Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS-1Ds→Canon IXUS 285 HS A
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the EOS-1Ds. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the IXUS 285 HS A
-
Resolution20MP vs 11MP (+9MP)
-
Generation23 years newer (2025 vs 2002)
Unchanged or similar
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | EOS-1Ds | IXUS 285 HS A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -2.4 | ||
| Street | +1.8 | ||
| Travel | +2.6 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -3.2 | ||
| Documentary | -0.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.6 | ||
| Landscape | -0.9 | ||
| Wildlife | -2.3 | ||
| Casual | +3.6 | ||
| Food | -0.1 | ||
| Macro | -0.5 | ||
| Architecture | -0.9 | ||
| Astrophotography | -4.3 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS-1Ds | IXUS 285 HS A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £200 | £369 | |
| Released | 2002 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 11.1MP full-frame CMOS | 20.2MP 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 11MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | — | 1080p/30p | |
| Autofocus | 45-point AF with 7 cross-type points | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Stabilisation | — | Intelligent IS (lens-based) | |
| Burst Rate | 3fps continuous | 2fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots per charge | 220 shots (CIPA, estimated) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1270g (body only) | 145g (estimated) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | OVF, 0.70× magnification, 100% coverage | None (screen only) | |
| Screen | 2.0" fixed LCD | Fixed screen, no touch | |
| Mount | Canon EF | Fixed 12x zoom lens (25-300mm equivalent) | |
| Memory Cards | CompactFlash Type I/II | microSD (this 'A' revision only) |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See EOS-1Ds and IXUS 285 HS A next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the IXUS 285 HS A against your specific genres — not just specs.
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