[Keithhampson]

I am looking to buy one of the following 2 cameras, now which one would you go for Canon ixus 850 or ixus 900, the price is not a problem, I just want the best out of the camera.

Regards Keith

[Radiohead]

If you're after manual controls, neither - go for the G7.

Otherwise IIRC the 850 has IS and the 900 doesn't - in which case I'd lean toward the 850.

[steve.o]

After spending most of today playing around with both of these cameras I have reaffirmed my love for the 850IS.

My reasoning behind this is because, as radiohead has mentioned, the 850 has IS were as the 900 doesn't. Also the 850 has a wide angle lens - equivelent to a 28-105 (3.8x) as apposed to 37-111 (3x). Although the 900 does utilise canons recent digital tele-converter and safety zoom, these do work 'ok' but seem a bit gimicy to me. The 10 megapixel sensor, although larger in physical size, does not appeal to me. 7 is plenty for my needs. They both have the same focusing and metering systems and canons latest Digic III processor. Of course the titanium body of the 900 is a tad lighter and more aesthetically pleasing, but the features of the 850 are more of a bonus in my eyes.

I soon hope to own an 850IS (hopefully before I have to put it on santa's list!) and boy am I glad I didnt buy an 800IS!