Canon EOS 850

The Canon EOS 850, introduced in 1988, represents an important yet humble entry in Canon's new EOS (Electro-Optical System) lineup during the early autofocus revolution. As an entry-level model positioned below the original EOS 650 and 620, it offered Canon's emerging autofocus technology in a more affordable package. The camera featured basic auto-exposure, a built-in flash, and Canon's revolutionary EF bayonet lens mount, establishing compatibility with what would become one of photography's most comprehensive lens systems. Its simplified controls and lightweight construction made autofocus SLRs accessible to a broader audience of amateur photographers transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras.

Though technologically modest by today's standards, the EOS 850 played a significant role in Canon's market strategy during a competitive era when Nikon dominated the professional SLR market. By providing reliable autofocus performance at a lower price point, Canon expanded its customer base and established the EOS system's viability across multiple market segments. The camera embodies the transitional period when photography was shifting from fully manual operation to automated controls, demonstrating how Canon balanced innovation with accessibility to achieve widespread adoption of their new camera system.