Canon DIGITAL IXUS 700

Introduction: The Canon DIGITAL IXUS 700 at a Glance

The Canon DIGITAL IXUS 700 is a pocket-sized digital camera built around a 1/1.8-inch CCD sensor with approximately 7.1 million effective pixels. A 3x zoom lens, a 2.0-inch LCD and a body of just 89.5 x 57.0 x 26.5 mm make it a simple point-and-shoot that is easy to carry everywhere.

It gives you more choice than a plain snapshot camera: frame on the screen or through the optical viewfinder, pick nine autofocus points or a single centre point, and set the sensitivity yourself.

Compact cameras like this reward a slower rhythm. There are no filters stacked on top, so the picture is the one the lens and sensor produced.

Design Roots and Historical Background

One camera, two names

Canon sold this model under different names depending on the region. In Europe it is the DIGITAL IXUS 700, while the same camera is the PowerShot SD500 DIGITAL ELPH elsewhere. Canon documents them together in one Camera User Guide.

A compact body with a viewfinder

The body alone weighs approximately 170 g and measures 89.5 x 57.0 x 26.5 mm, small enough to slip into a jacket or bag without much thought.

The IXUS 700 has a real-image zoom optical viewfinder, so the view follows the lens as you zoom. It is useful when bright sun makes the LCD hard to read.

Key Technical Highlights

Lens and sensor

The sensor is a 1/1.8-inch CCD with about 7.4 million total pixels, of which approximately 7.1 million are effective. In front of it sits a 7.7-23.1 mm lens, which is about 37-111 mm in 35mm equivalent terms. The aperture runs from f/2.8 at the wide end to f/4.9 at the tele end.

That is a range from a moderate wide angle to a short telephoto, but the aperture closes down as you zoom, so keep the tele end for brighter conditions.

Exposure, focus and screen

Shutter speeds run from 15 seconds to 1/2000 second, and sensitivity is either automatic or ISO 50, 100, 200 or 400 equivalent. Autofocus can use a 9-point AiAF system or a single point fixed in the centre. The 2.0-inch LCD has approximately 118,000 pixels, enough for framing but not for judging fine detail.

Video, storage and connections

The camera records movies as Motion JPEG AVI files up to 640 x 480 pixels at 30 frames per second. Photos and clips go to an SD memory card, and you can move them to a computer over USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B). It is also PictBridge compliant for direct printing.

• Sensor: 1/1.8-inch CCD, approximately 7.1 million effective pixels.
• Lens: 7.7-23.1 mm (37-111 mm equivalent), f/2.8 to f/4.9.
• Screen: 2.0-inch LCD plus a real-image zoom optical viewfinder.
• Shutter: 15 seconds to 1/2000 second, ISO 50 to 400 or auto.
• Power and media: NB-3L lithium-ion battery and SD memory card.

Modern-Day Use in 2026

Where the IXUS 700 excels

In 2026 this camera is a simple, low-effort way to enjoy the look of a small CCD sensor. The 3x zoom covers most everyday situations, and ISO 50 is available for bright days.

Use it for:

• Travel snapshots when you want a light, compact camera.
• A first digital camera for a curious beginner.
• Retro-style photos with the character of a CCD compact.

Practical shooting tips

• Stay at ISO 50 to 200 in daylight and only step up to 400 when you must.
• Use the single centre autofocus point when you want to choose exactly what is sharp.
• Keep the zoom short in dim rooms, where the lens is brighter at the wide end.

Buying and Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying used

Every used compact has had its own life, so spend a few minutes on this checklist:

• Switch it on and watch the lens extend and retract smoothly, without grinding or hesitation.
• Look through the lens for dust, haze or scratches, and check the front glass.
• Check the LCD for dead spots or lines, and look through the optical viewfinder for dust.
• Make sure the buttons, dial and memory card door all work firmly.

Take a few test shots at different zoom positions and review them on a computer. A spot or soft patch that appears in every frame can point to dust inside the lens.

Battery and storage

The IXUS 700 runs on the rechargeable lithium-ion battery NB-3L and records to SD memory cards. Batteries age, so test it first.

• Ask for a charger and a working NB-3L battery with the camera, or budget for them.
• Remove the battery if you store the camera for a long time.

Basic care and accessories

A few simple photography accessories will protect the camera and keep it ready to use:

• A small padded pouch against scratches.
• A microfiber cloth and a blower for gentle cleaning.
• A spare NB-3L battery and a compatible charger.
• An extra SD card so you always have room to shoot.

What to pay

On European marketplaces such as eBay, working examples are typically listed around €115–€210. Compare listings carefully, as condition and included accessories affect where a camera falls in that range.

Conclusion: Small Camera, Real Character

The Canon DIGITAL IXUS 700 combines a 7.1 megapixel CCD sensor, a 3x zoom lens and an optical viewfinder in a body weighing approximately 170 g. It is a small camera with a handful of useful choices.

If you want an easy compact for travel or a bit of retro digital character, a well-checked example is a sensible pick. Test the lens and battery first.

Ready to explore cameras like the IXUS 700? Browse our selection of second-hand digital cameras and pair them with quality photography accessories at DutchThrift.com. You can also read our guides to the Canon IXUS 750, the Canon Digital IXUS 95 IS and the Canon IXUS 400.

Sources: Canon Camera User Guide for the PowerShot SD500 DIGITAL ELPH / DIGITAL IXUS 700 (Canon, PDF). Price range based on active European eBay listings of complete working examples, checked in September 2026.