Photos: Hands-on with the Canon Digital IXUS 970 IS

By Rich Trenholm on 28 March 2008, 11:26am

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Some gadgets arrive here and eager Cravers crowd around for a gawp at the latest piece of shiny newness. The Canon IXUS camera range usually elicits this response, with "oohs" and "aahs" at the sleek lines and chic angles of the latest model. The IXUS 970 IS, however, left us scratching our heads. Just what is it supposed to be?

There's barely a straight line on the 10-megapixel 970 IS, with swooshing curves and weird corners. It has a retro feel, but not in the way that many cameras hark back to the classic black/grey camera designs of the film age. Rather it has the bulges and rounded corners of earlier digital compact models, which tried to look friendly and unintimidating to bring cameras bouncing into the consumer-friendly realm they inhabit now. As such, the 970 IS has a slightly toy-like feel. It wouldn't look wrong in two-tone pastel pink and yellow. None of the 860, 75 and 90's hard slick angles and catwalk attitude. This camera is so friendly it's practically wagging its tail.

It does include face detection, red-eye correction and motion tracking. The focal length is the equivalent of 37mm at the wide end, while you have the choice of 18 scene modes.

The Canon Digital IXUS 970 IS is available online now for £270. Click through for more pictures and the big selling point. -Rich Trenholm

Update: Read our full Canon Digital IXUS 970 IS review.