Canon IXUS 265 review

12x optical zoom, Wi-Fi and creative modes in a cute, compact package

Canon IXUS 265
12x optical zoom in a nice, neat package

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The IXUS 265 is what I'd describe as a good all-rounder that delivers well on image quality while also being an attractive package in other ways.

A 12x optical zoom should be adequate for most uses, with the decent ZoomPlus option pushing that 24x should you need the extra reach. Image stabilisation does an excellent job too of keeping things steady during composition.

Adding fun modes like Creative Mode and Hybrid Auto also makes this an attractive proposition, although personally I'd like to see more control over the creative filters on offer. Wi-Fi functionality is also a nice-to-see bonus now, one which is becoming more unusual when it isn't offered. In this case, being able to quickly ping a photo across to your smartphone for sharing online is appealing to the Instagram generation.

We liked

Packing a 12x optical zoom and very good image quality into a sleek and stylish body should be applauded. There's plenty to like about this little camera, which is also available in a range of sleek colours to suit every need.

We disliked

Happily, there's not all too much to dislike about the IXUS 265, but if I'm being picky, I'd quite like a touchscreen, and the ability to set the autofocus point – that would make it more akin to using a mobile phone camera, and give you more flexibility.

Verdict

A smart and stylish compact camera which is an ideal choice for those looking for something that they can easily slip into a pocket and forget about. It doesn't offer lots of manual control, but if you just want something for your holiday, parties and nights out, this is ideal.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.