Even accounting for the difference in 6 megapixels for the A700 compared to 12 megapixels for the SX130IS, the A700 takes clearer pictures (relatively speaking).

Like the IXUS 310 HS model we reviewed recently, this IXUS boasts a resolution of a modest 12.1 megapixels from a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor.

One thing the manual shooters might not like is that there is no middle ISO setting between ISO800 and ISO1600.

White balance and ISO speeds can also be adjusted, with options ranging from ISO100 up to the maximum ISO3200 setting.

At the low end of the zoom, there is a bit of the wide-angle effect...but I really appreciate how wide this camera is able to go.

No we haven't deployed the fish eye digital effect here; the illusion is merely due to the subject's proximity to the lens at the 220 HS' maximum 24mm equivalent wide angle setting.

Just make sure to get comfortable with the manual settings (P mode, I believe) because while the pre-sets are nice on the fly, the potential of this camera really came out when I played with aperture, etc..

Here the top setting of ISO3200 when combined with an f/2.7 maximum aperture is actually usable; a setting at which the performance of most point and shoot cameras is degraded significantly to resemble something closer to a watercolor than a photograph.

My favorite setting, besides auto, is black and white and any vivid settings as well.-This camera has amazing zoom.

Manual control is welcomed, but this remains a camera for those who want to point and shoot and achieve respectable results with the minimum of fuss.

Portability: While larger than the little rectangle pocket cameras, the size of the 130S is still a nice small portable size-much easier to tote around than the larger.

The IXUS 220 HS's stainless steel body lends the camera a sturdy yet lightweight feel, but there's no hand grip here.