at wide angle, no wide angle, red eye
The Bottom Line: I like the Canon SD850 IS overall. It has its issues with soft corners of the frame and chromatic aberrations, but it is a very good camera overall...
Review: Once the Canon SD850 IS appeared on the market, I developed a desire to get it. I have always liked Canon Digital Elph cameras. I liked the 5 -Megapixel SD450 and the 7 .1-Megapixel ... Read Full Review by dkozin, Oct 26, 2007
