The IXUS 125 HS arrived in 2012 as Canon embraced bold colors and slim metal bodies in their compact lineup. At just 19.5mm thick and weighing under 140 grams, it packed a 16.1-megapixel sensor and 5× optical zoom into a glossy yellow finish that treated cameras as fashion accessories. This was Canon's attempt to keep compacts relevant with vibrant aesthetics and improved low-light performance.
NO FILTER: SHOT ON IXUS 125 HS
THE LOOKS
In yellow, the IXUS 125 HS is pure sunshine. The high-gloss metallic finish catches light beautifully, while brushed metal edges create subtle contrast against the glossy surfaces. The 3.0-inch LCD dominates the back, surrounded by minimal controls and Canon's signature chrome zoom rocker. Canon offered this model in multiple vibrant colors including yellow, pink, silver, and black—each designed to stand out in a pocket or purse.
THE SPECS
16.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, Canon lens with 5× optical zoom (24-120mm equivalent), Optical Image Stabilizer, 3.0-inch LCD screen (461k dots), Full HD 1080p video recording at 24fps, Smart AUTO with 32 scene detection modes, High-Speed Burst HQ mode, Creative Filters, SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, NB-11L rechargeable battery, 19.5mm thin, 140 grams.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
- The glossy yellow metallic finish is rare and eye-catching, treating the camera as a genuine fashion accessory rather than just a technical tool.
- The back-illuminated CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 processor brought improved low-light performance to Canon's compact lineup at an accessible price point.
- At 19.5mm thick with 5× optical zoom, it achieved that sweet spot between genuinely pocketable size and useful telephoto reach.
THE VERDICT
The IXUS 125 HS captures Canon's colorful compact era at its peak. The yellow finish is pure joy, the DIGIC 5 processor delivers snappy performance, and the slim metal body feels more premium than its price suggested. A beautifully balanced blend of style and capability from the final years when compacts still mattered.