Canon IXUS 300HS review

Canon IXUS 300 HS Review: Fashion conscious snappers will love this quality compact

Canon’s IXUS 300 HS marks the tenth anniversary of the IXUS digital compact camera range. But can you notice the difference? This model is the first to sport a ‘HS’ at the end of its name. The new HS system combines a high-sensitivity 10-megapixel CMOS sensor with fast DIGIC 4 processing for improved low-light performance and high-speed shooting. With a wide aperture of f2, faster shutter speeds can be used to create an attractive narrow depth of field, whilst ISO can be pushed to 6400.

Looks-wise, it adheres to the IXUS’ iconic image with its sexy, slender design that would fit easily into a pocket or purse. Not that anyone would want to conceal this compact from public view. Its widescreen, angular design makes you feel proud to be the owner of an expensive looking accessory that comes in silver and black (available nationwide), or a Ferrari red (exclusively at John Lewis) and even a Storm Trooper style white  (only at Jessops). They also come with different finishes – the black is rough and easier to grip, whereas the others are shiny and smooth. Unfortunately, it’s a case of ‘you get what you pay for’ as it comes with a hefty £380 price tag.

Image quality and features don’t disappoint, though. The rear of the compact is in line with the minimalist design as there are only three buttons – playback, menu, and a touch-sensitive scroll wheel. On the top plate there is a sliding control to switch from movie to manual and beginner-friendly automatic modes. For the more advanced user, there’s the option to alter the aperture and shutter settings, as well as a plethora of creative shooting modes. These include the new Fish-eye Effect that mimics the unique distortion of a fish-eye lens, and Miniature Effect that makes subjects appear like miniature-scale models.

The IXUS 300’s main selling point is its high speed capture of up to 3.7 frames per second at full resolution (or 8.4 fps at 2.5-megapixel). However, this doesn’t match up to the £20 more expensive Sony TX7, which boasts a whopping 10fps at full resolution. At the other extreme, this latest IXUS model comes with 240fps slow motion video capture at 320 x 420 resolution. Whilst this is undoubtedly a fun feature, especially when considering the possibilities of filming a race or a water sport, the specs aren’t quite up to scratch with the Casio Exilim EX-FH20’s 1000fps, and the resolution is a poor 320 x 240 pixels. Incidentally, HD movie capability is also on offer at 720p with stereo sound and access to the zoom whilst recording.

We tested the IXUS 300’s low light capabilities inside the bowels of a dark club where the main light source was from the fire of a circus performer’s baton. The Optical Image Stabilisation put in a pleasing performance when shooting with the camera handheld and, although noise was present at around ISO 400, images were still useable. Also, if retaining the atmosphere of the scene is not essential to your image, then Smart Flash Exposure is on hand. The feature determines the power of the in-camera flash to give natural results, as opposed to unwanted overexposure. This works effectively, particularly when shooting at a close range.

Other features worthy of a mention are Blink Detection, which tells you if your subject has their eyes closed, and the gimmicky but fun Wink and Smile Shutter that fires a shot once the subject does one of those actions. There is also a FaceSelf-Timer option, enabling the photographer to join in a group shot. The images themselves are sharp with true-to-life colours, and chromatic aberrations are barely noticeable. The IXUS 300 HS is clearly a compact that would suit a stylish social scene, but its steep price point may well put budget users off.