Hello.
Speaking of which, what kind of cameras do you usually use to take photos? "Smartphone photos are good enough, and I use a full-frame for work. Isn't that sufficient?" Honestly, there was a time when I thought the same way.
But recently, a camera I casually picked up from the shelf gave my "efficiency-first" mindset a good shake. That camera was the Canon IXY 90F, a compact digital camera released in 2013.
Today, I'd like to share its charm, along with a record of a stroll I took with this small companion.
Lightness is beyond "justice," it's "freedom"
The first thing that surprises you when you pick it up is its overwhelming lightness and slimness. It slips into a shirt pocket easily, and you hardly feel its weight. It's much "lighter" than today's larger smartphones.
A bus stop on Showa Street. This everyday distance and casual snap. The IXY 90F's compact size allowed me to pull out this moment from my pocket.
Walking along Showa Street, I point the lens at a mundane scene of waiting for a bus. Instead of gearing up to "take a shot," I press the shutter as if blinking. I reaffirmed that this nimbleness is why the IXY has been loved for so many years.
"Just right" and comfortable depiction
Looking at the specs alone, it's a model from over 10 years ago. But take a look at the photos it actually takes.
There isn't the "too perfect vividness" created by AI, like with the latest smartphones. It's somehow gentle, a slightly nostalgic rendering that vacuum-seals the atmosphere of the time.
The Jizo statue I encountered in the temple grounds. The IXY's rendition preserves the texture of the stone and the soft gradations of the autumn leaves without over-processing them. This natural atmosphere is delightful.
What do you think of this "Jizo and autumn leaves" shot? The IXY's slightly mild and warm color reproduction seems to blend very well with the Japanese autumn landscape.
What's most reassuring is that this small body condenses high versatility, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto.
Vibrantly colored trees and a stately main hall. The IXY's rendering shows each color not being overly assertive, yet harmonizing with a strong presence. I feel a "straightforward color" passed through the lens, unlike the crisp, processed look of a smartphone.
Stepping back to capture the whole scene, or moving closer to highlight details. The freedom to choose how to capture a "fragment of the season" not just by moving your feet, but also with a single operation of your hand. The complex structure of the wooden architecture and the contrast of overlapping leaves are recorded with a natural, unforced texture.
This time, I boldly shot from a low angle, from the perspective of fallen leaves on the ground. This "playfulness" comes precisely from its small size and the casualness of it as a tool.
If you're seeking "convenience," a smartphone might win. But as a companion for "capturing everyday life from a slightly special perspective," this IXY 90F is still relevant today. In fact, perhaps now more than ever, its "fluctuating" rendering and tangible "tool-like feel" seem fresh.
If you have an IXY sleeping in your drawer at home, please charge the battery and take it out for a stroll. I'm sure the familiar scenery will look a little different.
Click here for a list of IXY 90F products
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