Canon SD850 IS Review - Features

The most important new internal feature of the SD850 is the new Digic III processor. This processor seems to do everything that Canon claims it will do: speed up processing times, improve image quality, and extend battery life. The Digic III processor is a welcome upgrade, as well as the 8.3 megapixels that are available in the SD850. Zoom power is also good at 4x optical zoom.

At high zoom levels, it is sometimes difficult to steady the shot. For this reason, Canon has introduced their image stabilization feature in all of their IS models (Image Stabilization). This is a great feature, and it works really well in this camera. Another great feature of this camera is the Face Detection technology. This allows the SD850 to take great group photo shots by having the ability to focus in on up to 9 different faces in order to have each face as a focal point in the shot.

The SD850 offers variable ISO levels from 80-1600, in addition to an auto feature which selects the ISO level automatically. There are also 12 different shooting programs in this camera such as snow, beach, portrait, and night. The SD850 offers four different special effects options which include my colors, color swap, color accent and creative light.

The white balance control can be set to custom, preset and automatic. There are five separate options for the white balance which include cloudy, daylight, fluorescent, tungsten light and fluorescent light (daylight). The SD850's white balance and special effects options give the user a lot of creative control over their shots.

The built-in flash on this camera is effective between 1.6-11.5 feet. This is sufficient for typical photos. The flash can be controlled manually, as well as the red-eye reduction feature. There is also a self-timer option that allows the user to set the timer at 2 seconds or 10 seconds. Other features include a video option with sound through the integrated microphone.

Items included with the purchase of the SD850 are as follows:

• PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH Body
• Lithium Battery Pack NB-5L
• Battery Charger CB-2LX SD
• Memory Card SDC-32M
• Wrist Strap WS-700
• Digital Camera Solution Software CD-ROM
• USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
• AV Cable AVC-DC300
• Canon 1 Year Parts and Labor USA Warranty

The SD850 comes with everything you need to get started, including a 32 MB SD memory card. I would highly recommend upgrading to a 2 or 4 GB memory card so that you have more photo storage and video capability.

I see this camera as an ideal camera to take on vacation with you. It is the perfect size and everything about it is top-notch. So I highly recommend purchasing an underwater casing for this camera as an additional accessory. This camera is capable of taking amazing pictures underwater, and there is nothing cooler than underwater pictures that you take yourself. The waterproof casing is expensive at about $170 (item WP-DC15), but it will help you take some of the most amazing shots that you have ever taken. This case is also great in situations like rain or snow, where the camera is susceptible to getting wet.

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