As a photo enthusiast I always wanted a nice camera that clicks awesome pics and that should be easy to fit in my pocket.Researched for this combination for about 2 weeks and shortlisted this one along with Sony WX1(Backlit sensor for low light Photography). I was very confused as the shutter speed of sony was much better as compared to canon but it was the longest shutter speed that got my eye which was 15 sec for canon and only 2 Sec for sony also Results form Sony WX1 was too faded to b eye catchy. Finally I decided to go for 120IS.
Picture Quality
In one word... SUPERB. I was amazed by the results of this 12.1 MP camera of this size. From Sharpness to Focus to Exposure...everything was mind blowing.Color reproduction in normal settings is a bit neutral but when u switch on to vivid color mode the pictures look brilliant. All colors are reproduced as it is without any modification in shade.
Auto mode is intelligent enough to detect the appropriate scene but if u want to utilize the true power of this unit use the program mode.18 predefined modes are given which suffice almost all the basic needs. Apart from that there is a program mode which gives you option of setting
Color Mode
White Balance
ISO Speed(80-1600)
No manual focus is available
long shutter mode
This mode gives you option of selecting the shutter speed(1-15). This is very helpful in shooting under low light conditions. Though you need a lot of skill for this as you have to keep your hand steady but if you do it correctly the results are out of this world.
Foilage Mode
This mode emphasize greens and seriously it does.. shooting greenery under this mode can really gives you a hint of freshness everytime you see the pics. Another Awesome mode.
User Interface
Camera is very easy to use with 2.5 inch ultra clear LCD that can be easily seen under direct sunlight. Menus are self descriptive. Although no direct controls of ISO or Modes but still it doesnt take much time to switch b/w modes.
Build
Camera is very sturdy. I dropped it twice from the height of 5 Feet on marble floor. Thanx to the solid build.......Its working perfectly fine.
Flash
Here comes the weak link. Flash is not that satisfactory. Fill flash options doesnt fill the whole frame
and normal flash mode brightens the subject too much to be liked. So dont buy this one if u are planning to use only Auto Mode.
Battery Life
Single Charge can easily gives you 300-400 Shots depending on the usage of flash in the pics.
Battery takes a bit longer to charge(Around 4 hours)
Price
I bot it for 12k in July 2010. Now its price is reduced to 10k.
Lens
if we go by the specs it says 28mm but in pics it shows 30mm. though it doesnt make much of a difference but ambiguity is there and I was expecting a bit more wider view from 28mm but its OK.
Zoom
Steadyness is the key at highest zoom(4X). 4 out of 10 images on 4X(Full) zoom are not as sharp as it should be.
HD Video
it shoots video in 720p. Video Clarity is good, microphone is very sensitive so you will not miss the ambient noises but the size is too big. (1 Sec == 1MB approx..)
Verdict
Best cam for daily use. you can easily put it in your pocket and dance in a party and still get best pictures...........so.........Go for IT..... :)