Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital
Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Outdated Now, But A Winner When I Got It.
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.Canons 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 arent camcorder quality, but theyre fun
and convenient, and theyre 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 Canons bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card
photo printer CP-100. Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by Canons 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.
Personal Review: Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/
3x Optical Zoom
The S50 was my first foray into digital photography, and after reading
reviews online, I bought one 2.5 years ago.
What I liked:
1.) Nonproprietary memory (uses CF cards). Newer Canons use SD cards
mostly (I believe).
2.) Flexibility: sized slightly larger than a compact (and quite a bit heaver),
but full functioned. I was coming from a 35mm SLR and wanted to have
some control over my shots without shelling out a few thousand for a
digital SLR (at that time).
3.) Good optics. Don't remember which review I read that tested the
optical characteristics of the camera[...] but it was among the best of the
time.

What I didn't like:
1.) Bulk: It's a bit heavy and too bulky for a pocket.
2.) Proprietary battery. Life is decent, however. I can usually get a full
day's shooting on one battery. I have a backup "just in case" that I have
only had to use on really heavy shooting days (over 150 shots or so).
It's survived a number of trips with me around the world and I love the
thing. It got me into digital photography and I'm back in the market for
another (probably) Canon compact for my wife. Eventually, I'll dive into a
digital SLR....
5/5 to Canon!
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