Canon Ixus 65 + Ixus 800 IS summary and test
pictures.
By Levon Dymond (Cameras Underwater) July
2006.
The Ixus 800 IS and 65 are at the top of the Canon Ixus range.
They both have underwater housings that will go as deep as 40m.
The cameras are slightly different and cater for slightly different
users. The Ixus 65 has a 3” LCD on the back which makes
it very good for diving with as LCDs are a lot easier to use
than viewfinders. The Ixus 800 IS is more sophisticated and offers
manual controls as well as the usual auto functions. The Ixus
800 IS also has a longer zoom lens than the Ixus 65 (4x as a
pose to 3x) and the lens also has the option of Image Stabilization
which can be useful in the murky conditions found underwater
as it will allow a sharp image even at slower than usual shutter
speeds.
Both of these Ixus cameras have very good macro functions that
will focus down to a couple of centimeters. Both of the Ixus's
have a digital macro mode as well that will magnify images up
to 4x life size. Both cameras offer custom white balance functions
which will be useful for the underwater photographer. This is
quite important as no external filters are attachable to either
of the Canon housings, so using white balance is the best option
to allow a diver to get good colour rendition of their underwater
images Both of the cameras also have underwater modes, but as
these are a fixed value we have found that they are of course
not applicable to every variation of underwater lighting; in
situations they will work fine, in others that will give the
image a strange colour cast. I would say that the Ixus range
as represented by these two cameras generally has the greatest
range of features available in this level of camera. The user
will find a mode or function to suit practically every situation
that can be met above or below water. One mode that I found interesting
is the one that allows you to boost the colour saturation (called
'vivid') which can enhance underwater colours, which of course
can get muted.
Canon cameras are known for their superb image quality even in
low light situations; I would say I have to agree with this view,
as the images I managed to produce were well exposed, clear and
of very high quality. Both cameras were easy to use and one doesn't
have to be any kind of expert to get good pictures; these are
consumer cameras so are designed to be accessible to every level
of user.
If you are looking for a camera for above land and underwater
use then I would have to say that these are two of the best options
out there, especially the Ixus 800 IS which has those extra features
and the longer stabilized lens. If you are after a purely underwater
package then you might like to look at something which will more
easily accept external lenses and filters. |
|
Ixus 800 IS, underwater mode, S/speed:
1/60s, F2.8, ISO200, auto WB, continuos Image Stabilisation (post
processing: levels adjustment, unsharp masking) |
|
Ixus 800 IS, macro mode, S/speed:
1/15s, F2.8, ISO 100, auto WB, continuos Image Stabilisation
(post processing: levels adjustment, unsharp masking) |
|
Ixus 65, macro mode, S/speed: 1/60s,
F2.8, ISO 200, auto WB, manual mode (post processing: levels
adjustment, unsharp masking) |
|
Ixus 65, forced flash, S/speed:
1/60s, F2.8, ISO 100, Auto WB, manual mode (post processing:
levels adjustment, unsharp masking) |
Levon Dymond (Cameras Underwater) July 2006. |
Depth
rating: 40m
Internal flash
can be used underwater. Internal flash can be used to trigger
external slave flash.
Standard ¼"
tripod socket at base.
