Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS is a 7.1MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Used copies start from $129 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS Point & Shoot Camera
Used Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
Key Features — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
7.1MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 3072x2304 pixels, providing solid detail for everyday photography and standard prints.
Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS compensates for camera shake during handheld shooting, reducing blur in lower-light situations.
DIGIC III Processor: Canon's DIGIC III image processor handles noise reduction and image rendering efficiently for this sensor class.
Face Detection AF: Automatically identifies and focuses on faces in the frame, making it easier to capture sharp portraits without manual adjustments.
ISO 80–1600 Range: Provides some flexibility to shoot in varied lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dimmer indoor environments.
2.5-Inch LCD Display: Rear LCD screen is used for composing shots and reviewing images in the field.
Camera Specifications — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 7.1MP |
| Processor | DIGIC III |
| ISO Range | 80 – 1600 |
| AF System | Face Detection AF |
| Max Photo Resolution | 3072x2304 |
| Max Video Resolution | 480p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Image Stabilization | Optical (OIS) |
| Display | 2.5 inch LCD |
Description — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
The Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS is a point-and-shoot camera featuring a 7.1-megapixel sensor in a 1/2.5-inch format, processed by Canon's DIGIC III image processor. Still images are captured at a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 pixels. The camera's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system works to counteract camera shake, and Face Detection AF makes it easy to keep subjects sharp in portrait scenarios.
A 2.5-inch LCD display serves as the primary composition and review tool. The ISO sensitivity range runs from 80 to 1600, providing some latitude in different lighting environments. For video, the IXUS 850 IS records at up to 480p at 30fps, appropriate for casual use.
Storage is handled via SD and SDHC cards, and the camera connects to computers through USB. The metal body gives the compact camera a solid feel, though it carries no weather sealing. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion type.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not included.
Pros — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
- ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
- ✓Face Detection AF simplifies portraiture by automatically identifying and focusing on faces
- ✓DIGIC III image processor handles image processing tasks efficiently for this sensor class
Cons — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
- ✗Video recording is capped at 480p / 30fps, which is limited by modern standards
- ✗No weather sealing, so the camera is vulnerable to moisture and dust
- ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, limiting wireless transfer options
Videos — Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS
My favourite digital camera (it's cheap!) — Teo Crawford








