When the Digital Ixus first appeared, it was a revelation. Half the size of rival cameras, (measuring just 87mm x 57mm x 26.7mm), with a build quality that put the rest to shame, it was love at first sight. The modest 2-megapixel resolution and a comparatively high price tag were the only problems. A couple of years down the line, the Digital Ixus range has developed and grown, but the original model is still here, re-released in ‘v2′ form. The small but effective 2x optical zoom remains, as does the amazing build (feels like solid steel to us) and fine, positive switchgear. But in a market increasingly populated by jumped-up webcams and iffy imaging chips, is the Canon Digital Ixus v2 in danger of dropping off the bottom of the picture quality ladder?

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