Crazy Canon IXUS Camera Price Rise

I'm not sure what has happened, but the price of old digital Canon Powershot IXUS cameras such as the IXUS 40, IXUS 50, IXUS 55, IXUS 60, 70 and many more models has gone through the roof. I was researching these older IXUS models around a year or two ago, and every model mentioned here could be snapped up on eBay UK from between £5 - £15. But now, you'll be lucky to find one in working order for less than £40. The average price is around £70. Some are £100+. Even the ones being sold for parts / spares or repairs are commanding high prices.

I've seen this happen to a few brands and models over the years. Other than the Olympus E1 [great older DSLR] and few more, one that springs to mind was with some of the Samsung models. In particular the WB500. That fizzled out after a while and the price went back down. Now it seems like its Canon IXUS' turn.

Better off taking a look on Amazon

My question is: what has happened to make this massive price rise occur. This trend has come from somewhere. Has there been a glowing review on a popular photography website about how great these cameras were, or some other kind of media attention on this these models that has given them some new exposure and rocketed them back temporarily into the limelight. Does anyone know the specific reason for this price rise?

Don't get me wrong, these older IXUS models are great little cameras. The older models still have a lot to offer. Many of them feature Canon's signature Digic processing technology which is still used in their more newer models. However, the old Canon IXUS cameras may not have as many of the bells and whistles of the newer models, but they do have their own charm. 

And with many people looking back and missing some of the old school technology, this model holds quite a lot of nostalgic appeal. And for those of us who just want an everyday picture taker that's easy to use and can produce the goods, who really cares.

Old IXUS digital cameras still offer excellent image quality and features, including a variety of scene modes and an intelligent auto mode. Many are very small in size, too, making them nice and convenient to carry around.  I've seen some excellent unedited sample images from all the models mentioned in this post, especially the 55. Their simplicity and ease of use make them a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a straightforward shooting experience.  

Canon IXUS cameras have long been recognized for being pretty durable and reliable. Although like most cameras, regardless of brand and model, they are certainly not perfect. Samsung, Nikon, and Canon [owned quite a few and had problems with most], including these older IXUS models, are no exception. 

The IXUS do suffer from a few problems, one of those being screen display issues such as degradation of the display panel. The outer edges can start to darken over time and affect the viewing experience. Overall, though, they still possess a sturdy enough build that can withstand a good amount of everyday wear and tear. 

All things considered, the massive increase in price seems a little over the top. But if you have one of these cameras, or even a few that are sitting around in a drawer somewhere in your house not being used, now is a good time to sell. And make it snappy, before the price goes back down to normal. I wish I would have bought a few around a year or two back when I was researching them. I bought a few older Panasonic Lumix' instead, which I don't regret as they are excellent.