Canon has decided to break the Ixus mould with its new flagship model. Not only does it offer a series-high resolution of 7.1-megapixels, but it's moved away from the classic rectangular design of previous models, boasting a curved edge to the right of the body.

As an update to a classic design, we wholeheartedly approve; things can't stay the same forever, and even the coolest styles can start to look a bit dated after a few years on the shelves.

A while ago 5MP was something to write home about, but it seems that 7MP is the new magic number, with recent cameras from Sony, Casio, and here Canon adds to its magnificent seven pairing of the PowerShot S70 and Powershot G6 with this compact cutie.

Is this extra resolution going to make much difference to the average punter? Okay, so you can print out images taken on this Ixus to A3 size, but how regularly are you going to do that, especially since this camera has a feature list aimed at the keen amateur rather than the more serious enthusiast?

In some cases it can result in poorer pictures than a 5-megapixel rival, because the extra pixels are often squeezed onto the same size sensor. This is the case here, with Canon utilising a standard 1/1.8-inch CCD.

Canon has gone some way to counter this by using its impressive DIGIC II image processing system, technology shared with the 20D and 350D. The most notable benefit in day-to-day use is the fast start-up time and the speedy writing of images to the SD memory card - although the 32MB card supplied won't be much use if you opt for the top quality setting and least compression option.

The lens is a pretty standard 3x zoom affair, with a max aperture range of f/2.8-f/4.9, and while two-inch LCDs are also pretty common now, there's enough resolution for reviewing shots. The screen's visible in bright sunshine thanks to its QuickBright option.