The Digital IXUS (IXY Digital in Japan and PowerShot Digital ELPH in US and Canada) is a series of digital cameras released by Canon. It is a line of ultracompact cameras, originally based on the design of Canon's IXUS/IXY/ELPH line of APS cameras.

History Canon's PowerShot A and S line of the time were being made as small as contemporary technology allowed, and demonstrated the demand for a small digital camera of good quality. Canon used its experience with small film cameras, particularly the APS IXUS, to mass-produce good digital cameras smaller than anyone else had managed up to the time (the first Digital IXUS was the smallest 2 MP then available) and reused the popular IXUS/IXY/ELPH brand name with the tag line "The DIGITAL IXUS blends Canon's award-winning IXUS design with PowerShot digital technology."

The first Digital IXUS, released in June 2003 fitted the technology of the PowerShot S11 into a body similar to the APS IXUS II. Between 2004 and 2005, starting with the Digital IXUS II, Canon moved from the use of CF cards to SD cards to create thinner cameras.

Several models have found favor within the Kite Aerial Photography (KAP) community due to a unique combination of small size/ low weight, excellent image quality with stabilization, and the option of expanded manual control including intervalometer functionality available via 3rd party CHDK.

G-series in a compact body The IXUS 900Ti was the first in a series of IXUS and S-series cameras that feature the Digic image processors and larger than average sensors as fitted to the advanced PowerShot G-series cameras. The IXUS / S-series and the equivalent G-series models are listed below:

IXUS 900 Ti (SD900)* / PowerShot G7 / Digic III / 10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.8″ CCD. IXUS 960 IS (SD950IS)* / PowerShot G9 / Digic III / 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7″ CCD. IXUS 980 IS (SD990IS) / PowerShot G10 / Digic 4 / 14.7 MP 4416 × 3312 1/1.7″ CCD. PowerShot S90, S95, S200 / PowerShot G11, G12 / Digic 4 / 10 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.7″ CCD (S200 features Digic 5). PowerShot S100, S120 / PowerShot G15 / Digic 5 / 12.1 MP 4000×3000 1/1.7" CMOS. Powershot S120 / PowerShot G16 / Digic 6 / 12.1 MP 4000×3000 1/1.7" CMOS.

(* The IXUS 900 Ti and 960 IS feature a titanium body.)

Models

The same camera models are released in Europe, the US, and Japan under different names. The cameras themselves are identical apart from the front fascia, according to the parts lists. The Canon model number on the bottom is consistent between marketing names. This article uses the Digital IXUS model names unless otherwise stated. The comparison tables in this article list equivalent IXY Digital and PowerShot Digital ELPH model names.

All models use lithium ion batteries of Canon proprietary design, though third-party equivalents are readily available.

All models introduced before 2010 use RGBG Bayer filter (except the original Digital IXUS, which uses a CYGM filterCanon Digital IXUS 300 (DPReview)) CCD sensors made by Sony. IXUS 300 HS/PowerShot Digital ELPH SD4000 IS/IXY 30S introduced in May 2010 and almost all following models have back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Exceptions exist, such as the PowerShot ELPH 180 which was released in 2016 and has a CCD. Images are recorded as JPEGs. Raw image files are not accessible without the use of third party firmware such as CHDK.

In 2010, Canon dropped the prefix "Digital" as well as suffix "IS" (Image Stabilization) from the names of the new models e.g. IXUS 105. A similar change was applied to the IXY-series names used in the Japanese market. The United States market naming was simplified in 2011: "Digital" and "IS" were removed as well as "SD" prefix. Newer US and European model carry "HS" suffix, that stands for "high sensitivity".

The Digital IXUS series slots above the PowerShot A in Canon's point-and-shoot lineup, with models in the Digital IXUS range commanding a considerable price premium. However, since the late 2000s, with the falling prices of Digital IXUS models in Canadian and U.S. markets, they have become among some of the lower-priced models available as PowerShot A models are gradually withdrawn from the market and not replaced.

IXUS/ELPH/IXY cameras using CF storage The PowerShot Digital ELPH using CF have Sxxx model number.

Digital IXUSPowerShotDigital ELPHIXY DigitalCanon modelRelease dateSensorres., sizeMovie modeLens (35 mm equiv.)zoom, apertureImage processorMemoryBatteryDimensions (mm)Weight(-batt.)PhotoNotesDigital IXUS1S100IXY DigitalPC100117 May 20002.0 MP1600×12001/2.7"No movie mode35–70 mm (2×)f/2.8–4.0 CFNB-1L87 × 57 × 26.9190 gOnly IXUS with a CYGM CCD (all others are RGBG)300S300300PC100811 Feb 2001640×480 20 fps35–105 mm (3×)f/2.7–4.794.8 × 62.5 × 29.9240 gIntroduce motion capture up to 640 × 480vS110200PC101210 May 200135–70 mm (2×)f/2.8–4.087.0 × 57.0 × 26.9180 gv2S200200aPC102213 Mar 2002Improved user interface; user-selectable ISO up to 400330S330300aPC102635–105 mm (3×)f/2.7–4.794.8 × 62.5 × 31.5245 g More software featuresv3S230320PC103716 Aug 20023.2 MP2048×15361/2.7"640×480 15 fps35–70 mm (2×)f/2.8–4.0DIGIC87.0 × 57.0 × 26.7180 g400S400400PC103827 Feb 20034.0 MP2272×17041/1.8"320×240 15 fps36–108 mm (3×)f/2.8–4.987.0 × 57.0 × 27.8185 g430S410450PC10869 Feb 200487.0 × 57.0 × 27.8185 gIntroduce USB 1.1; added features and faster software500S500500PC10845.0 MP2592×19441/1.8"640×480 10 fps 320×240 15 fpsIXY Digital 500 White Limited: 10,000 units sold in Japan, June 2004

IXUS 400 The Canon Digital IXUS 400 (PowerShot ELPH S400 in North America and IXY Digital 400 in Japan) featured: Maximum resolution: 2272 × 1704 (3.8 megapixels) Image ratio 4:3 Memory Format Compact Flash ISO 50–400 35 mm equivalent: 36 mm–108 mm Aperture – Battery NB-1LH, 3.7 V 840 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable

The internal wiring of the CCD can become disconnected in high-temperature or high-humidity environments. Canon issued a recall in October 2006. The damaged CCD displays purple or blueish, distorted or possibly no image at all. The menu and pictures taken prior to the CCD disconnect will still display normally.

The camera also incorrectly reports a problem with the memory card (Memory Card Error message). This problem can be temporarily overcome by removing both the main battery as well as the small internal battery. Canon has acknowledged this issue, and formerly repaired free of charge.

IXUS 430 The Canon Digital IXUS 430 is (PowerShot ELPH S410 in North America and IXY Digital 450 in Japan) featured 4.0 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, and i3 minute videos with sound.

There has been a Service Notice by Canon stating that the vendor supplied CCD image sensor used in this camera can cause a malfunction. The affected cameras (s410) show the symptoms such as a corrupted image, lines going across the LCD screen, lack of color of the image produced, or no image produced. Shots by the camera will also display these symptoms. In Canon's service notice they also stated the following: "Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair."

IXUS/ELPH/IXY cameras using SD storage

The PowerShot Digital ELPH using SD had SDxxx or SDxxxx model number prior to 2011 models' introduction.

Digital IXUSPowerShot Digital ELPHIXY DigitalCanon modelRelease dateSensorres., sizeVideo recordingLens(35 mm equiv.)apertureOptical zoomDigital zoomImage processorLCD screen size, pixelsMemoryBatteryDimensionsW×H×D (mm)Weight (-batt.)PhotoNotesIISD10030PC10352 May 20033.2 MP 2048×15361/2.7"640×480 15 fps35–70 mmf/2.8–3.92×3.2×DIGIC1.5"118,000SD, MMCNB-3L85.0 × 56.0 × 23.9165 gIntroduce SD card storageIIsSD11030aPC10859 Feb 20043.2 MP 2048×15361/2.7"35–70 mmf/2.8–3.92×3.2×SD, MMC165 g3040PC110221 Sep 20043.2 MP 2048×15361/2.5"640×480 30 fps

320×240 60 fps35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×3.6×DIGIC II2.0"118,000SD, MMCNB-4L85.8 × 53.4 × 21.1115 gIntroduce DIGIC II image processor40SD30050PC11014.0 MP 2272×17041/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×3.6×SD, MMC86.0 × 53.0 × 20.7130 g5055PC115017 Feb 20055.0 MP 2592×19441/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×SD, MMC86.0 × 53.0 × 20.7130 g700SD500600PC111417 Feb 20057.1 MP 3072×23041/1.8"37–111 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×SD, MMCNB-3L85.6 × 57.0 × 26.5170 gIntroduce USB 2.055 SD45060PC115822 Aug 20055.0 MP 2592×19441/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×2.5"115,000SD, MMCNB-4L86.0 × 53.5 × 21.6140 g Wide-angle viewable LCD; feature 9,999 images stored to one folder750SD550700PC116922 Aug 20057.1 MP 3072×23041/1.8"37–111 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×SD, MMCNB-3L89.5 × 57.0 × 27.4170 gWirelessSD430WirelessPC119025 Oct 20055.0 MP 2592×19441/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×2.0",118,000SD, MMCNB-4L99.0 × 54.4 × 21.7130 g11b Wi-Fi transfer60SD60070PC119321 Feb 20066.0 MP 2816×21121/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×2.5"173,000SD, MMC86.0 × 53.5 × 21.7140 g 65SD63080PC114721 Feb 20066.0 MP 2816×21121/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×3.0"173,000SD, MMC90.3 × 56.8 × 20.2145 gIntroduce 3" LCD and no viewfinder800 IS800 ISPC117621 Feb 20066.0 MP 2816×21121/2.5"35–140 mmf/2.8–5.54×4×2.5"173,000SD, MMCNB-5L90.4 × 56.5 × 26.4165 gIntroduce Image stabilisation850 IS900 ISPC120914 Sep 20067.1 MP 3072×23041/2.5"28–105 mmf/2.8–5.83.8×4×DIGIC III2.5"207,000SD, SDHC, MMCNB-5L89.5 × 58.0 × 25.1150 gIntroduce DIGIC III image processor, ISO 1600, face detection, SDHC memory card900 TiSD9001000PC120614 Sep 200610.0 MP 3648×27361/1.8"1024×768 15 fps

640×480 30 fps37–111 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×2.5"230,000SD, SDHC, MMC91.2 × 59.6 × 28.2165 g Titanium case, ISO 3200 at 2 MP70SD100010PC122822 Feb 20077.1 MP 3072×23041/2.5"640×480 30 fps

320×240 60 fps35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×2.5"230,000SD, SDHC, MMCNB-4L85.9 × 53.5 × 19.4125 gRed eye correction, black/silver case options(black version tribute to the originalIXUS/IXY/ELPH APS camera introduced in 1996)75SD75090PC122722 Feb 20077.1 MP 3072×23041/2.5"35–105 mmf/2.8–4.93×4×3.0"230,000SD, SDHC, MMC91.6 × 56.8 × 19.6130 gSD850 IS810 ISPC12357 May 20078.0 MP 3264×24481/2.5"35–140 mmf/2.8–5.54×4×2.5"230,000SD, SDHC,MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+NB-5L90.4 × 56.5 × 26.4165 g860 ISSD870 IS910 ISPC124920 Aug 20078.0 MP 3264×24481/2.5"640×480 30 fps28–105 mmf/2.8–5.83.8×4×3.0"230,000SD, SDHC,MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+92.6 × 58.8 × 25.9155 gBlack/silver case options960 ISSD950 IS2000 ISPC124820 Aug 200712.1 MP 4000×30001/1.7"1024×768 15 fps