The menu button presents you with an L-shaped list of various icons although, thankfully, each one displays a text description as you scroll over it. Adjusting parameters like the ISO are easy – you just press the ISO text on the function control switch and a menu display instantly appears for you to make any changes.
The snag is that unless you’re quick off the mark, the display also instantly disappears and you have to press the button again. You really notice the 12 megapixel effect when it comes to the continuous shooting mode – it takes about two seconds for the Ixus 960 to process the data before it’s ready for the next shot. Plus, the autofocus was not the fastest on the block: you wouldn’t want to use this camera for capturing a sequence of fast action shots.
Sample shots
The Ixus 960 offers good colour reproduction, this was shot at 1/160sec shutter speed, F10.0, ISO 80 and 11.45mm focal length
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Notice how the fine texture on the building is revealed. This was shot at 1/100sec shutter speed, F2.8, ISO 80 and 7.7mm focal length
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These garden gnomes were shot using the maximum 3.7x optical zoom setting from behind a wall that was high up above them
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COMMENTS
I don't see the point either
You can get a G9 for less than this, if you want a compact, or a 400/450D as John points out if you'd rather go a little upmarket. Or even an A650IS (very similar to the G9, but without RAW mode and a small number of bells and whistles, but MUCH cheaper).
I don't see what this offers, apart from being an IXUS with 12MP...
I don't see the point
Either spring the extra for a 400D (I love mine) or 450D, which can take pictures very quickly and can be used like a point and shoot, or get a smaller compact for half the price.
RE: Wide?
Canon do another range - with exactly the same features but less megapixel (for now), no viewfinder but 3" LCD, and no titanium body that can shoot at 28mm equivalent. It is the IXUS 870 IS (or maybe the 860, Canon's numbering differences between US, Japan and Europe are ridiculous)
Wide?
36mm at the wide end? Not wide at all! Poor show from Canon.
Shooting food
"Shooting food on a white plate caused problems for the Ixus 960..."
Gauntlet: "Remember, don't shoot food..."
