For something sold as an ultra-compact camera, Canon’s six-megapixel, 3x optical zoom 'style cam' still manages to shoehorn a large 3in LCD into its minimal dimensions.

A top light sensitivity rating of ISO800 allows for more natural-looking, low-light images without flash. However, we've seen others that can better this, namely the FujiFilm FinePix V10 that has an ISO rating of 1600.

The Canon Digital IXUS 65 can capture widescreen (16:9 ratio) still snaps, although it would have been nice to see this formatting also applied to its TV-quality video clips.

More of a talking point is the IXUS 65’s new iPod-like touch control dial that replaces the familiar mode selection wheel, through which you can view stored photos. The only grumble is it's tiny, so requires precise operation.

A more useful addition is an image inspection tool that enlarges a section of the photo you're about to take, allowing you to quickly check that it’s properly focused.

Added to this are 16 modes that optimise the camera’s functions for shooting a common variety of subjects. Canon’s range of photo effects, which include the ability to swap a block of colour in an image with another, are both fun and unique, if largely unnecessary.

More importantly the IXUS 65 is quick to power up and take a shot. Like others in the IXUS range, it features a very fast processor borrowed from Canon’s professional cameras, while its intelligent nine-point auto focus system helps ensure your subject remains sharp even if its not dead centre of the frame.

Colours are realistic, and images pleasingly crisp and noise free, even at the higher sensitivity setting. On the downside, it's not cheap and the optical zoom didn't leave us anything to shout about.

In essence, the Canon IXUS 65 is almost as good as it looks, but not quite.

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Kodak EasyShare V610 
Verdict: At this price and a whopping 10x optical zoom, you’ll find few cameras with features to rival the Kodak V610
Rating: 4/5
Price: £350