LCD Size:
3 inches
Resolution:
10 MP
Optical Zoom:
10 x
Ease of use
10
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
Smart Auto mode allows anyone to just pick up the camera and shoot, without worrying about the settings needed to capture a pleasing photo.
...the Canon IXUS 1000 HS is predominantly a point of click camera. There's no PASM dial (a switch near the power button lets you toggle between Video, Program and Auto mode)...
The top of the camera is very simple, since this is a point-and-shoot with very few photographic tweaks.
Picture Quality
8
Show what experts say (4 reviews)
...while its photo quality is overall very good, it's not without issues.
The [ELPH] range has always been know for its superior image quality, and the [SD4500 IS] is no exception.
The quality lens and well-executed optical zoom ensure impressive image quality too.
Still performance was very good, up to the usual Canon standards.
Low light shooting
10
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
The Canon's edge is that its colors are consistent up to ISO 1,600, and even at ISO 3,200 they're still good, if a little washed out. That means in low lighting or when fully zoomed out or both, you'll be able to get usable shots, if even just for smaller prints and Web use at its highest ISOs.
Canon seems to have made some major advances in noise control recently; its recent compacts have produced excellent results at higher ISO settings, and the [SD4500 IS] is a prime example, producing printable images at up to 1600 ISO.
Low-light shooting has also been improved greatly with the addition of Canon's HS system on the SD4500.
Video Quality
9
Show what experts say (5 reviews)
Video quality is very good, slightly better than an HD pocket video camera. It won't replace a full-size camcorder, but is certainly good enough for Web use or casual viewing on an HDTV.
...the stereo separation isn't brilliant, but the sound and video quality is very good, and full optical zoom is available during recording.
The full HD movies captured by the SD4500 IS are descent for a compact camera, but you will see some noise, so don't expect to see the quality of your HD cable service or a Blu-Ray DVD.
HD video, meanwhile, is recorded at 24 frames per second. Indeed, HD is the saving grace of this otherwise rather unremarkable Canon compact camera...
Colors shot in full HD were richer [than 720p], and more accurate. Clips of trees moving in the fall breezes were far better at the top resolution, even with a slower frame rate.
Build Quality
10
Show what experts say (2 reviews)
The build quality is superb, with a strong all-metal body and solid slide-latching hatches with strong metal hinges.
Its chassis does feel sturdy and built to last though, and the buttons and dials are of Canon's usual quality.
Battery Life
0
Show what experts say (5 reviews)
What's most frustrating about using the camera, though, is its battery life.
It's lower capacity [battery] (870mAh)...only has a duration of approximately 150 shots...
While completing our tests, we were able to capture about 150 images and several videos before the battery was completely discharged. This lives up almost exactly to the 150 image claim from Canon, but with today's technology, 150 images just isn't very good.
Oh, and battery life is disappointing too – we're talking 150 shots before you run out of juice.
This small battery is rated for only 150 shots—which means a spare is definitely in order if you plan to use the camera all day.
Size show formula
We simply calculate the volume (length x width x height) of the camera.
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Travel Capabilities show formula
We combine our Battery Life Score with our Build Quality score.
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Awesome
