Canon IXUS 125 HS review

A 16.1MP snapper with face detection and 5x optical zoom

Canon IXUS 125 HS review
16.1 megapixels on a compact and colourful body

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

In keeping with the fashion-conscious IXUS ethos, the Canon IXUS 125 HS is contained within a svelte metal body with colour options of red, turquoise, lime green, pink or silver.

Measuring just 93 x 57 x 20mm and weighing in at 135g ready to shoot, this is a camera that comfortably fits in a shirt pocket or clutch bag, ready for any occasion.

However, its compact dimensions combined with large 3-inch screen mean there's no space for a thumb grip, so shooting one-handed is a risky affair if not wearing the wrist strap.

Canon IXUS 125 HS review

Build quality has always been a strong aspect of the Canon IXUS range, and the 125 HS is no exception.

The metal housing feels solid and ready to survive everyday abuse, while a flexible rubber flap protects the HDMI and USB outputs.

Buttons are where you would expect to find them and include a large, dedicated video record button.

Canon IXUS 125 HS review

The rear panel controls are also recessed into the body, which protects them but makes the smaller buttons difficult to press without using a thumbnail.

Canon has maintained the same menu style and layout used in previous IXUS models such as the Canon IXUS 230 HS and Canon IXUS 1100 HS. This gives the user a clear and simple interface for controlling the camera's options and settings.

The 3-inch PureColor II G LCD is another element common to other IXUS family members. Its resolution of 460,000 dots is about average for this class of camera, and it's clear enough to be a good image preview display.

Canon IXUS 125 HS review

In Live View mode, the screen has excellent viewing angles. And while it is quite reflective, there's enough brightness and contrast for easy use under harsh lighting.

Because this is an entry-level compact camera targeted for point and shoot users, shooting options are somewhat limited. There are no options for manual control, and even traditional scene modes have been omitted from the features list.

Instead, the photographer is given the option of choosing between either a programmable auto mode or the full Smart Auto option that offers automatic scene detection and selects the most appropriate settings for each shot.

TOPICS
Latest in Compact Cameras
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Canon PowerShot V1 in user's hands, oudoors with a snowy Japan backdrop
I review cameras for a living, and the new Canon PowerShot V1 could be this year’s vlogging star – here’s why
Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s rumored PowerShot V1 point-and-shoot could hit the sensor sweet spot – and be first of two new PowerShots for 2025
Flashback ONE35 redisposable digital camera on a wooden surface
I tested the Flashback ONE35 "re-disposable" camera, and it's a novel idea let down by a shoddy app
Canon compact cameras tipped for a big return with rumored Powershot V1 – and I think that's Canon's most exciting play for 2025
Panasonic Lumix TZ99 point and shoot camera on a bright green / cyan background
The point-and-shoot is back: Panasonic launches new Lumix out of the blue, with iPhone-trouncing 30x optical zoom
Latest in Reviews
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is
Mac Studio on a desk
Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): the ultimate creative workstation