Overview
The Canon IXUS 85 IS is one of the more stylish pocket cameras. It has 10 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens.
Why Buy the Canon IXUS 85 IS
If you are looking for a pocket camera and picture quality is your prime consideration then the IXUS 85 IS should be very high up on your list. It is also well made and a very stylish camera.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
3x
2.5 inches
86.0 x 54.0 x 20.4mm
130g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
We are off to a very promising start. Sharpness is noticeably better than most other pocket cameras manage. The photo is bright and there is plenty of colour in the shot. Where the sunlight catches the boats some of the blue lines take on a purple tinge.
This photo is noticeably sharper than most other brands manage. Many cameras produce a softer focus than this when the lens is zoomed out, but the definition in this shot is impressive.
In does not matter if the lens is zoomed all the way out or all the way in, the IXUS 85 IS is able to deliver a crisp, clear photo.
Checking this photo highlights just how good the lens is. This is one of the sharpest results I have seen for this test. The focusing stays sharp right the way across the picture with this Canon digital camera.
Portraits
I have used settings of cloudy white balance and face detection focusing. The focusing selection helps to produce a sharp photo, while the white balance setting adds a little more colour and warmth to the shot.
The IXUS 85 IS does a good job when it comes to controlling the power of the flash. By doing this the camera is able to retain plenty of colour in the photo.
The test for natural light completes an impressive set of portrait photos. Definition, brightness and clarity are all above average.
Macro, Colours and Noise
If I was serious about close up photography I wouldn't buy a small, pocket camera. Having said that, this camera is capable of taking very good close up shots. It manages to reach a standard that very few other small cameras can get anywhere near.
Apart from one or two blue lines taking on a purple tinge in bright sunlight the colours produced by this Canon digital camera are excellent. This camera can create vivid colours without losing a natural feel.
These are fairly standard results for higher ISO. Noise levels are not too intrusive at ISO 400, but at higher levels picture quality slides away even in good light.
Summary
Having reviewed so many Canon digital cameras I could almost have written this review without taking any photos at all. My test shots show a succession of lively colours and sharp photos. This is about as good as it gets with pocket sized cameras.
Style
To me, the pocket IXUS cameras have a simple, but effective design. The camera comes in silver, but you have a choice between a silver or black area around the lens.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.39 seconds
9.85 seconds
1.03 seconds
17.23 seconds
Ease of Use
I have always found Canon digital cameras a little more difficult to find my way around that other brands. I feel the way the function section of the camera is set out could be clearer and I cannot see the benefit of separate function and menu sections. Still, the camera is easy enough if you are using it as a point and shoot model with the standard factory settings.
Points I Like
Style - build quality - picture quality - viewfinder - excellent LCD screen
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay with flash could be faster
Verdict
The Canon IXUS 85 IS is simply one of the best pocket cameras on the market. You do have to pay a bit more for this camera than for some other models, but the picture quality, style and build quality make it worth the extra money.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon IXUS 85 IS Review Canon IXUS 85 IS Specification Canon IXUS 85 IS Sample Images Canon IXUS 85 IS Features
Review Date
May 2008
