Canon IXUS 70

Sporting all the usual features of the consumer line of IXUS cameras, the Canon IXUS 70 is another great unit. Its petite, angular design makes it ideal for throwing into a bag or pocket and forgetting about, and the 7.1 megapixel sensor captures pictures that are more than suitable for the average user. Canon also includes their Face Detect focus mode on this model, which is a brilliant feature for those regularly capturing shots of family and friends.

The IXUS 70 performed about as expected in our imaging tests. We ran our standard combination of subjective test shots and Imatest analysis and in general, were satisfied with the results.

With a score of 1429 for sharpness, this model produces some relatively sharp pictures. There was a little fringing evident in our test shots, but that is typical from 7.1 megapixel, compact models, and it won't be noticeable in small and medium sized prints. There was also little in the way of chromatic aberration to mar the edges of the shot, with Imatest giving the IXUS 70 a score of 0.077%. This is a little lower than many other models, and our test shots reflected this, with sharp, well defined edges even towards the corners of our shots. There was a little haloing in areas of high contrast however, which may be noticeable in some pictures.

In our colour tests, as usual, Canon has got it right with this model, the IXUS 70 scoring 6.96. Anything below 7 is an excellent result. As usual with consumer cameras, colours were very slightly oversaturated, with red being the biggest culprit. However this wasn't at all visible in our test shots, and users will be pleased with this model's colour reproduction.

In terms of image noise, the unit achieved more moderate results of 0.86% at ISO 100. This is about an average result, which indicates good but not outstanding performance. Our shots at this level exhibited some minor noise, but it was extremely fine and won't be problematic at most magnifications. Only when you start making big enlargements will you begin to notice it. The noise scaled relatively well as we increased the sensitivity. It was acceptable up to ISO 400, but at ISO 800 it took a sharp jump upwards, so we'd recommend sticking to a lower setting if you want clean shots.

We also performed a few speed tests on the IXUS 70, to check how quickly in responds in a variety of situations. In general it performed well in these tests. It exhibited a 0.07 second shutter lag, which is quite impressive, and a very speedy 1.2 second power up time. Meanwhile it took just over 1.6 seconds between shots - fast enough to ensure you don't miss any of the action.

The IXUS 70 has a standard feature set for a Canon compact camera, but this is by no means a bad thing. There are white balance presets as well as a custom mode and ISO sensitivities extending to ISO 1600. The burst mode performs about average, capturing shots at 2.4 frames per second. You can pick from a variety of colour and metering modes as well, but sadly there are only six scene modes for novice users. The best feature on this model is once again the face detect focus mode, which picks up any human faces in the shot and makes them the focus point. This is excellent for people who regularly take snaps of family and friends, as it ensures people always come out crisp and clear.

Aesthetically, the IXUS 70 is minimalist but not unattractive. The entire unit has a dull silver colour scheme and a sharp, boxy design that gives it quite a utilitarian feel. However its strength lies in its size. Measuring 84mm x 52mm x 18mm, it is a tiny camera and the perfect choice for those after a happy snap camera for parties and holidays.

The IXUS 70 only has a few main controls on the back. A five-way directional pad, menu button and function switch do most of the work and the interface is well laid out and clearly labelled. Novice users will have no troubles operating this camera.