Canon’s compact cameras are divided between the stylish Ixus range, and the more feature heavy PowerShot cameras. But while the shapely Ixus 240 HS certainly has the looks, it hides a fair amount of brains in its compact body.

 

For us there are two key features we love. For one, a feature that we’ve grown very fond of as more and more cameras sport these – a 3.2" touchscreen at the back. Not only does it clear this area of the regular clutter of buttons and dials, but in our opinion, it actually makes finding your shooting options easier.

 

Secondly, the Ixus 240 HS has built-in Wi-Fi. This allows you to download pictures to your PC, and now also on your Android or iOS device once you’ve installed the Canon CameraWindow app. This might require the non-tech savvy to pass the device’s setup over to a willing geek, as the process is slightly more complicated than we would have liked.

 

Furthermore the camera is no slouch either, containing Canon’s Digic 5 processor that, for example, also does duty on their EOS 650D DSLR.

 

If there is one critique that cannot be passed over, it’s the 240 HS’ small battery. It should last for a night out on the town, but once you start that Wi-Fi connection it munches the power.

 

And while the sensitivity of the touchscreen sometimes demands an extra press, in all, the Ixus 240 HS provides a well-constructed small compact with more to it than meets the eye. R2 800.