When 3 inches is more than enough! (Canon Digital Ixus 75)

Member Name: anwar7

Product:	Canon Digital Ixus 75
Date:	09/01/08 (245 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: see review

For some time I have wanted to buy a digital camera that would be small enough to carry in my pocket and would be easy to use. I already have a canon powershots3 IS and have been really pleased with it. However it's not always convenient to carry around as its quite big and bulky. Having read lots of reviews I decided I really liked the look of the canon Ixus 75. Apart from the glowing reviews I read I was attracted by the large LCD screen and the wealth of functions this camera has. Although it is basically a point and shot camera the Ixus 75 has a lot more to offer! I treated myself to this camera a few months ago so I would have time to practise well before Christmas. Having used it for nearly 3 months I feel I can review it.

The camera-What you get for your money
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As I said earlier this is basically a point and shoot camera. If that is what you are looking for then the Ixus 75 will take really good pictures. However it is capable of much more! The camera itself is really well built and feels very comfortable in my hand. Before buying any camera I would strongly advice you to hold it to check it suits your hand size. I love the look of this camera, silver metal with the lens area picked out in black, it certainly looks different to any of its rivals!

The camera comes complete with a lithium battery and charger, which is a bonus. Canon say you should be able to take about 210 shots before the battery will need to be recharged. I must have taken over a hundred shots and the battery is still fine.

The camera is supplied with a 32 MB( enough for about 18 shots), SD card, which is more generous than some. I bought a 2GB card when I purchased the camera. I really think Canon could supply a larger SD card, as it would not add much to their costs!

Also included in the box is a camera strap , instruction booklet and CD -ROM. The basic instruction booklet is very easy to read and was enough to get me started quickly. The more advanced instructions are situated on the CD-ROM. I found these easy to follow too although have now watched several times! I would have liked an additional paper copy to refer too. There is also a canon solution disk that will need to be installed before you can download your photos. You can register your new camera via the solutions disk.

The box also contains all the leads you need to connect the camera to a computer, TV or printer.

The camera in action.
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The canon Ixus 75 has an amazing 3-inch LCD screen. This for me makes taking decent pictures a breeze. I also find reviewing my photos is easier as I can see so much more. The large screen helps to read the cameras menu too. Although the screen is protected by Canons anti scratch technology, I would still have liked a screen that folds in such as the one provided with my Canon powershot. The screen is also anti-glare. There is no separate viewfinder with this camera, but I have never found glare a problem even on the beach in bright sunshine. Canon does not provide a case so you need to buy one to protect your camera.

This camera is really small at only 19mm wide it will fit into most pockets. It is very light too weighing just 130 grams. For such a small camera the controls are easy to use and well situated. At the top of the camera is the on/of button. Simply press to switch the camera on. To the right of the camera is the zoom ring. The camera has 3 times optical zoom. To the left of the on/off switch is a slider. The slider allows you to select the kids and pets mode (useful for shooting objects that move quickly), movie mode or simply select automatic mode.

At the back of the camera there is a small wheel. The wheel operates as a touch control dial. A magnified image of the dial displays on the LCD screen when you place your finger on the dial. Here you can select macro mode to allow you to shot close up pictures, change the iso settings or operate the self-timer function.

Inside the touch dial is a small button. Press to reveal further, more advanced options. The options are revealed on the LCD screen. The camera can be placed in manual mode if you want to be in total control of your shots. The camera has a colour swap and colour accent function. I have had fun taking sepia pictures and have managed some quite artistic results by changing my colours.

The camera has a very good stitch assist function. I have used this recently to produce a great panoramic view from the top of a hill.

In all the camera has 17 shooting modes. Initially I found selecting the different modes a bit awkward as the menu is accessed via a small button inside the touch dial. However it is something I have got used to. I particularly like the macro mode and have taken some decent close ups although it is not as good as my Canon powershot. This camera can be used to take underwater shots but will need a special case to do so.

The camera has an excellent flash which operates automatically.

The movie mode is another big plus for me. Although I do have a camcorder the movie mode is a really useful addition. It can be used to shorts clips and then they can be played back in slow motion, very useful to look at your tennis serve! It is also possible to film using the time-lapse function. This would be great for filming a flower opening! I have not tried this function yet but am looking forward to giving it a go!

Another big plus for this camera is Canons face detection function. This means that photos of faces are always in the optimum focus as the camera automatically detects the subject in the frame.

Canon claims that their DIGIC processor delivers little shutter delay and excellent image quality. I am really impressed with the lack of shutter time delay and have rarely missed a shot due to the camera failing to focus quickly. There is a bit more delay when the flash is on however.

Viewing your pictures is easy and the big screen really helps. There is a red eye correction function, amazing for such a small camera! Deleting unwanted pictures is easy.




Although the software provided is adequate I prefer to use Photoshop. Pictures can be downloaded direct to a printer if you prefer, as the camera is pictbridge compatible.

My verdict
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As you can tell I am very impressed with this camera and would recommend it. If I had to find a few niggles I would say that I would have liked some protection for the large LCD screen. I know Cannon say it is scratch resistant but a fold in screen would have been much better.

I wish Canon would provide a larger SD card. I know most camera manufacturers don't but Canon could win more customers by going the extra mile! A case would be nice too!

In low light when it is not possible to use the flash, pictures are a bit blurred using high iso settings. I don't often take pictures in low light so it's not much of a problem for me but it is something to be aware of.

Accessing some of the more advanced functions can be a bit confusing at first and I would have preferred them to have been located in one place. I have got used to the menu now so again it's not really a problem. Although there is a basic paper instruction booklet the more advanced instructions are contained on CD-ROM. I would have liked an additional paper advanced book to read in bed!

Since I bought my camera from our local camera shop they have come down in price. I have just checked and see it is for sale on Amazon for £140 including free delivery. I think this is a real bargain!

Summary: a 7.1 mp digital camera

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