TopTenReviews Editor's Review:
Canon Powershot SD850
Canon’s Powershot SD850 is another step up in the evolution of the popular line of cameras. Canon improved upon the 6.2 megapixels in the SD700IS with 8.3 in the SD850. A second advance over the already superb SD700IS is the availability of a 1600 ISO setting for those low light settings. Canon has continued to excel with its superior image quality, providing the same standards in this camera that have been applauded in previous point and shoots.
The Powershot SD850 also features the advanced Digic III imaging processor. Also included in this model is Face Detection and a handy Auto ISO shift option that will correct your exposure by bumping the ISO to match the light setting. Optical Image Stabilization is also built into this camera to provide better results with flash free indoor shooting.
Standout Features
- Increased Megapixel count - 8.2
- ISO 1600 with minimal noise
- Time Lapse movie mode
- High Quality video mode
- Excellent edge to edge sharpness
Features
The SD850 doesn’t offer any great leaps over the previous model but continues the line that highlights what Canon does best: provide a high quality, well constructed camera. The camera offers users small refinements that will continue to aid users in producing great photographs with very little effort on the users part. In addition to previously mentioned features, the SD850 sports a 35-140mm equivalent lens and a 2.5” LCD screen for reviewing images.
In addition to the 16 shooting modes, the SD850 offers some additional control over the built in flash. The user can opt to manually turn the flash off for a more natural feel or choose to slow down the flash sync for more artistic results.
The SD850 is a little bit heavier and larger than the pocket point and shoots, but this camera outperforms them and is well worth the added price and weight which are very minimal compared to what you are getting out of the deal.
Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet
Experts have found the camera very easy to use with very intuitive user interface menus. The SD850 also received positive marks across the board for its build quality, responsiveness and general usefulness. While it is slightly larger than the ultra compact point and shoots suited for “social situations” this camera is still small enough to perform well in that area while providing its superior results.
Reviewers did have a few minor issues with the camera such as the lack of a manual exposure option which is a must for the more savvy photographer. The camera also falls a little short of the competition when it comes to battery life: a mere 230 shots. Depending on you shooting style, this may or may not be an issue. The biggest gripes about the camera are its lack of a 28mm lens. It has a 35-140mm zoom, with the trend among point and shoots moving more towards a 28mm for those cramped situations. When pushed to 1600 ISO there is a substantial amount of noise, which seems to be the norm for most point and shoots.
Summary
This is a fast and accurate camera that produces quality images. With all the improvements Canon added into this camera over earlier models, it is definitely a step toward the high-end models of compact digital cameras.
Read review at TopTenReviews.com