Canon's IXUS 220 HS arrived in 2011 as a slim, pocket-friendly ultracompact that balanced style with substance. Part of Canon's celebrated IXUS line — known as the PowerShot ELPH in North America and IXY in Japan — it represented Canon's premium compact offering at an accessible price point.
NO FILTER: SHOT ON IXUS 220 HS
THE LOOKS
In red, the IXUS 220 HS has a bold, confident presence that sets it apart from the usual silver and black compacts of its era. The body is remarkably thin at just 19.3mm deep, with smooth, rounded edges and a stainless steel construction that feels premium despite its lightweight build. The flush lens retracts completely when powered off, keeping the profile impossibly slim — this is a camera designed to disappear into a pocket without a second thought. It's stylish, pocketable, and unapologetically vibrant.
THE SPECS
Inside, the IXUS 220 HS uses a 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor — the HS (High Sensitivity) system was designed to reduce noise by up to 60% at higher ISOs. The 5× optical zoom lens covers a 24–120mm equivalent range with optical image stabilization, making it versatile for wide landscapes and tighter portraits alike. The 2.7-inch LCD handles composition and playback, while Full HD 1080p video recording at 24fps with stereo sound adds serious multimedia capability.
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
- Back-illuminated CMOS sensor: Improved low-light performance that made ISO 3200 actually usable for its class.
- Super Slow Motion video: Shoots at 120fps or 240fps for dramatic slow-motion effects — a standout feature at launch.
- Movie Digest mode: Captures 4-second clips before each photo, automatically stitching them into a single movie.
- Stainless steel construction: Solid, premium build in an ultra-slim 19.3mm profile.
THE VERDICT
The IXUS 220 HS is a polished, stylish ultracompact from Canon's golden era of pocket cameras. It's thin, bold, and surprisingly capable, with standout video features and low-light performance that punched above its price point.