Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon Ixus 700 Digital Camera [7Mp, 3x Optical] 2.0" LCD

I am a Canon fan, having owned a succession of SLRs (10D & 20D) and a fair selection from the Ixus range, all of which have impressed me. Having read the rave reviews, I purchased the 700 as (what I thought would be), the perfect backup camera. The results have, however, been extremely disappointing. The images do not have the usual Canon crispness and in some cases (particularly in the middle ground) appear almost out of focus. I was surprised by this and took a number of comparison shots with my girlfriend's Ixus 400. The result; no comparison. In every instance the cheaper 400 took clearer, crisper shots. I am investigating with Canon whether there is a fault, but have heard others make the same complaint. Unless there is a fault I intend to try to find a 400/500 to replace it. The 700 looks fantastic and, being smaller, is more practical. However, it appears to be a triumph of style over substance. What a pity.

I'd been looking for a new camera for a while, and finally decided on the Ixus 700. HAving had it for a few weeks now I can confirm what others have said.

The screen is incredibly vunerable without a case. Scratched it the first time I used it! Other than that, it is a brilliant little camera.

Very aesthetically pleasing and compact. Intuitive menu system, feature setup and a good LCD. Beauty is more than skin deep for this camera. The 7.1 mega pixel CCD combined with the zoom lens, give crisp results (in the right conditions). It has a quick start up time too. So, no missed opportunities with this little gadget. The camera offers many different size photos too. From a huge 3072x2304 to 640x480 and a few others inbetween.

The motion capture facility is very good and records good sound too although a little tinny at high frequencies.

Remember to buy a large memory card, the 32MB may not be enough.

Personally I reached the limit of the 3x zoom lens very quickly. A higher zoom factor would have been good, at this price point it is achieved by other cameras. However, this is compensated by the digital zoom.

The AI focus facility is a mixed blessing, although this can be disabled in favour of standard focus.

If you're intending to take this camera into a place where flash-photograph maybe prohibited. Then look else where. This model I found has focusing issues when the flash is disabled. I have yet to get a decent result indoors without a flash. For these shots I still use my analogue SLR.

With that said I would still recommend this camera.

Excellent camera. I did extensive research over a few months before settling on this camera. Im not an expert but want expert looking photos! The Ixus 700 gives me this and more. If you want a camera small enough to fit in your pocket but with the capability to print large photos when you get that memorable shot of the special occasion that warrants an 8 x 12 photo frame this is the one for you. It looks great, is easy to use and, in the hands of a complete novice, produces photos you will be really chuffed with. Yes, the experts amongst us, who should really be reviewing SLR's that are twice the price, will say this is not right or that is not right but don't forget.....this is a point and shoot camera for people who want holiday snaps and photos of family weddings/their favorite pet,etc,etc... NOT pro photographers.

Great little camera. Could do better in the optical zoom area, other cameras this price can go as high as 5Xoptical rather than the standard 3, but you would have to compromise on size for that thou. A bit difficult to handle if you have big hands. My main complaint is the major problem it has with dealing with red eye. I have tried in all sorts of situations and have the problem every time. Fed up of ringing people up to ask what colour eyes they have for doing red eye correction on my PC! If you can afford it and want to go for a Canon I would recommend the Ixus 750.