Canon Ixus 110 IS

The new range of Canon compacts is, to say the least, mouthwatering, with the Ixus 110 IS leading the way, with, and this is a first for Canon, HD video with 1280x720 pixels.

Handling

The 110 IS is a credit to the Ixus family: it is very well finished. It can seem a little heavy (160 g in all), but on the other hand this does reinforce the feeling of solidity. Of course, what you notice first of all is the wide LCD screen (16/9e) on the back of the camera. A longer design has been used so as to adapt this compact to the new screen: in comparison with the Ixus 870 IS, this one is 4 mm longer and 3 mm shorter. The Ixus 110 IS can easily slip into your trouser pocket, where you'll also easily forget it.

The screen has all the more impact as the camera interface is fairly bare. Exit the print button and display command. You'll find the view button and access to menus on the back of the camera as well as the scroll, without needing any explanation. The scroll is sensitive, a small amount of pressure all that's needed for display of commands on the wide screen, that we recommend you use, even if it may seem a little strange at first. On the top of the camera, a button allows you to select between video, photo P and auto modes. Pressing the middle of the scroll gives access to shoot settings. Once again, there have been some notable changes. The graphic interface is concentrated on the left hand side of the screen and you get a nice melting effect as you navigate through the options. The handling is nice but I do have a slight preference for the older version, that I found more practical. A brief and concise explanation of the different icons on the interface is available. We would have preferred the inclusion of a few further options, such as an exposure histogram or even one of those extremely practical electronic spirit levels. The connectivity has also evolved to include a mini-HDMI out as well as the USB out, so as to be able to enjoy the HD videos on an HD monitor.
When it comes to responsiveness, the Ixus 110 IS really stands out. It starts up very rapidly (around 1 second) and the autofocus is also very fast in most situations. Only the save time between two images is a bit slow, as is the burst mode that only just manages 1 image per second. You'll appreciate the addition of the autofocus, the AF servo, that follows the subject. Recognition of faces is fast and effective.

Image quality
 
With a new 12 Mpix sensor and new DIGIC 4 processing, the Ixus 110 IS promises much. The photos that it delivers are not however as amazing as all that. The lens is high quality, although there is marked distorsion when using the wide angle (28 mm), and images have lots of detail. Some chromatic effects are visible on the edge of the image when using the wide-angle, but nothing too problematic for prints up to A4 size. The images are fairly accentuated but this isn't disagreeable and means you can print them directly without any photshopping. The exposition is reliable and the i-contrast option allows you to differentiate shadow from the contre-jour.

The new DIGIC 4 processing significantly alters the behaviour of the Ixus in highly sensitive settings. Usually Canon compacts have limited image smoothing, preferring to show detail and granulation. Here there has been a change in strategy. Although the billowing is quite contained up to 400 ISO, granulation at 800 and 1600 ISO is attenuated by image smoothing. Moderate at 800 ISO, it becomes more visible at 1600 ISO. The images lose a bit of contrast in comparison to older models, but overall the image is nicer to look at. The optic stabilizer works marvelously and on one series we even managed to produce sharp images with the camera still for just half a second.
The video mode is also a new addition with the introduction of the 1280x720 pixel HD mode at 30 i/s. The image is larger and therefore nicer to look at on the right HD TV. In low lighting you get quite a bit of flickering but no more than on any other compact. It is a shame you can't use the zoom when recording and continuous autofocus is not available.

The Canon Ixus 110 IS has a remarkably effective optic stabilizer.