Canon Ixus 200 IS : A digital camera with touchscreen

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Introduction
After Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Fujifilm or Nikon, it is time for Canon to update its range of compact digital cameras. And it starts with the end consumer brand with the Ixus 200 IS.

Canon's first compact Ixus 200 IS digital camera is with a touch screen 3", a 12.1-megapixel sensor, a wide angle lens 24-120mm with a 5x optical zoom, an optical stabilizer, the 'record videos in 720p, a sensitivity up to ISO 1600, a mini-HDMI output, a port SD / SDHC, all in 100 × 53x23mm with 130g.

With its ultra wide angle 24mm, 5x optical zoom and intuitive touch interface, the Digital IXUS 200 IS 12.1 megapixels combines advanced technology and elegant design IXUS.

Features of Canon Ixus 200 IS

• Metal housing which comes in 4 colors
• Ultra wide angle 24mm, 5x zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
• 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor
• Large touch screen PureColor II 3 "
• Operation Touch easy camera
• Smart Auto Mode (Intelligent Auto)
• DIGIC 4
• HD Video 720p
• Active Display
• UI Tips & Tricks

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Extensive features: From wide angle to touch
The three-inch, touch-sensitive screen in 16:9 format takes up almost the entire back of the Canon Ixus 200 IS. It acts not only as a viewfinder and an instrument for image control, but also serves to control the camera. For example, you can select 18 recordings and four flash modes.

The Canon Ixus 200 IS built-in 1 / 2 ,3-inch CCD sensor provides a maximum resolution of 12.1 megapixels in the 4:3 aspect ratio. The focal length of the lens starts at 4.3 millimeters wide angle - equivalent to the 24 mm format equivalent to millimeters. Through the five-time, worked quickly to extend the focal length of the zoom lens apparatus to the equivalent of 120 mm. An optical image stabilizer helps the photographer to reduces camera shake for photos with a longer exposure time.

Touch-sensitive screen: Only for two hands
The Canon Ixus 200 IS can be only used with the two hands in the shuffle mode. It is not enough to get the metal enclosure safely under control. Also the ease of the camera suffers, if only one hand available, except through the large screen, thumb-rest is made on the backside of the box is too small. In addition, falls on negative, that the heavy duty slider to select the recording type not very accurate work and skips the automatic program, if it is not served with great sensitivity.

At first it is confusing for the photographer, what settings on the touch screen and which are made throughout the classic controls. Besides the selection of recording modes, it allows the touch-screen also controls the exposure compensation and autofocus of reference. The usual triggers on the top of the camera shutter lag significantly.

Initially, the touch screen does not seem to respond to any input. After a short familiarization phase, the photographer, however, will developed a feel for how much pressure he has to exerted on the screen. Very useful is the touch screen when viewing pictures: Unique Touch increase the view moves to the right or left call the next or previous image. Tap twice to clear calls the image index.

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Image quality: Good
The CCD image sensor delivers in cooperation with the DIGIC 4 image processor usable images. The deficiencies found in the details: The images fall out relatively dark, the colors, but still natural. While the center of the picture is sharp and detailed, point to the picture slightly blurred edges. In flash photographs the vignetting in the corners is extreme. From a light sensitivity of ISO 400 image noise one is that increases with increasing sensitivity from ISO 1600 and even in a reduced negative opinions noticed.

The Canon Ixus 200 IS captures video in HD resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second. Although the movies fill the entire screen from a HD flat screen TV, but are not as detailed as professional cameras with twisted imagery. Some of the sharpness of detail is lost and the pixels merge into a "mush". As one might expect in a compact camera that does not affect the sound quality outstanding, but enough for casual videographers. The Zooming with movements of the lens is not with the films.

Hardware & Interfaces
The storage medium SD and SDHC cards fit into the Canon Ixus 200 IS. MMC, MMCplus and HC MMCplus cards can also be used. The power supply is a lithium-ion battery safe. The transmission of image and video files is possible not only by inserting the card into a reader: About HDMI port and AV output, the camera can be used via cable TV and computer.

Conclusion: More expensive average
The high expectations, not least of which raises the price of Canon's new compact model, does not meet the Ixus 200 IS. The device stands out only slightly from the current average for the compact class. While the touchscreen is a useful addition to the normal camera operation, image quality is good but in the average.

According to the Canon, the Ixus 200 IS is available in the colors blue, gold, silver and purple. The suggested retail price is 339 euros. Internet retailers are currently accepting advance orders for around 330 euros. A buy recommendation for the Ixus 200 IS can give the tester in good conscience until a price of under 500 US dollars approx.