I just picked up a new Ixus 130- well, reconditioned- and it’s reminded me why I love Ixi so much. The buttons are ever so slightly fiddly but otherwise, it takes good photos, works surprisingly well in low light, is ridiculously tiny and feels pleasingly solid. Definately a snapper’s camera rather than an enthusiast’s but it just exudes competence.
My last one is now dead, an old 800IS… It went round the world twice, got used in sandstorms in australia and dust storms in america, a tropical storm in singapore, a powder blizzard in canada and a poisonous gas cloud in new zealand, not to mention left out in the rain for a week on the west highland way, taken right down the front at a hundred gigs and dropped off a motorbike at 40mph. It wasn’t ruggedised, it was just stunningly well made by people who understand what compact cameras are for.
I’ve got a TZ7 as well which is a superior “tourist camera”, with its huge zoom and, IMO, slightly better picture quality. But it’s bulky and feels like it’ll fall in half if you press the buttons too hard. It’s proved itself occasionally but I just don’t take it places I’d take any other camera I’ve owned. It’s a lovely bit of kit but it just feels delicate and plasticky, for taking great pics in controlled conditions.
