Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Title : Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Author : Canon
Release Date : 20030228
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $699.99
Amazon.com Price : $Sale (100 %)
VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE

Editorial Reviews :
With the PowerShot S50, Canon updates the compact yet powerful S45 with a 5-megapixel sensor. Nestled between the ultratiny Elph models and the feature-packed PowerShot G models, the PowerShot S50 combines most of the portability of the former with nearly every advanced feature of the latter. In addition to its high-resolution imagery, the PowerShot S50 also features a 3x optical zoom, movie mode with audio, and nine-point Artificial intelligence Auto Focus (AiAF).
Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot S50 has a 5-megapixel sensor with a maximum resolution of 2,592 x 1,944 pixels, enough detail for 4-by-6-inch to 20-by-30-inch (poster size) photos. It also features a 3x optical zoom and 4.1x digital zoom for a total 12.3x zoom.

Canon's powerful DIGIC image processor provides a huge capacity for complex assessment of the scene to be captured. The PowerShot S50 uses information from the zoom position, scene brightness, and other systems to determine what sort of subject is being photographed in order to optimize AF speed, exposure accuracy, and white balance performance.

For beginners, the camera is point-and-shoot simple. Just twist the dial to Auto and start snapping pictures. The PowerShot S50 offers a myriad of setting options, including three light metering modes, white balance presets with two positions for custom settings, exposure and focus bracketing, manual focus and AF lock, aperture and shutter-speed priority, and adjustable ISO-equivalent sensitivity.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards and the memory slot is compatible with CompactFlash Type II cards as well as Microdrives. The included 32 MB card holds approximately 21 images at the Large/Fine setting.

Movie Mode
Shoot up to three minutes of MPEG video with sound, editing controls, and VCR-like playback. The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The camera can also attach voice memos or sound files of up to 60 seconds to each image.

More Features
The PowerShot S50 features 13 shooting modes, including subject-based modes and semi-auto modes such as aperture priority. A fast sequence mode allows a maximum frame rate of 2 frames per second, maintained for up to eight images.

The nine-point AiAF lets you focus your subject no matter where it appears in the viewfinder. For more freedom, FlexiZone AF/AE let you select which part of the frame you wish to focus on without moving your camera.

Other features include:

* Large 1.8-inch LCD monitor.
* Built-in flash with auto, on, off, manual, slow-synch, and red-eye reduction modes.
* Ability to save an image in RAW format even when it was shot in a JPEG mode.
* The Intelligent Orientation Sensor displays your images properly rotated during playback on the LCD screen and your computer screen.
* To print your photos at home, the PowerShot S45 connects directly to Canon's bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card photo printer CP-100.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by Canon's proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack NB-2L (included). It measures 4.4 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches and weighs 9.2 ounces. This package includes the PowerShot S50 digital camera, 32 MB CompactFlash card, battery and battery charger (CB-2LT), USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Buyer Reviews :
Pros: Compact size, 5 megapixel resolution, ease of use, lots of creative photography options, Solid all metal compact body, Quality Canon lens, quality, enlargeable images, sturdy, macro capability.

Cons: No provision for add-on lenses or filters, Expensive, 5MP is probably overkill for most users, Underwater housing does not allow full control, not as sharp as most 4 MP cameras, 4-way Navigation Button & Proprietary Battery, Some photos had red eye, doesn't come with carrying case.

Summary: This compact Canon digital camera really impressed me in the week I've had mine so far. I've been looking and playing with the Sony DSC-P9 for some time but took a chance with the S50 sight unseen, with a few recommendations, and my expectations have been well exceded. Excellent image quality and easy to learn interface with ample effect, memory, and capture options are not compromised by the camera's size (slightly chunkier than the Sony, but still slips into a pocket easily). Crisp and bright image replay on the rear color LCD monitor. Easy downloads to PC with USB and unimposing Canon software, and fairly quick battery recharge too. This is a really great compact digital camera for those looking for great images in different conditions without a bulky, intrusive large body reflex. The movie capture is better than on previous Canon models, though still slightly choppy at 12 frames per second (not that making movies is your first choice in features for selecting pocket cameras). Nonetheless, after looking around I believe this is the best deal for quality/function/money versus size in the compact digital camera market.A+

(by Roy Chan)

Features/Technical Specs :
* 5 megapixel sensor (2592 x 1944 pixels) for enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches
* 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (12x total)
* Nine point AiAF, flexizone focus selection, three-minute movie clips, and automatic image rotation
* Compatible with CompactFlash Type I and II cards; 32 MB card included
* Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-2L ); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

back