Compared to... Fujifilm FinePix F50fd

The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd offers a higher resolution than the Canon SD850 and arguably has a more extensive feature set ('A' and 'S' modes) but we still thought a comparison would be interesting as both cameras are currently available at roughly the same street price.

Below you will find a studio comparison between the Canon SD850 IS at ISO 80 and the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd at ISO 100.

Studio scene comparison (SD 850 @ ISO 80 / F50fd @ ISO 100)

• Canon SD850 IS (Ixus 950 IS): Program mode, ISO 80, Default Image Parameters,
  Manual white balance, +0.33 EV compensation
  
  
• Fujifilm Finepix F50fd: Aperture Priority mode, ISO 100, Default Image Parameters,
  Manual white balance, +0.67 EV compensation
   
• Lighting: Daylight simulation, >98% CRI

Canon SD 850 IS (Ixus 800 IS)	Fujifilm FinePix F50fd
ISO 80, 1/100 sec, F3.5	ISO 100, 1/64 sec, F4.9
3,222 KB JPEG	4,452 KB JPEG

While the F50fd shows an amazing amount of detail, especially in the center of the frame, the gap isn't great, and the SD850 actually appears to have better edge / corner consistency. Ultimately in a print you're not going to see a huge difference between these two images (aside from Canon's rather intense reds).