Canon IXUS 265 HS (R2 300)
Canon is probably best known for their high-end digital SLR models and the long lenses, which can become very pricey indeed. So with a legacy and a reputation as one of the best camera makers around, it is good to know that it transferred that knowledge to the little cameras as well. To make a comparison, the IXUS is identical to any top-notch SLR, just in a much smaller casing. You will still get great images and ease of use – but just with something that you can slip in your pocket.
Handling
Small compact cameras all seem to cater for users with tiny hands, and the IXUS is no exception – albeit to a slightly lesser degree (or maybe we just have big hands). But with that said, we are yet to encounter a camera where the buttons, knobs and switches are completely misplaced. The top of the IXUS is the spot where you will find the Power button, the zoom control and the shutter. Oddly enough, the button to initiate a video recording is situated on the back panel, and not next to the shutter, as with Canon’s PowerShot SX700 HS. For the rest of the operations, it’s rather easy to press the review, menu and WiFi connection buttons. The only problem with the Function and Display selectors is that they are almost flush against the Macro and Flash options, so you might press them inadvertently.
Image quality
Thankfully as cameras get smaller and less expensive, manufacturers haven’t opted to skimp on the image quality. The IXUS is equipped with a 16.0 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, so the images are crisp with a flurry of detail. With a sensor of that size, images should come out 4608 x 3456 when set to an aspect ratio of 4:3. Working in tandem with a sensor of that size, is Canon’s proprietary DIGIC 4+ processor, which works some more behind-the-scenes magic to make sure that images remain grain-free at the highest settings. In terms of zoom capabilities, you can zoom up to 12-times with the optical option while retaining good quality, whoever with the 24-times digital zoom some image loss will occur. It’s not specific to this model in particular, but rather something that plagues all compact cameras that don’t have the ability to interchange lenses. Another problem that small cameras suffer from is taking good quality images in low-light conditions. Surprisingly, the IXUS coped rather well.
Performance
The generous CMOS sensor coupled with the DIGIC 4+ processor and it’s the low-light capabilities serve up a formidable camera, best suited to those who want to pack a punch in their purse or sling bag. The ultra-wide angle and zoom performs when it matters, but just remember that the image quality will deteriorate the more you zoom in with the digital option. While most SD cards should be enough to house a plethora of images, it can connect to a WiFi network to download images, or they can be transferred with the built-in NFC. The battery should last for about 190 shots, but when flipped over to Economy Mode, which will be stretched to about 280 shots.
[symple_column size=”one_half”] [symple_box] “Colourful and featured-packed.”[/symple_box] [/symple_column][symple_box] Rating: 4 Stars [/symple_box]
