Skip to product overview

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon SD850 IS is a 8MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Canon SD850 IS is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Canon SD850 IS sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Canon SD850 IS on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Canon SD850 IS

The Canon PowerShot SD850 IS is a compact point-and-shoot camera built around an 8MP, 1/2.5-inch sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC III image processor. Designed for everyday casual shooting, it offers a straightforward experience in a plastic body measuring 89.5 x 58.0 x 25.1 mm and weighing just 155g — genuinely pocketable for travel or day-to-day use. The camera features optical image stabilization (OIS) to help reduce camera shake during handheld shooting.

For focusing, it uses a contrast detection autofocus system with 9 focus points, covering a solid range of common shooting scenarios. Still images are captured at a maximum resolution of 3264x2448 pixels with a burst mode available at up to 1.7fps. Video recording tops out at 480p at 30fps in 8-bit color, which suits basic casual clip capture.

The ISO range runs from 80 to 1600, giving some flexibility across different lighting conditions. The 2.5-inch LCD display offers 230,000 dots of resolution for framing and review, and there's also an optical viewfinder included. Storage relies on SD and SDHC cards, and the camera connects via USB.

Battery life is rated at approximately 230 shots per charge using the NB-5L Lithium-Ion battery. A built-in flash is included for low-light situations.

Key Features — Canon SD850 IS

8MP 1/2.5" Sensor: Captures images at up to 3264x2448 pixels, suitable for everyday snapshots and standard prints.

DIGIC III Processor: Canon's image processor from this era handles noise reduction and color rendering for cleaner casual shots.

Optical Image Stabilization: Reduces blur caused by camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful in lower light.

9-Point Contrast AF: Contrast detection autofocus with 9 focus points covers common shooting scenarios reliably.

ISO 80–1600 Range: Provides flexibility across different lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dimmer indoor environments.

Optical Viewfinder: Offers an alternative to the LCD for framing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions.

Camera Specifications — Canon SD850 IS

Canon SD850 IS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly, Portrait, Landscape
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.5 inch
Resolution8MP
ProcessorDIGIC III
ISO Range80 – 1600
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points9
Max Photo Resolution3264x2448
Burst Rate1.7 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Canon SD850 IS

The Canon PowerShot SD850 IS is a pocketable point-and-shoot camera built for everyday photography. At the heart of the camera is an 8MP sensor in a 1/2.5-inch format, processed by Canon's DIGIC III engine, capturing stills at up to 3264x2448 pixels in sRGB color. The optical image stabilization (OIS) system helps keep handheld shots sharp, while the 9-point contrast detection autofocus system handles focusing duties across a range of situations.

The ISO 80–1600 range provides workable sensitivity for both bright outdoor and lower-light environments. Burst shooting is available at up to 1.7fps for capturing short sequences. Video recording is supported at 480p/30fps in 8-bit color.

The rear 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 dots makes composing and reviewing images straightforward, complemented by an optical viewfinder. The plastic body measures 89.5 x 58.0 x 25.1 mm and weighs just 155g, making it genuinely portable. Storage uses SD and SDHC cards, and a built-in flash is included.

The NB-5L Lithium-Ion battery is rated at approximately 230 shots per charge.

Pros — Canon SD850 IS

  • ✓Compact and lightweight at just 155g and 89.5 x 58.0 x 25.1 mm — easy to carry daily
  • ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce blur from camera shake
  • ✓8MP sensor with DIGIC III processor delivers solid image quality for casual use

Cons — Canon SD850 IS

  • ✗Video is capped at 480p/30fps — not suitable for high-quality video recording
  • ✗Burst mode limited to 1.7fps, making it less capable for fast-moving subjects
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer

Videos — Canon SD850 IS

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS: Still a Great Digital Elph Camera? — Tech Odyssey Pro

Resources & Downloads — Canon SD850 IS

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon SD850 IS

What memory cards does the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS support?+
The SD850 IS is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. It does not support newer SDXC cards, so keep this in mind when selecting storage.
Does this camera have image stabilization?+
Yes, the SD850 IS features optical image stabilization (OIS). Note that in-body IS and digital IS are not present — only the optical system is included.
What is the maximum video resolution this camera can record?+
The camera records video at a maximum resolution of 480p at 30fps in 8-bit color. It is not suited for HD video capture.
How long does the battery last on a full charge?+
The NB-5L Lithium-Ion battery is rated for approximately 230 shots per charge. Carrying a spare battery is advisable for longer shooting sessions.
Can I connect this camera wirelessly to a smartphone or computer?+
No — the SD850 IS does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The primary connection method is via USB cable.
Does the SD850 IS have a viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen?+
Yes, it includes an optical viewfinder alongside the 2.5-inch LCD display with 230,000 dots of resolution, giving you two options for framing your shots.

Similar to Canon SD850 IS

Loading similar products...