Canon Ixus 750 Review: Retro Digital Charm

Introduction to the Canon Ixus 750

What you’ll get: context about the origins and appeal of this stylish retro camera.

Released in 2005, the Canon Ixus 750 was a premium digital compact camera celebrated for its stainless-steel body, pocket-sized design, and CCD sensor that rendered beautifully warm tones still admired today. Its charm has been renewed among photographers attracted to retro digital aesthetics.

I remember holding a compact point-and-shoot in the mid-2000s—its size felt liberating compared to bulky DSLRs. The Ixus 750 captures that same freedom.
Silver Canon Ixus 750 camera angled on a desk
Canon Ixus 750 retro compact — a stainless-steel design classic.

Key Technical Features of the Ixus 750

What you’ll get: a breakdown of the technical specs and limitations that define its look.

Image sensor and lens

The camera features a 7.1 MP 1/1.8-inch CCD sensor paired with a 37–111mm equivalent lens, offering f/2.8–f/4.9 aperture range. The CCD provides a unique softness and warm tones that differ from modern CMOS sensors.

ISO and video

Its ISO 50–400 range limits low-light handheld shooting, but outdoors, it shines. The VGA 30fps video recording feels primitive today, but artists appreciate its lo-fi aesthetic for overlays or experimental edits.

Working with ISO 100 in bright daylight once forced me to think more creatively about shadows, highlights, and timing my shots just right.
A detailed shot of a Canon camera resting on a backpack in an outdoor setting.
A Canon compact camera — Photo via Karolina Grabowska

Why Creatives Still Love It in 2025

What you’ll get: insights into its creative relevance and why it inspires today’s content makers.

Despite its dated specs, the Ixus 750 captivates enthusiasts on social platforms for its unmistakable CCD look. It’s perfect for discreet street photography, lo-fi video clips, and providing a nostalgic counterpoint to the polished sensor outputs of current digital cameras.

Walking through the city with the Ixus feels different—shots appear softer, warmer, and less “perfect” than smartphone captures, giving them soul.
A young woman with long hair using a vintage camera on a city street, capturing moments.
A retro camera in modern use — Photo via ArtHouse Studio

Buying a Canon Ixus 750 Second-Hand

What you’ll get: practical guidance for sourcing and evaluating an Ixus 750 from the second-hand market.

When considering a Canon Ixus 750 second-hand, thorough inspection ensures a rewarding find.

Checklist for buyers

  • Check LCD for fading or dead pixels
  • Test lens extension and zoom movement
  • Press shutter and dials for responsiveness
  • Check flash performance
  • Bring a fresh SD card to confirm it saves files
  • Plan to purchase an extra NB-3L battery
Stumbling on a clean digital relic in a thrift store feels magical—the moment it powers on, nostalgia floods in.
An antique film camera rests atop a stack of books, creating a classic still life scene.
Vintage camera finds evoke powerful nostalgia — Photo via Anna Tarazevich

Tips for Creative Use in 2025

What you’ll get: creative techniques for blending retro charm with modern workflows.

  • Pair it with vintage straps to highlight its retro styling.
  • Overlay VGA video clips into 4K edits for unique texture.
  • Use ISO 100 as a creative composition discipline.
  • Experiment with SD card glitching for digital art projects.
Adding grainy Ixus clips into a modern edit makes the story feel handcrafted—like vintage footage woven into the present.
A vintage camera surrounded by autumn leaves, music scores, and a straw hat in a nostalgic flat lay.
A retro-styled flat lay sparks creative ideas — Photo via Vika Glitter

Conclusion: Is the Canon Ixus 750 Worth It?

What you’ll get: final reflections on who this camera is for and why it still matters.

The Canon Ixus retro digital compact isn’t competing with modern phones or mirrorless cameras. Instead, it’s a deliberate choice for artists who want CCD texture, nostalgic tones, and creative limitations that spark innovation.

Often, tools with limits remind us that creativity isn’t about the latest tech—it’s about how we see the world.

Quick decision

  • Best for creatives craving warm CCD tones.
  • Not suited for low-light performance.
  • Pocketable and stylish on the go.
  • Affordable entry into retro experimentation.

Pros

  • Distinctive CCD color rendering
  • Sleek, stainless-steel build
  • Compact and discreet for daily carry

Cons

  • Weak ISO performance in low light
  • Small LCDs often degrade with age
  • Batteries require replacement

FAQs

Is the Canon Ixus 750 still usable in 2025? Yes, with limitations. It’s better for creative retro aesthetics than modern practicality.

What kind of memory cards work with the Ixus 750? It was designed for SD cards up to 2GB, but many units will also take SDHC up to 8GB.

Can I replace the battery in a Canon Ixus 750? Yes, NB-3L replacements are widely available, and a new one is recommended for second-hand purchases.

What should I check before buying a second-hand Canon Ixus 750? Inspect the LCD, lens mechanism, buttons, flash, and budget for a fresh NB-3L battery.

Rediscover the CCD aesthetic—find your retro camera today.

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