The first rule of photography is 'to get the photo, first you have to have a camera on you' - and that's what a pocketable camera like the Ixus is all about.

The smallest and lightest digicam of its time when it was launched, this model is now rather dated, but it still does the job.

I must admit I carry the D70 more and more, but there are times when I don't want anything I have to look after - going to the pub, at the Ring, etc - and there the Ixus is always to hand.

If I were looking for a pocket digicam today, the Contax SL300R T would be top of my list. Great quality, in a fantastic form-factor.