Overview
Canon's IXUS range has become synonymous with slim, stylish metal compact cameraa that are easy to use and deliver good quality images. The Canon IXUS 1100 HS attempts to continue the trend set by the IXUS 310 HS, IXUS 220 HS, IXUS 115 HS and other cameras, while adding a 12x image stabilised zoom lens, touchscreen interface and 1080p HD movie recording into the mix.
Available for around £350, it's one of two new Canon IXUS cameras, the other being the cheaper Canon IXUS 230 HS.
Canon's HS system incorporates a 12.1MP backlit CMOS sensor and the latest DIGIC 4 image processor with the aim of producing good image quality at high ISO sensitivities. Backlit CMOS sensors have the circuitry on the rear of the sensor, out of the optical path, increasing the surface area of each photosite available to receive the light forming an image. This should provide a higher signal for the camera to work with, which in turn should help to reduce image noise levels.
Canon's DIGIC 4 processor processes the information captured by the camera, reducing noise levels and improving the responsiveness of the camera in comparison with earlier models.
To help keep the camera reacting quickly, the DIGIC 4 sensor also incorporates iSAPS technology (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space). This analyses the scene in real time to help set up focusing and exposure slightly in advance of the shutter being pressed. The Smart Auto feature takes this a step further by automatically selecting the appropriate automatic scene program for the circumstances.
High-speed bursts can be taken by the Canon IXUS 1100 HS at speeds of up to 7.8fps at a reduced resolution of 3MP, which is ideal for capturing fast action. A super slow-motion movie feature shoots video at very high frame rates and plays them back at the normal 24fps, producing an eerie slow-motion effect.
Standard video recording is possible at 1080p resolution, at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Apple's popular iFrame video format can also be recorded, but at a reduced resolution of 720p. A mini HDMI connection is supplied, for watching high definition footage directly from the camera on any HD-ready television.
Two main unique selling points of the Canon IXUS 1100 HS are the 12x image stabilised zoom lens, and the touchscreen interface. The zoom lens provides a range equivalent to a 28-336mm lens on a 35mm camera, which is quite a feat in a camera only 22mm thick.
Having a touchscreen interface has enabled Canon to keep the exterior design very sleek and simple, with only a button to enter the playback mode on the rear beside the screen.
Build quality and handling
Although not as slim as other cameras in the Canon IXUS line up - such as the 19.5mm-thick IXUS 220 HS - the Canon IXUS 1100 HS is still very svelte for a camera with a 12x zoom lens. The glossy metal body is a little slippery to get to grips with, but the raised Canon logo on the front provides just enough purchase for a secure hold.
The black version we reviewed is very sleek-looking. Besides the black finish, red and silver finishes are also available.
The touchscreen interface has enabled Canon to do away with many of the buttons you would normally find, which leads to an overall minimalist appearance.
With the camera switched on, the composed image takes up the central part of the 16:9 aspect ratio 3.2-inch screen. The space either side isn't wasted though, since this is where various controls are located. In a similar way to touchscreen phones, the menu system is laid out clearly and can be scrolled through by dragging your finger over the screen.
Unlike mobile 'phones, though, there's no kinetic scrolling, so your finger has to remain on the screen at all times when navigating the menus, otherwise the motion stops and it can't be flicked onwards. This leads to a rather unresponsive user experience, and can make navigating long menus troublesome.
Because contact with the screen has to be maintained, it's possible to accidentally select the wrong feature, leading to a frustrating cycle of trying to select something and having to start again.
One area where the touchscreen does excel is with the Touch-Shutter feature. Touching the screen focuses at that point in the scene and takes a picture. This can be really handy although there is a slight delay in taking a picture, so it may not be wholly suitable for action shots.
The PureColor II screen with its resolution of 461,000 dots may not be the highest resolution screen on offer, but it is bright, clear and easy to use in daylight. A nifty playback feature provides a split-screen view after each picture is taken. One image shows the whole photo and the other shows a zoomed in section where the main point of focus lies, so that you can confirm how sharp an image is right away.
Aside from the troubles with the touchscreen interface, the Canon IXUS 1100 HS is a very responsive camera. Autofocus locks on almost instantly and there is little noticeable shutter lag. Even in dark conditions, the autofocus performs well. From pressing the power button to taking a picture takes just over a second, which means the camera is always ready for quick grab shots as required.
Performance
As with other cameras from Canon's HS range, such as the IXUS 310 HS, IXUS 220 HS and IXUS 115 HS, the backlit 12.1 million pixel CMOS sensor on the IXUS 1100 HS does an excellent job of producing images with low noise at high sensitivities, and good dynamic range.
Images taken at low sensitivities are rich with detail, and noise doesn't really start to factor until ISO 1600, where fine luminance noise and a slight softening of fine details can be seen, due to noise reduction. Saying that, even images taken at ISO 3200 are perfectly acceptable, and should still make decent enough A4-sized prints and look great when shared on the web.
Default settings produce vibrant colours, which despite being quite punchy, aren't overcooked and don't look unnatural. Warmer tones tend to be emphasised more than cooler tones, so strong reds and oranges will tend to have a bit more pop to them. Colours can be made more subdued, or even boosted to your taste.
Face detection works well to achieve accurate exposures and focusing. Occasionally the system can be fooled by certain shapes. For example, pointing the camera at a computer keyboard activates the face detection and throws off the exposure. This doesn't occur regularly, but if it does, it may be best to set the camera to the centre point focusing mode.
When face detection isn't active, the evaluative metering is very difficult to trick into producing an unsatisfactory exposure, even with high-contrast scenes.
Image quality and resolution
Initial results from the labs data show that the Canon IXUS handles noise well at the low to mid sensitivity range, although it does become an issue above ISO 1600. However, when it comes to dynamic range the results are impressive with dynamic range beating the Samsung WB700 and Olympus XZ-1 at all sensitivities.
Resolution charts
As part of our image quality testing for the Canon IXUS 1100 HS, we've shot our resolution chart.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Canon IXUS 1100 HS is capable of resolving up to around 22 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.
For a full explanation of what our resolution charts mean, and how to read them please click here to read the full article.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
ISO 100, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 400, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 800, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1600, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 3200, score: 16 (see full image)
Noise and dynamic range
We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.
For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
Signal to noise ratio
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
JPEG images from the Canon IXUS 1100 HS are on a par with those from the Samsung WB700 but show more noise that both the Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Olympus XZ-1
Dynamic range
This chart indicates that the Canon IXUS 1100 HS's JPEGs have a consistently high dynamic range across the sensitivity range, only overtaken by the Nikon Coolpix S9100 at ISO 1600.
Sample images
Plenty of detail has been captured in this close-up images and the metering has performed well, despite the predominantly light backdrop (See full-res image)
A little flare is present in this image, shooting into the sun, but no more than would be expected under these conditions (See full-res image)
Having a 336mm telephoto lens on such a small camera is great for isolating distant subjects (See full-res image)
The high-quality Canon 12x zoom lens produces images that are sharp from edge to edge (See full-res image)
There's plenty of detail in this close-up shot (See full-res image)
The auto macro feature enables close-up shots to be taken without selecting the macro mode (See full-res image)
Colours are naturally reproduced with default settings, although reds and oranges tend to receive a bit of a boost (See full-res image)
Toy Camera effect (See full-res image)
Super Vivid effect (See full-res image)
Even contrasty scenes are metered well, and dynamic range is good for a compact camera (See full-res image)
The HS system produces low-light images with little noise (See full-res image)
Noise and sensitivity (ISO) images
Full ISO 100 image
Cropped 100% sections
ISO 100 (see full image)
ISO 200 (see full image)
ISO 400 (see full image)
ISO 800 (see full image)
ISO 1600 (see full image)
ISO 3200 (see full image)
Verdict
Sitting at the top of Canon's new IXUS line-up, above the cheaper IXUS 230 HS, it wouldn't be wrong to expect a lot of the Canon IXUS 1100 HS. For the most part, it delivers. Image quality is excellent, even at high sensitivities, which makes for a flexible package when coupled with the high quality 12x stabilised zoom lens.
Unfortunately the touchscreen interface lets the camera down somewhat, and may leave you hankering after a simpler direct control method with buttons, as found on cheaper IXUS cameras. It could be that Canon may be able to release a firmware update to resolve any interface issues, but as the target market isn't likely to be made up of the kind of snappers who will actively seek out firmware updates, that may not be an ideal solution.
We liked
Without a doubt, the Canon IXUS 1100HS produces image quality up with the best compact cameras available at the moment, including the similarly priced Olympus XZ-1, Nikon Coolpix P300 and Panasonic TZ20, which when coupled with the high-quality 12x image stabilised lens, makes a very flexible package.
We disliked
Touchscreen interfaces really need to work well, otherwise they endanger spoiling the whole user experience. Unfortunately the touchscreen isn't up to scratch, which can make navigating menus a chore.
Final verdict
If you can live with the quirks of the Canon IXUS 1100 HS's interface, you will be rewarded with sharp, colourful images with good dynamic range. However, with a price of £350, you may not want to.
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