Digital cameras aren't dead. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen a blurry, nostalgic-looking photo that definitely didn't come from an iPhone 16. People are obsessed with "digicam" aesthetics right now. But here’s the problem: a lot of the old cameras people are buying are actually junk. They’re slow, the batteries are dead, and the photos just look bad, not "vintage." That’s where the Canon IXUS 125 HS comes in. It’s that rare middle ground. It was released way back in early 2012, but it actually holds up. It’s tiny. It’s shiny. And it has that specific Canon "color science" that makes skin tones look better than any $1,200 smartphone filter ever could.
You might know this camera by a different name if you're in the US: the PowerShot ELPH 110 HS. It’s the same exact device, just rebranded for different markets. When it first hit the shelves, it was a premium compact. It wasn't the cheapest thing in the display case, and that’s why it still feels like a real tool today rather than a plastic toy. It uses a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. That "HS" in the name stands for "High Sensitivity," which was Canon’s way of saying it wouldn't completely fall apart the second the sun went down.
The Canon IXUS 125 HS and the CCD vs CMOS Debate
There is a huge argument in the vintage camera community right now about CCD sensors versus CMOS sensors. Most purists swear by the CCD sensors found in older IXUS models because they claim the colors are more "filmic." CMOS sensors, like the one inside the Canon IXUS 125 HS, became the industry standard because they are faster and better in low light.
So, does the 125 HS lose that vintage magic?
Not really. While it is more "modern" than a 2005 camera, it still produces a look that feels distinct from the over-processed, AI-sharpened images of a modern smartphone. Smartphone photos are calculated; they are the result of intense computational photography. The IXUS 125 HS is just capturing light through a tiny piece of glass. It’s raw. It’s honest. Sometimes it’s a little grainy. That’s exactly why people love it.
The DIGIC 5 image processor was a big deal when this camera launched. It allowed for things like Face ID—where the camera could actually remember specific faces and prioritize focusing on them—and better noise reduction. If you’re shooting a party or a dinner, the 125 HS handles those weird orange indoor lights surprisingly well. It doesn't make everyone look like they have jaundice, which is a common complaint with older digital gear.
Real World Specs: What You’re Actually Getting
Let's talk about the lens. It has a 5x optical zoom. In the world of massive mirrorless lenses, that sounds tiny, but for a camera that fits in your coin pocket? It’s plenty. It starts at a wide-angle 24mm. That is wide. It’s perfect for group shots where you’re trying to cram everyone into the frame without having to back up into a wall. On the long end, it goes to 120mm.
Is it sharp? Sorta.
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At 24mm, it’s great. As you zoom in, you’ll notice the edges get a bit soft. But again, are you buying a 14-year-old point-and-shoot for clinical sharpness? Probably not. You’re buying it for the vibe.
- Weight: About 135 grams. You literally won't feel it in your jacket.
- Video: It actually shoots 1080p Full HD. Most vintage cameras are stuck at 720p or, god forbid, 480p VGA.
- Screen: 3-inch PureColor II G LCD. It’s actually 460,000 dots, which was quite high-res for the time. It doesn't look like a pixelated mess when you're reviewing your shots.
One thing you have to watch out for is the battery life. The NB-11L battery is tiny. If you're out for a full day of sightseeing, you will run out of juice by 3 PM if you’re constantly chimped—that’s photographer speak for looking at the screen after every shot. Buy a couple of spares on eBay or Amazon. They’re cheap.
Why the "HS" System Actually Matters for Your Photos
A lot of old cameras are basically useless once the sun sets. They produce "chroma noise," which are those ugly purple and green speckles that ruin a photo. The Canon IXUS 125 HS uses the HS System, which pairs that high-sensitivity CMOS sensor with the DIGIC 5 processor. This allows you to shoot up to ISO 3200.
Now, don't get it twisted. ISO 3200 on this camera is noisy. But it’s a "filmic" grain, not a "digital glitch" grain. If you’re at a concert or a bar, you can actually get a usable shot. Pro tip: if the photo looks too grainy, just convert it to black and white. Suddenly, that noise looks like intentional artistic grain. It’s a classic trick that works perfectly with this specific sensor.
The Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization) is another unsung hero here. It has seven different modes. It can tell if you’re walking, if you’re on a tripod, or if you’re trying to do a macro shot of a flower. It shifts the lens elements internally to counteract your shaky hands. For a camera this light, stabilization is vital because it's so easy to accidentally jerk the camera when you press the shutter button.
What Nobody Tells You About Buying One Today
If you go looking for a Canon IXUS 125 HS today, you’re going to see prices all over the map. Some people are selling them for $50 at garage sales because they think they're "obsolete tech." Others are listing them for $250 on Depop because they're "vintage aesthetic."
Don't overpay.
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Realistically, a clean version of this camera is worth about $100 to $130. Check the lens barrel. These tiny cameras are prone to "lens error" if they’ve been dropped or if sand gets into the mechanism. Turn it on and off a few times. If the lens retracts smoothly without any grinding noises, you’re usually good to go.
Also, check the screen for "vignetting" or yellowing. Some of these older LCDs start to decay around the edges. It doesn't affect the photos, but it makes it annoying to compose your shots.
Getting the Most Out of the 125 HS
If you want your photos to look like those high-end editorial shots, stop using "Auto" mode. Switch it to "P" (Program) mode. This gives you control over the ISO and the White Balance.
Want that "Y2K" look? Turn the flash on. Always. Even during the day. The flash on the IXUS 125 HS is surprisingly powerful for its size. Using the flash forces a faster shutter speed and creates that high-contrast, "paparazzi" style look that is so popular right now. It flattens the features and makes skin look smooth. It’s the ultimate "party camera" hack.
The Macro mode is also surprisingly decent. You can get as close as 3cm to your subject. If you’re into taking photos of textures, jewelry, or food, this little thing punches way above its weight class. It creates a natural background blur (bokeh) that isn't faked by software. It’s physics.
Is It Better Than Your Phone?
In some ways, no. Your phone is faster. It’s always in your pocket. It syncs to the cloud instantly.
But in terms of the experience? The Canon IXUS 125 HS wins every time. There is something tactile and intentional about carrying a dedicated camera. You aren't getting distracted by Instagram notifications while you're trying to take a photo. You’re just looking at the world.
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And let’s be honest: phone photos are starting to look a bit "perfect." They’re too sharp. They’re too HDR. They look like they were generated by an algorithm—because they were. The IXUS 125 HS has flaws. It has character. The way it flares when you point it at the sun, the way the colors bleed just a little bit in the shadows... you can't fake that.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you've just picked one up or you're about to hit "buy" on an auction, here is how to hit the ground running.
First, grab a standard SDHC card. Don't buy a massive 512GB card; the camera’s older firmware might struggle to read it. A 16GB or 32GB card is more than enough for thousands of photos.
Second, go into the menu and turn off the "Digital Zoom." You only want to use the optical zoom. Digital zoom just crops the image and makes it look like mush. If you can't get close enough with the 5x optical, just walk closer to your subject.
Third, experiment with the "My Colors" setting. If you want that punchy, vibrant look, set it to "Vivid." If you want something that looks more like old Kodak film, try the "Positive Film" setting. It tweaks the saturation and contrast in-camera so you don't have to spend hours editing on your phone later.
Finally, get a wrist strap. This camera is slippery. It's made of smooth metal and it's very small. One accidental drop onto a sidewalk and that delicate lens mechanism is toast.
The Canon IXUS 125 HS isn't a professional tool, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a pocketable time machine. It captures memories in a way that feels like a memory, not a data point. In a world of 48-megapixel RAW files and AI-generated imagery, maybe a 2012 point-and-shoot is exactly what you need to start enjoying photography again.