IXUS 80 IS is designed according to these principles and thanks to integrated hardware and software solutions it is recognizable Canon product. This camera ergonomics are typical for all Canon cameras so if you are used to camera of some other manufacturer you will need to spend some extra time with this one to familiarize yourself with it.

While handling Canon IXUS 80 IS principal impressions are toughness and high quality build. These impressions are among others results of increased camera weight because of high quality parts that this camera is build of, particularly it’s casing. Casing itself is firm while remaining standard dimensions so it can be easily carried in pocket or a bag. Never the less this camera cannot be carried in a smaller shirt pocket.

All commands are ergonomically placed so it is easy to handle camera with just one hand, right one preferably. Unfortunately left-handed users cannot use this camera with just left hand, but this is ergonomics problem that almost no camera manufacturer solved. We especially liked the position of trigger button that allows easy camera utilization for self-portrait and making video clips. Video-out and USB connectors are protected with cap. Memory card and battery slots are placed on the bottom side of camera. They are protected with cover that needs to be handled carefully because otherwise it can be damaged. Same goes for plastic lock lever that holds battery in place. Battery itself can be charged very quickly (~50min). With camera we got 32 MB SD card which is sufficient for eight photos in maximum camera resolution.  Photos can be reviewed and recomposed on 2.5” LCD screen on the back side of camera. Function of Direct print button on Canon IXUS 80 IS model can be customized, so for example it can be used for activating Video clip recording.

Canon IXUS 80 IS supports three operating modes (photo, movie and play) which can be chosen with appropriate slider in upper right corner. Next button that you will be using the most is Function button in center of round multifunction button. Supported shooting modes are: Auto, Manual, Digital Macro, Portrait, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Stitch Assist, Movie, Special Scene (Kids & Pets, Indoor, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium and Underwater) and photo effects (Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red and Custom Color). In manual mode all settings of the camera are at your disposal; from ISO sensitivity to White Balance. Settings for ISO sensitivity can be set using upper part of rounded multifunction button and can be set to auto value or to maximum of 1600 ISO (which is not very usable on this kind of camera because of color noise). Rests of the commands are standard with range from exposition compensation through white balance to color photo effects. Resolutions supported by Canon IXUS 80 IS are: 3264x2448, 2592x1994, 2048x1536, 1600x1200 and 3264x1832 wide format. Last resolution mentioned can be very interesting for those who have widescreen LCD TV, because camera has video-out connector (cables are supplied with camera) and can be used for playing videos and photos on big screen.