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Canon’s IXUS range is renowned for coupling stylish design with market-leading feature sets. The new IXUS 950 IS attempts to follow this trend, continued by the recently released IXUS 70 and 75 models.

Feature Set

With an 8MP sensor, the 950 IS gains a megapixel on those two models from the off. A 4x optical zoom (35-140mm equivalent) lens is present, together with optical image stabilisation. The ISO range stretches from 80 to 1600, with a high ISO auto option also offered, alongside a 9-point AiAF face detection autofocus system. Image capturing is controlled through Auto, Manual or 16 scene modes.

The design of the 950 IS maintains the sleek curves and chrome details synonymous with the IXUS range, with the three-tone metallic finish making it an eye-catching model. However, the chassis is somewhat bulgy, and at 165g is by no means light. The viewfinder is so small it’s hard to even see through it, however the 2.5in LCD makes the viewfinder more of a selling point than a necessity. Focusing and shooting speeds are impressive, though.

Image Quality

Images produced by the IXUS 950 IS are impressive on the whole, with first-class metering and white balance systems producing shots that are correctly exposed. Noise is restricted throughout the ISO range with little evidence of fringing, and while images do appear a touch soft on the whole, the overall quality is fine – if not excellent – right up to prints of 8x6in in size. Over this size, luminosity noise starts to creep in but images are still acceptable.