Canon Powershot TX1

The TX1 looks ore like a really compact camcorder over a digital camera. But then again, you won't be too wrong in mistaking it for a camcorder since that's one of its primary functions too. Confusing? Let me begin at the beginning.

Labeling the TX1 as a digital camera or a camcorder would not be entirely accurate, as it actually combines the best of both worlds. It's shaped like a miniature camcorder with a flip-out screen and has the ability to record good quality high definition video (1280 x 720 p), and it works as a fully functional 7.1 megapixel digicam as well.

The TX1 is a compact 89 x 60 x 29 mm and weighs 220 grams, which may not exactly be featherweight but is light enough nonetheless. Though the overall look of the camera is very cool with its stainless steel body and the sleek design, unfortunately the design doesn't really translate well into good ergonomics.

Holding the camera effectively can get very tricky. There are no grooves or any indication of how you're supposed to grip it. When you do hold it the way its meant to be held, the steel body starts to get a bit too slippery for comfort.

The button placement, however, is perfect for single-handed operation, and once my fingers knew where to go, all the shooting went pretty smoothly. Still, I wish they had a better placement and design for the ridiculously sunk-in power button, which is the most frustrating part about the TX1.

That said, I still appreciate the fact that Canon actually managed to pack so much into a tiny body like the TX1's. A look at how tightly they've put together all the essential slots and and buttons into that little body, and you can't help but admire the quality of engineering that's gone into this device.

But just packing all these features together is not enough to make a good product – which became obvious in our performance tests.