Canon PowerShot S50 Digital Camera

Pros: Compact size, 5 megapixel resolution, ease of use, and lots of creative photography options
Cons: No provision for add-on lenses or filters

Canon’s new Powershot S50 is a stylish little digicam that updates Canon’s recently introduced S45. The snazzy black (in the U.S.) S50 is aimed at serious amateur photographers who want a full slate of advanced features, lots of creative input,...

Pros: 5 MegaPixels, Compact design, Good number of features
Cons: Only 3x Zoom lens, red-eye reduction issues, weak flash

Funny... I had been playing on and off with a friend's S50 for the better part of the past one to one and a half months. I had been rather impressed with it from my limited exposure. An interesting opportunity came up to buy the S50 for $400! An...

Pros: Great pictures. Sturdy. Nice-sized viewfinder. Intuitive software included. OK battery life.
Cons: Slow cardwriting. Flimsy-feeling lens cover. Sometimes slow shutter.

I've had my Canon PowerShot S50 for quite some time now. Probably about a year or so, and I'm on a reviewing binge right now, so I've decided to reflect on my experience with it. The Canon PowerShot S50 was my first foray into digital photography. I ...

Pros: Small, light, full creative controls, exceptional images
Cons: No (official) method to attach auxiliary lenses, no hot shoe, slow lens

Well, here I go again, reviewing yet another digital camera. Funny, in just the last two months, four new digital cameras have come into my possession, and one has gone out. That one was a Canon S200 Digital Elph, which I had for a year and a half or ...

Pros: Solid all metal compact body; Quality Canon lens; Easy to use.
Cons: Expensive. 5MP is probably overkill for most users.

My first digital camera was a Canon PowerShot S20. When I bought it in 2000 it was remarkable compact 3MP (megapixel) camera. And, even by today's standards its still a great camera.

In fact, I was very happy with it until I bought my mother a...

Pros: Feature rich
Cons: Underwater housing does not allow full control, not as sharp as most 4 MP cameras

This review covers the use of the Canon PowerShot S50 camera and the Canon WP-DC300 underwater housing in an Underwater environment only. I discussed the special considerations that come into play in an underwater environment in depth in my review of ...

Pros: Superb image quality, good focusing system, versatile manual controls, small size, quality construction.
Cons: No battery strength indicator, quirky menu controller, fussy macro function, delicate LCD surface.

I will first invite you to read my review of the Olympus C-5050Z at ...

Pros: Sharp images, excellent color and contrast. Intuitive interface.
Cons: Slightly soft focus in corners. Image sensor not perfectly square with camera body.

I have been a 35mm SLR photographer for 25 years, and until recently I didn't see any digital camera could match the quality of film.

However, I was thinking for some time that a pocket sized point and shoot camera would be useful for those...

Pros: Excellent picture quality, ease of use, compact size, durable, custom function, inexpensive waterproof housing
Cons: Flash power and red-eye, purple ghosting of high-contrast borders, noise at higher ISO settings

I love this camera for travel and for snapshots. It's small enough to carry around, with excellent picture quality, nothing protruding to break off. I've been very happy so far (6 months). This is a very solid feeling camera, not as light as some ...

Pros: Simple use with a huge list of options for gadget junkies.
Cons: Unable to change lens (my little joke...read review).

The Canon S50 hits its target straight as a ‘Bullet’. I received my Canon S50 as my Christmas present a few days ago. I have been playing with it for a few days straight and can already tell it is an incredible digital camera. My wife actually ...

Pros: Good pictures. Good functions
Cons: Horrible reliability. Poor construction. Abysmal customer service. Expensive repairs.

The camera takes good pictures and has good features, as many other articles illustrate. The problem is that the camera is extremely sensitive to its environment, and is prone to experiencing failure when used in conditions in which you would never ...

Pros: 5MP resolution, tons of options, very easy to use, compact size, 12X total zoom.
Cons: No option for add-on lenses or filters, weak flash

This may appear to look like your basic compact digital camera, but it puts out far beyond basic features and options. This is a very high quality and high end camera. It's ease of use is a huge plus. And the Whopping 5MP will bring you clear, sharp, and ...

Pros: quality, enlargeable images; sturdy; macro capability
Cons: no provision for filters

Planning a return trip to Hawaii, I wanted to try digital underwater photography. Anticipating no 'deep-water' dives, I quickly gave up on the very expensive dive cameras that provided the resolution and manual control capabilities I wanted. Just as...

Pros: Metal body, retractable lens with great siding lens cover, solid feel, high tech looking
Cons: No flash hot shoe, hard to see screen in daylight, uses batteries quick

I bought the Canon S50 over 6 months ago right after it came out. I won't get into all of the technical info. Check out www.dpreview.com for the technical specs on this camera. Needless to say, it gets an incredibly high rating as far as a digital ...

Pros: High Quality 5MP Pictures, Solid Body & Easy Controls
Cons: 4-way Navigation Button & Proprietary Battery

Before buying this camera I read every review I could on all the other cameras under $600 in the 4-5MP range. I have always had Sony Digital Cameras in the past, but due to their high pricing and slow release of the Memory Stick Pro I decided to go with...

Pros: Black finish, image quality, 5 megapixels.
Cons: Too heavy, manul features not worth the extra heft.

Digital point and shoot cameras should not be looked at as a replacement to film cameras, the quality just isn't good enough for anything important or for images that you need to enlarge. But, for the convenience of being able to email your snapshots or...

Pros: High resolution, rugged and fairly compact metal body, advanced features
Cons: Lacks flexibility of SLRs and extreme small size of some point-and-shoots

I have owned an S230 since around February. Before that, I owned an S200. I sold my S230 and receive ...

Pros: canon quality, 5MP resolution, essentially a shrunk g5
Cons: more noise than the s45 (the s50's 4MP stablemate)

this is a full-featured 5MP compact camera that will work for a wide range of users. i compared this ...

Pros: Versatile. Use as a point and shoot camera or adjust the settings to your preferences
Cons: Would like a little faster shutter speed operation.

Since I am not a camera buff, I took a chance on what digital camera to purchase. I researched many websites and did my due diligence prior to purchase. I still was not certain the Canon PowerShot S50 was for me. One year later I still feel like I am ...

Pros: The Size gave the neatness of a camera
Cons: It gave poor results in the dark

This compact-size camera is manufactured for those who are fond of picture-taking. It shaped like a jumbo chocolate bar and so, this camera could be placed in any kinds of places, just as long as it is not steep.

However, this camera might...

Pros: Easy use, quick getting started, nice pictures
Cons: Navigating menus can be a little awkward.

This camera is a great way to get a quick start with digital photography. I read several reviews and settled on the S50 because it got high rankings in several places. Once I took it out of the box, I had all of my hopes confirmed. After charging the ...

Pros: solid,build quality,ease to use,great picture quality
Cons: not really a pocketable camera. Macro capability,Red eye

Have had the S50 for aprox. 3 weeks. Shot a variety of picts, here are my observations. * easy to u ...

Pros: 5 MP, manual features, construction, quality pictures, software interface, quick charger.
Cons: 4 way Nav. button is hard to use. Batteries are expensive.

I moved from an older Minolta SLR and a Nikon Coolpix 2500 to the S50. The S50 does nearly everythi ...

Pros: Compact size, 5 megapixels,quick charger
Cons: 4 way navig. buttons hard to use, macro capability not what I expected

When I purchased this camera, I made it clear to the salesperson that I wanted a camera that had ...

Pros: Compact, easy point/shoot, print directly to canon printer, lense protected in housing when off.
Cons: White balance is touchy, no battery life indicator

My previous camera was an olympus C2000Z. I believed I needed to have all the lense attachments. After 4 yrs, I never used any special lense stuff. So I took the plunge for a a more compact digital camera. The canon S50 is so easy to use. And so ...

Pros: Great camera for anyone who knows what an f-stop and depth of field is.
Cons: Lettering is repeatedly falling off on top dial of black model.

I purchased my S50 in April of 2003 and just love it. I used to be a serious photographer and I like the fact that I know the f-stop and the shutter speed for every picture I take. I know in advance if I should just brace myself or use a tripod. And it ...

Pros: Good manual features, high-quality construction, great pictures
Cons: Front case open/close style takes a little bit of getting used to

I've been a happy S50 owner for about 8 months now. In general I'm a fan of Canon's cameras, I also have an S100 and until recently a D30. (I switched to the S50 when it became apparent my career as a professional photographer was never going to happen) ...

Pros: Compact Size, Beautiful color, sleek design, 5MP resolution.
Cons: Weak battery life, no external flash

I will try to keep my review simple but informative: I have had this camera for over a month now. ...

Pros: Very solid build, sliding lens cover gives great protection
Cons: After 14 months a new battery was needed, short/average zoom range

Picked this up at Costco here in Canada and while the price seemed a bit steep for a compact digital camera (when compared to competitors with similar features), after using it for over a year, I've been more than happy with the purchase. The image quality, colour rendition, easy to use controls and generally solid feel make this camera stand out. What I particularly like (after looking at the latest batch of digital cameras) is the solid sliding lens cover on the S50 (and it's siblings), most other P&S cameras have a thin plastic flap or aperture the closes over the lens - I can only wonder how long those will last if you like to drop the camera in a pocket and head outdoors where it gets rapped against rocks and trees when hiking - so far my S50 has taken a beating and keeps on shooting great!
The battery needed replacing after 14 months (shots per charge dropped to the low double digits from a few hundred when I first bought the camera). I'm also not impressed with the 3x optical zoom, but it's hard to find the combination of really compact and long-zoom in a camera.

Pros: Camera took good clear photos
Cons: Broke down in 15 mos;Canon wants $252 to fix it

I would not buy this camera again. It worked fine for a little over a year with clear photos when suddenly without warning, no drop or accident, it quit. Canon factory ($29 diagnostic fee) said it would be $252 to fix it; gave no explanation of repair. When I shopped for another camera I learned that my Canon memory cards ($120) CF compact flash will fit none of the current cameras.The salesperson told me they were having a lot of problems with this model camera.

Pros: sturdy, reilable, good image quality.
Cons: see review

I've had the S50 for 2+ years by now. I've had SLRs, but never used then much, b/c they are a pain to carry around.
The S50 is a great all-around everyday camera. It's been in snow, in heat, at whitewater/flatwater trips. It's been dropped numerous times during hiking trips, w/o noticeable effects on perfomance. Pixs remain crisp.

Cons: the white icons on the mode selector washed away... Canon used some kind of lame paint for them. Also, Manual, Shutter-priority, and A-priority modes give MUCH noisier images than Auto modes. Never figured that out.

Pros: Picture quality, size, shutter speed, features, price
Cons: Slide closure, proprietary battery back

Of the several cameras that I own, this one takes the best pictures. 5 megapixels is excellent for photographers who want extensive detail, and the cost of the camera is comparatively inexpensive. The little guy is loaded with features, and it can take videos, as well.

What I find to be the biggest drawback is the amount of protection, or lack thereof, that this camera offers its components. I've dropped it once or twice, and the shell is heavy duty and durable. However, there is a slide closure which needs to be pulled to activate the lens. To close the camera, this has to be pushed back until it hits the lens and the lens retracts into the camera body. It seems like a strange way to protect such a nice piece of equipment, and I have a fear of that slide falling off or becoming loose over time. I also have an issue with proprietary battery packs, and this camera does require it's own special type of battery. You're going to want to pick up a charger and extra pack just in case.

Pros: Excellent image quality, manual settings
Cons: Heavy, low battery life, slow

I chose this camera after reading carefully the reviews here, but considering that this camera is not made for professionals users, I have some amateur comments: the writing on the round control button on top got deleted in less than one week of use, the camera is quite heavy for a compact one, the battery life is very low, you cannot even use the battery for one day of shooting (what if you go for a two days excursion?), it is also very slow in reading from the card and even for shooting.
Otherwise, the quality of the picture is great. However, if one uses a smaller resolution than maximum the quality is far from expected

Pros: None discovered
Cons: Indoor performance, unacceptable red-eye reduction, assembly quality.

This is my third digital camera, and a first Canon, that I bought from Costco. I still have a 1.2Mp Kodak DC210. Noticeable for S50 is a poor workmanship, despite the fact that it is made in Japan, and an absolutely unacceptable red eye suppression feature – it simply doesn’t work at all. Also, questionable usefulness of the manual features for an average consumer. The general quality of pictures is comparable to any 2 Mp camera, especially when taken indoors. Videoclips (indoors) quality is horrible, but the sound is great. The LCD setting display is tiny and very hard to see without a magnifying glass. Navigation is complicated and not at all user-friendly. General comment – stay away from this camera, unless the price is less that $200 (including taxes J). As an example, a 3.2Mp high end Kodak performs much better than the S50, and is very user-friendly too.

Pros: Easy to use, clear pictures, easy to download to computer
Cons: Short battery life, shutter breaks easily

We purchased this camera from a computer store not long after my first son was born (about 3 1/2 years ago). We paid a little over $400 for it and for the most part, I'm very happy with it. It takes very clear pictures and is pretty self explanatory when it comes to using it. I also think it's very easy to hook up to the computer and download the pictures.
What I don't like about it is after a while, the shutter doesn't slide back completely into place so the battery runs down on it pretty quickly. We now have to charge the battery after taking about 10-12 pictures.
It holds a lot of pictures and it's real easy to scroll through them and delete the ones you don't like. I also really like the fact that even I could use it fairly easily since I'm not really a technical person.

Pros: Once you learn the symbols on the control knob,this camera is easy to use.
Cons: The camera has more built in options,than most people will ever use.

Camera body is solidly built.all buttons and slides work
beautifully,and view screen is crystal clear.Lens slide
is snug with no noticeable play.

Pros: Ease of use. simple menu. Good handling feel.
Cons: Not a single cons till now.

I would strongly recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a digital camera that is easy to use and powerful.

This camera is so easy to use that my 4 year old niece can shoot with it without any difficulty.
I like the weight and feel of this camera. It is not too heavy but heavy enough to let you feel the sturdiness. It is a strong and compact camera too.

I once dropped my camera from my bag onto a hard concrete floor and other than causing a dent on the corner of the camera, it is working perfectly fine.

Pros: Great quality and 5 megapixels - auto or adjustable.
Cons: A little heavier than it looks. Adjustments take some time to learn.

I upgraded from my trusty Olympus 1.3 megapixels to the Canon S50 and what an improvement! The 256MB disks have come way way down now and makes digital phototaking even more affordable. The 5 megapixels makes an incredible difference - especially if you want to crop your pictures and not run a high risk of grain. I also like the ablilty to have it on auto - or to change the parameters. You can even take TV pics without lines! The camera is quite small, not tiny, but quite heavy...fits into a breast pocket easily though. I love it. You get 3 x optical zoom and 12 x digital zoom - nice to have, but you have to be careful you don't go too zoomy. Documentation is good, and it comes with all you need to get started...just put it on auto and shoot. Amazingly simple - or complex if you want it to be.

Pros: Tough, Durable Design.Easy to use.Great Pictures.Lots of Add-ons.
Cons: none

The S50 has a great design, sleek yet very durable and tough looking. It does not feel like it will break apart at the touch of your hand. The pictures it takes are of very fine quality and if you are in between consumer and professional, this camera will suit you best. It has so many features that I will probably never be able to take full advantage of because I've never really sat down to learn all there is to know about photography. It is my first digital camera - and of all the ones that I have played with, by far the best! I would recommend this camera highly to anyone!

Pros: Excellent image quality
Cons: Poor customer service

I've had my camera for 54 weeks. I also have a Nikon 4300. The S50 is far better than the Nikon. The photo quality is as good or better than any digital I have seen.

The only problem I had with it is that the designations on the top knob have worn off, so it's difficult to choose the operating mode. Canon refused to help because I was 2 weeks over the warranty. I explained the problem was not new, and that I had just gotten time to address the problem. They told me the repair would be $150 - $300 and that I was on my own.

So, buy the camera but watch out for the designations on the knob.

Pros: Small. lots of features. Very good picture quality
Cons: Flash, no external flash hookup

This was my first digital camera. I normally use a 35mm SLR Canon EOS but was tired of carrying the bulky thing around to parties and other occasions where a high quality SLR was not needed. This camera filled all my needs. I take lots and lots of pictures on every occasion. This camera fullfills 90% of my needs. I own the camera less than a year and already took over 4500 pictures. It did not fail once. If you are looking for something to take all those family and other pictures that only end up in albums or on the PC look no further.
Con: the flash like most other cameras in this category. Redeye reduction can also be better but these can easily be fixed on a PC.

Pros: battery life, quality pictures, ease-of-use
Cons: comes with a small memory card

The S50 is by far the best digital camera I've ever used. I've used a few Sony's and Nikon. This one is the best! It is so easy to use and the quality is impeccable. With 5.3 Megapixels, you can't go wrong. It was a snap to take pictures and upload them to my computer. With a 128MB memory card and two charges, I was able to photograph my entire family's wedding! Great camera! Enjoy!

Before I bought this camera, I had used the Canon S40 extensively and I fell in love with it. The results of the prints on a Canon photo printer were outstanding. This camera not only is good looking, it's also built like a German tank. Having used the S50 for a short time since I bought it, I see the superiority of the pictures and I am very satisfied with it. Buy it!! it's worth the extra $ 100. Mister. T

Excellent picture quality and very easy to use.All the features of my 35mm but half the size and digital too . All software loaded into my computer and it's very easy to use. Cost really is not to high for 5.0 megapixel.This is my second digital camera, and it's highly recomended! BUY ONE!!!!!