Megapixels and Zoom
The Canon IXUS 950 IS has 8 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom lens. The focal length of the lens is equivalent to 35 - 140mm in 35mm format. The capacity of the lens can be increased if you take photos at lower resolutions. This can increase the zoom by an extra 2x. 4x digital zoom is also available. The maximum aperture of the lens is f/2.8 (wide) and f/5.5 (tele).
Basics
- Image stabilisation
- Special resolution for widescreen television playback
- Self timer
- 60 second voice memo
- Red eye correction after photo has been taken
- Stitch Assist for panoramic shots
Focusing
In macro mode the IXUS 950 IS can focus from 2cm away from the subject. Special face detection focusing is also available. This helps the camera to produce sharper portrait shots.
LCD
For composing shots there is a 2.5 inch LCD screen. This is made up of around 230,000 pixels. The IXUS 950 IS also has a viewfinder.
Flash
The flash unit works to a maximum distance of 3.5m. This falls to 2m when the zoom lens is fully extended. The flash modes are Auto, Manual Flash On / Off. Red eye reduction and slow sync can be turned on and off via the menu system. To boost the flash you can pick up Canon's High Power Flash HF-DC1.
Scene Modes
A comprehensive range of scene modes is available. These are Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Creative Light Effect, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium and Underwater. By selecting a scene mode the camera is able to match the optimum settings to the shot you are about to take more easily.
Movies
When it comes to movies the IXUS 950 IS is one of the most advanced digital cameras you can buy. As well as the standard movies (maximum resolution 640 x 480 pixels - top speed 60 frames per second), you can also shoot one minute high speed movies and also time lapse movies.
In standard movie mode sound can be recorded and zoom can be used while recording is in progress. In this mode you can shoot up to 4GB or one hour of footage.
The short high speed movies can be played back in slow motion and are often used to review activities like tennis serves. Time lapse movies fire off single shots at pre determined intervals. Example uses include plotting a flower opening or clouds moving across the sky.
Colour Options
Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color can all be selected. Additional colour controls include Color Accent and Color Swap.
Advanced Features
Among the more advanced features are metering (Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre)), white balance (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom), exposure compensation (+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments) and ISO sensitivity (AUTO, High ISO Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600).
Shutter speeds are set automatically by the camera. These work in the range 15 - 1/1600 seconds.
Continuous shooting at a rate of 1.3 shots per second until the memory card is full.
Computer - Printers - Television
Canon provides cables and software to connect the IXUS 950 IS to a computer, compatible printer and television set.
Extras
An underwater case is available. This is the WP-DC15. It is waterproof to a depth of 40m.
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