Picture Quality / Size Options (7.5)
An 8-megapixel CCD image sensor is at the heart of the Canon SD850. The resolution of the images can be selected in the Function menu. The following options are available: 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 1832 (16:9), 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, and 640 x 480. Each image size can be set to Normal, Fine, or SuperFine compression settings. There are 4:3 and 16:9-formatted image size options, but none that fits the popular 4 x 6-inch print size. There are 3:2 guide lines that can be turned on in the Setup menu for framing purposes, but no actual image size. This makes it tough to print 4 x 6-inch pictures directly from the camera. Users will have to download the images to a computer first and crop them to a 3:2-format before printing.
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Picture Effects Mode (8.25)
There are lots of picture effects whether recording or reviewing images. In the Shooting modes are a gamut of options Canon calls its My Colors mode. It consists of the following effects: Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, and Custom Color. The last option has a +/- 2 full-step adjustment scale for contrast, sharpness, saturation, red, green, blue, and skin tone. These effects are included on most other PowerShot digital cameras, so while it’s nothing new, it’s still more than what most of the competition has to offer.
The SD850 also has two interesting Exposure modes: Color Accent and Color Swap. The Accent mode allows users to highlight one color in the frame and dull the rest. The Swap mode selects two colors and trades one for another. The Movie mode allows users to access all My Colors modes, even allowing Accent and Swap movie modes.
The Canon SD850 has a new Scene mode that qualifies more as a picture effect. In Creative Light Effect, users can choose stars, hearts, crosses, musical notes, diamonds, or flowers to replace highlights in the image. Think of those tacky toothpaste commercials that show someone smiling and enormous fake-looking stars erupting from their teeth. It’s like that.
