The eight-megapixel Canon Ixus 950 IS is an upgrade to the six-megapixel 800 IS model released last summer.

Resolution hike aside, it appears almost identical, except for a few slight changes to the design.

So what’s actually new? The 35-140mm, 4x-zoom compact camera features a faster Digic III image processor than its predecessor – the same processor that's found in Canon’s more expensive digital SLRs – and the ability to take low-light snaps without flash using up to ISO1600 sensitivity (the top setting of the 800 IS was ISO800), plus a gimmicky creative light effects option that transforms points of light into stars, hearts or musical notes.

As with the 800, image stabilisation is built into the lens elements, and is a feature that certainly results in more frequent sharp shots than would be otherwise achievable. Whether that’s worth an asking price £100 more than other compacts with the same resolution is debatable.

Still, the 950 IS powers up in two seconds, which is swift given that the lens has to extend to its maximum wide-angle setting from its storage point flush with the body, while the clear and bright 2.5-inch rear screen bursts into life. The power button is recessed to avoid it being accidentally pressed.

Unusually, the camera also features an optical viewfinder for shot composition, although it’s so small and murky that it’s easily overlooked. An SD memory card is supplied, though as it’s a weedy 32MB, we’d advise upgrading this for something larger as soon as possible.

The photos from the camera are sharp and very colourful, though detail in highlights – for example, embroidery on a white shirt – is lost in bright sunshine. Such conditions also gave rise to occasional fringing – lines of different coloured pixels between areas of high contrast – though this was only noticeable under close inspection. And if you want to avoid image noise when taking snaps without flash, stick to ISO400 or below.

For the most part the 950 IS proves itself a reliable and stylish snapper, managing the feat of appearing outwardly sophisticated while actually being very easy to use.

Vista compatible: Yes