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8.6 out of 10

Canon PowerShot SD940 IS / Digital IXUS 120 IS / IXY 220 IS

12.1 megapixels

Information found in: from 125 sources in 20 countries

Great Deal: $184.01

  • User Score (444)
    8.5 8.5 from 444 reviewers
  • Expert Score (30)
    7.9 7.9 from 30 reviewers
  • Design (5)
    9.8 9.8 from 5 reviewers
  • Value for money (23)
    7.5 7.5 from 23 reviewers
  • Features (19)
    8.4 8.4 from 19 reviewers
  • Ease of use (15)
    8.8 8.8 from 15 reviewers
  • Performance (9)
    9.5 9.5 from 9 reviewers
  • Picture quality (16)
    9.1 9.1 from 16 reviewers
  • Durability (4)
    9.3 9.3 from 4 reviewers
  • Overall quality (6)
    10 10 from 6 reviewers
  • Battery performance (2)
    9.3 9.3 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (5)
    8.7 8.7 from 5 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (3)
    9.0 9.0 from 3 reviewers
  • Portability (2)
    8.3 8.3 from 2 reviewers
More grades Less grades
  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(7)
7-8
(21)
5-6
(2)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(232)
7-8
(95)
5-6
(23)
3-4
(21)
1-2
(21)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.6/10
    1 January 2010

    The Canon Digital IXUS 120 IS / PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH is a 12.1 Megapixel compact with a stabilised 4x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7in LCD screen. Read more

    • Slim and stylish design., 720p HD video and HDMI port., Excellent image quality., Redesigned menu with hints.
    • No optical zoom when filming video., Slow continuous shooting., Poor battery life., Playback category data not written to file.
  2. PC Magazine

    PC Magazine
    6.0/10
    2 December 2009

    The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS packs lots of goodies into its ultracompact body, but if photo quality is paramount, you'll be disappointed by soft images—even under well-lit conditions. Read more

    • Very small build. Simple user interface. Fast shooting speeds. HD video capture. Mini-HDMI out.
    • Small control buttons. Images are soft.
  3. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    9.0/10
    19 October 2009

    When I first set eyes on the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS (also known as the IXUS 120 IS), one of Canon's newest Powershot ELPH cameras, I asked myself, "Haven't I seen this before?" In fact, it looks almost identical to the Read more

    • Small size, Excellent build quality, Quick performer, Very good images at low ISO, High quality HD movies
    • Soft at higher ISO, Controls small and sometimes hard to use, Battery life is only fair, Some chromatic aberration
  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    10 September 2009

    While its image quality may not stand up to higher-end cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD940 is a fun camera to shoot with and will appeal to snapshooters who want a tiny take-anywhere camera that's fashionable and easy to use. Read more

    • Attractive design and sturdy build, Tiny, pocketable size, Wide-angle, image-stabilized 4x optical zoom, HD movie mode, HDMI output, Good control layout, Easy to use, Helpful on-screen tips and hints, Effective Smart Auto ...
    • Below average battery life, Sluggish continuous mode, Zoom is slow to respond, No optical zoom while shooting video, Slightly weak flash (common in subcompacts), Lens has some soft corners, flare, and moderate chromatic ab...
  5. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.8/10
    6 October 2009

    The Canon IXUS 120 IS is a luxury ultra-compact with image stabilisation, but how does it perform? Read more

    • Style, build quality, performance
    • Price
  6. Bright Hub

    Bright Hub
    8.8/10
    27 October 2009

    This review and buying guide is for the Canon IXUS120 IS digital camera. Read on to find out if this new offering from Canon deserves pride of place in your hands. Read more

  7. Electronics Made Easy

    Electronics Made Easy
    8.0/10
    5 March 2010

    If you're in the market for a high-resolution compact point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS is a good value for the street price. Read more

  8. DigitalVersus

    DigitalVersus
    8.0/10
    25 September 2009

    The Ixus 120 IS is doubtless one of the thinnest wide-angle compacts of the moment. It's ease of use makes it suitable for everyday use, it slides easily into your pocket it and makes up for the mistakes of its predecessors. Read more

    • Thin and impecaably manufactured, Image quality at low sensitivity, 720p HD video, Easy to handle, Responsive
    • No viewfinder, No zoom in video mode and only mono sound, Autofocus struggles at low light levels, No more red option!, Burst mode is a little paltry
  9. fwd.channel5.com

    8.0/10
    14 October 2009

    If you simply want great photos, superb ease of use and a camera with a higher IQ than your typical Oxford student, the 120 IS is a sure thing. Just don’t expect blistering speed along with it. Read more

    • Until they perfect a genetically-engineered mouse that can speak Portuguese, this is the smartest thing you can slip into a jacket pocket. Every time you half-press the shutter a dozen systems begin analysing the scene in ...
    • Performing eleven million calculations for each picture means that the Ixus isn’t exactly quick off its feet. Burst mode maxes out at well under a frame a second, and you can have to wait five seconds or more between shots...
  10. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    16 September 2009

    One of the best ultracompacts available, the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS nonetheless falls short of greatness in performance and photo quality. Read more

    • Very small; simple operation; very good photo, HD movie quality; HDMI out.
    • No optical zoom in Movie mode; mixed performance.
  • User Reviews

  1. Awesome Point and Shoot

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: prg007 "The gadget freak", Amazon
    3 January 2012 See Product at Amazon ($195.00)

    This is an awesome point and shoot for someone who doesnt want to change any settings and click with a point and shoot. I have had a couple of sony digital cameras but i think canon is much better in point and shoot. Read more or see product

  2. Just ok

    Abes of Maine
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: PhotoGirl68, Abes of Maine
    24 September 2010

    This camera is just ok. It's small, which is nice, but the pictures at night are terrible and the pictures during the day. I wish it had a better flash. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Good Image Quality
    • Lag / Shutter Delay, Poor Flash
  3. Overall Great Camera

    J&R
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: mani_us, J&R
    30 December 2009

    Overall this is a great Camera. Gives great results in good light. Very Crisp Picture. I am not able to fix the Red Eye issue. I have tried all options available but I still get Red Eye 1 in every 4-5 Pictures. Read more

    • Easy To Use, Good Image Quality, Great Zoom, Large Clear LCD, Small / Compact
    • Lag / Shutter Delay, Poor Image Stabilization
  4. "horrible in shop 4 times in first year"

    CNET
    1.0/10
    Reviewer: evolution6972, CNET
    5 September 2011

    will not ever buy canon again they helped me decide loved my last canon it lasted 6 years but not this camera not again Read more

    • takes 3 good pics
    • takes 1 bad pic every 4th pic and been to the shop 4 times since i got it less than a year ago and they will not give me a new one
  5. Great lil camera

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: sum noob, Newegg
    2 July 2010

    The 1280X720 video feature was what made this model my choice. I don't take a lot of videos, but as everyone knows those moments don't come back. You have to take the opportunity when its there. Read more

    • Well made little camera indeed. Very cost effective. 12.1MP. 28mm wide angle. 4x OPTICAL zoom. Small enough not to use a case just carry it on your pocket. Great feature and easy to figure out. 1280X720 VIDEO!!!! NICE NICE!!
    • so small it kinda makes it hard to use without touching LCD screen. all buttons are flush or very close to it making it difficult to navigate by feel. you tend to have to take your eyes off of the target to mess with the b...
  6. Canon PowerShot SD940 IS / Digital IXUS 120 IS review

    8.8/10
    Reviewer: SivaPrakash, dpreview.com
    12 April 2010

    This Camera is really good for a beginner like me.Ultra compact, 4x Zoom,Auto detection of different shooting modes, HDMI video recording are the best featues. It is smaller than my mobile phone. Read more

    • This Camera is really good for a beginner like me.Ultra compact, 4x Zoom,Auto detection of different shooting modes, HDMI video recording are the best featues. It is smaller than my mobile phone. This camera will do good f...
    • Buttons are bit small to press(Can't expect a big one from an ulltra compact model) Volume for video play back is not up to the mark. No HDMI Cable provided with the pack.
  7. Love the camera!

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: benderapril, Ebay
    1 April 2011 See Product at eBay ($184.01)

    After doing tons of research on ELPH cameras, this is one of the top rated with Consumerreports.org - so I thought I'd try it! Great, light weight and lots of options for taking pictures too. Read more or see product

  8. Nice Little Camera

    6.0/10
    Reviewer: mvanco, epinions.com
    9 February 2010

    INTRO:I bought the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS for myself. I wanted a camera that was small, had good b Read more

    • Size Battery Features 127C2252-BC0F-822D-28D0-1DA7AF8C0EDD1.02.28
    • Time limit for video Auto feature poor in low light or for action 127C2252-BC0F-822D-28D0-1DA7AF8C0EDD1.02.28
  9. Walmart

    Walmart
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: golfingGal, Walmart
    7 December 2010

    Camera is compact and user friendly without reading instruction book. Only problem is low light pictures...they are not as clear as I was expecting. Read more

  10. Nice Little Camera

    epinions.com
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: mvanco, epinions.com
    30 November 2009

    INTRO:I bought the Canon PowerShot SD940 IS for myself. I wanted a camera that was small, had good b Read more

    • Size Battery Features 127C2252-BC0F-822D-28D0-1DA7AF8C0EDD1.02.28
    • Time limit for video Auto feature poor in low light or for action 127C2252-BC0F-822D-28D0-1DA7AF8C0EDD1.02.28
  • WikiFreak Description

Canon PowerShot SD940 IS

The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS is part of the Digital ELPH Camera from canon that features a 12.1-Megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization that facilitates a wide variety of shooting conditions in the field. The digital camera also features 720p high definition (HD) movie shooting capabilities plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on an HDTV. It sports a 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with a wide…

See more

Canon PowerShot SD940 IS

The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS is part of the Digital ELPH Camera from canon that features a 12.1-Megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization that facilitates a wide variety of shooting conditions in the field. The digital camera also features 720p high definition (HD) movie shooting capabilities plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on an HDTV. It sports a 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with a wide viewing angle, which allows users to share photos and video with friends and family, as well as navigate their way through the features and functions of the camera. The SD940 comes in colors of muted metallics in blue, black, silver and brown. Scheduled to be available in September, the PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH Camera retails for an estimated price of $299.99.

Features

The Canon PowerShot SD940 IS digital camera features Optical Image Stabilization and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, the proprietary technology from Canon that supports signal processing speeds and image quality. The camera also features Smart AUTO technology that can track moving faces and 22 different shooting situations by identifying the surroundings and adjust settings to ensure proper lighting and focus, providing performance in any situation, from group snapshots, to landscapes, to portraits and more. Other features include the ability to shoot 720p High-Definition (HD) video, the PureColor System LCD and a touch screen user interface for navigation through images and menus. The 12.1-Megapixel High Sensitivity System in the SD940 IS provides operation in low-light situations and reduce noise at high ISO speeds, while the High Sensitivity System which is combined with the DIGIC 4 image processor, results in a faster shutter speed to help reduce subject blur and camera shake in recorded images. The High Sensitivity System also allows users to utilize the camera in situations where the flash cannot be used, such as in a wedding or concert hall.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Your Favorite New Fashion Accessory.Your camera says a lot about you - and according to Canon’s new PowerShot SD940 IS, you’re into hot design and cool technology. Emerging from your jeans pocket or purse like a sleek little jewel, the PowerShot SD940 IS makes a statement before you even take a picture. And the new menu ensures easy access to all its advanced Canon technology, where 12.1 Megapixels, improved Smart AUTO Mode and 720p HD movies are just the beginning. *…

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