NEW DELHI: Small and lightweight cameras don't have to come loaded with compromises, as shown by Canon's new IXUS 115 HS.
The HS stands for high sensitivity — Canon's nomenclature for a camera that has a high sensitivity CMOS sensor (like the kind DSLRs use) and the latest Digic 4 image processor. Since Canon is no longer fuelling the 'megapixel race' and consumers now understand that more megapixels don't necessarily translate into a higher quality image, the sensor is 12MP.
The 115 also has a 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilisation, a 3-inch LCD and the ability to capture smooth full HD video. These are the kind of features you would have to pay about 20,000 for less than a year back, so the price is pretty remarkable!
In classic IXUS fashion, the 115 HS is small, attractive, minimalistic, clad completely in metal and comes in several colours. The lens retracts completely into the body when powered off and the back is dominated by the large LCD and a few buttons.
In fact, you probably won't be able to tell the difference between this and most of the IXUS range at a glance — but the results will speak for themselves. Load up the tiny lithium battery and the camera is raring to go — an ultra-quick start up time and time to first shot is what you'll notice first. There are no manual controls: only a smart auto mode and a program mode that allows you to change a few settings or choose from a few scene modes.
Some of the handy modes include a handheld night mode that captures detail while reducing noise and a handheld night scene mode that take three shots in quick succession and combines them into one final photograph for optimal results.
The effects don't stop there: you have at your disposal several creative filters like toy camera, fish eye, monochrome, vivid and miniature. While all these will enhance the fun aspect of the camera, if you just want to take plain stills, the 115 HS won't disappoint.
It delivers very pleasing results with natural tones in almost every lighting condition. For video, you don't need to switch modes — press the dedicated video record button on the back and it instantly starts recording. Various frame rates are available; the 1080p full HD records only in 24fps and the 720p mode records at 30fp but you can have faster frame rates of 120 and 240 fps with lower resolutions of 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 pixels respectively.
The HD video is high quality, with accurate colours even at night. It's best played on a larger screen using the HDMI out (HDMI cable is not supplied though). The only fault we could find is that it has very tiny buttons and switches. For the price and the features though, the IXUS 115 HS is unbeatable and highly recommended.