The IXUS 125 HS arrived in 2012 as Canon leaned into bright colour and clean metal bodies. In red, its glossy finish turns a small camera into a considered accessory without losing the point-and-shoot ease. A 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 24mm wide-angle lens and 5× optical zoom give it more range than its 20mm-deep body suggests.
NO FILTER: SHOT ON IXUS 125 HS
THE LOOKS
The red IXUS 125 HS has a polished, almost lacquered presence. The front is kept exceptionally clean: a circular lens, small flash and white IXUS mark set into a smooth red panel. A brushed silver edge traces the body, while the 3-inch screen takes over the rear. Small controls and the chrome zoom rocker keep the handling side quiet and orderly.
THE SPECS
The IXUS 125 HS combines a 16.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor with Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor for a clear, modern look and useful low-light potential. Its 5× optical zoom covers 24–120mm equivalent at f/2.7–5.9, supported by lens-shift image stabilisation. There is a 3-inch, 461k-dot LCD, Smart Auto, Full HD 1080p video at 24fps, high-speed burst shooting, Creative Filters, SD/SDHC/SDXC storage and an NB-11L battery. Dimensions: 93.2 × 57.0 × 20.0mm; weight: 135g including battery and card.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
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High-gloss red — The red metallic panel is the focal point: smooth, saturated and uninterrupted apart from the lens and flash. It gives the camera a crisp, almost jewellery-like finish.
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Silver-edged profile — A narrow brushed-metal edge separates the glossy red panels from the darker lens and screen surfaces, adding definition without making the body feel busy.
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Minimal rear layout — The large 3-inch display leaves room only for a slim column of controls and the chrome zoom rocker, keeping the back clean and straightforward.
THE VERDICT
The red IXUS 125 HS is a strong example of Canon’s colour-led compact era. It is small, glossy and easy to carry, but the 24mm lens, optical stabilisation and capable CMOS sensor make it more than a styling exercise. A smart choice for someone who wants their everyday camera to feel as considered as the photographs it makes.
Every piece goes through the same checks before it's listed:
- Powers on and the battery holds a charge
- Lens extends, retracts and zooms smoothly
- Autofocus, shutter and flash fire correctly
- Screen checked for dead pixels, scratches and backlight bleed
- Every button, dial and switch tested
- Memory card slot reads and writes
- Test shots at wide and full zoom, checked for dust and spots
- Video recording and playback
- USB transfer to a computer
- Cleaned inside the battery door, the card slot and the body
Anything that doesn't pass isn't put up for sale. In rare cases a piece with a minor issue is still listed, with the issue clearly stated in the condition notes.