The Canon IXUS 870 IS a 10 megapixel digital camera. It has a 4x wide angle lens. A camera with a wide angle lens is a good choice if you enjoy taking photos of sweeping landscapes, groups of people, buildings or interiors. Before you rush out and buy you also need to be aware that the wide angle factor reduces the telephoto impact of the lens and you cannot zoom in as far as with digital cameras with a 4x zoom and a lens that is not wide angle.

The IXUS 870 IS has image stabilisation built into the lens. This helps to compensate for any tiny movement of the camera when you are taking a photo. By reducing the amount of movement you should end up with sharper photos.

In terms of features this is a point and shoot camera, but as with other Canon models you do get a few more features thrown in than with the majority of more basic point and shoot cameras. The extra options include more colour options, focusing settings and greater control over flash.

One feature the IXUS 870 IS does not have is a viewfinder. Instead of a viewfinder Canon have included a large 3 inch LCD screen. You should find the LCD screen is of good quality and is easier to see than some rival cameras in sunny conditions.