Overview
The Canon IXUS 130 is a pocket sized digital camera. It has 14 megapixels and a 4x wide angle zoom lens. The IXUS 130 can shoot High Definition movies. Other key features include image stabilisation and a 2.7 inch LCD screen.
I am not sure that there are any points that stand out as especially exciting. With this camera it is more of a combination of factors that make it a good camera to buy. These factors include picture quality, design and build quality.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14
4x
2.7 inches
92.2 x 56.1 x 17.8mm
133g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
On the whole I am very happy with the quality of photos the IXUS 130 has produced. Looking through my outdoor photos sharpness is some way above average for such a small digital camera. This is true of a variety of zoom positions. I am especially impressed by the sharpness showing in my second photo where the lens is zoomed all the way out. My shot of the building shows how the camera is able to retain sharpness up to the edges of a shot.
The IXUS 130 also does well in bringing out detail in areas of light shade.
As with other Canon digital cameras I like the contrast showing in the colours. The skies are about the right shade of blue in my eyes and I like the deeper greens of the foliage.
As with most digital cameras there are one or two imperfections. My third outdoor shot is darker than it should be. In my second photo there is also a small amount of purple fringing showing around the edges of the trees. This is worth taking into account if you are planning to produce extra large prints.
Portraits
For my outdoor portrait I would like to have seen greater saturation of the colours. I think extra colour would improve the photo.
The indoor portrait with flash works very well. The lighting remains quite subtle. This ensures that there is still colour showing in the skin tones. The light is very evenly distributed too. This ensures all areas are properly lit with no dark corners and no dark areas in the hair.
With flash turned off the IXUS 130 does well again. There are good levels of detail showing and noise is controlled well.
Macro, Colours and Noise
For me the macro shot is the best effort from the IXUS 130. Although it is unlikely that close up shots would be high up on the agenda for anyone on the lookout for a pocket camera the quality of the shoot is very impressive. The sharpness, definition and detail of the photo are outstanding.
I like the colours the IXUS 130 produces in the main. One or two photos could benefit from a little extra colour, but the photos retains a natural look.
There were no serious issues with noise. In fact the IXUS 130 does well in keeping noise under control.
Summary
The IXUS 130 does well for a camera of this small size. There are one or two small issues, but I found nothing that would put me off buying. Sharpness levels are impressive.
Style
Canon has produced a simple design for the IXUS 130. It has an unfussy look to it. You should have no problem slipping this camera into a pocket. It is available in black, silver, pink and orange.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.34 seconds
12.48 seconds
1.13 seconds
22.71 seconds
2.38 seconds
Ease of Use
Canon always makes a bit of extra fine tuning available. Therefore there is a bit more to learn if you want to absolutely master this camera.
Points I Like
Ease of use - style - macro shot
Where it Could Improve
Outdoor shot with zoom could be brighter
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
The camera used in this review of the Canon IXUS 130 was kindly provided by UK Digital Cameras
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Related Pages
Canon IXUS 130 Review Canon IXUS 130 Specification Canon IXUS 130 Sample Images Canon IXUS 130 Features Sony Cybershot DSC W380 vs Canon IXUS 130
Review Date
April 2010
