Image Quality, Value and Verdict

Canon IXUS 115 HS review – Image Quality

The Canon IXUS 115 HS produces pleasing images in almost all conditions. Exposure is generally reliable, and although it does on occasion underexpose this isn’t a major issue when shooting. White balance has a slight tendency to expose on the warmer end of the colour scale, although by no means in such a way that it is to the detriment of the images.

Colour rendition is excellent, with just the right level of saturation applied to images, and even if it’s not to your liking there is a range of different colour settings which can be applied to the camera in just a few keystrokes.

ISO noise is well controlled throughout the ISO range, with Canon’s HS system meeting its claims admirably. ISO noise is apparent at the higher scale, but it is manageable and impressive for a small compact.

Sharpness is kept to a good level through the frame with only a slight amount of softness appearing towards the frame edges, with barrel distortion is also kept to a minimum.

Canon IXUS HS review – Value

There was a time when the IXUS range was the most desirable on the market, but as such it had a whopping price tag to match. However, it appears that the emergence of a whole host of strong competitors in the compact market has resulted in a drop in the price tag for the IXUS range.

At launch, the IXUS 115HS boasted a competitive price tag, and since then the price has fallen further still. Whilst there are several misgivings as to holes in the cameras specification, the low price tag means that those most likely to buy will have more than enough camera to work with for the cash.

Canon IXUS HS review – Verdict

Whenever a new IXUS camera arrives, it does so with a certain weight of expectation behind it. The IXUS 115 HS, with its full specification, HS technology and reasonable-for-an-IXUS price tag, certainly has as much of this weight as any. However, the good news is that it impresses both in use and on reflection of the images it produces. Image quality has a few flaws, although these are easily corrected, while is also performs admirably. There are a few reservations about missing functionality and a few oversights in the specification, but on the whole the IXUS 115 HS is up there with the best compacts on the market.