Canon has two ranges of compact cameras: PowerShot and Ixus. The Ixus range contains the higher end, enthusiast models and the Ixus 130 breaks several moulds. For a start Canon claims it's the thinnest Ixus it's ever made, and with a maximum thickness of 17.8mm and its heavily rounded edges and corners, it looks more stylish than many of its predecessors.

In fact, its metallic orange or pink alloy case could make it a fun camera (black and silver are also available), if it weren't for the rest of the specification. The Ixus 130 has a 14.1-megapixel sensor and a three-stage, telescopic, 28mm Canon lens system with a 4x optical zoom. On the back is a 69mm LCD, which is bright and clear and easily viewed in full daylight.

Next to the display is a four-way function ring, with further buttons above, below and in the centre, as well as three buttons on the top of the camera. Those on top are shutter release, power and a sprung toggle for zoom control.

AV out and miniature USB sockets are fitted under a poorly hinged cover in the top right-hand corner of the back plate, and cables for both are supplied. The camera is capable of resolutions up to 4320 x 3240 pixels and can take HD videos at 720p, so the HDMI-compatible AV output is useful. Canon estimates around 21 minutes of HD video can be saved on a 4GB SD card. The Ixus 130 comes with enough internal memory for around 15 shots.

The camera has 22 different shooting modes and the auto-scene detection technology built into the system can switch between them automatically. So, for example, it can spot a person in-frame and switch to one of several portrait modes or see a landscape and choose the right mode for that. The auto-detection isn't perfect and you can over-ride it, but it's better than simple point and shoot.

Canon also claims the Ixus 130 is good in low light, but we found it still quite noisy. The built-in flash is effective at up to 4m and there's automatic red-eye reduction. Image stabilisation is built in, too, which can save you two to three stops. The Li-ion battery should be good for 230 shots and comes with a charger in the box.

Canon's ZoomBrowser EX, ImageBrowser and PhotoStitcher are all supplied and Windows and OSX are supported. Options include a waterproof plastic case, a soft leather one and an external, high-power flash unit.

Verdict
Ixus cameras have always been aimed at the enthusiast and while the Ixus 130 offers more automation than earlier models, it's still capable of responding to somebody who likes to make manual settings. It'll slip into most pockets and while it isn't cheap, it offers a good specification and produces high quality stills and videos.

Company: Canon

Contact: 0844 369 0100

Tags: camera canon digital ixus hdmi canon powershot secure digital liquid crystal display high-definition video universal serial bus