I opted for the IXUS 125 HS due to the many positive reports.
I have set you a few sample images.
My equipment before buying:
+ DSLR EOS 500D with lens 18-200er
Nikon P300 +
My search for "my new always with cam":
+ Colored Cam (housing) - for women - Upper important
+ Good picture quality
+ Good light intensity
+ CMOS sensor
+ Wide 24mm
Since I came to the IXUS 125 HS - for a "colorful" "Frauencam" were the technical data promising.
My first impression:
+ Image quality vs.. For Nikon P300 worse (but P300 also has better light intensity)
+ Photos in automatic mode and indoor pictures without flash for me unusable (very high ISO)
+ Images in the "semi-automatic" mode a little better (because I ISO itself may determine)
+ Image quality in fine weather for this Minicam briliant!
+ Easy to use - perfect for beginners
+ Automatic mode ideal in warm weather
+ Dimensions are to die for - so small and handy * wow *
+ Display with approximately 400,000 pixels sufficiently "sharp"
My Conclusion:
Since I'm used to the P300, I can not really live with my IXUS 125 HS. I lack the light intensity in low light.
But you get a very chic, handy camera that really delivers for your size a tole picture quality.
For "always there" for beginners, the IXUS 125 HS is an excellent choice. Just the desire for "better pictures than with smartphone" is fully realized. Taking pictures with the IXUS 125 HS for normal entry claims is fun.
For me, the search continues now that I'm demanding.
Currently I squint at the Nikon P330 or Canon G15.
I hope I have the one or other help with my review.
Edit from 03.04.2013 :::
Looking back on the IXUS 125 HS, I can say that the picture quality was really for her class and size (type of digicam) in order.
Maybe I was in my review about critical - or too blinded by div other cams (higher leagues)..
Right now I've bought myself a new camera - for my current image projects (adjusting images for online auctions is the IXUS sufficient).
Who does not look at the pictures in 100% view, but on a normal screen size or as a deduction as a photo in 10x15, because the small IXUS is probably sufficient, as well as a reminder camera. Even the night photos are sufficient in smaller size - you can see everything and still applies: In comparison to a smartphone clearly better! (Have the iPhone 4).
PS: here If some write that the IXUS 125 HS is too slow, so I can not sign it. Of course, the IXUS 125 HS is not as fast as a high-end compact and already especially not as fast as an SLR. I think she is "normal fast" for their class - because I've seen slower cameras.