The Canon Digital IXUS 135 is an ultra-compact camera with 8x optical zoom, a 16MP sensor, built-in Wi-Fi and a 2.7 ”screen, available in blue, black, silver and pink.
Functionality
The Canon IXUS 135 is equipped with a wide-angle 8x zoom lens with optical image stabilization. Video is recorded in 720p resolution and 25 fps after pressing the dedicated button on the rear panel. The compact camera fits easily in your pocket, and the metal case is available in several finishes. In Intelligent Auto mode, the camera automatically selects 1 out of 32 scenes. Macro shooting is already possible 1 cm from the subject, and Eco mode will extend the battery life from 200 to 275 frames. The camera supports Wi-Fi, which simplifies the exchange of images and allows you to use the smartphone’s GPS system for geotagging photos.
Ergonomics
The Canon IXUS 135 features a compact metal case that is small enough and light enough to be carried in your pocket, but there is nothing to help capture it, so using the included strap is highly recommended. On the back of the camera is a slider that allows you to switch to automatic control. Other modes are available in the menu. There are also video, playback and menu buttons, as well as a navigation bar with a function key in the center and quick access to macro photography, flash settings, display, exposure compensation or Wi-Fi in playback mode.
Menu
Built-in hints and tips explain all the options of the camera, simplifying its use. The softkey allows you to call up the most commonly used settings, which simplifies their selection and change. Using the menu button, you can select additional photo and settings options. In playback mode, playback and print settings are available.
Wifi
In order to use the wireless connection, you must enter the playback mode and press the Wi-Fi button. The screen displays the various options available, represented by symbols. You can connect the camera to an existing network or create your own, and then connect the camera to the phone. Using the Canon Camera Window application on iOS or Android, you can view pictures, transfer them to your smartphone or share them, and use your mobile device as a GPS recorder.
Battery life
The battery life is limited to 200 shots (in accordance with CIPA tests) and 275 frames in Eco mode. Using Wi-Fi is likely to prematurely drain the battery.
Speed
The shutter response time is 0.125 s, with a wide focus - 0.3 s, with full zoom - 0.4 s. The camera is ready to shoot 1.75 seconds after turning on. The delay between two consecutive shots without a flash is 3.3 seconds and with a flash is 4.6 seconds. The speed of continuous shooting is 0.6 fps, and with a flash - 0.3 fps. In general, the focus and shutter speed of the Canon IXUS 135 shutter are called user reviews sufficient, although burst shooting is not very fast, and the delay between frames is quite large.
Lens
To improve the dynamic range, you can use the iContrast parameter, which allows you to improve shadow detail. A slight vignetting is noticeable at the wide-angle end of the lens, but barrel and pincushion distortions are minimal and do not seem to affect most shots. The detail is reasonable, although the pictures become softer towards the corners. The purple border becomes noticeable when photographing trees, but it is not too visible in other situations.
ISO noise
At ISO 100, noise is low, but increases to ISO 200. At ISO 400, noise continues to increase, reducing image detail. The dominance of interference begins at ISO 800, and ISO 1600 should generally be avoided. As expected, the camera with a CCD sensor has low noise performance, and the maximum sensitivity is limited to ISO 1600 if the candlelight mode is not used, when the image size is reduced to 4 megapixels, and ISO is increased to ISO 3200.
White balance
AWB gives a warm result under incandescent light, and with the appropriate preset, the photo looks much more neutral. AWB works well in fluorescent lighting, with presets giving a very slight hue.
Creative opportunities
The Canon IXUS 135 offers several color options, effects, and creative options. There is no built-in HDR mode or automatic panning.
Video
Recording of clips is performed with a resolution of 1280x720 at a speed of 25 fps with monaural sound. The quality seems good, and when you reach maximum optical zoom, digital becomes available.
Best buy
Canon IXUS 135 costs about 119 pounds, which indicates a good value for money at one of the cheapest cameras with built-in Wi-Fi. If this functionality is redundant, you can buy the Canon IXUS 132. For a smaller fee, alternative compact cameras with longer than usual 10x optical zoom and wireless connectivity are Samsung WB30F, Panasonic Lumix SZ5 and Canon IXUS 255 HS. In addition, you will need to purchase a memory card and a case or bag to protect the camera.
Verdict
The Canon IXUS 135 is a compact and stylish camera with a good 8x optical zoom. Photos are sharp due to optical stabilization, and a 2.7 ”screen is located on the rear panel. A larger display would deprive the camera of compactness, so this is an acceptable compromise, although a higher resolution would be nice. According to user reviews, the controls are large enough to make the camera easy to use. The IXUS 135 with Wi-Fi costs a little more than the 132nd model, but competitors offer additional features such as Full HD video and high-speed shooting. True, as a rule, they will cost a little more.