Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS - What’s new?
At Photokina 2006, Canon announced an update to the IXUS 800 IS introduced earlier this year. Canon claims the new model (IXUS 850 IS) features a number of significant advancements, including improved low-light performance due to the combination of optical IS and a top ISO speed of 1600, and for the first time in the Digital IXUS/ELPH series, an optical 3.8x wide range zoom lens (28-105mm equivalent), which employs Canon’s UA lens technology that permits a longer zoom capability in a smaller amount of space.
According to Canon, “The camera’s large, 2.5-inch high resolution LCD screen has been enhanced to approximately 207,000 pixels with a bright, wide, easy to read viewing area and is set attractively into the Digital IXUS/ELPH’s rugged, stainless steel shell with its iconic perpetual curve design. In keeping with a decade of IXUS/ELPH philosophy that proclaims, “great things come in small packages,” this pocket-sized photo powerhouse measures just under an inch thick with lens retracted, 2.28 inches high and 3.52 inches long”.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Resolution: | 7.1MP |
| Lens: | 4x zoom (28-105mm) |
| CCD | 1/2.5 " |
| Viewfinder: | Optical/LCD |
| LCD Size: | 2.5 inch |
| ISO: | Auto, 80-1600 |
| Shutter: | 15-1/1600 |
| Aperture: | f/2.8 - f/5.8 |
| Card Type: | SD/MMC |
| Movie Clips | 640 x 480 @ 30/15 fps |
| Battery: | Lithium-Ion NB-5L |
| Dimensions: | 3.5×2.3×1.0" (90×58x25mm) |
| Weight: | 5.2 oz (150 g) |
| MSRP: | US$400 |
The main advantages over the IXUS 800 IS appear to be the DIGIC III processor, wider zoom range, face detection, and ISO extended to 1600. All the improvements are welcome. However, they come at a cost of US$50 over the price of the IXUS 800 IS. Early adopters report identical picture quality at normal ISOs. The IXUS 850 IS is slightly larger and has the same dinky viewfinder as the IXUS 800 IS. Battery doors are a weak point on many Canon cameras and evidently the IXUS 850 IS is no exception. It’s more flimsy than the one on the IXUS 800 IS.
It is amazing that Canon is able to incorporate image stabilization into such as small camera. Canon has chosen this route instead of using a larger sensor to deal with noise at high ISOs. Anyone that has used a pocket digicam has experienced blurry photos under low light conditions. The image stabilization is necessary to avoid the higher ISO settings especially ISO 1600 which I expect is barely useable.
Keep in mind that as with other Canon digicams (and now the Canon G7) RAW file format is not available. The ’superfine’ JPEG is, however, of very high quality - essentially an uncompressed JPEG.
The Singapore street price for this camera is about S$660 including GST. That price is a bit high compared to the USA. I expect the price will drift lower in the coming months.
More photos of the IXUS 850 IS are here.
You can order the Canon IXUS 850 IS from Amazon.co.uk.
Note: The name for this camera is PowerShot SD800 IS Digital Elph in North Amercia. Hint - mouseover the link!
Check for the Canon IXUS 850 IS on eBay.
Check for the Canon Powershot SD800 on eBay.
Need a case/bag for your 850 IS (SD800)? Get the Lowepro Rezo 15. It’s rated 4.5-stars!
A more detailed SD800 review can be found at DCResource.
Robert’s Rating: 
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US $46.00 (9 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 17:32:11 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Hi Robert
You mentioned street price for the Ixus 850 is $660. Would be be able to advise where I could get it at that price? I looked around and prices are above that price you mentioned.
Thanks in advance
Jo
Please check my Canon Street Prices page accessible from the sidebar. The prices there are consolidated from a number of sources and may not be up-to-date. Check with the stores. Phone numbers and websites are at the bottom of the page.
Digital cameras - the modern solution to capture images
A digital camera is different from conventional cameras because it does not use photographic film or magnetic tape to record or store images. A digital camera is basically an electronic device that can capture and store images digitally.
hello Robert,
I own an Ixus 850. I saw some blog with pictures taken with this camera. Subject was focused and background was blurred. The lady said she’s not sure how she did it, but it’s got something to do with increasing the aperture?
I tried reading my manual (advanced manual was not in my box!), and fiddling with my camera, but could not find the aperture function.
Do you have any idea how this effect can be achieved with the 850?