Canon IXUS 200 IS camera design
The material used for the Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS camera feels somewhat rough, which makes the camera stay securely in your hand. The curved lines of the camera feel comfortable and make it a streamlined model. It's absolutely no problem to put the Canon IXUS 200 IS inside your trouser pocket or handbag to ensure you have the camera at hand when that one special photo moment occurs. At first, the lack of a handgrip seems like it might be a loss, but in practice, it doesn't actually show. You can easily use the included wrist strap for extra safety to prevent the camera from accidentally slipping from your hand.
AF assist lamp and built-in flash
The front of the Canon Digital 200IS camera is dominated by the 5x optical zoom lens that is encircled by a remarkable glossy ring. The outer ring features a LED that functions as an indicator for the self-timer, AF-assist lamp and aids to reduce the red-eye effect. The flash, with a range of a few meters, is so small that you can hardly spot it on the camera, where it is just a tiny stripe in the upper right corner.
Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS release button
On top of the Canon IXUS 200 IS, it is the big shutter release button that instantly attracts your attention. It is encircled by a ring with a relatively small rotation for the optical and digital zoom. The on / off switch is integrated almost invisibly in the lines of the camera's design.
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Entirely to the left, a switch is placed allowing you to select video, photo capture or to shoot automatically (Auto). The shutter has a nice pressure point, so that you can determine the exact focus point. The zoom ring has a small upright tip that serves to operate the zoom function.
Canon IXUS 200 IS interfaces
The side of the IXUS camera offers space to an HDMI-out and a combined USB / AV out interface. The covers on both interfaces look neat and fit in perfectly with the design of the camera. The metal tripod mount is placed in the center of the camera's rear. You do wonder though, if it ever gets used in practice. With the exception of long-duration shots, all other pictures can be taken without a problem using the built-in stabilizer. The combined compartment for the Li-Ion battery and the SD/SDHC memory card is covered by a plastic, somewhat fragile lid.
3" monitor on the Canon IXUS 200IS
The back, which is also the control centre of the Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS, is mainly dominated by the 3-inch monitor. The touchscreen monitor, a scoop for Canon, will be recognized mainly by experienced mobile phone users. The monitor is touch-sensitive in more than one way; tap once or double tap, also including drag motions, which will be familiar to many of us. The resolution of 230,000 pixels is average, yet provides enough sharpness and clarity to make you forget about the "old fashioned" optical viewfinder.
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