This is my first digital camera after having recommended and purchased cameras for other people!
I was working to a limited budget, about to go on vacation and needed to make a decision in a hurry. I previously recommended and purchased Nikon and Sony cameras for other people simply because they had the right products at the right price at the time and I hadn't come across the Ixus range.
This camera was recommended to me by an I.T. professional who owned an earlier version, was very pleased with the results and had sold the product to a wide range of users.
The advice I received was spot on, the camera was ideal for my usage being compact enough to carry on vacation but not lacking the vital components of a proper zoom lens (3x) and good (4meg) resolution.
My wife was able to use the camera straight out of the box which I took as a good guide as to its user friendliness as she is not very good with gadgets and we both immediately managed to obtain some good shots.
The camera is supplied with a 32Mb compact flash card which is sufficient for short trips but I would recommend the purchase of a 64 or 128mb card for a 2 week vacation as you will want to use the higher resolution settings, otherwise it defeats the object of purchasing a quality grade camera.
The 3x optical zoom is very good but the digital zoom up to 11x total degrades the quality as can be seen even from the camera display after the shot has been taken.
I understand that the only real difference between this and the previous Ixus 400 model is the ability to print directly to compatible printers so if this is not important to you and you can find a 400 model at a cheap price (as it is being discontinued), do not hesitate to buy the former model!
If you wish to find this camera at a good price, try I.T. suppliers rather than traditional outlets as they can obtain them at very competitive prices, as a guide you should be able to purchase for well under £300, I will not give my price away as I bought at trade through contacts and it would not be fair to publish this.
Although the camera has a good quality lens, features and the results are aesthetically pleasing, the battery life is short and I would recommend the purchase of an additional battery (approx. £25.00).
One of the best points about this camera against much of the competition is the quality of the display, having a brightness control that gives a crisp sharp image even in bright sunlight conditions.
The fact that the lens retracts and automatically covers itself is a bonus for everday vacation use and should help avoid early lend damage.
In summary, the camera gives outstanding value for money and I do not hesitate recommending it to anyone for good quality everyday use.
by (25%):
14.05.2004 13:36
Welcome to Ciao. Souunds like a good camera. Maureen
14.05.2004 13:16
i think digital cameras are wonderful inventions - so much quicker and easier than disposables or normal cameras! excellent op! :) x
14.05.2004 13:16
You're off to a good start! Remember to add as much detail as possible. Look forawrd to reading your next review, take care and welcome to ciao x