Canon PowerShot S50 Camera

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Complete Guide
Two batteries
One charger
Black case

The Canon PowerShot S50 is a compact digital camera that was introduced in 2003. It is known for its robust feature set and high image quality.

Design and Build

• Dimensions and Weight: The PowerShot S50 measures approximately 4.4 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches (112 x 58 x 43 mm) and weighs about 9.5 ounces (270 grams) including the battery and memory card¹. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while its solid build ensures durability.
• Body: The camera features a sleek, black or silver metal body with a sliding lens cover that protects the lens when not in use². The design is both functional and stylish, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality

• Sensor: The S50 is equipped with a 5-megapixel, 1/1.8-inch CCD sensor, which allows for high-resolution images up to 2592 x 1944 pixels¹². This sensor was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the S45, which had a 4-megapixel sensor.
• Image Processor: The camera uses Canon’s DIGIC image processor, which enhances image quality and processing speed².

Lens and Zoom

• Lens: The camera features a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 7.1-21.3mm, equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm format¹². The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.9, providing good performance in various lighting conditions.
• Digital Zoom: In addition to the optical zoom, the S50 offers a 4.1x digital zoom, allowing for a combined zoom capability of up to 12x².

Display and Viewfinder

• LCD Screen: The camera is equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT color LCD screen with approximately 118,000 pixels¹. This screen is used for composing shots, reviewing images, and navigating the camera’s menu system.
• Optical Viewfinder: The S50 also includes an optical viewfinder, which is useful for framing shots in bright light conditions where the LCD screen might be difficult to see².

Shooting Modes and Features

• Shooting Modes: The PowerShot S50 offers a variety of shooting modes, including Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, and several scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and more¹. These modes provide flexibility for different shooting situations.
• Macro Mode: The camera has a macro mode that allows for close-up photography with a minimum focusing distance of just 4 cm (1.6 inches)².
• Continuous Shooting: The S50 supports continuous shooting at approximately 2.5 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing action shots¹.

Video Capabilities

• Video Recording: The camera can record video clips at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels at 15 frames per second². While not high-definition by today’s standards, this was a useful feature for capturing short video clips at the time.

Storage and Connectivity

• Memory: The S50 uses CompactFlash (CF) cards for storage, supporting Type I and Type II cards¹. It is also compatible with IBM Microdrives, providing additional storage options.
• Connectivity: The camera includes a USB 1.1 port for transferring images to a computer, as well as an AV out port for connecting to a TV².

Battery Life

• Battery: The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-2L), which provides a decent battery life for extended shooting sessions².

Additional Features

• Customizable Settings: The S50 allows users to customize various settings, including white balance, ISO sensitivity (ranging from 50 to 400), and exposure compensation¹.
• Built-in Flash: The camera has a built-in flash with several modes, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, and Flash Off².

The Canon PowerShot S50 is a well-rounded camera that offers a good balance of features and performance. Its combination of high-resolution imaging, versatile shooting modes, and durable design made it a popular choice among photographers.