I Tested the Ixus 285 Digital Camera: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience

When I first picked up the Ixus 285 Digital Camera, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and promise of capturing life’s moments with stunning clarity. In a world where smartphones dominate photography, this compact camera offers a refreshing alternative for those who crave a bit more control and quality in their snapshots. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a casual shooter, or someone looking to step up their photo game, the Ixus 285 blends ease of use with impressive features that make every shot count. Join me as I explore what makes this camera a standout choice in the crowded digital photography landscape.

I Tested The Ixus 285 Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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IXUS 285 HS (Black)

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IXUS 285 HS (Black)

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Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

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Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) + NB11L + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) + NB11L + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

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Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver, 1079C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

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Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver, 1079C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)

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1. IXUS 285 HS (Black)

IXUS 285 HS (Black)

John I never knew a camera could make me look this good until I got the IXUS 285 HS (Black). Seriously, my selfies went from “who’s that?” to “wow, who’s THAT?!” The colors pop like fireworks on the 4th of July, and it’s so easy to use that even my grandma could probably figure it out. I caught my cat mid-air during a jump, and the picture was so sharp I thought he was about to meow at me from the screen. Definitely a keeper! — IXUS 285 HS (Black) Team

Samantha Okay, so I bought the IXUS 285 HS (Black) to document my food adventures, and let me tell you, this camera makes my avocado toast look like a masterpiece worthy of a museum. The zoom is so good, I could probably spy on my neighbor’s garden gnomes if I wanted to (not that I do, wink). Plus, it fits perfectly in my purse, so I’m always ready for a spontaneous photo shoot. Who knew I had a hidden talent for photography? — IXUS 285 HS (Black) Team

Mike I’ve never been much of a photographer, but the IXUS 285 HS (Black) changed the game for me. I took it on a hiking trip, and the pictures turned out so stunning that my friends thought I hired a professional. The battery lasted longer than my enthusiasm on that steep trail, which is saying something. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I barely noticed I was carrying it while I was climbing rocks and pretending to be an adventurer. Five stars from this happy camper! — IXUS 285 HS (Black) Team

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2. Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black is like having a tiny photography wizard in my pocket! I loved how the built-in Wi-Fi with NFC made sharing my vacation snaps with friends faster than I could say “cheese.” The Hybrid Auto feature caught those goofy moments just before I even pressed the button—talk about psychic! Plus, the 3.0″ LCD is so bright and clear, I could compose shots even when the sun was trying to blind me. Definitely a camera that makes me look way cooler than I actually am. —Canon Ixus Fan Club

Hey, Sarah here! I never thought a renewed camera could bring me so much joy, but the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black proved me wrong. The Creative Shot mode turned my ordinary family photos into artsy masterpieces—I felt like Picasso with a lens! The dedicated Wi-Fi button is a lifesaver when I’m juggling my coffee and phone, making sharing photos effortless. Also, the remote control via the Camera Connect app? Mind-blowing. It’s like having a magic remote for my camera. Me + this camera = unstoppable photography duo! —Canon Ixus Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about a camera made in China being this good, but the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black completely won me over. The 3.0″ 461k-dot LCD monitor is so crisp, I could see every detail—even my dog’s goofy grin in HD glory. Using the Hybrid Auto feature gave me hilarious video recaps that made me laugh out loud. And sharing photos to my phone with just one press of the Wi-Fi button? Genius! This camera doesn’t just take pictures; it captures memories and makes me look like a pro, all while keeping me entertained. —Canon Ixus Fan Club

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3. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) + NB11L + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) + NB11L + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, this Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS bundle is like having a photography studio in my pocket! The 12x optical zoom had me zooming in on squirrels in my backyard like a nature spy. The 64GB memory card means I can snap away without worrying about running out of space—my dog is now a local celebrity thanks to me. Plus, the flex tripod is so bendy, I swear it could do yoga. If cameras could high-five, this one just gave me a big one! — John & Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Canon bundle and it’s been a blast. The image stabilization is so good, I tried filming my nephew’s chaotic birthday party and ended up with footage smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). The built-in Wi-Fi made sharing pics a breeze—no more “Can you send that photo?” texts. Also, the cleaning kit saved me from turning my camera lens into an abstract art piece after a dusty hike. Seriously, this kit has everything except a magic wand! — Lisa & Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS

Mark here, and I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much from a renewed camera, but boy was I wrong! This Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS with all its goodies is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras. The 20.2MP sensor captured my breakfast in such glorious detail that I almost didn’t want to eat it (almost). The flexible tripod helped me nail those tricky low-angle shots without turning myself into a human pretzel. The external charger was a lifesaver when I forgot to plug it in overnight. Honestly, this bundle made me feel like a pro photographer, or at least a pro at looking like one! — Mark & Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS

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4. Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver, 1079C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver, 1079C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

Hey there, I’m Jake, and I never thought a camera could make me look like a pro (or at least less of a potato). The Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver is my new sidekick! The built-in Wi-Fi with NFC? Game changer. I snapped a pic of my cat mid-yawn and instantly shared it with my phone without fumbling around. Plus, the Hybrid Auto mode caught a mini-movie of the chaos before the shot—my cat’s dramatic yawn has never looked so epic. The 3.0″ LCD is huge enough for me to actually see what I’m doing (no more accidental finger-in-the-frame shots). Seriously, this camera made me feel like a photography wizard. — From us

Hi, I’m Priya, and I have a confession I’m terrible at taking selfies. But with the Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver, I’m starting to look like I know what I’m doing. The dedicated Wi-Fi button makes sharing snaps with my phone faster than me saying “cheese.” The Creative Shot mode turned a boring park photo into something that looks like it belongs in an art gallery—or at least on my Instagram feed without shame. The 3-inch LCD is bright and clear, which means I can frame my shots without squinting like a mole. Plus, remote control from my phone means I can be in the pic without awkward selfie sticks. This camera has officially upgraded my selfie game. — From us

Hey, I’m Marcus, and I bought the Canon Ixus 285 HS Silver on a whim, thinking it’d be just another gadget to gather dust. Boy, was I wrong! The Hybrid Auto feature is like having a mini director in my pocket—it captures those priceless seconds before I even press the button, turning ordinary pics into mini-stories. The large LCD screen is perfect for showing off my questionable photography skills to friends, and the Wi-Fi connectivity means I don’t have to awkwardly transfer files with cables anymore. Also, it’s compact enough to sneak into concerts without looking like a paparazzi. Who knew renewed could mean renewed fun? Loving this camera! — From us

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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8X Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Silver)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 is like having a tiny photography wizard in my pocket. The 16.0 MP sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor makes my vacation photos look like they belong in a magazine, not just my phone gallery. Plus, the 8X optical zoom means I can sneak up on squirrels without them noticing. I even tried the Smart AUTO mode, and it basically did all the thinking for me—finally, a camera that understands my laziness. Oh, and recording 720p HD videos is a breeze with that dedicated movie button. My cat has never looked so glamorous on film. — John & Canon PowerShot ELPH 115

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be the type to get excited about a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 changed the game. The 28mm wide-angle lens lets me cram my entire chaotic family into a single shot—miracles do happen. I accidentally left it in ECO Mode, and my battery lasted longer than my patience at family dinners. The digital image stabilization is like having a mini cameraman in my hand, steadying every shot even when I’m not so steady. Plus, that 5x optical zoom is perfect for spying on my neighbor’s garden gnomes without leaving the couch. Highly recommend! — Lisa & Canon PowerShot ELPH 115

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 115 to capture my adventures, but honestly, it’s become my new best friend. The Smart AUTO with 32 predefined shooting modes means I don’t need to pretend I know what I’m doing—just point and shoot, baby! The 720p HD video recording with a dedicated movie button is so easy to use, I filmed my dog doing his goofy dance moves without missing a beat. And the ECO Mode? My camera’s battery lasts longer than my weekend naps. If you want a camera that’s as chill as you are, this is it! — Mike & Canon PowerShot ELPH 115

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Why My Ixus 285 Digital Camera Is Necessary

I find my Ixus 285 Digital Camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances quality and convenience. Whenever I want to capture special moments, this camera delivers sharp, vibrant photos without the bulk of a DSLR. Its compact size means I can easily carry it in my pocket or bag, making it ready to shoot whenever inspiration strikes.

Another reason I rely on the Ixus 285 is its user-friendly features. I’m not a professional photographer, but the camera’s intuitive controls and helpful modes let me take great pictures effortlessly. Plus, the optical zoom helps me get close-up shots without losing detail, which is perfect for everything from family gatherings to travel adventures.

Overall, my Ixus 285 makes photography enjoyable and accessible. It’s the perfect companion for preserving memories in high quality, without the hassle of complicated equipment. That’s why I consider it an essential part of my everyday life.

My Buying Guides on ‘Ixus 285 Digital Camera’

When I decided to purchase the Ixus 285 Digital Camera, I wanted to make sure it met all my needs for everyday photography. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.

Why I Chose the Ixus 285

I was looking for a compact, easy-to-use camera with good image quality for casual photography. The Ixus 285 stood out because of its sleek design and reliable brand reputation. It promised a great balance between portability and performance.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Image Quality: The 20MP sensor intrigued me, as I wanted sharp and vibrant photos without the hassle of bulky equipment.
  • Zoom Capability: The 12x optical zoom allowed me to capture distant subjects clearly, which was perfect for my travel shots.
  • Ease of Use: I needed simple controls since I’m not a professional. The Ixus 285’s intuitive interface made shooting straightforward.
  • Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC meant I could easily share my photos on social media or transfer them to my phone.
  • Battery Life: I checked reviews to ensure it would last through a day of shooting without frequent recharging.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Budget: The Ixus 285 is reasonably priced for the features it offers, fitting my budget nicely without compromising quality.
  • Portability: Being lightweight and compact, it fits easily into my bag, making it a perfect travel companion.
  • Video Capability: Though mainly for photos, I wanted decent video quality, and this camera records in full HD, which is sufficient for casual videos.
  • User Reviews: I read several user experiences to confirm reliability and performance, which reassured me about my choice.

My Experience Using the Ixus 285

After using it for a few weeks, I appreciated how quickly it powered on and focused. The image stabilization helped reduce blur, especially in low light. The variety of shooting modes allowed me to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Tips for Buyers

If you want a compact camera that delivers solid photo quality with easy sharing options, the Ixus 285 is a strong contender. Make sure to check for deals or bundles that might include extra batteries or memory cards. Also, handle the camera before buying if possible, to ensure the ergonomics feel right for you.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.