Canon Digital Ixus 95 IS

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With camera manufacturers throwing an increasing number of features at consumers, it's very easy to skip over simple models such as the Canon Digital Ixus 95 IS. Its specifications are basic and shooting options minimal. Also, its photo quality and performance, while very good for its class, are still fairly representative of a point-and-shoot camera. However, if all you're after is a good-looking, go-everywhere, compact camera, the Ixus 95 IS is pretty great--even if it's pricier than the competition.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

Available in six colors (silver, dark gray, orange, green, pink and blue), the Ixus 95 IS is adorably small, but still comfortable to use. Controls are standard--a switch on the back moves you between the three shooting modes: Smart Auto, Program/Scene, and Movie. To its left is a Play button above a four-way directional pad centered by a Func Set button. Below that is a Disp button for changing the information shown on the LCD or shutting it off (there's a viewfinder if you want to save on battery life while shooting) and a Menu button. A shutter release with a zoom ring and power button are on top. The only issue with the arrangement is that the buttons are all flat, so if you've got big clumsy thumbs, there's a chance you'll have trouble accurately pressing them.

Navigating the menu system is straightforward. The Func Set button opens a simple context-sensitive shooting option panel, while the Menu button sends you to more general shooting controls and operational settings. The only thing that's a bit funky is accessing half of the Scene mode options. At first you'll only see the most common scene selections, but when you get to the far right of the list, you'll have to hit the Disp button to open a secondary list of scenes. If you're not paying attention, you might miss the fact that you have all the other options available to you.

Tags: Button, movie, LCD, Controls, battery

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