IXUS pair combine advanced features and compact design

Canon accompanied the launch of the headline-grabbing Canon PowerShot GX 1 with the announcement of two new IXUS models, namely the IXUS 500 HS and IXUS 125 HS. Both models, according to Canon, combine ‘advanced features with stand-out, compact design’, with the IXUS 500 HS itself boasting a world first.

The Canon IXUS 500 HS is no doubt the eye-catcher of the pair. The compact features a 12x optical zoom housed in a body which is just 19.2mm thick making it, according to Canon, the slimmest camera of its type in the word. The slim line compact features a 10.1MP sensor which itself is paired with Canon’s HS system and DIGIC 5 processor for high-end performance.

The Canon IXUS 125 HS, meanwhile, features a 5x optical zoom covering a focal range of 24-120mm in equivalent terms. The model’s sensor, although of a higher resolution of 16.1MP, also features Canon’s HS technology and is combined with a DIGIC V processor.

Outside of the differing focal ranges and resolutions, a host of features mirror between the models. For example, both the IXUS 500 HS and IXUS 125 HS feature a 3in PureColor II G LCD screen, along with full HD movie capture at 1080p resolution and Canon’s Intelligent IS functionality.

Both models, with simplicity in mind, feature a ‘Smart Auto’ mode which identifies the subject matter from over 58 different scenes and selects the scene mode to shoot. Canon also notes that both features its new Face ID mode, which recognises people you store on to the camera and adjusts the shooting modes to suit.

The Canon IXUS 125 HS will be available towards the end of February, with an RRP of £229. The Canon IXUS 500HS, meanwhile, we be available from early March with an RRP of £309. For more information on the pair, visit Canon online.