If you switch the camera on, it is quickly ready for use and offers a simple, intuitive operation. The automatic mode selects reliably from the right image program. The manual mode is, as with cameras in this size usual, very clearly kept ". He offers various preinstalled image programs only a few settings such as ISO sensitivity and image brightness. The Ixus 200 is in my opinion quite fast, especially much faster than my old.
The image quality is fine, but not outstanding - that is probably the fact that 12 megapixels are slightly oversized for such a small camera. It's amazing that such a small Canon digicam so full stuffed with pixels, has, however, but in many successor models of PowerShot-series the resolution from 12 to 10 megapixels reduced - for better image quality.
At ISO 80, the camera delivers results really great - the pictures are extremely detailed and sharp even when significantly enlarged individual image sections. For portraits, for example so no single lines and no pore remains hidden;)
From about ISO 200, however, you may find that turns on a noise filter and noise trying to iron smooth. Although this succeeds pretty neat, but increasingly blurring the individual details - such as if you can walk on a soft-focus image. Nevertheless, the Ixus also in dark rooms provides satisfactory results. The color reproduction is clear and of course, the image stabilizer does the rest.
The touch screen is an absolute novelty in the Ixusfamilie. But he is not the instrument of control, as you would actually imagines that he works more supportive to classical key operation.
In viewing mode, you can scroll through the images by touching the screen of the memory card, zoom, delete, mark favorites and trigger the slideshow. Other functions can be selected only on the button control.
In photo mode can be controlled via the touch screen of the flash, select the various scene modes and select the exposure adjustment. Everything else you have to do on the classic button controls. If you hold the camera vertically (in a horizontal position, there is the possibility curiously not) can trigger the camera via the touchscreen, though this has quite a long trip delay.
The basic settings of the camera can be set only by classical key operation and dial.
Very good like with the touch AF "you tap on any subject on the screen and on exactly this subject focusing the autofocus - works even with moving objects!
For me, the question arises why the camera can be only partially controlled via the touch screen, have a feeling that the touchscreen was only halfheartedly integrated.
Conclusion: The Ixus 200 is an ultra compact companion with wide range of use, good image quality (for this size), huge 24mm wide angle and nice gadgets such as the touch screen. From me there for 4 stars. The fifth star falls to the pixel craze and the somewhat inconclusive operating concept of the touchscreen victim.
