Last update 15 November’09 – Review @ Computer Active
Canon Powershot SD940 IS / IXUS 120 IS announced on August 19, 2009 is an optically image stabilized 12.1 megapixel compact digital camera that features 4x optical 28mm zoom, face detection, 2.7 inch LCD, 720p HD movie capture, ISO range from 80 to 1600, camera dimensions are (WxHxD) 3.52 x 2.16 x 0.79/89.5 x 54.9 x 20.0 mm and it weighs 120 g (4.23 oz.).
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Review Index – (updated 15 November’09)
Computer Active
“Image quality from this camera were not the best we have ever seen however they were detailed and rendered very natural colors. Noise was not an issue until as suspected we jacked ISO to its highest range for low light shooting.”
Cameras.uk
“I have few complaints about the Canon IXUS 120 IS. It does a very good job and has a touch of extra class about it. It looks good, takes a good snapshot and handles well. I like the design and would be happy to own one. Recommended.”
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DigitalCameraReview
“The SD940 IS is a pleasure to use. It has excellent build quality and is very quick and responsive. Its small size makes it convenient to carry everywhere you go, so you’re always ready to take advantage of an available photo opportunity.”
PhotographyBlog
“Left on default settings colors are naturalistic, exposures are even, and with blue skies and plenty of early autumn sunshine around we were able to achieve some pleasing results without having to dive into the ‘My colors’ effects settings for added warmth or visual oomph.”
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DPInterface
“The camera offers good performance in all areas except continuous shooting speed. Focusing and press-to-shot speeds were very fast and shot-to-shot was better than most cameras. What’s even more impressive than performance is the SD940 Digital ELPH’s image quality. The pictures it produced were very good with low noise, vivid colors and the only main flaw being above average color fringing (which you can remove in computer software if it irritates you).”
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GoodGearGuide
“Our high contrast photos also stood up well, with purple fringing kept to a minimum. As with any compact camera, noise became prevalent at high ISO levels, with noticeable grain entering the picture at ISO 800 and above. Despite being billed as ‘wide angle’, the Powershot SD940 IS / IXUS 120 IS’s 5mm lens isn’t particularly suited to sprawling panoramas.”
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TechRadar
“Using the Canon Digital IXUS 120 IS is a positive experience even before you’ve turned it on. And once you do, its Canon heritage delivers broadly impressive results without ever really bowling us over. It doesn’t do anything that rival cameras can’t – and other Canon compacts too, for that matter – but it beats all comers when it comes to looks.”
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Ken Rockwell
“I’d use it all the time, although if I was going away on a dedicated photo trip I’d take a slightly bigger SD980 instead for its higher technical image quality. This SD940 actually is easier to use: it has better ergonomics and a much better and bigger LCD (the SD980’s LCD is chopped on the top and bottom, so it actually has fewer usable pixels and smaller effective image size).”
CNET
“The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS is a fun camera to use. The combination of its incredibly small, simple, attractive design, ease of use, and generally fantastic photos makes it a fairly irresistible ultracompact. Performance could be better and the amount of purple fringing in my test shots bugs me, but neither are real deal breakers for me in this class of camera.”
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]Sample Photos
[Image Quality Samples @ Cameras.uk]
[Image Quality Samples @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ DPInterface]
[Sample Photos @ TechRadar]
[Example ISO 3200 Photo @ Ken Rockwell]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Canon]
[Sample Photos @ Canon]
Press Release
London, UK 19th August 2009: Today Canon announces two new Digital IXUS cameras, bringing even higher levels of style, sophistication and high-tech features to the Digital IXUS range.
Introducing firsts for Canon, the Digital IXUS 200 IS combines an impressive 24mm ultra wide-angle 5x zoom lens with a 3 inch PureColor II Touch display. The new Digital IXUS 120 IS has the distinction of being the slimmest wide-angle Digital IXUS ever – packing in a 28mm wide-angle 4x zoom lens into a stylish body.
Digital IXUS 200 IS: Ultra wide technology you can touch
The Digital IXUS 200 IS makes it easier than ever to take breathtaking images. Featuring a 24mm ultra wide-angle 5x zoom lens with an optical Image Stabiliser (IS) the potential to capture sweeping landscapes or large groups up close is now at your fingertips. Picture quality is assured thanks to a 12.1 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 – Canon’s fast, intelligent image processor, delivering superb image quality and natural colour reproduction.
The Digital IXUS 200 IS features an impressive wide 3.0 inch PureColor II Touch display. With a firm focus on ease-of-use, the touch screen technology works together with traditional button control to create a highly-intuitive user experience, giving you fingertip control over a variety of camera functions. Touch AF, for example, enables users to select objects or faces on the touch screen – which the camera tracks and automatically keeps in focus – capturing the perfect image every time.
Large, high visibility on-screen icons allow for quick and easy selection of shooting and flash modes, while a vertical orientation shutter release function means users can shoot by simply touching the screen. Touch Actions allow users to match gestures made on-screen to commonly used functions, such as tagging images as favourites or erasing, rotating, or protecting images in their collection. Browsing images has never been easier – simply drag your finger across the screen and the camera will adjust the speed of review with the speed of the gesture on-screen.
The Digital IXUS 200 IS also makes it easy to review photos with Active Display – a feature that enables users to flick through images and start and stop movies by simply moving and tilting the camera.
Packed with cutting edge, yet easy-to-use features, the Digital IXUS 200 IS sports incredibly good looks with a slim, stylish metal body in a choice of four colours: blue, gold, purple or silver.
Digital IXUS 120 IS – ultra-slim, ultra-smart, ultra cool
The Digital IXUS 200 IS is joined by the all-new Digital IXUS 120 IS – the slimmest wide-angle Digital IXUS ever. Despite the slim frame the camera boasts an impressive wide angle (28mm) 4x optical zoom lens, 12.1 Megapixel resolution and DIGIC 4 processor.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS utilises a 2.7 inch PureColor LCD II. Bright and clear, the screen can be viewed at multiple angles, so framing and reviewing an image is simple and easy. The PureColor LCD II screen is also resistant to fingerprints and scratches.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS makes taking great photos simple. Optical Image Stabiliser technology reduces blur caused by camera shake; enabling users to shoot at full zoom, as well as at night, without the need for a tripod. ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology also help users automatically take blur-free photos – adjusting the ISO speed to compensate for motion in the scene, so moving subjects are captured perfectly every time.
The Digital IXUS 120 IS’s slim wide-angle design enables it to easily fit into a shirt pocket or handbag and comes in four refined colours – black, blue, brown or silver – that reflect the sophistication of the technology within.
Shooting action with HD movies
Both cameras feature an HD movie mode, which shoots widescreen high definition video at 720p resolution. Movies can be easily shared with family and friends by connecting the camera to a compatible HD display via the camera’s HDMI mini port.
Automatic excellence that is easy-to-use
To make it easy for anyone to take a great photo, the Digital IXUS 200 IS and
Digital IXUS 120 IS feature Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology. Automatically detecting faces, motion, distance, colour, and brightness in the frame, the camera selects from one of 22 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results. Smart Auto technology is enhanced by the addition of Servo AE/AF, which tracks movement in the frame, adjusting focus and exposure to achieve the perfect shot.
By capturing every detail in an image – with a 12.1 Megapixel image sensor – users of both cameras have the freedom of creating large prints, or altering composition by cropping images, without compromising image quality.
Both cameras include ‘Hints & Tips’ within the user interface. Short descriptions of camera functions simplify the interaction with the camera and encourage users to explore the camera features.
Perfect Portraits: Face Detection technologies
Both the Digital IXUS 200 IS and Digital IXUS 120 IS come with a range of
Face Detection technologies so shots of friends and family are captured in perfect detail. Face Detection WB, sets the camera’s white balance to achieve natural skin tones in unusual lighting conditions, whilst Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB ensures the intended subject is properly exposed and in focus. Both cameras also feature FaceSelf-Timer – a handy feature for self-portraits and group shots as the camera only takes a photo two seconds after an extra face enters the frame.
Both models also feature i-Contrast, an intelligent technology that automatically deals with tricky lighting situations by preventing highlight blowout, while retaining shadow detail. This automatically deals with difficult shooting situations, particularly when subjects are backlit on a sunny day.
Incorporating new technologies, incredible ease-of-use and sophisticated design the Digital IXUS 200 IS and Digital IXUS 120 IS offer incredible image capturing quality in a stylish compact camera.
