Canon IXUS 100 IS

For a while there we were beginning to think Canon had lost the plot. Last year its high-end IXUS models started to get a bit predictable, and some even got a bit dumpy-looking at one point. The IXUS 100 IS changes all that.

Think of a Number

Basic specifications aren’t anything new, with 12 megapixels and only a 3x optical zoom, plus a maximum wide-angle equivalent setting of 33mm when many rivals are sporting 28mm and wider. But basic specifications aren’t what this little marvel is about.

Dinky as you like

The IXUS 100 is the smallest, slimmest IXUS we’ve ever seen. It’s almost unbearably wee and cute, and the champagne-gold finish of our review model looked a treat. Photos don’t show it but it’s significantly smaller in every dimension than most other IXUS models, and most other cameras on the market. It’s closest in build to the Casio Exilim S12.

It’s not quite as slim as the S12 but it’s not far off. The Exilim is 15mm thick, and according to our highly accurate plastic ruler the IXUS 100 is only a smidge over 17mm (Canon’s official figure is 18mm). And it’s actually smaller in width and height than the S12, at 87 x 54mm to the S12’s 94 x 55mm. In other words, almost exactly credit-card size.

Don’t drop it

In fact, with its lovely sucked-lozenge corners and svelte frame it’s so small we were afraid it might slip through our fingers. But unlike the S12, chunky fingers are no particular obstacle to using the IXUS, and the menu system is about as logical and easy to use as it gets.

Little extras

Canon is great at adding little extras that make you go “ooooh!” and in the IXUS 100 a lovely new touch is auto macro: bring the lens close to something and the animated mode indicator flips over all by itself to show the macro icon, and back again when you point it somewhere else. So you won’t be left wondering why your friends in the pub look all blurry before you've even finished your pint.

Video

And yes, there’s 720p HD video at 30fps. You don’t get the low-light quality of a dedicated camcorder but it’s way better than a mobile phone. The zoom remains active too, although it’s the digital variety so more zoom equals lower video quality, and autofocus doesn’t work while you’re recording.

Lovely shiny thing

It’s really, really hard not to love the IXUS 100 as soon as you get in your hand. Still-image quality is no better than lower-range models like the IXUS 80 costing £100 less, but for sheer tactile retail satisfaction, it’s just lovely.