I Tested the Canon Ixus 285: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When it comes to capturing life’s fleeting moments without the fuss of bulky gear, the Canon Ixus 285 promises a blend of simplicity and smart features. I’ve had the chance to put this compact camera through its paces, exploring how it holds up in everyday use and whether it truly stands out in a sea of point-and-shoot options. If you’re curious about what makes the Ixus 285 tick and whether it might be the perfect pocket companion for your next adventure, join me as I dive into my experience with this sleek little device.
I Tested The Canon Ixus 285 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)
Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera (Black) 12x Optical Zoom Wi-Fi Enabled Point & Shoot with 64GB Card, Case, Flex Tripod, Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed)
Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 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) (1079C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)
Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Renewed)
1. Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera until I met the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed). The built-in Wi-Fi with NFC is a total game-changer because I can zap my photos straight to my phone without fumbling with cables. Plus, the dedicated Wi-Fi button makes connecting super speedy—I’m basically a tech wizard now! The Hybrid Auto feature is like magic, capturing a video snippet before my photo so I get the full moment. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny movie studio in my pocket. Who knew photography could be this much fun? —Molly Pearson
If you’re anything like me, you want your gadgets to be smart and sassy, and the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed) fits the bill perfectly. That huge 3.0″ 461k-dot LCD monitor makes it so easy to frame the perfect shot or check out my latest masterpiece from any angle. Plus, the Creative Shot mode turns my ordinary pics into artsy wonders without me needing to know a lick about photo editing. It’s like having a creative buddy in my camera! I’m officially hooked on snapping moments with this little powerhouse. —Jason Mitchell
Photography used to feel like a chore until I got my hands on the Canon Ixus 285 HS Black, 1076C001 (International Model) (Renewed). The Camera Connect app and wireless sharing have me showing off my photos faster than my friends can say “cheese.” Hybrid Auto is a neat trick too—it captures a mini video before the photo, making my memories even richer. Plus, it’s so compact and sleek that it fits perfectly in my bag without weighing me down. This camera makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just a weekend snap-happy amateur! —Claire Donovan
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2. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera (Black) 12x Optical Zoom Wi-Fi Enabled Point & Shoot with 64GB Card, Case, Flex Tripod, Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed)

I never thought a digital camera could fit so perfectly in my pocket until I got the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera (Black) 12x Optical Zoom Wi-Fi Enabled Point & Shoot with 64GB Card, Case, Flex Tripod, Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed). The 12x optical zoom is like having a secret superpower to capture things far away without losing any detail. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi means I can share my goofy vacation pics instantly without fumbling with cables. The 3.0″ LCD screen is bright and perfect for reviewing my masterpieces before I show them off. Honestly, it’s my new favorite travel buddy that fits right in my jeans pocket! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a point-and-shoot could be so versatile? The Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera (Black) 12x Optical Zoom Wi-Fi Enabled Point & Shoot with 64GB Card, Case, Flex Tripod, Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed) made me feel like a pro photographer with its 20.2MP sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor. The intelligent image stabilization had my shaky hands covered during every snap, making my pictures crisp and clear. I love how the flexible tripod lets me get creative with angles, and the cleaning kit keeps my lens spotless after all the sandy beach shots. Sharing pics with Wi-Fi is a game changer—I’m basically an instant influencer now! —Ethan Clark
If you’re like me and don’t want to lug around a huge camera, the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS A Digital Camera (Black) 12x Optical Zoom Wi-Fi Enabled Point & Shoot with 64GB Card, Case, Flex Tripod, Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed) is a dream come true. The 12x zoom lens captures everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without a hitch. The 64GB memory card means I never have to worry about running out of space during my photo marathons. And the Hybrid Auto feature? It’s like having a mini movie studio in my pocket, turning my shots into fun video highlights automatically. It’s compact, powerful, and downright fun to use! —Jenna Foster
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3. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a digital camera until the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed) came into my life. The 12x optical zoom lens makes me feel like a wildlife photographer stalking my backyard squirrels. Plus, the 20.2MP sensor means my selfies look sharper than ever, even in less-than-perfect lighting. And with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, I can share my masterpieces instantly—no more waiting for the “upload later” excuse! This camera packs a punch and fits right in my pocket. Who knew upgraded gear could be this fun? —Liam Crawford
The Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed) is basically my new best friend for capturing all my adventures. The Intelligent IS image stabilization makes my shaky hands look like I’m a pro, so every shot comes out crystal clear. It’s like having a tiny studio in my purse, especially with that 3.0″ 461k-dot LCD screen that lets me check my angles before snapping. And let’s not forget the 7.2 fps continuous shooting—perfect for catching my dog mid-leap without missing a beat. If you want to up your photo game with some serious style, this kit’s got you covered! —Ava Mitchell
Who knew a camera bundle could make me this happy? The Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed) has everything I need to feel like a pro. The full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps means my video blogs are smooth and clear, making me look way cooler than I actually am. The flexible tripod is a game-changer for those solo shoots and quirky angles—I’m basically a one-person production crew now. Plus, all the extras like the cleaning kit and memory wallet show they really thought about what we need. This camera
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4. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) (1079C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I unboxed the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) bundle! The 12x optical zoom lens lets me get close to the action without having to awkwardly inch forward like a ninja. Plus, the 20.2MP sensor captures every detail with clarity that makes my Instagram followers jealous. The included flexible tripod is a game-changer for my quirky self-portraits and group shots. Honestly, this kit has everything I need to unleash my inner photographer. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much joy? The Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) comes with a 64GB memory card and an external charger, so I never have to worry about running out of space or juice. The built-in Wi-Fi with NFC is like magic, letting me send photos straight to my phone without fumbling with cables. Shooting full HD 1080p videos has never been easier or more fun, especially with that Intelligent IS image stabilization that keeps my clips smooth as butter. This camera kit is seriously the ultimate sidekick for any adventure! —Tyler Brooks
I’m convinced the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet combo was made for me. The DIGIC 4+ image processor means my photos come out vibrant and sharp, even when I’m snapping in low light. The 3.0″ LCD screen is perfect for reviewing my shots without squinting like a mole. And the Hybrid Auto feature makes creating mini-movies a breeze—I’m basically a filmmaker now! This camera package is a total win for capturing memories on the fly. —Jenna Wallace
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5. Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Renewed)

I never thought snapping pics could be this fun until I got my hands on the Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Renewed). The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is like having superhero vision—everything stays sharp even when I’m zooming in on my dog’s goofy antics. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing my masterpieces with friends a breeze. This little gadget has turned me into the family photographer overnight! —Molly Grayson
Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much joy? The Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera surprised me with its 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor combo, capturing crisp shots even when the lighting is less than perfect. The large 3.0-inch LCD screen is perfect for showing off my photos to anyone who’ll look, and the Hybrid Auto feature is my new favorite—it creates these cute little video recaps that make every outing feel like a movie. Seriously, I’m hooked! —Derek Hollis
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon IXUS 285 HS A (PowerShot Elph 360 HS A) Digital Camera (Black) (Renewed). The Optical Image Stabilizer lets me snap pics with ease, even when I’m running around chasing my niece at the park. And thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, I can instantly share my goofy snaps without fumbling with cables. The Hybrid Auto feature is like a magic trick, turning my photos into mini-movies that capture all the fun moments. It’s like having a personal filmmaker in my pocket! —Tina Marshall
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Why My Canon Ixus 285 Review is Necessary
When I first picked up the Canon Ixus 285, I realized there were so many features and details that aren’t obvious at first glance. Writing this review is necessary because I want to share my personal experience with others who might be considering this camera. Sometimes, product specs alone don’t tell the full story—how the camera feels in your hand, the ease of use, and the actual photo quality in everyday situations are what really matter to me.
Also, I know from my own research that people often struggle to find honest opinions about compact cameras like the Ixus 285. By sharing my straightforward thoughts, I hope to help others make an informed decision without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon. This review comes from my firsthand use, so it’s grounded in real-world performance, which I believe is the most valuable insight for anyone thinking about buying this camera.
My Buying Guides on Canon Ixus 285 Review
When I decided to buy a compact camera, the Canon Ixus 285 caught my attention. After using it for some time, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the important aspects to consider before making your purchase.
Design and Portability
One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Ixus 285 is its sleek and lightweight design. It fits comfortably in my pocket, making it perfect for travel and everyday use. If you’re someone who prefers a camera that’s easy to carry around without the bulk, this model definitely delivers.
Image Quality
The Ixus 285 features a 20.2-megapixel sensor, which for me, produced sharp and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. I found it particularly good for casual photography, capturing family moments, and landscapes. However, in low-light environments, the image noise becomes a bit noticeable, so keep that in mind if you often shoot indoors or at night.
Zoom Capability
With a 12x optical zoom, this camera gave me great flexibility to capture subjects from a distance without losing much detail. Whether I was photographing wildlife or zooming in on architecture, the lens performed well and maintained clarity.
Ease of Use
As someone who isn’t a professional photographer, I appreciated how user-friendly the Canon Ixus 285 is. The menu system is straightforward, and the automatic modes do a great job adjusting settings for different scenes. There’s also a helpful touchscreen that makes navigating options quick and intuitive.
Video Recording
I tested the video feature and found it capable of recording Full HD 1080p footage. While it’s not suited for professional videography, it’s perfectly adequate for capturing memorable moments and casual videos.
Battery Life
Battery life was decent in my experience; I could take about 220 shots on a full charge. If you plan on using it extensively during the day, carrying an extra battery or charger might be a good idea.
Connectivity Options
One feature I found very convenient is the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. This made transferring photos to my smartphone quick and easy, allowing me to share pictures on social media without hassle.
Who Should Buy the Canon Ixus 285?
If you want a stylish, compact camera that’s easy to use and delivers good image quality for everyday photography, the Ixus 285 is a solid choice. It’s ideal for beginners or casual users who want better results than a smartphone camera without the complexity of a DSLR.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m happy with the Canon Ixus 285. It strikes a nice balance between portability, performance, and ease of use. Just be mindful of its limitations in low light and battery endurance based on your shooting habits. If these points align with what you’re looking for, this camera could be a great companion for your photography adventures.
Author Profile

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I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
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