Canon IXUS 155 Digital Camera: an overview, features and reviews.

The compact Canon IXUS 155 offers easy control, combined with powerful features such as a 20 megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, a DIGIC 4 processor and a screen-like view. Focused on beginners who do not want to sacrifice appearance, the camera costs about $ 130 and is available in black, blue, silver-pink and red.

Canon IXUS 155: Specifications

Maybe Canon knew what he was doing when he decided to give IXUS cameras a completely identical look. This causes additional difficulties when searching for the camera, because if the user wants to improve additional functions, it will be difficult to choose from the same series if the appearance of the device is not pleasant.

But if the exterior of the camera is indistinguishable from all previous IXUS models, the 155 has a trump card in its sleeve. For example, a camera in a thin case has a 10-fold optical zoom. This is better than the 8x of the IXUS 150. In addition, the zoom starts from a wider angle and improves the parameters of the previous model at the top end. Another update is the higher resolution of the CCD array. The 20 megapixel sensor is 4 million points larger than the IXUS 150.

The ruler is known for providing the end user with a little more than others, and these innovations are present in the model 155, even if for this you should consider it a little closer. For example, a metal tripod mount will last much longer than a plastic one, which is used in Powershot cameras sold at the same price. Also there is a very small zoom switch located on the top of the camera. It could be larger, but using a smaller size indicates a high cost for its development.

Control

On the back panel of Canon IXUS 155 there are four working keys, which make up the main navigation panel. To reduce the size of the buttons were arranged in staggered order. One can confidently say that one of them is superfluous, since it provides access to a menu that is called from the main menu. Despite this, the camera is very easy to use, and this button may not be used in any way. Nevertheless, for a novice or a person who is having a hard time giving new technologies, the help key, indicated by a question mark, will explain the functions of the mode in which the user is located, without using professional jargon.

On the back of the camera you can see the lack of macro buttons and exposure compensation. They were moved to the function menu in such a way that Eco and Auto / Live modes could be switched on instead.

Menu

Canon always made simple menus. In this cell it consists of two main sections. The most commonly used of these is probably the function menu. It is called by the central button on the navigation bar. In the left part of the screen, various options appear, which will vary depending on the current mode of operation. For the most extensive, it is better to bring the camera out of the automatic mode by pressing the top navigation key before entering the menu, which will lead to the screen-viewing mode. Then select the program from the list under the ISO selector. Other functions that can be accessed in this menu include options for setting ISO settings, white balance, resolution and continuous shooting.

To get to even more features of Canon IXUS 155, using the button at the bottom of the camera you need to access the main menu. The latter is made up of two tabs. The left is dedicated to camera functions such as focusing, image stabilization, blink detection, i-Contrast and red-eye correction. The tab on the right is for basic camera settings. For example, here you can change the volume, adjust the date and time, format the card, change the video standard or language, etc.

The menu has a gray background with black shadows and white letters. The cursor is orange and contrasts well with gray, providing an excellent view and ease of use.

Speed

Turning the camera on, and then focusing and shooting in 1.3 seconds. This is somewhat faster than the average for cameras of this class, equal to 1.5-1.8 seconds. The device does 8 photos in 10 seconds, which is very slow. There are also much faster cameras, though, then it's not serial, but continuous shooting. In fact, if you need to photograph fast-moving objects, then you should not worry, because this device was not created for speed.

Viewing Snapshots

Access to captured photos can be obtained by pressing the blue arrow button on the back of the camera. This can be done both in the turned on and off state of the camera. And if you normally need to keep the button pressed for a few seconds when the device is turned off, then the Canon IXUS 155 Black is fast enough to press.

The last photos on the screen are displayed without additional information, but if necessary, you can press the Disp button located at the bottom of the navigation keyboard. Press again to display a complex information screen with a thumbnail image and a histogram.

Equipment

There is one thing that plays against Canon's compacts, compared to similar cameras from other manufacturers. They use an external charger. Small cameras due to a wide range of functions are great for traveling on weekends and on holidays. The external charger is equipped with a cord for connection to the electrical network. Accessories for the Canon IXUS 155 also include a battery and a small wrist strap. The camera does not have internal memory, but you will have to buy a memory card separately.

At the top of the box is a sealed bag with instructions for getting started, a warranty card and promotional attributes. There is a lack of a complete guide for the user, which is usually delivered on a CD with basic photo editing software. All this is available for download from the company's website. This is an interesting solution, designed to conserve the environment and reduce the price of the Canon IXUS 155.

Image Quality: Noise

According to user feedback, photos taken at ISO 100 look promising. In dark areas, the noise is completely absent, the detailing is large, the edges are clear. If you are too picky, then little interference begins to appear already at ISO 200, and this is disappointing. But the biggest changes happen at ISO 400. The image quality, in terms of detail and noise, drops very sharply. In dark areas, green spots appear, and details become indistinct due to the noise reduction system.

At ISO 800 colors are expressionless. This is a consequence of the reduction in color noise, which is still present on most of the image. In the middle tones, black-and-white dots start to appear much more. This is probably the reason why the manufacturer confined to a maximum ISO of 1600. For large values, the images would be completely unrecognizable, which could have a bad effect on the brand's reputation.

Sharpen

Sharpening the images works if the pictures are taken at a low ISO and there is no obvious noise. Otherwise, this procedure only strengthens it.

Range of focal lengths

Canon IXUS 155 is equipped with a 10x zoom lens. This provides a focal length of 24 to 240 mm for a 35 mm camera.

Chromatic aberrations

Traces of chromatic aberrations are present in all photographs. As a rule, they are observed on high-contrast edges, but not only - on not very sharp edges they are also visible. Users note that due to the limited dynamic range of the sensor, the bright sky looks colorful.

Macro photography

Canon IXUS 155 camera can shoot at a focal distance of 1 cm. The central area of the image gives incredibly clear images, but to the edges its quality quickly and significantly deteriorates.

Flash

Without additional lighting, the pictures are balanced and do not have any visible signs of vignetting. The flash at wide-angle shooting adds a hard vignette, but at full zoom it goes away.

When photographing portraits, the effect of red eyes is observed. The use of the correction function does reduce it, although it implies its complete elimination. True, the system works only on a digital level - the camera is programmed to search for a certain color, and it is possible that some shades are outside the specified coverage.

Night

The camera allows you to shoot at night in program mode. In this case, you can monitor ISO and achieve smoother images. However, the maximum exposure is 1 second, which is clearly not enough in very dark conditions. Night mode IXUS 155 is much better than some other compact cameras. Here, a long exposure is used, allowing the user to choose its duration, up to 15 seconds, as well as ISO and white balance.

Verdict

Canon Digital IXUS 155 was created to be externally attractive and very easy to use. Nevertheless, the camera received some other functions designed to lure the owners of the IXUS 150 model.

This is a very simple camera that will suit most users - both young and older, technophobes and gadget connoisseurs. Compact design allows you to carry your camera in your pocket or bag. Long zoom and quick start will not let you lose precious shots. External charger slightly spoils the overall impression of the camera. It provides extra weight, as it is a standard solution, and not specifically designed for a compact camera.

The IXUS line set a high bar, and 155 was no exception. There is, of course, something to work on, for example, over the locking mechanism of the battery cover. She should not just lean back on her own. Owners like that the rubber cover of the USB port serves as part of the design of the entire right side of the camera.

The image quality is very good. Users are happy with the result, although the noise appears too early. You should remember about the cheapness of the Canon IXUS 155, the price of which is $ 130.

The cost of the model justifies the available functionality from the company with an excellent reputation. Complaints cause only the number of chromatic aberrations - a consequence of the use of non-standard optics, as well as noise that occurs at too low ISO values.