Canon IXUS 230 HS digital camera review

Let's not beat about the bush, the 230 HS isn't the best IXUS that Canon have released but it certainly performs where it counts. It doesn't have the hardware that we've seen on the 1100HS but this is reflected in the price. There are a few dubious areas of build quality such as the battery door, but again, this is reflected in the price. The insides are the same as the top IXUS cameras though with the HS system, DIGIC IV processor and good quality lens.

We're happy with the image tests, colours are reproduced realistically and noise is kept to a minimum. If fact, we would be happy shooting at ISO 800 in low light. Everyday pictures are pleasing; sharp and exposed well.

The price tag is keen at under £200 which shows that Canon are trying to entice the type of customer that would normally go for something more inferior in build and image quality. That way, when they're ready to upgrade, they're more likely to spend more on another IXUS. Not a bad marketing strategy and although this is all speculation, the facts add up. The build quality is higher than a £200 camera, the design is curvy and sexy to attract younger photographers and people after a nice looking camera for nights out and the image quality is top notch because we normally expect this kind of noise performance on cameras over £250.

The Canon IXUS 230 HS would be great as a Christmas present for someone in need of a new camera at this time of year and will work great throughout Christmas day documenting the family occasion from opening the presents (even in the dark when the kids have got up at some unholy hour) to the tree lights without using a flash.

If you're looking for a budget digital compact camera for either yourself or as a present and you want good quality and good picture performance then you need to take a serious look at the new Canon IXUS 230 HS.

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