WHAT KIND OF POINT-and-shoot camera has what it takes to stand out from the pack? Generally, it's one that exhibits both excellent quality and nimble performance. But that's not the Judging from the specs alone, this camera won't over whelm you. It's a 7.1-megapixel device that features a 3X optical zoom with a 5.8mmto-17.4mm range (which is equivalent to a 35mm lens with a 35mm-to-105mm zoom). The Ixus 70 also sports the usual 2.5-inch LCD, which is more or less the standard size for cameras being produced today. There's no image stabilization on this camera, although with a 3X optical zoom lens there's not a lot of reason for it.

The camera's design, however, is exquisit.e. A nod to earlier PowerShots, the Ixus 70look first appeared on the original Canon Elph, an APS (Advanced Photo System) film point-and-shooter, which was based on a striking design silver "box." What's great about the design is its minimalist approach. It almost subliminally accentuates the fact that any photographic device-from the simplest pinhole to the most sophisticated DSLR-is essentially a box with a circular hole cut into it. It's truly form highlighting elemental function.



Still, this camera is more than just an objet d'art. It performs brilliantly. On my test shots and under a variety of lighting situations, the Ixus 70 captured my images the way prefer them. Now that's a good thing since, like most cameras in Canon's Ixus series, you don't have full manual modes on this camera. This shooter at this price looks a tad pricey, too. Even so, whether needed indoor images (with or without flash), outdoor landscape pictures, or cityscape shots, could count on the Ixus to hit the mark, almost always dead-on.