A very impressive camera! (Canon Digital Ixus i)

Name: richard_richard

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Product:	Canon Digital Ixus i
Date:	05/01/05 (238 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality photos, Features, Ease of use

Disadvantages: So small you might lose it!

Pre-ramble

At work we’ve been using a Kodak DC280 for about 3 years. This camera has put in a good service, but after so much use and knocks, it is starting to look a bit worse for wear.

Time then for a new digital camera!

After some research on various models, we decided to go for the Canon IXUS I camera as this seemed to offer very good features, combined with a reasonable price tag, around £250.



What is in the box?

As well as the digital camera, you are also supplied with the following:

A comprehensive instruction manual
Guarantee and registration material
Software starter guide
USB lead
Audio / Video lead
Canon Digital Camera software
ArcSoft Camera Suite 1.2 software
Rechargeable battery
Battery Charger
SD Memory card


Specifications

This is a 4.0 megapixel camera. It has a 5.7 times digital zoom facility.

The camera is auto focus and is equipped with variable shutter speeds, 15 – 1/1500 sec.

There is a built in flash, which senses the light conditions automatically.

The camera is fitted with a 1.5 inch LCD screen, which is very impressive in its clarity and detail.

The camera captures photographs in JPEG format and also can record video files, in AVI format.

This camera is very compact, the dimensions being just 52mm x 71mm x 25.8mm. It is also a very light camera, weighing only 58g.

The camera is an eye catching bronze in colour.


In Use

The first thing that strikes you about the camera is that it is so small! Being used to using a Kodak DC280, this Canon looks like a toy in comparison!

To turn the camera on, there is an On/Off button located on the top face of the camera. Once the camera is turned on, the lens cover will automatically slide back, and the camera will be ready to take pictures.

The LCD screen on the back of the camera produces a very clear preview of the image you are about to take. There is no traditional viewfinder on this camera, so you need to use the screen to line your pictures.

The shutter button is located on the top of the camera, next to the On/Off button. There is potential for confusion here, as you do not want to be ready to take your picture and then press the off button by mistake. However after using the camera for a little while you should be able to stop yourself from doing this!

On the back of the camera, you have the view screen and the various controls to work the functions. Looking from left to right, you have the mode select switch, the Menu and Function buttons, and then a 4 way directional pad, which allows you to navigate through the camera’s menus.

Also on the back of the camera is a rubber cover which when removed reveals the audio/video connection socket, and also the connection socket for linking the camera to a computer.

On the side of the camera is a slide back cover which reveals the area for inserting the SD card and also the rechargeable battery. The battery and card both need to be inserted into the camera before it can be used.

The camera can be used to take either photos or short video clips. The Mode slider switch is used to select between still photos and video. This switch also allows you to select the reviewing mode where you can see the photos you have taken, or view video clips.

The Menu button on the back of the camera is used when you wish to view the menus on the LCD screen. The menus differ depending on which mode you are currently in. For example if you are in the reviewing mode, you will get a comprehensive set of menus for adjusting the camera set up. If you are in the photo mode, you will get a less complex set of menus that allow you to alter aspects of the pictures and other features such as the timer and flash functions.

After getting to grips with how the camera works, you can get to the stage of actually taking some pictures!

It is a very easy process to take a photo with this camera. You just need to line up the prospective image in the view screen and then hold down the shutter button to capture it. If required, the auto flash will be triggered, and then the finished image will appear in the LCD screen.

The 4.0 megapixel range of the camera means that pictures are very sharp and clear. Even on the lowest detail setting images are very acceptable. Of course the best quality will come with using the highest detail setting on the camera, although using this detail level will take up more space on the SD card.

To get the best of the pictures, it is worth installing the software that comes with the camera onto a PC. There are two sets of software included with the camera, Canon software and ArcSoft photo editing software.

The Canon software should be loaded first as this is needed to get the camera to talk to the computer! Using this software, you can easily download all the images from the camera onto a folder on the computer, for printing or editing purposes.

The ArcSoft Camera Suite software allows you to edit images. It is aimed at the consumer market as it includes fun features such as being able to superimpose your photo onto various sports stars or into 19th century images. This software is not particularly comprehensive in its editing features, but is definitely enough to get you up and running with the basics of photo editing.

Looking at the quality of construction and reliability of this product, I would say that the camera although small, feels impressively solid. The case is made of metal and feels like it could probably withstand the odd bump or two. That said, it is wise to invest in a case for the camera. We ordered a Canon soft case for this camera, which provides a bit extra protection for the camera. I would think that this camera will give years of reliable service. The Canon name is well regarded in the digital camera arena, so I can’t see any problems with it letting you down. If fact, the biggest thing to worry about will probably be making sure you don’t lose the camera, as it is so small!


Conclusion

This is a very impressive little camera. It takes very high quality photos and decent quality video files. The operation of the camera is very simple, but it also has a very powerful set of functions. The on screen menus are clear and easy to follow, even for those who are not very experienced in using this type of camera.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this camera to anyone who wishes to update their digital camera, or those who are new to this field and are looking for a quality product.

Thanks for reading!

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