Canon PowerShot SD850 IS 8.0 MP Digital Elph Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

This is my second Canon Powershot SD series camera. I bought the orignal S400 way back in 2003 and loved it.

This one has better specifications and more features but surprisingly, the image quality isn't that much better than my old one. Although the image quality is has always been very good already... but it's not quite DSLR level (I have a Nikon D40 to compare it to).

There are some things I don't like about this camera. Many options are buried too deep in the menu system and takes too many finger clicks to access. Even simple settings that were easily accessible on my previous model are now more difficult to get to. The automatic white balance is still very poor. The rounded edges look cool, and it seems too slide into my pocket easier, but it's also prone to falling over when you're trying to balance it on a table or book for a group shot. I haven't found the IS mode to be as good as some say it is. It makes some difference but ultimately the built-in lens is pretty slow so you still have to use a flash most of the time when you're shooting indoors.

I really like the larger LCD screen and it's been amazingly scratch proof.

Overall, the camera takes very good pictures and the small size is great. I don't like the ergonomics and I haven't been that impressed with the image stabilization.

If there was a 3.5 star rating, then that's what I would have given it.

Bought this for my wife who is not very technical. She has no problems figuring out the basics for using it to take great pictures. Optical image stabilization and advanced auto focus makes almost every shot clear and sharp. I find that a view finder like the one on this model is critical on bright sunny days, so think twice before buying a model without one.

A good camera for the price and includes all the features I was looking for: Red-eye Detection, Face Detection, etc... It is also easy to use and the photo quality is good. I just wish it came with a case.

Just bought it. First one since my 13 year old Cannon 35mm died on me.
So Far so good

This camera takes incredible photos! It has an easy playback mode and gives crystal clear shots. One may have to use the manual when using the 'SCN' mode, but this is for advanced techniques when shooting at night, at the beach, etc. Also, the large screen on the back gives you a great view of your photos and the area you are shooting.

Anyway, I ditched my old camera for this one and haven't looked back!