Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS review (Red)

One of the biggest benefits to CMOS sensors is their fast speed compared with CCD sensors. That's certainly true of the 300 HS, getting a noticeable performance jump from the CCD-based SD1400 IS. On the other hand, it is slightly slower than CMOS-based ultracompacts from other manufacturers. The camera goes from off to first shot in 1.5 seconds, with shot-to-shot times averaging 2.2 seconds without flash and 3.6 seconds with flash. Its shutter lag--the time it takes from pressing the shutter release to capturing a photo--is 0.5 second in bright lighting and 0.9 second in low-light conditions. The camera's burst mode is capable of capturing at 3.2 frames per second, with focus and exposure set with the first shot. It can shoot until your memory card fills up, though, which is nice; competing cameras have a burst limit and make you wait while images are stored before you can shoot again. The camera also has a high-speed burst mode that can shoot 3-megapixel photos at up to 8.2fps. The results are very good compared with similar modes on other cameras I've tested, suitable for small prints and definitely for Web use.

The look and design hasn't changed much from its predecessor, the SD1400 IS, or its predecessor, the SD940. It's still very, very small, which remains its greatest attribute. It's small enough that you'll never hesitate to take it with you. However, if you plan to keep it loose in a bag, invest in some manner of protection or risk scratching up its beautiful body and screen. The model is available in silver, black, and red. The lens barrel color closely matches the body, too, giving it a peculiar uniform look. Canon did add a slight gritty texture to the body, which is appreciated, but some might find it irritating.

Using the camera is remarkably comfortable, even for large hands. All of the controls are flat and flush with the body. It gives the camera a very smooth appearance, but using the four-way directional pad and center Func/Set button can be a little difficult. They do feel easier to press than past models, though. Also, while I had no problems using them, the buttons, shooting-mode switch, and zoom rocker are tiny, which might be a problem for some; it would be an excellent idea to lay hands on one before you buy it.

Regardless of their shape and size, the controls are easy to master. The menu system can take some getting used to depending on how quickly you can remember to hit the Func/Set button for shooting-mode specific settings and the Menu button for everything else. You also have the option to turn on a help system with hints and tips for choosing the appropriate settings or simply telling you what the shooting mode you're in is going to do. It's not uncommon to find, but Canon does a nice job of it. The next step is to get a full, searchable user manual on it since there's no printed manual included.

For connecting to a computer, monitor, or HDTV there are Mini-USB/AV and Mini-HDMI outputs underneath a small door right side of the body. The battery and memory card compartment is on the bottom under a nonlocking door. The battery does not charge in camera, and the shot life is rated at 220, so you'll probably find yourself opening the compartment quite a bit if you shoot regularly. Keep in mind, too, that using the zoom or burst shooting a lot, shooting full HD movies, and keeping the screen brightness high will all cut into your battery life.

Conclusion
Instead of just giving the PowerShot Elph 300 HS a megapixel bump and some extra shooting modes, Canon actually improved it from earlier iterations. One of the big issues with those past models was shooting performance, which is better on the 300 HS, especially in regard to continuous shooting. Photo and video quality are excellent, and instead of unnecessarily going up to 16 megapixels, Canon keeps it at a sane 12 megapixels, which is actually a lower resolution than its predecessor, the SD1400 IS. For those of you who like to keep your point-and-shoot in auto, the 300 HS is a smart choice.

Shooting speed (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Time to first shot

Typical shot-to-shot time (flash)

Typical shot-to-shot time

Shutter lag (dim)

Shutter lag (typical)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9

1.1 

3.8 

1.7 

0.7 

0.4 

Canon PowerShot Elph 300 HS

1.3 

3.6 

2.2 

0.9 

0.5 

Nikon Coolpix S4000

2.9 

4.1 

2.5 

1 

0.6 

Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS

1.5 

4.9 

2.7 

0.7 

0.5 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570

2.3 

5.1 

4.6 

0.7 

0.4 

Find out more about how we test digital cameras.