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"Outstanding Little Camera!" on by AArcuri
Pros: Image quality is really great,
Image stabilization is very noticeable,
Great in low light,
Auto Focus is very impressive,
Battery life is great,
Ability to trim videos in edit mode and crop pics,
Easy to learn and use.Cons: No internal memory,
Slow zoom during video,
Video file sizes are too big.Summary: I bought the Elph 300 HS after much research and deliberation, as a replacement for another Canon camera I had owned for years, and broke through my own carelessness. I've had good experiences with Canon quality before, so I was already leaning in that direction. I also didn't want to spend more than $200.
This camera has exceeded all my expectations. It is truly lightweight, I have no problem taking it with me on everyday excursions, just in case I see something I think would be worth shooting (my camera phone is woefully inadequate). It is also VERY durable. I have dropped this camera twice (not in its case), both times from about four feet above the ground. Once it landed on concrete, the other time on a wood floor. As a result, the black casing is slightly scuffed up now, although it's not hugely noticeable. AND, the camera has continued to work perfectly.
Considering we live in an age where so many things are made withough much regard to quality, since it is expected that we'll re-buy/upgrade our possessions constantly, I am truly gratified to see that Canon obviously made this camera intending for it to last.
As to image quality, I am an amatuer, not really even at enthusiast level yet, but I think the image quality is really great. I also appreciate all the different scene modes and filters, and it's been so interesting working with them, that this camera actually inspired me to pursue photography again more seriously. I have a Nikon DSLR, but it was too much to lug everywhere, so I kind of just abandoned photography in general.
But the Elph 300 has been so much fun to use, it inspired me to buy another digicam with shutter and aperture priority modes, so I can get back to exploring photography more fully yet still conveniently (and maybe even put my Nikon to full use someday).
Speaking of manual controls, that's really the only thing this camera lacks (it does have Program mode, so you do have a bit of control over white balance and ISO). The Elph 500 does have the manual controls the 300 lacks, but I despised the touch screen, which I found was not nearly as responsive as, for example, an iPhone. But, keep in mind, this camera was never intended to be targeted to people who want full manual control. It's a small, take anywhere point and shoot that takes great pictures without you having to fiddle with it or think much about it. And as I said, there is some increased flexibility with the filters and scene modes provided (and there are quite a few of them).
There may be a learning curve with the menu system for non-Canon users, but nothing that a little bit of time and the manual (in PDF form, it's not printed) wouldn't take care of. Current Canon owners will find it very familiar and easy to use.
I would recommend this camera whole-heartedly for anyone who wants a lightweight P&S with great image quality, that's also simple to use and still provides a good number of creative options. This would be a wonderful intro camera to those completely new to digital photography. I gave this camera 5 stars because, for the audience it's intended for, it's an oustanding choice, and one which I can't find any fault with. People who want full manual controls will need to look elsewhere (e.g. higher-end digicams and DSLRs), but for a well-built, no-fuss camera you can take anywhere and have a lot of fun with, this is an excellent choice.
*Note, for best deal of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS, I suggest you have to check before you're will buy it at: Digitalcamerabestdeals.wordpress.com/canon-elph-300-hs/
Hope my review is helpful. -
"Awesome Point and Shoot!" on by Call-Me-Jeffrey
Pros: + Great image quality and image processing
+ Face detection works great
+ Slow motion video is also great
+ Great Looking CameraCons: - Zoom being slow in video mode
Summary: This is a point and shoot class camera, if you understand that going in, you are going to be more than impressed with it. I'm going from an SD630 and hands down, this beats it. I even had an SX210IS and these images are on par with it, if not better. I had to return my SX210IS as it had issues with dust on the image sensor and I've been waiting for a new P&S class to come out. I bit the bullet on this camera and what can I say - I am happy!
Update Link
300HS vs 500HS:
There is a 500HS version of the camera, which is approx $50 more. To this point, the only differences I can tell are the LCD on the back as well as aperture priority and shutter priority, while the 300hs does not. The touch screen on the 500hs can also be used to focus on a particular subject. The 500hs also has a wider aperture at 2.0, the 300hs has 2.7.
Form Factor/Display:
Small. Awesome. There is a texture on the camera, I really like this as it seems like it will help if you hands are wet (sweat, snow, etc). Easy to operate one hand and if using both hands, flash isn't in a horrible place. Display is very bright and button seem intuitive as with other Canon cameras. Battery and SD are on the bottom door, USB and HDMI are in a covered side port. Comes with a wrist strap if you desire a little extra security.
Boot Time/Software:
Camera is ready to take photos very fast. From the time you press the button, it's pretty much set to catch the action. Time between photos wasn't terrible (about 1.5 seconds) and if you need it, there is continuous shot mode. Had no problem with the Canon software on Windows 7. I've used the Canon Photo Window import for a while, does a good job of getting photos off the camera without duplicates. I use Picasa to then manage my photo library (I skip the Zoom Browser, but it's really not bad if you want to use it, I'm just a slave to Google/gmail)
Computer Connectivity:
I didn't find this anywhere in the specs, so if you're looking, the camera uses mini-USB, similar to all Canon's that have come out over the last few years.
Optical Zoom:
You're going to be impressed with the form factor of this camera and it's 5x OPTICAL zoom. I immediately disabled digital zoom as 12.1MP + 5x Optical will get you very close to the action. You're better off digitally enhancing the photos later on.
Battery + Memory Card:
This uses the NBL-4 (again, I found confusion on this and accessories) - so if you have some of those laying around keep them as they'll work just fine in this camera. This is nice as my SD630 uses the NBL-4 so now I have 2 chargers + 3 batteries. It took my 16GB SDHC (Sandisk Ultra) without any issues and holds thousands of images. Images have tended to be between 2 and 3mb on the highest settings.
Image Quality:
Look, I'm no photo fanatic, I don't expect the people buying this camera are. I am looking for solid images and this camera delivers. There are a ton a feature you can delve into and I'm sure they are good. It has manual mode, so if you fancy that, you can go down that path. But I'm the type of person that knows when something looks good, OK or great. This camera consistently delivers GREAT photos. I'm happy with the low light and images aren't blurry or grainy (within reasonable expectations).
Video:
FINALLY! Optical zoom on a Canon during video! 1080p brings this camera up to par with others in its class and it does a decent job. I didn't notice any major noise when zooming in and out while recording video. I know this is the excuse Canon has used in the past as to why they never had this feature. It shoots nice clips for those quick moments. This will NOT replace a true DV cam, but hey, for a few minute clips here and there, you will simply not be dissapointed.
Lastly, If you will buy this camera I suggest for best deal at: www.amazon.com/exec/******/****/B004J41T7Q/cnet-offer-20
Updated on Oct 2, 2011
If you will buy the 300 HS I suggest you have to compare for best price before you decide at: http://300HS.url-Go.com -
"Best point and shoot for architectural records." on by chad-email.com
Pros: Fast start-up time
Excellent photo quality
Pin point zoomed in focus review
Excellent build qualityCons: Paint on the red version scratches easily
Summary: My only issue with this camera is that the body paint on my red version has scratched in several places. If you want a compact camera that takes EXCELLENT photos in any situation then this is it. You can pay more for the 500HS, but it's not worth it, this is a better camera. I use it on construction sites to take photos to record architectural details. Taking accurate photos of the as-built conditions and making an accurate legal record of those conditions is critical in my line of work. I used to use a DSLR, but those are a pain to haul around sites and can't always fit into the spots where we need to take photos. This camera is excellent in low light, zooming in on details as well as taking wide full shots. It is so good, that we've purchased 6 more for our site supervisors and building techs in the field, they all love it and are glad to give up their DSLR's. Every few years a camera just comes together the right way, this is one of them. I believe that this camera will become the standard in the industry to beat.
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"My High expectations were far exceeded." on by danielj820
Pros: The speed, size and photo quality is great, but I am most blown away with the low light performance.
the zoom is great, I can zoom to take a picture and pick up far more detail than with my eyes.
the finish is sand paper like, but is like a very fine graiCons: Auto mode sometimes uses flash when it shouldn't. And uses too high of an iso speed in some cases, resulting in some avoidable noise.
Summary: I just want to confirm everything from the editor's review.
The battery life is decent, but for 10 bucks on ebay, i found two 1400 mAh battery's, (vs the original 700 something) and a travel charger.
I am VERY happy with this camera, and HIGHLY encourage you to consider it.
Updated on Jul 2, 2011 -
"Great camera." on by HAWGNDODGE
Pros: Blazing fast start up.
Amazing video quality.
Great pictures.
Compact size.Cons: no screen protector included.
Summary: Extremely pleased with this camera. I can't impress enough how good the video quality is. The photo quality is even better if that's even possible. Used it for a week at Disney and charged it every night. Never had an issue with battery life during the day. Would highly recommend this camera.
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