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

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

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

Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Although it may look like a compact digital camera, the Canon PowerShot S50 delivers is actually a 5 Megapixel camera with features and options normally only reserved for high-end digital cameras.

Housed in a mostly metal casing, the Canon PowerShot S50 is turned on via a sliding lens protector that in turn allows the 3x optical zoom to pop out and the large and clear 1.5 LCD monitor to fire into action. There are over 10 buttons on the back of the camera alone, allowing you to easily change everything from white balance to reviewing images.

The jog wheel on top gives access to the many options including Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Sync and Program and shows how serious this camera is when it comes to taking pictures. Better still is the quick access function button on the rear of the camera that allows you to access White Balance, Drive Mode, ISO, Effect, Flash and image size settings all at the press of a button.

Power is delivered via a Li-ion Canon rechargeable battery pack and the camera is shipped with a 32Mb CompactFlash Card enabling you to store images. A 3x optical zoom offers 38 - 105mm equivalent for a 35mm camera and this added to the 4x digital zoom gives you plenty of scope. F range is F2.8 - F4.9, and focusing is managed via a whole host of options: 9-point AiAF, 1-point AF (any position), AF lock, Focus bracketing, AF assist beam (on/off) and Manual Focus.

Picture quality, as with all Canon cameras, is very strong, detailed and well balanced. You would expect this from a 5 Megapixel model, but everything here seems to gel. Colors are crisp, white's well defined and skin tones very clear. The host of focusing options only help in creating better pictures. While the pre-programmed settings get you out of trouble if you're not sure what to manually set up.

Overall this is a very good camera that is only let down by the positioning of the review button. The picture quality is very good and the functions that the camera offers are extensive. For this too really be treated as a high end camera it should have a hot shoe function, but then that's what the G3 and new G5 are there for. If you are looking for a good field camera and are at that stage where you want all the functionality of a high camera without the size, then this certainly does the job. --Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk

What's in the Box
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.

Amazon.com Product Description
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:

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.

Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Camera is 8 years old and LOVE IT!
  • pictures are great, but lens cover design is bad
  • bad
  • Outdated now, but a winner when I got it.
  • great durable camera!
Canon PowerShot S50 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Canon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:
  1. Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Digital Rebel XT/XTi, PowerShot S30/40/45/50/60/70/80 & G7 Digital Cameras
  2. Targus Digital MI-NB2LH Lithium-Ion Replacement for Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery
  3. SimpleTech STI-CF/512 512MB CompactFlash Card
  4. Canon CBC-NB2 Car Battery Adapter for NB-2L or BP-2F12 Batteries.
  5. Viking 128 MB CompactFlash Card (CF128M)

Product Features:
  • 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

ASIN: B00008OE5I

Amazon.com Review

Although it may look like a compact digital camera, the Canon PowerShot S50 delivers is actually a 5 Megapixel camera with features and options normally only reserved for high-end digital cameras.

Housed in a mostly metal casing, the Canon PowerShot S50 is turned on via a sliding lens protector that in turn allows the 3x optical zoom to pop out and the large and clear 1.5 LCD monitor to fire into action. There are over 10 buttons on the back of the camera alone, allowing you to easily change everything from white balance to reviewing images.

The jog wheel on top gives access to the many options including Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Sync and Program and shows how serious this camera is when it comes to taking pictures. Better still is the quick access function button on the rear of the camera that allows you to access White Balance, Drive Mode, ISO, Effect, Flash and image size settings all at the press of a button.

Power is delivered via a Li-ion Canon rechargeable battery pack and the camera is shipped with a 32Mb CompactFlash Card enabling you to store images. A 3x optical zoom offers 38 - 105mm equivalent for a 35mm camera and this added to the 4x digital zoom gives you plenty of scope. F range is F2.8 - F4.9, and focusing is managed via a whole host of options: 9-point AiAF, 1-point AF (any position), AF lock, Focus bracketing, AF assist beam (on/off) and Manual Focus.

Picture quality, as with all Canon cameras, is very strong, detailed and well balanced. You would expect this from a 5 Megapixel model, but everything here seems to gel. Colors are crisp, white's well defined and skin tones very clear. The host of focusing options only help in creating better pictures. While the pre-programmed settings get you out of trouble if you're not sure what to manually set up.

Overall this is a very good camera that is only let down by the positioning of the review button. The picture quality is very good and the functions that the camera offers are extensive. For this too really be treated as a high end camera it should have a hot shoe function, but then that's what the G3 and new G5 are there for. If you are looking for a good field camera and are at that stage where you want all the functionality of a high camera without the size, then this certainly does the job. --Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk

What's in the Box
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.

Amazon.com Product Description

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:

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.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Camera is 8 years old and LOVE IT!.......2007-05-18

I love this camera. I've had it for 8 years and it takes the best shots. I get compliments all the time on my shots and I know nothing about photography, just that I like great shots of faces. I've gotten better shots of ym family with this camera then I get at professional photography places.

The camera does it all. We have tons of videos of our daughters first moments from this camera even though we have a camcorder because it's easier to snap quick pictures and movies with. And we post them on the internet really fast where our camcorder takes much more effort. I've dropped this thing a million times and it sat in water once or twice. The frame is scarred and wounded from my gross mistreatment yet the thing still takes the best pictures ever. The quality of my pictures has never gone down. This was by far the best investment I've ever made. I've never been disappointed by this camera. I love it! The only thing I did was get a huge memory card so I could take more shots while on vacation.

3 out of 5 stars pictures are great, but lens cover design is bad.......2007-03-20

I see I am not the only one who had a problem with the lens cover. When you slide it one way, it turns the camera on and then you slide it back to turn it off. I bought this camera about 3 years ago and several months ago, when I closed the lens cover after snapping some pictures, I felt it go past the stop point it usually did. Then I noticed the lens cover had become loose. It is even looser now and the camera is still working but I have to be very careful with it. I am afraid it is only a matter of time before it stops working thanks to the loose lens cover. Local camera shops send out digital cameras to be repaired and Canon will not even look at it for less than $150 since it is out of warranty. I will eventually buy a new digital camera and then maybe I will take the chance of looking at this thing myself by taking it apart. It could be just some little thing that could be tightened up, but taking it apart could also ruin the camera for all I know.

1 out of 5 stars bad.......2007-01-11

the powershot s50 will not turn on anymore sinse the siding lens cover wonnt work right and canon wants 139.00 to fix !!! Im never buying a canon camera agine!!!

5 out of 5 stars Outdated now, but a winner when I got it........2006-12-16

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!

5 out of 5 stars great durable camera!.......2006-11-24

i have taken this camera to czech republic, china, costa rica (humidity!) and many other places. i have screwed up and dropped it twice on concrete surfaces. it still works!! the picture quality is great for what i use it for and can make high resolution photos to be blown up to 8 by 11 prints (depending on where you get it done will determine final quality). the camera is a bit on the heavy side but it has so many options that you can control, it feels like its as close as you can get to a dslr without spending a ridiculous amount of money. i transition between this and my canon eos rebel slr when traveling and have no complaints with either one.

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