There is nothing new about digital video cameras being able to take still photos, or digital still cameras being able to take video clips. However, in the past the results have been very ordinary - stills taken on a video camera were usually 640 x 480 snaps suitable for the Web, and little else.

The MX2i changes that. It can take 1,280 x 960 images, and is a fully functional still camera capable of panoramas and producing high quality prints - right down to having an optional Direct Print facility that allows photos to be printed directly from the memory card.

The auto flash appears when required, even when recording still shots directly to tape. The 8MB SD memory card comes with a dozen sample backgrounds and pictures. Unless deleted however, they'll limit the amount of storage space.  You can  also record stills to tape and transfer them later, but that reduces their resolution to 640 x 480.

The still functionality makes the MX2i bulkier than its MV series cousins, but it remains compact and easy to handle.
The 10x power zoom focuses well and quickly even in poor light: on Night Mode it will shoot in as little as 0.5 lux, but is best at 100 lux or better.

Included is a lens hood for shooting in bright conditions and there is a choice of LCD screen or viewfinder for lining up your shot.

The bundled software includes Canon's standard still image suite as well as video conferencing and editing software designed for Windows XP.

Still images can be transferred to your PC over a USB link, however you'll require a FireWire connection to transfer your video.

This is a quality combo camera, full of features that will even have enthusiasts queuing up.