Product face-offs
Canon Ixus 850 IS
| Sensor | CCD 7 mégapixels (1/2.5'') |
| Zoom | 4x (28 - 105 mm, F2.8 - F5.8) |
| Optical stabilization | Oui |
| Internal/external memory | non / SD 16 Mo |
| Sensitivity | 80 - 1600 ISO |
| Video mode | 640 x 480 pixels / 30 fps |
| Power source | Batterie lithium-ion |
| Dimensions/Weight | 90 x 58 x 25 mm / 195 g |
Ixus 850IS vs. Fuji F40, Nikon L5
Compared to the FujiFilm FinePix F40 in sensitivities, the Ixus 850 IS is no contest hands down. If you are first and foremost looking for a compact for indoor shooting without a flash, the F40 (even without stabilization) does better with less noise, higher definition, and more flattering colors. On the other hand, this camera is slower, doesn’t have a wide angle, the screen is less precise, and the zoom is slightly shorter.
Finally, the Nikon Coolpix L5 is efficient in noise control and even seems better in this area than Canon. However, it’s much more limited in functions (we can’t even choose the sensitivity on the L5) and with comparable sensors (both 7 megapixels) the Canon largely surpasses in sharpness. On the other hand, it is only on large format prints that the difference can be seen.
Vincent Alzieu
Updated: 2007-03-07 - Test date: 2006-09-27
Updated: 2007-03-07 - Test date: 2006-09-27
The Canon Ixus 850 IS is an unlikely camera and almost a technological demo, because it has so many functions. It features everything that the main rivals introduced on their products before this Japanese manufacturer: optical stabilization, a new processor capable of reducing noise and intelligently improving sharpness, a 28 mm wide angle, better video mode, and particularly impressive automatic face detection even when not centered. You can see it in action in this video:
Ixus 850 IS : Face detection
Ixus 850 IS : Face detection
Amazing! Ixus 800 IS owners that paid a high price for this product a few weeks ago will feel bad. We assure you that we had no idea!
Ixus 850 IS vs. Ixus 800, Panasonic FX30
Actually, image quality evolved little between the two. Sharpness is slightly better, which can almost entirely be explained by the transition from 6 to 7 megapixels on the new camera. We say almost, because there is also the efficiency of the new processor. The Digic III, which is introduced on the Ixus 850 better corrects curves than the previous v.II, which still equips the last PowerShot A710 IS. Colors didn’t change and rendering is a bit « colder » or truer than on the PowerShot line. It may be less flattering to the eye, but it is closer to reality. There was also evolution in terms of speed, and the Ixus 850 IS is slightly faster in startup (only 1 second), but a little slower between photos. In reality, there were mainly three main changes:
- better sound quality in videos. The previous « stuttering » in voices has disappeared, however, not completely...
- 28 mm wide angle. Finally!!!
- an anti-noise filter activated in photos. Images are actually slightly cleaner, without hurting sharpness. It’s actually a well conceived effect and not just a blurred picture.
Nevertheless, these few advances have allowed Canon to retake the lead for the best compact. The Panasonic FX30 is less versatile due to its inferior macro mode, flash management, and lesser reactivity. On the other hand, the FX30 compensates for this with better noise control in all available sensitivities, intelligently combined with motion detection. This combination assures more precise photos starting at 400 ISO. Noise reduction does have the slight defect of reducing sharpness in lower sensitivities.
- 28 mm wide angle, stabilized zoom
- Very fast startup at 1 second
- Design, finishing touches, efficient face tracking
- Color fidelity quite good, nice white balance
- Anti-noise filter
- Price
- Noise control could be more efficient
- Still has sound defects for voices
It’s the ultimate compact with its wide angle, stabilized zoom, anti-noise filter and good speed. The other side of the coin is the price, which though high, does give you one of the best compacts.
