Canon PowerShot SD850

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS is the new entry in the Canon’s SD series which is also called the Digital Elph line due to its compact sized camera range. The SD850 is an improvement on the previous version SD700 IS. The major improvements in the new version include an increase in resolution from 6.2 mega pixels to 8.3 megapixels which is in fact a very substantial and welcome jump. SD850 also features the new Digic III image processor, which introduces the feature of face detection and also an increase in the sensitivity to ISO 1,600 increasing from ISO 800. Therefore, the SD850 packs almost everything a compact point-and-shoot camera would require.

One thing you would have expected more is the optical zoom that is still 4x. The camera has very effective optical image stabilization technology that helps in keeping the images sharp and clear even if the clicking conditions are not steady.

If we talk about the design, there is not much differences between the SD850 IS and SD700 IS apart from the body colors. Also the multicontroller pad of the new model is even more improved than the really good one in SD800. You can experience better tactile response from the raised ring. There is an interesting feature on the pad that when a thumb is placed on the pad in a specific orientation, the graphics on the LCD displays the options available on pressing the pad completely. This really helps as you will not have to move away your eyes from the screen while you change the settings. Also it helps in managing the controller’s functions, as you are able to see only the active functions onscreen that you are currently using.

The image quality of SD850 IS is really impressive with accurate colors and enhanced sharpness especially when considering a compact camera. It is working very well with almost no noise at the least ISO setting. Even at higher ISO settings, noise hardly creeps in and becomes noticeable only at ISO 800.

The PowerShot SD850 is really a power house with only few shortcomings and will definitely be a favorite with Australians.