Field-test of the Canon EOS IX advanced photo system camera. Canon, being one of the five companies that is instrumental in developing and promoting the Advanced Photo System (APS) that was launched worldwide back in 1996, is also the first to introduce innovative products for the new system with its IXUS range of ultra-compact cameras. The IXUS range of cameras, from the original IXUS 240 (ELPH in the North American market) to the current M-1, L-1, IXUS II Extreme and the new IXUS X-1 took the APS by storm due to its ultra-compact design as opposed to the bully and large types made by others. Of course, since then, all the rival makers have been able to downsize their cameras and offering similar compact cameras as Canon's IXUS models. For SLR photo enthusiasts, especially those who have invested in the 35mm EOS camera and EF lenses, Canon also has among its APS lineup, two AF SLR cameras that can use the nearly 50 EF lenses available for the EOS System without using any adapter. The cameras are the EOS IX and IX 7 (1X Lite in North America). The IX 7 is an entry-level camera; with its body construction made of glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate while the EOS 1X is made of stainless steel. In this issue, the focus is on the EOS IX model. This camera, with its ultra-compact size, may not look that sturdy to some despite its stainless steel body construction, is really a wonderful piece of engineering marvel and an excellent picture-making machine. Comparison-wise to a 35mm model, the EOS IX is in the same range as the Canon EOS 50 (EOS Elan II), which means this APS camera is no slouch. Canon EOS IX with EF 28-85mm zoom lens The viewfinder of the EOS IX     Index prints of the APS camera Fully compatible with the EOS EF lenses The compact size of the EOS IX makes it look a bit out of place when it is fitted with EF lenses such as the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM or EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM telephotos as these attachments make it look more like futuristic weapons. In Malaysia, Hong Kong, Europe and other Southeast Asia markets, the EOS IX is sold as a kit form with the silver-metallic colored EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM zoom lens. As with all Advanced Photo System cameras, the IX offers the user a choice of three different formats: C (Classic), H (HDTV) and P (Panorama) on the same roll of APS film. All three formats can be switched on and off anytime the user wishes. The Classic format prints are equal to regular 4 x 6 (4R) photos while a HDTV is 4 x 8 inches and Panoramas are 4 x 12 inches. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .