Canon's compact digital IXUS range has a reputation for stylishness allied to a host of included features that will appeal both to amateurs - who just want to point and shoot - and to those who would like to have more control over their photo preparation. It comes as little surprise, then, that Canon has now released two more models (this one and the IXUS 65) that continue in the same tradition.

Stylistically there's little to choose between the earlier IXUS 55 and the 60. Once again it comes in a sleek, all-silver casing, is about the size and shape of a cigarette packet and weighs a laughable 145g. The main change is the increase in the pixel rate, from 5.0-megapixels to 6.0MP, whilst retaining the 3x optical zoom lens (f/2.8 - f/4.9). The image processor remains the DIGIC II which enables fast, responsive camera performance, while iSAPS technology analyses each scene and optimises key camera settings, or so it's claimed.

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The 2.5-inch LCD monitor gives 100 percent coverage (although a fairly redundant viewfinder is also included) and the brightness level can be adjusted through 15 levels. The AF system is the by-now standard nine-point AiAF with three exposure metering modes (Evaluative, Centre-weighted average, Spot) that add that extra bit of refinement for those who prefer to operate manually. There are now seven ISO settings including the new High ISO Auto as well as ISO 800 which works best with low shutter speeds (they range from 15 to 1/1,500 sec).

Choice is very much at the heart of this little beauty, as the easy-to-access Menu, Display and Function Set control buttons on the back provide multiple options for almost any type of lighting and speed conditions you're likely to come up against (it also provides support in 23 languages!).

For instance, there are 16 shooting modes that range from Night Snapshot, Stitch Assist and Movie to Foliage, Snow, Kids & Pets and Fireworks. You can even film underwater if you buy an additional case, or focus on a specific colour using Color Accent and Color Swap.

The effects menu likewise offers a range between Vivid, Neutral and Sepia or Black & White, Positive Film and Lighter or Darker Skin Tone. In addition to seven white balance settings and an A/V output (for both PAL and NTSC), there's one novelty amongst the image sizes - the introduction of widescreen stills (2,816 x 1,584) which can be played comfortably on your new HD 16 x 9 television!

Using the zoom ring outside the shutter button you can also have up to 10x playback zoom on each photo, to search for any details that don't meet your high standards before you decide to save or print.

The Canon IXUX 60 uses SD memory cards (one quite pointlessly small 16MB card is supplied with the pack) and a USB 2.0 connection lead is provided to copy off your images to a computer. Canon's software naturally manages this transition for you and PictBridge too is supported.

Apart from the irrelevant viewfinder, there isn't a single feature on this slim and elegant camera that doesn't have a multiplicity of functions that can be called into play for the more discerning snapper, whilst still appealing to the lazy point-and-shooter. It's an impressive package.