Overview
The Canon IXUS 95 IS is a 10 megapixel, pocket camera. It has a 3x optical zoom with built in image stabilisation. The IXUS 95 IS also has a viewfinder as well as a 2.5 inch LCD screen.
Why Buy The Canon IXUS 95 IS
The biggest reason for buying is picture quality. This camera outperforms many of its rivals especially when it comes to the sharpness of the photos it produces. The IXUS 95 IS also had the fastest start up time of any camera I have tested to date.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
3x
2.5 inches
88.5 x 54.8 x 21.8mm
120g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
No
No
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
All in all this is a good photo for a small compact camera. Sharpness is well above average and there is very little fall off in focusing as you move out towards the edges. Where the sun strikes the boats one or two of the blue lines have taken on a purple tinge. There is also a slight haze effect happening in places around the brightest areas of the shot.
This photo is noticeable sharper than I am used to seeing. When no zoom is being used most digital cameras, especially the smaller ones, find accurate focusing a big challenge. The IXUS 95 IS passes this test well and you should be able to produce sharp looking, larger prints.
There are similarities with the first two test photos. The shot is very sharp, much sharper than is typical. Some of the blue lines on the boats have taken on a purple tinge, but this will only be noticeable at this distance if you make extreme sized prints.
Taking all four of my outdoor scenic shots into account I would say you will be hard pressed to find a pocket camera that takes sharper shots than this one. It is also impressive just how sharp these pictures remain as you move out towards the edges of each photo.
Portraits
I am happy with all three of my portrait shots. Starting off with this outdoor one I have boosted the warmth in the colour by using a white balance setting of cloudy. I would recommend using this setting if you are taking portrait shots either under cloudy conditions or in the shade.
The flash unit emits even light. This helps to lighten the whole photo rather than just the face in the centre. There is only minimal light bouncing back off the face as the IXUS 95 IS is able to judge accurately the amount of light required.
All pocket cameras find it difficult to produce a truly crisp photo once lighting levels start to fall. The IXUS 95 IS produces a creditable effort suggesting you should at least be able to produce window light, portrait shots.
Macro, Colours and Noise
There are a few areas where Canon digital cameras always tend to do well. Macro shots are one of them. It does not seem to matter that much what size of lens is being used. Canon models are consistently able to take good quality close up shots.
The colours produced by the IXUS 95 IS retain a natural feel to them. You should find you are able to take bright, colourful photos.
My higher ISO tests are in line with expectations. Noise becomes more and more evident as you increase the ISO setting, especially once you go above ISO 400.
Summary
The IXUS 95 IS is one of the very best pocket cameras when it comes to picture quality.
Style
In terms of shape this camera has a roughly standard, rectangular look. The area around the lens is highly reflective. It is available in silver, grey, blue and pink.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.3 seconds
10.19 seconds
1.01 seconds
17.73 seconds
1.19 seconds
Ease of Use
There is nothing overly demanding about this camera. The menu contains a few extra items and controls compare with other cameras and it will take a bit of extra time for you to learn them all.
Points I Like
Picture quality, style, build quality, start up time, viewfinder
Where it Could Improve
A longer zoom could come in handy
Verdict
I would say that the Canon IXUS 95 IS offers the best value for money out of the three pocket models introduced by Canon in the spring of 2009. It offers very good all round picture quality and has a great start up time.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon IXUS 95 IS Review Canon IXUS 95 IS Specification Canon IXUS 95 IS Sample Images Canon IXUS 95 IS Features
Review Date
May 2009
