Canon’s IXUS cameras have long been leaders in the style stakes, sporting delectable designs and innovative features.

The 7-megapixel i7 is no exception, packing into its diminutive dimensions user-friendly features for fun point-and-shoot photography on the go. An all-metal marvel, the i7 features a 1.8in LCD, 2.4x optical zoom and ISO 1600 maximum sensitivity. Like many of its super-portable contemporaries, the i7’s shooting features are fully automatic with particular emphasis on night and portrait performance. Useful functions include 17 shooting modes and face detection technology.

With its graceful lines, the super-slim IXUS i7 zoom is available in four fashion colours. In use, the control layout and design is simple, with good-sized controls. This goes hand in hand with a quick startup of 1.3 seconds and fast shot-to-shot times.

In bright conditions the i7 is responsive, but despite ISO 1600 and a high-sensitivity mode, low light causes problems. As far as value goes, Canon has always pitched its IXUS cameras at higher prices than its rivals. The i7’s web prices aren’t bad, but you’re paying for quality rather than quantity of features.

Image Quality
Crisp, colourful shots are the order of the day when there’s plenty of light about, but the i7 is equally capable of noise and blurring in dimmer conditions. The noise is well handled though, and white balance is accurate, while face detection does a cracking job of enhancing portraits. The 38-90mm (equivalent) lens is extremely clean but the 2.4x range is lacking.