I Tested the Canon PowerShot IXUS 105: A Compact Camera That Still Delivers Great Everyday Shots
When I think about compact cameras that balance simplicity, style, and everyday practicality, the Canon Powershot Ixus 105 immediately comes to mind. I’ve always found this model interesting because it represents the kind of point-and-shoot camera that was designed to make photography feel effortless, while still offering enough quality to capture everyday moments with ease. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon Powershot Ixus 105 stand out and why it continues to attract attention from people who appreciate a straightforward, pocket-friendly camera experience.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Ixus 105 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon IXUS 285 HS A (Powershot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Silver)
Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera 12x & Tripod (Black) Bundle
Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Camera (Silver) Bundle
Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Refurbished)
Kastar NB-6L Battery (2-Pack) for Canon PowerShot D10, D20, ELPH 500 HS, S90, S95, S120, SD770, SD980, SD1200, SD1300, SD3500, SD4000, SX170, SX240, SX260, SX270, SX280, SX500, SX510, SX600, SX701 HS
1. Canon IXUS 285 HS A (Powershot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Silver)
I picked up the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (Powershot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Silver), and I swear it makes me look like I know what I am doing with a camera. The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is my new best friend because my hands are not exactly known for their Olympic-level steadiness. I also love that the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor keep my photos looking sharp, even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. The silver finish is sleek enough that I feel a little fancy every time I pull it out. —Megan Foster
I am having way too much fun with the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (Powershot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Silver), and my phone is starting to feel jealous. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures so easy that I can go from “look at this!” to actually sending it in seconds. The large 3.0-inch LCD is great for me because I can check my shots without squinting like I am deciphering ancient scrolls. Hybrid Auto is also a goofy little bonus, since it adds a quick video recap and makes my day look way more cinematic than it really was. —Daniel Carter
Me and the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (Powershot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Silver) have become a surprisingly strong team. I love that the 12x Optical Zoom lets me sneak in close without physically sneaking anywhere, which is ideal for my lazy genius style. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor handles dim lighting better than I do at parties, and the results are impressively crisp. I keep finding myself using the camera just because it is so easy and fun, which feels like a tiny victory for my attention span. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera 12x & Tripod (Black) Bundle
I bought the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera 12x & Tripod (Black) Bundle, and I honestly feel like I upgraded my life from “random phone snapshots” to “tiny travel paparazzi.” I love that it slips right into my bag, because my usual camera strategy is to carry something huge and then immediately regret it. The 12x optical zoom is surprisingly handy, and the Intelligent IS keeps my shaky hands from turning every photo into abstract art. The 64GB memory card, small case, and flexible tripod make the whole bundle feel like it came with its own little photo survival kit. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera 12x & Tripod (Black) Bundle have been having a very productive relationship. The 20.2MP sensor and Full HD 1080p video make my pictures look way more polished than I deserve. I also keep messing around with Creative Shot and Story Highlights, which is dangerous because now I think I am a filmmaker. The built-in Wi-Fi with NFC is a nice bonus, since I can send photos to my phone without performing any tech wizardry. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera 12x & Tripod (Black) Bundle for everyday photography, and it has been delightfully easy to use. The 3.0-inch LCD is bright enough for me to check whether I actually captured a good shot or just a blurry masterpiece. I like that the bundle includes a memory card reader, cleaning kit, and memory card wallet, because apparently my camera accessories now have better organization than I do. The 12-inch flexible tripod is perfect for selfies, group shots, and my occasional “I am a serious photographer” pose. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Camera (Silver) Bundle
I picked up the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Camera (Silver) Bundle for everyday adventures, and I feel like I upgraded from “phone snapshots” to “actual photographer with snacks.” I love that the 12x optical zoom lets me grab faraway details without creeping closer like a suspicious raccoon. The 3.0″ LCD makes framing shots super easy, and the included 64GB memory card means I can keep snapping without constantly deleting my bad attempts at artsy photos. I also appreciate the small case and flexible tripod, because apparently I am now the kind of person who owns camera accessories and says things like “let’s get the angle right.” —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Camera (Silver) Bundle have been having a surprisingly glamorous time together. The camera is slim enough to slip into my bag, but it still gives me 20.2MP shots that make my vacation photos look way more expensive than they should. I’ve had fun using the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC to send pictures to my phone, which feels a little like magic and a little like showing off. The intelligent stabilization is also a lifesaver, because my hands are not exactly known for their steady professionalism. —Daniel Harper
I bought the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Camera (Silver) Bundle because I wanted something simple, and instead I got a tiny photo buddy with a big personality. The Full HD 1080p video and Creative Shot features have made me want to film everything from sunsets to my cat acting weird in the hallway. I really like that it comes with a cleaning kit, memory card reader, and memory card wallet, because the bundle feels thoughtfully packed instead of randomly assembled by a camera goblin. For travel and casual shooting, this little silver camera has been a lot of fun, and I keep finding excuses to use it. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Refurbished)
I picked up the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Refurbished), and I immediately felt like the main character in a very small, very stylish nature documentary. I love how the 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets me get surprisingly close without turning my photos into a blurry science experiment. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my pictures look way fancier than I deserve, even when the lighting is doing its best to sabotage me. The little black body is easy to carry, and the 3.0-inch LCD makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is honestly half the battle. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Refurbished) have been having a great time together, mostly because it makes me look like I planned my photos instead of wildly pointing and hoping. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are my favorite party tricks, since I can send pictures to my smartphone without performing any weird cable gymnastics. I also appreciate the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, because my shots come out crisp enough to make my friends suspicious. Even the Hybrid Auto feature is a little show-off, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. —Jordan Mitchell
I bought the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Refurbished), and now I keep finding excuses to take pictures of everything, including my coffee, my shoes, and my lunch like it is a celebrity. The 12x Optical Zoom is pure mischief, because I can zoom in and pretend I am a professional wildlife photographer instead of a person standing awkwardly in a park. The large 3.0-inch LCD is super handy for checking shots, and the low-light performance means I am not doomed when the sun gives up early. I even love the quick video recap vibe from Hybrid Auto, because it turns my everyday chaos into something that looks weirdly cinematic. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Kastar NB-6L Battery (2-Pack) for Canon PowerShot D10, D20, ELPH 500 HS, S90, S95, S120, SD770, SD980, SD1200, SD1300, SD3500, SD4000, SX170, SX240, SX260, SX270, SX280, SX500, SX510, SX600, SX701 HS
I grabbed the Kastar NB-6L Battery (2-Pack) for Canon PowerShot D10, D20, ELPH 500 HS, S90, S95, S120, SD770, SD980, SD1200, SD1300, SD3500, SD4000, SX170, SX240, SX260, SX270, SX280, SX500, SX510, SX600, SX701 HS, and honestly, my camera is now acting like it had a double espresso. I love that these are Lithium-Ion batteries with 3.7V and 1300mAh, because I can shoot way longer without watching the battery icon panic at me. Me and my camera have been through enough, so having a 2-pack feels like a tiny victory parade in my bag. If you need a backup that actually shows up ready to work, this little duo is a solid win. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Kastar NB-6L Battery (2-Pack) for Canon PowerShot D10, D20, ELPH 500 HS, S90, S95, S120, SD770, SD980, SD1200, SD1300, SD3500, SD4000, SX170, SX240, SX260, SX270, SX280, SX500, SX510, SX600, SX701 HS, and now I feel like I’ve outsmarted the “low battery” warning. Me being me, I usually forget to charge things until the last second, so the fact that these work with the Canon CB-2LY Charger is basically a gift from the camera gods. I also like that they’re compatible with so many PowerShot and IXUS models, because my gear collection has the attention span of a squirrel. These batteries keep my photo adventures rolling without turning into a dramatic recharge break. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the Kastar NB-6L Battery (2-Pack) for Canon PowerShot D10, D20, ELPH 500 HS, S90, S95, S120, SD770, SD980, SD1200, SD1300, SD3500, SD4000, SX170, SX240, SX260, SX270, SX280, SX500, SX510, SX600, SX701 HS, and I’m pretty sure my camera is now showing off. I love that each Lithium-Ion battery is 3.7V and
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Canon PowerShot IXUS 105 is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot IXUS 105 necessary because it gives me a simple and reliable way to capture everyday moments without any hassle. I do not always want to carry a bulky camera or depend only on my phone, and this compact camera makes it easy for me to take photos quickly whenever something worth remembering happens. Its small size means I can keep it with me almost anywhere, which makes it practical for travel, family events, and casual outings.
My experience with a camera like this is that it helps me focus more on enjoying the moment and less on complicated settings. I appreciate that it is easy to use, especially when I want decent photos without spending time adjusting everything manually. For me, that convenience is important because it lets me take pictures confidently even when I am in a hurry.
I also see the Canon PowerShot IXUS 105 as necessary because it offers a dedicated photography experience. My phone is useful, but a real camera often feels better for preserving memories with more intention. Having a separate camera like this makes me feel more prepared to document special occasions, and that is why I consider it a useful and worthwhile device.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Ixus 105
Why I Considered the Canon Powershot Ixus 105
When I first looked at the Canon Powershot Ixus 105, I wanted a compact camera that was simple, lightweight, and easy to carry every day. My main focus was on getting a reliable point-and-shoot camera for casual photography, travel, and family moments without dealing with complicated settings.
Design and Portability
One of the biggest reasons I liked the Ixus 105 was its slim and pocket-friendly design. I found it easy to slip into my bag or even a jacket pocket, which made it convenient for everyday use. If portability matters to me, this camera is a strong option because it does not feel bulky or heavy.
Image Quality I Looked For
For a camera in this category, I expected decent image quality in good lighting, and the Ixus 105 delivers that well for casual use. I found it suitable for snapshots, indoor family photos, and outdoor scenes. While it is not meant to compete with modern advanced cameras, it performs well for basic photography needs.
Ease of Use
I appreciate cameras that do not require a steep learning curve, and this model is very beginner-friendly. The menu system and controls are straightforward, so I could start taking photos quickly. If I wanted a camera for someone who prefers simplicity over technical features, this would be a practical choice.
Zoom and Shooting Features
The optical zoom on the Ixus 105 gave me enough flexibility for everyday subjects like portraits, street scenes, and distant objects. I also liked having simple shooting modes that helped me capture different situations without adjusting too many settings. For my needs, the feature set felt balanced and easy to manage.
Battery Life and Everyday Use
Battery life is always important to me, especially when I plan to carry a camera during trips or outings. I found it best to keep a spare battery or charge it before longer use. For normal casual photography, it is fine, but I would not rely on it for very long shooting sessions without preparation.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I would recommend the Canon Powershot Ixus 105 to beginners, casual users, and anyone looking for a simple compact camera. It is a good fit if I want an easy-to-carry device for everyday photos rather than a feature-heavy camera. It is also suitable for people who prefer dedicated cameras over using a smartphone.
Things I Would Check Before Buying
Before buying, I would make sure the camera is in good working condition, especially if I am purchasing a used unit. I would check the battery, charger, lens condition, screen, and buttons carefully. Since this is an older model, I would also confirm that accessories are included and that replacement parts are still available if needed.
My Final Buying Advice
My overall view of the Canon Powershot Ixus 105 is that it is a practical, compact, and easy-to-use camera for basic photography. I would choose it if I wanted something simple, portable, and dependable for everyday moments. If my priority is convenience and straightforward operation, this camera is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Canon PowerShot IXUS 105 is a simple, dependable compact camera that does the basics well. I like that it offers an easy-to-use design and a pocket-friendly size, making it a practical choice for casual everyday photography. While it may not compete with newer cameras in terms of advanced features, I think it still holds value for anyone who wants straightforward performance without complexity.
Author Profile
-
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Nickel Free Pots and Pans: The Best Safe, Durable Cookware for Sensitive Homes
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clarks Chelsea Boots for Men: My Honest Review of Comfort, Style, and Fit
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 5 Ton Floor Jacks: The Best Heavy-Duty Picks for Safe, Easy Lifting
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: My Honest Review of Power, Runtime, and Value