The Canon Ixus 870 is more than just a good looking digital camera, it packs serious photographic technology. A wider angle of view than most of its competitors is due to the lens being the equivalent of a 28mm-112mm lens. No longer is Canon’s image-stabilisation technology only available in high-end models. It’s been incorporated into the Canon 870 and that means that sharp images can be produced without a tripod down to approximately 1/25 of a second.

Also available in the Canon 870 is automatic face detection. This works pretty well and usually can detect a face even in part-profile. There is even a gimmicky Face Self-Timer function that will wait for you to rejoin the group before it photographs the group. It has 19 scene modes as well as a handy macro setting and a 30fps VGA movie mode.

The Canon Ixus 870 IS boasts Canon’s DIGIC 4 processing technology that promises less noise at higher ISO settings but still there is much noise at 1600 ISO which is not-bad considering the class of camera.

Also, the Canon 870 features a 28mm wide-angle lens allowing for great photos of picturesque landscapes and delightful group photos. Viewing your favorite photos has never been so good with the awesome 3.0 inch PureColor LCD screen.

It’s not a “serious” Canon Digital camera in the usual sense and no one is going to mistake the Canon 870 for one. For example, you won’t find an optical viewfinder or manual mode. But no biggie if all you want are fabulous photos, then this camera won’t disappoint.