The Canon IXUS range features a wide selection of models that, on the face of it, can make it hard to know which is best camera for your needs. We run down each model's specifications to make it easier to evaluate which is the best Canon IXUS for you.
The IXUS range is designed with design simplicity and point-and-shoot users in mind. Only the IXUS 310 steps into more advanced territory by offering manual user controls, as otherwise it's all about seeing the shot, adjusting your zoom accordingly and then pressing the shutter button.
The most recent IXUS models features the latest Canon HS system that combines a back-lit sensor with a modest pixel count together with advanced processing to produce crisp and clear images with little image noise.
It's no lie that the IXUS range is well known for top-spec image quality and, whichever IXUS model you choose, you can expect the best. The latest IXUS cameras feature a 12.1-megapixel sensor, while the previous generation have a slightly lower resolution 10-megapixel version at their hearts.
Modest apertures are standard throughout the range and, again, it's only the IXUS 310's f/2.0-5.8 lens that will offer increased versatility and control.
A number of IXUS models sport wide-angle LCD screens for a better movie capture experience, while the latest Canon IXUS 1100 HS has a touchscreen interface for a more immersive experience.
It's not an exhaustive product line, but there are crucial feature differences between one IXUS camera and the next. Here's TechRadar's take on the best Canon IXUS models…
Canon IXUS 1100 HS
Price: £350 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 12x zoom (28-335mm equivalent), 1080p HD movie mode
Canon's flagship point-and-shoot model, the IXUS 1100 HS, has a wide ranging 12x optical zoom that's able to reach from a wide-angle 28mm through to a distant 335mm. Although the top-end of the zoom isn't quite as far-reaching as the older IXUS 1000 HS model the inclusion of a new wider-angle 28mm lens will be a key selling point.
The latest 12.1-megapixel sensor and HS system deliver top image quality, though this won't be any different compared to other IXUS models within the range (the sensor is the very same throughout the latest releases).
Full HD 1080p movie mode also features to take care of moving images.
The 1100 HS features a 3in, touchscreen LCD that makes using this IXUS a different experience to those lower in the range.
A burst mode of 7.8 frames per second can capture 3-megapixel images, while the latest Creative modes mean in-camera effects such as Toy Camera or Miniature can change the look and feel of your shots without the need for a computer.
Canon IXUS 1000 HS
Price: £250 Specs: 10-megapixel, 10x zoom (36-360mm equivalent), 1080p HD movie mode
The IXUS 1000 HS's bigger brother, the flagship Canon IXUS 1100 HS, may be more capable in most departments, but the more affordable IXUS 1000 HS is a great value alternative.
The IXUS 1000 packs in a 10x optically-stabilised zoom and 10-megapixel sensor for its £250 price tag, but the lack of a wide-angle may make it a touch trickier to fit in group shots or wide landscapes.
The 1000 HS's modes comprise of point-and-shoot Auto options, while features such as continuous shooting at 8.8fps (at 2.5MP) and 1080p HD movie mode further bolster the feature set. There's even a Wink Self-timer which captures an image two seconds after a subject's wink is detected.
The camera is well built thanks in part to its metal body and there's a 3in, 230k-dot LCD screen on the rear.
Read our Canon IXUS 1000 HS review
Canon IXUS 310 HS
Price: £229 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 4.4x zoom (24-105mm f/2.0-5.8), 1080p HD movie mode
The IXUS 310 HS may have a less substantial zoom range than the flagship 1000 and 1100 HS models, but the 24mm widest-angle setting is a whole different kettle of fish. At this widest setting the camera is able to capture shots with a wide aperture of f/2.0 that helps to soften the out-of-focus background in shots and is also great for handheld shooting in low light. However this aperture slips down to f/5.8 when zoomed in to 112mm so is less effective at the maximum focal length.
Inside the camera is a 12.1-megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 processor – the very same as found in the flagship 1100 HS model.
The 310 HS also model offers Full HD 1080p movie capture with stereo sound recording, along with a large 3.2in LCD screen on the rear.
The camera's price tag is suitably slim too, available for just under £230.
Read our Canon IXUS 310 HS review
Canon IXUS 230 HS
Price: £199 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 8x zoom (28-224mm equiv.), 1080p HD movie mode
One of the newest additions to the IXUS range, the 230 HS (not to be confused with the PowerShot 230 HS) has an 8x optical zoom that ranges from a reasonably wide-angle 28mm through to 224mm at the top-end. This broad range is squeezed into a small body that's just 22.1mm thick and all for an affordable sub-£200 price point. This makes it one of the most attractive IXUS purchases and a good, middling all-rounder.
The same 12.1-megapixel sensor, HS system and DIGIC 4 processor as found in the latest IXUS releases promises decent image quality as well 1080p HD movie capture.
Canon IXUS 220 HS
Price: £150 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 5x zoom (24-120mm equivalent), 1080p HD movie mode
With the same High Sensitivity 12.1MP sensor, 24mm wideangle zoom as the pricier IXUS 310 HS, the IXUS 220 HS comes in at a much cheaper price point thanks to a smaller 2.7in LCD screen and stripped-down functionality.
You still get a lot for your money, though, with High-speed Burst and Super Slow Motion movie modes, as well as optical zooming while recording movies and stereo sound capture for great audio clarity.
Read our Canon IXUS 220 HS review
Canon IXUS 130
Price: £150 Specs: 14.1-megapixel, 4x zoom (28-112mm equivalent), 720p HD movie mode
Available in silver, black, orange and pink, the IXUS 130 measures just 17.8mm thick but it still manages to squeeze in a 4x zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle, as well as Optical Image Stabilisation and an HDMI port.
HD movie recording is limited to 720p capture, and the screen is also a touch on the small side at 2.7 inches, but with a 14.1-megapixel sensor it's one of the more affordable IXUS cameras. However without the HS technology this slightly older IXUS isn't as future-proof on the image quality front.
Read our Canon IXUS 130 review
Canon IXUS 115 HS
Price: £135 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 4x zoom (28-112mm equivalent), 1080p HD movie mode
The most junior IXUS camera to feature Canon's HS technology, the IXUS 115 HS still offers a raft of functionality, such as Full HD 1080p movie recording, a 3in LCD screen with a tempered glass outer layer, and a 28mm wide-angle lens.
You also get an image stabilisation system that's designed for both still images and movie clips, and a Movie Digest mode that stitches together a day's worth of short clips into a one single movie.
Read our Canon IXUS 115 HS review
Canon IXUS 105
Price: £100 Specs: 12.1-megapixel, 4x zoom (28-112mm equivalent), VGA movie mode
The baby of the group, the IXUS 105 is a straightforward and inexpensive camera that combines a 12.1MP sensor with a 28mm wide-angle lens, together with a 2.7in LCD screen on the rear.
Motion Detection and Optical Image Stabilisation technologies feature among its specifications, while 35-person Face Detection means that the camera should be able to handle even larger groups of people with ease.
However the non-HS designation IXUS 105 is only able to muster VGA-resolution movie clips.
Read our Canon IXUS 105 HS review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liked this? Then check out Best Canon PowerShot 2011: current models by price and specs
Sign up for TechRadar's free Week in Tech newsletter
Get the hottest tech stories of the week, plus the most popular reviews delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at http://www.techradar.com/register
Connect with Facebook
No comments