Big Brother to IXUS 70?

Launched at the same time as the IXUS 70, this model offers much the same specification but sacrifices the viewfinder and opts for a 3in LCD screen in its place.

The same 3x optical zoom and 7MP sensor feature, as does the 80-1600 ISO range. Face detection and red-eye correction serve to improve portrait shots while ten scene modes facilitate correct exposure, as well as a movie and Canon’s My Colours mode. While there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about its specification, the IXUS range has always been about style and performance, rather than gimmickery.

Design Cues

With its rounder edges, the design resembles the Ixus 65 model, and this, together with its metallic/plastic construction, feels good and handles well. More importantly, it feels like it wouldn’t immediately fall to pieces should it be dropped.

Performance

One of the more impressive aspects of the camera is its operational speed, with both start-up and focusing times being lightning fast. Certain things are a little annoying, though, such as a few of the buttons which are on the small side, but this doesn’t undermine its performance a great deal.

Image Quality

Purple fringing is my biggest gripe with the camera, which together with a slight excess in sharpening tarnishes otherwise impressive images. Exposures are generally accurate and shadow detail is well maintained, with highlights faring well but to a slightly lesser degree. Colour is pleasing and noise is well controlled at ISO settings up to 200, and even at 400 is noticeable but not offensively so.