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Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,442 ratings

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About this item

  • World's thinnest digital camera with a 24mm ultra Wide-Angle lens and 5x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer.
  • Canon's HS SYSTEM with a 12.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash
  • Full 1080p HD Video for exceptional quality with stereo sound, plus a dedicated movie button for easy access.
  • Get high-speed shooting in a point-and-shoot camera: High-speed Burst Mode captures 8.0fps and
  • Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 32 predefined shooting situations.
  • Super Slow Motion Movie records video at high speeds to allow slow motion playback.
  • Zoom optically while shooting video and keep footage stabilized with Dynamic IS.
  • And lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
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Price$339.99$119.99-29% $49.99
List:$69.99
$519.99$464.22$99.95
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Customer Ratings
Zoom
4.2
3.8
4.4
4.2
4.2
3.9
Picture quality
3.0
3.8
4.4
3.9
3.9
4.0
Image stabilization
4.1
4.0
4.3
4.0
4.0
Easy to use
4.1
4.8
3.5
3.5
3.3
Battery life
4.1
4.5
4.2
4.2
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display type
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
display size
2.7 inches
2.7 inches
2.4 inches
5 inches
3 inches
lens type
zoom
Wide Angle
Close-Up
wide,telephoto
Wide Angle
zoom type
Optical
Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom
Optical zoom
Optical
Optical Zoom
shooting modes
Automatic
Automatic, Portrait, Landscape, Macro
Automatic
P, hybrid auto, creative shot, portrait, smile, wink self-timer, face self‐timer, high-speed burst, night scene, low light, monochrome and more
P, hybrid auto, creative shot, portrait, smile, wink self-timer, face self‐timer, high-speed burst, night scene, low light, monochrome and more
Easy
connectivity tech
HDMI, USB
USB
USB
HDMI D (Micro), USB Mini-B (USB 2.0)
HDMI D (Micro), USB Mini-B (USB 2.0)
USB

What's in the box

  • HDMI Cable
  • Tripod
  • Battery
  • Wrist Strap
  • Battery Charger
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    Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)


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    Product Description

    Product Description

    The Canon 5096B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Black 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom and 2.7 In. LCD Display has a slim profile that will not only make you stand out from the crowd, but it will also deliver incredibly brilliant still images and amazing 1080p HD videos. Once you turn on the camera, be prepared to be amazed at how much is packed into one of the slimmest point-and-shoot digital cameras on the market. So let your imagination run free and let the HS SYSTEM, 24mm 5x Optical Zoom and 12.1 Megapixels help you achieve great images everywhere.

    From the Manufacturer

    Don't let the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera's slim profile and good looks fool you. This slick little device may stand out from the crowd, but it'll also deliver brilliant still images, ultra-detailed 1080p Full HD video, serious functionality, and a wealth of effects and automatic settings. You'll be surprised how much is packed into such a slim point-and-shoot. Let your imagination run wild, and let Canon's HS SYSTEM, a 24mm lens, 5x Optical Zoom, and 12.1 Megapixels help you snap great photos everywhere.

    The ELPH 300 HS is less than an inch deep and weighs less than 5 ounces. Ultra wide-angle 24mm lens and 5x optical zoom on board. Canon's HS SYSTEM improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash, and lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

    Incredibly Thin. Incredibly Powerful.

    Thin Is In

    At less than an inch deep and weighing just under five ounces, the PowerShot 300 HS will fit right in your pocket, but it packs plenty of power into its sleek point-and-shoot body. A 24mm ultra wide-angle lens with a powerful 5x optical zoom gives you the versatility to shoot in any number of situations, and the optical image stabilizer keeps things from getting too shaky when you're zoomed in tight. Whether you're out partying or just walking around town, you don't need to sacrifice style for power--the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS has got you covered for capturing great photos effortlessly.

    No More Dark Photos

    Canon's HS SYSTEM improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash, and lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

    The Canon HS SYSTEM takes the frustration out of low-light shooting, delivering clear, blur-free shots with all the ambiance intact, and freeing you from the sometimes unwanted effects of using the flash. Beautiful low-light shots are possible at both low and high ISO speeds, and the dynamic range is expanded to retain maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas.

    The system is the result of two technologies brought together in this compact PowerShot. The first is the 12.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, which positions the light-receiving surface for optimal light reception. More light means clearer, blur-free images with plenty of detail and nuance, even in dark areas. Working together with the CMOS sensor to deliver the HS SYSTEM is Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor, which actively reduces noise and delivers high speed image processing.

    Canon’s HS System provides dramatically greater sensitivity than your average camera with identical or greater megapixel counts.
    Click here for a larger image
    The HS Megapixel Advantage

    There's more to megapixels. Canon's HS System provides dramatically greater sensitivity than your average camera with identical or greater megapixel counts. That means you don't need excessive megapixels to achieve spectacular images with minimal noise, and you get equally impressive results out of the 12.1 megapixel ELPH 300 HS.

    Memorable Moments in Full HD

    Experiencing the brilliance of HD video in a Canon PowerShot ELPH digital camera has never been easier. With the convenient dedicated movie button, you'll be able to instantly record everyday moments in high-definition detail at the push of a button. Record in Full 1080p HD with stereo sound, and pick up the optional HTC-100 HDMI cable for viewing your footage directly on your HDTV.

    You can also use the optical zoom while shooting video, so you can get in nice and close--plus, no need to worry about shaky footage thanks to dynamic image stabilization to keep your videos steady!

    Capture video in Full 1080p HD resolution, and add an optional HDMI cable for enjoying directly on your HDTV.
    A PowerShot that Keeps Up with the Action

    Sometimes, the action just won't stop for you. The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS comes equipped with a High-Speed Burst Mode that can capture eight frames per second. Just hold down the shutter button and catch rapid-fire action sequences--perfect for sporting events!

    You can also add a fun slow motion effect to your videos, using Super Slow Motion Movie. Super Slow Motion Movie will record your clips at a high speed, so that when you watch your videos, they'll play back in slow motion--a great feature for analyzing sports play-by-play, or just for creating fun visual effects.

    Advanced Smart AUTO for Stills and Videos that Shine

    The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera takes the quality of your still images and videos to a whole new level--automatically. The camera's advanced Smart AUTO system detects a wealth of information about the scene you're shooting, then automatically selects the optimal settings for you. Now with an expanded range of 32 shooting scenarios, the camera handles a wide variety of situations, freeing you up to concentrate on composing your shot and capturing the moment you're looking for. From portraits to landscapes to action scenes, the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS digital camera has you covered, whether you're shooting stills or videos.

    Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 Functions Canon PowerShot ELPH Series Feature Comparison
    • Smart AUTO
      The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity.
    • P Program
      Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically.
    • Movie Digest Mode
      Records a video clip before capturing a still image and then combines one day's worth of clips into a video.
    • Portrait
      The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject pop.
    • Kids & Pets
      Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.
    • Smart Shutter
      The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame.
    • High-speed Burst
      The camera shoots continuously at a high speed of approx. 8.2fps while you hold down the shutter.
    • Best Image Selection
      The camera takes five photos in succession, and then chooses the best one out of the bunch.
    • Handheld Night Scene
      Suppresses image blur even without the help of a tripod.
    • Low Light
      For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly-lit situations.
    • Fisheye Effect
      Add a classic photo distortion without a fisheye lens.
    • Miniature Effect for Movies & Stills
      Emphasizes perspective for a miniature effect by blurring upper and bottom portions of videos and stills.
    • Toy Camera Effect
      Simulates photos taken with "toy" or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effect.
    • Creative Light Effect
      Transform background bright spots to stars, hearts, music motes and more.
    • Monochrome
      Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or Blue.
    • Super Vivid
      Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors.
    • Poster Effect
      Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrasts.
    • Color Accent
      Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome.
    • Color Swap
      Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects.
    • Beach
      Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.
    • Foliage
      Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.
    • Snow
      Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.
    • Fireworks
      Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.
    • Stitch Assist
      Build awe-inspiring panoramas by neatly aligning sequential images.



      Camera
      ELPH 500 HS
      ELPH 300 HS
      ELPH 100 HS
      Resolution
      12.1
      12.1
      12.1
      Optical Zoom
      4.4X
      5X
      4X
      LCD Size
      3.2"
      2.7"
      3.0"
      Image Processor
      DIGIC 4
      DIGIC 4
      DIGIC 4
      Focal Length
      24-105
      24-120
      28-112
      Image Stabilization
      Optical IS
      Optical IS
      Optical IS
      HD Video
      1080p
      1080p
      1080p
      Smart AUTO Scences
      32
      32
      32
      Number of Scene Modes
      26
      25
      26
      About the Camera
      Use the touch panel LCD for easy, fun operation. Ultra wide angle lens gets more in your shot
      Take this camera everywhere! Full HD, cool scence modes and Smart AUTO make shooting a breeze!
      Value in price but not in features. The HS SYSTEM, full HD Video in a small, compact frame, five colors
      Feature Call Out
      Touch Panel, F2 lens, HS SYSTEM, HD Video, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO
      Slim and Sexy! Ultra compact, and ultra wide angle, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest
      Value price, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO



      Movie Capabilities

      The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS gives you a variety of resolution options for shooting movies, depending on your needs. Shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps for up to 14 min. 34 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in HD (1280 x 720) at 24 fps for up to 20 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps for up to 43 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip and QVGA (320 x 240 at 30 fps) for up to 1 hour 58 min. and 19 sec. or 4GB per clip.

      Super Slow Motion Movie

      Record your clips in high speed (approx. 240fps), and then watch your videos in slow motion. (Watch a video of Super Slow Motion Movie Mode at the top of the page, just below the product image.)

      Miniature Movie Mode

      Miniature Movie Mode enhances perspective to make large scenes like cityscapes or landscapes appear to be in miniature proportions. (Watch a video of Miniature Movie Mode at the top of the page, just below the product image.)

      Easily Turn Your Memories into Videos

      Putting together a video containing highlights from family vacations, important occasions and other special events is now easier than you might imagine. Using the Movie Digest Mode, you can have the camera automatically record a short video clip (up to approximately 4 seconds) every time you shoot a still image. The camera will then combine an entire day's worth of clips into a single video. No editing required--Movie Digest Mode does all the work, so you can sit back and enjoy your video!

      Add Some Fun to Your Photos

      Two new scene modes, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome, add an artistic look to your photos.

      Toy Camera Effect

      Add some vintage nostalgia with Toy Camera Effect, which recreates the classic look by darkening the edges to make them appear as if they were photographed through a pinhole lens, and amping up the contrast.

      Monochrome

      Monochrome lets you stray from the usual black and white, letting you choose from three single-toned effects: Black & White, Sepia, or Blue, to really give your photos the effect you're looking for.



      What's in the Box

      PowerShot ELPH 300 HS (Black), Battery Pack, Battery Charger, Wrist Strap, AV Cable, USB Interface Cable, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, Documentation


      Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras

      Customer reviews

      4.2 out of 5 stars
      4.2 out of 5
      1,442 global ratings

      Customers say

      Customers like the quality, size and ease of use of the digital camera. They mention that the picture quality has proven excellent, the video looks very good and that the build is great. They also appreciate the pocketability and performance are very nicely balanced in this well.

      AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

      601 customers mention524 positive77 negative

      Customers like the image quality of the digital camera. They mention that the picture quality has proven excellent, the video looks very good, and the 12mp make the images very detailed. They say the build is great and it does take web posting worthiness photos when there is good lighting, and that the Elph 300 HS is good for snapshots.

      "...bounded by the stability feature no pixilation of any part and yes FULL HD 1080p. I connected it to see it on a projector through an HDMI cable...." Read more

      "...some ELPH 300 pictures I took of flowers in my neighborhood, showing sharp detail and nice blurred backgrounds...." Read more

      "...despite being an amatuer I feel like this thing actually improves the quality of pictures I take. I have three picky critiques:..." Read more

      "...All in all this is a wonderfully thought out camera with great image quality and image processing and it shoots stellar videos for it's compact size." Read more

      483 customers mention401 positive82 negative

      Customers generally like the quality of the camera. They say that it's excellent, built great, and takes web posting. It's better than average in low-light conditions, and the footage didn't lose quality while zooming. It is a surprisingly good camera, and it doesn't feel fragile. The stability factor remains true, and is able to read and see everything clearly.

      "...Stabilty factor remains true and yes I can read and see everything clearly.So I would say forget this camera looking Cheap or plastic...." Read more

      "...This is still a great little camera, and with all the used ones out there, one can be had for less than $100...." Read more

      "...Menu layout is intuitive. The scene modes are AWESOME. Very well done and despite being an amatuer I feel like this thing actually improves the..." Read more

      "...is a wonderfully thought out camera with great image quality and image processing and it shoots stellar videos for it's compact size." Read more

      414 customers mention381 positive33 negative

      Customers like the size of the digital camera. They say it's very compact, making it easy to tote around. The finish allows for a pocketable size, and the camera is just the right size for their intended purpose. It's lightweight, responsive, and retains quality when lighting is passable. Customers also mention that it' s convenient as any pocket camcorder, and slides in and out of pockets fairly easily.

      "...In no way/aspect it looks cheaper. The size is so compact and thin. My friend was with me when I opened it and she was like WOW so cute small camera...." Read more

      "...Bottom line – this is an outstanding little camera for its cost, size, features, and image quality. I give it a strong 5 stars...." Read more

      "...BEST BUT IN ITS PRICE RANGE.Did I mention this thing is small? Love it..." Read more

      "...quality and image processing and it shoots stellar videos for it's compact size." Read more

      309 customers mention283 positive26 negative

      Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say that the menus are not difficult to use, and the auto mode is self-explanatory. The camera has a low learning curve, and it is easy to switch quickly when entering a museum. Customers also appreciate the manual controls and the quality of low light pics. They mention that the camera is easy and quick to use to make video presentations.

      "...The usage of menu is very easy and simple just like previous canons. Has been updated and looks better and easy to move and select options...." Read more

      "...AUTO is self-explanatory. Put the camera on AUTO, focus, and shoot; the camera does it all for you, and almost every picture will be satisfactory...." Read more

      "...The canon simply is much more straight forward and I was willing to sacrifice some zoom power and megapixels for something that didn't require..." Read more

      "...The available buttons are easy to find by feel, with a small exception being the the Func...." Read more

      210 customers mention178 positive32 negative

      Customers like the performance of the digital camera. They say it works great for point-and-shoot, is impressed with the features, and is very usable. They are also very satisfied with the results, and appreciate how intuitive and functional the many options are. The pocketability and performance are very nicely balanced, and the tiny stereo microphone works fine. They also say that the lens shutters are not a problem.

      "...Comes with feature rich in it I didn't even have had time to use all but wanted to write this review to make sure if someone is planning to buy this..." Read more

      "...Bottom line – this is an outstanding little camera for its cost, size, features, and image quality. I give it a strong 5 stars...." Read more

      "...The continuous AF with face recognition is stellar with this camera in video mode. I was videoing my wife while she was driving...." Read more

      "...Pocketability and performance are very nicely balanced in this well built and well designed camera...." Read more

      164 customers mention150 positive14 negative

      Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it's worth the money spent, and is one of the best camera value they've seen.

      "...It looks CLEAN, EXCELLENT, EXPENSIVE AND GREAT VALUE.The usage of menu is very easy and simple just like previous canons...." Read more

      "...Bottom line – this is an outstanding little camera for its cost, size, features, and image quality. I give it a strong 5 stars...." Read more

      "...it for a couple days now, but I can honestly say this camera was worth every penny so far...." Read more

      "...portable, it is a very good performer and in my opinion one of the best camera values I have seen...." Read more

      130 customers mention88 positive42 negative

      Customers have mixed opinions about the brightness of the camera. Some mention that it handles low light very well, while others say that it disappointed with the low light ability. They say the lens is not clear and stars in regular light, and that the camera produces very dark videos with a weak flash.

      "...The faster lens (lower number) makes the camera better in low light, and it also makes it easier to blur the background for nice “bokeh” and shoot..." Read more

      "...It shoots surprisingly good movies.3. It performs reasonably well under low light conditions (CMOS sensor vs. CCD in S410)...." Read more

      "...In low light even with high ISO's it produced very dark videos. In a review someone commented that it should have sound with the slow motion video...." Read more

      "...video, optical zoom and auto focus during movie recording, strong low-light performance, good image stabilization, and small form factor..." Read more

      118 customers mention64 positive54 negative

      Customers are mixed about the zoom of the digital camera. Some mention that battery life, screen, and zoom are all good, while others say that it doesn't focus very good, the autofocus speed is slow, and the barrel distortion with wide angle lenses is noticeable. Some complain about the loss of detail and the zoom in and out seems a little slower than other cameras they have used.

      "...The camera offers a zoom of 5X and if you push further it offers 20X zoom and NO PIXILATION at all...." Read more

      "...4. In macro mode it's often impossible to make it focus on the feature you want even using Program mode with center focusing with small frame size..." Read more

      "...The smooth zoom creates nice looking transitions instead of warp speed ahead looks.The slow motion is a fun feature that works well...." Read more

      "...Also, the zoom doesn't seem to be variable, it goes at one speed, and it's pretty fast, so sometimes it can be hard to hit that sweet spot if you..." Read more

      ELPH 300 HS -- Great image quality!  Very portable and easy to use.
      5 Stars
      ELPH 300 HS -- Great image quality! Very portable and easy to use.
      Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HSThis review is 99% about photographs, not video. For this camera’s impressive Full HD (1080p) video capability see many other reviews here. Included with this review are some ELPH 300 pictures I took of flowers in my neighborhood, showing sharp detail and nice blurred backgrounds. (Look for the ants in the two pink camelias.)It’s November of 2019, and I sit here to review a Canon pocket camera that was first listed on Amazon in February 2011, almost 9 years ago. It should be obvious that a digital camera this old can’t be very good compared to those being released now, but that is not the case. This is still a great little camera, and with all the used ones out there, one can be had for less than $100. In fact, I bought mine just a few weeks ago for $75 on Amazon, and what a deal that turned out to be! For image quality this camera is better than a number of newer comparable Canon pocket cameras on the market, e.g. the ELPH 180 (release date 2016) which I also own.Because the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS has been out for so long, there’s no point in me covering all the specs and features; these can be found in the many Amazon reviews and on video reviews on the web. Instead, I’ll mention the few features that I have found to be the most impressive and most important to me. In order of importance the critical “must have” features of any point and shoot are 1) image quality, 2) ease of use, and 3) portability. All other “modern” features such as connectivity, GPS, etc. are nice but pale in comparison.I’m not a professional photographer nor even an accomplished enthusiast. I do shoot with a DSLR when I feel the urge, but more often I use a high-end point and shoot, the Canon G7X. With a fast 1.8 lens, 20.2 Mpixels, and large 1” sensor, the G7X produces outstanding photographs. I love my G7X, but I also like having a smaller and lighter alternative in my pocket for everyday use. Enter the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS.>> First, portability:This is a very small and lightweight camera. It’s very thin and with an area only a little bigger than a credit card. Some users with big hands might find the small size a drawback, but I don’t. Because it’s so light I can carry this camera in my pocket all day long, and I hardly notice that it’s there. I can’t say the same for the larger and heavier G7X. The power button is recessed, so the camera never gets accidentally turned on in my pocket. Note: Because of its very light weight, it is easy to introduce camera shake. A faster shutter speed should alleviate this.>> Second, ease of use:It’s almost axiomatic that the more features a camera offers the more difficult it is to learn to use. But one approach is to offer a carefully selected set of features and no more. This is what Canon has done with the ELPH 300, striking a balance between versatility and simplicity.This camera has two basic modes – AUTO and PROGRAM. Toggling back and forth between these is accomplished with a handy little slide switch on the back of the camera. AUTO is self-explanatory. Put the camera on AUTO, focus, and shoot; the camera does it all for you, and almost every picture will be satisfactory. On the other hand, PROGRAM mode gives the user many options, including white balance and several special scenes such as portrait, low light, kids&pets, high speed burst, etc. These are fun to play with, but for me the two most important features of PROGRAM mode are Exposure Compensation and the ability to set the ISO.Exposure Compensation: Many times the key subject in a picture will be either over exposed or under exposed if the camera is allowed to strike a balanced exposure in the scene. A good example is a person who is back lit by a bright sky. The Exposure Compensation allows the user to temporarily increase or decrease the exposure so as to properly expose the subject. On the ELPH there is a dedicated button on the back of the camera, making it extremely simple to make this adjustment. This button works only if the camera is in PROGRAM mode.ISO: In AUTO mode there is no control over ISO, shutter speed, or aperture. I have found that under ordinary lighting conditions the ELPH 300 will shoot in its “basic ISO” of 100 in AUTO mode. But by raising the ISO in PROGRAM mode, it is possible to “force” the camera to use a faster shutter speed while keeping the larger aperture for nice blurred backgrounds. At some point “noise” or graininess will become apparent at higher ISO settings, but I have found that a setting as high as ISO 400 (two stops above the base ISO) is fully acceptable.>> Third, image quality:The ELPH 300 HS has 12.1 Mpixels on a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS sensor. There are newer Canon pocket cameras with many more Mpixels on the same small sensor. In my opinion, 12 Mpixels is quite high resolution, high enough for sharp prints 9.3 x 14.3 inches, and if more megapixels are crammed onto the same sized sensor the quality of the image suffers. (See on line reviews about this.) There are 16 Mpixels on the same 1/2.3" sensor in the ELPH 130 & 180 and 20 Mpixels in the ELPH 360, and some reviews have noted the poorer picture quality. So unless the sensor size is increased along with the pixel count, there is likely to be a negative effect on image quality. I think with the ELPH 300 Canon has hit the sweet spot with the number of pixels on this little sensor.Another positive feature is the relatively fast lens on this camera, f/2.7 at its widest aperture. The ELPH 130 & 180, by comparison have only a f/3.2 lens, and the ELPH 360 has a f/3.6 lens. The faster lens (lower number) makes the camera better in low light, and it also makes it easier to blur the background for nice “bokeh” and shoot at higher shutter speeds.Colors are bright and rich, just what you’d expect, considering Canon’s legendary color rendition made possible by the DIGIC processor (version 4 in this case).Although Canon cameras are not famous for their autofocusing capability, I have experienced no more frustration with this camera than on my other Canon cameras. I think the slow autofocusing of Canon cameras is more of an issue with videos than with single shot photography.Bottom line – this is an outstanding little camera for its cost, size, features, and image quality. I give it a strong 5 stars. I have noticed some 1- or 2-star reviews mentioning mechanical glitches such as the lens not extending or retracting, but so far I have had no issues of this type. Because I bought this little gem for my wife, I am considering buying a second one before they’re no longer available. The cell phone camera has virtually killed the pocket camera, and as I lamented in my review of the excellent Canon PowerShot SD 1400 HS, little pocket cameras will one day soon no longer be available. So I recommend getting one now while you still can.
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      Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2011
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      Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
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      5.0 out of 5 stars ELPH 300 HS -- Great image quality! Very portable and easy to use.
      Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
      Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS
      This review is 99% about photographs, not video. For this camera’s impressive Full HD (1080p) video capability see many other reviews here. Included with this review are some ELPH 300 pictures I took of flowers in my neighborhood, showing sharp detail and nice blurred backgrounds. (Look for the ants in the two pink camelias.)

      It’s November of 2019, and I sit here to review a Canon pocket camera that was first listed on Amazon in February 2011, almost 9 years ago. It should be obvious that a digital camera this old can’t be very good compared to those being released now, but that is not the case. This is still a great little camera, and with all the used ones out there, one can be had for less than $100. In fact, I bought mine just a few weeks ago for $75 on Amazon, and what a deal that turned out to be! For image quality this camera is better than a number of newer comparable Canon pocket cameras on the market, e.g. the ELPH 180 (release date 2016) which I also own.

      Because the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS has been out for so long, there’s no point in me covering all the specs and features; these can be found in the many Amazon reviews and on video reviews on the web. Instead, I’ll mention the few features that I have found to be the most impressive and most important to me. In order of importance the critical “must have” features of any point and shoot are 1) image quality, 2) ease of use, and 3) portability. All other “modern” features such as connectivity, GPS, etc. are nice but pale in comparison.

      I’m not a professional photographer nor even an accomplished enthusiast. I do shoot with a DSLR when I feel the urge, but more often I use a high-end point and shoot, the Canon G7X. With a fast 1.8 lens, 20.2 Mpixels, and large 1” sensor, the G7X produces outstanding photographs. I love my G7X, but I also like having a smaller and lighter alternative in my pocket for everyday use. Enter the PowerShot ELPH 300 HS.

      >> First, portability:
      This is a very small and lightweight camera. It’s very thin and with an area only a little bigger than a credit card. Some users with big hands might find the small size a drawback, but I don’t. Because it’s so light I can carry this camera in my pocket all day long, and I hardly notice that it’s there. I can’t say the same for the larger and heavier G7X. The power button is recessed, so the camera never gets accidentally turned on in my pocket. Note: Because of its very light weight, it is easy to introduce camera shake. A faster shutter speed should alleviate this.

      >> Second, ease of use:
      It’s almost axiomatic that the more features a camera offers the more difficult it is to learn to use. But one approach is to offer a carefully selected set of features and no more. This is what Canon has done with the ELPH 300, striking a balance between versatility and simplicity.

      This camera has two basic modes – AUTO and PROGRAM. Toggling back and forth between these is accomplished with a handy little slide switch on the back of the camera. AUTO is self-explanatory. Put the camera on AUTO, focus, and shoot; the camera does it all for you, and almost every picture will be satisfactory. On the other hand, PROGRAM mode gives the user many options, including white balance and several special scenes such as portrait, low light, kids&pets, high speed burst, etc. These are fun to play with, but for me the two most important features of PROGRAM mode are Exposure Compensation and the ability to set the ISO.

      Exposure Compensation: Many times the key subject in a picture will be either over exposed or under exposed if the camera is allowed to strike a balanced exposure in the scene. A good example is a person who is back lit by a bright sky. The Exposure Compensation allows the user to temporarily increase or decrease the exposure so as to properly expose the subject. On the ELPH there is a dedicated button on the back of the camera, making it extremely simple to make this adjustment. This button works only if the camera is in PROGRAM mode.

      ISO: In AUTO mode there is no control over ISO, shutter speed, or aperture. I have found that under ordinary lighting conditions the ELPH 300 will shoot in its “basic ISO” of 100 in AUTO mode. But by raising the ISO in PROGRAM mode, it is possible to “force” the camera to use a faster shutter speed while keeping the larger aperture for nice blurred backgrounds. At some point “noise” or graininess will become apparent at higher ISO settings, but I have found that a setting as high as ISO 400 (two stops above the base ISO) is fully acceptable.

      >> Third, image quality:
      The ELPH 300 HS has 12.1 Mpixels on a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS sensor. There are newer Canon pocket cameras with many more Mpixels on the same small sensor. In my opinion, 12 Mpixels is quite high resolution, high enough for sharp prints 9.3 x 14.3 inches, and if more megapixels are crammed onto the same sized sensor the quality of the image suffers. (See on line reviews about this.) There are 16 Mpixels on the same 1/2.3" sensor in the ELPH 130 & 180 and 20 Mpixels in the ELPH 360, and some reviews have noted the poorer picture quality. So unless the sensor size is increased along with the pixel count, there is likely to be a negative effect on image quality. I think with the ELPH 300 Canon has hit the sweet spot with the number of pixels on this little sensor.

      Another positive feature is the relatively fast lens on this camera, f/2.7 at its widest aperture. The ELPH 130 & 180, by comparison have only a f/3.2 lens, and the ELPH 360 has a f/3.6 lens. The faster lens (lower number) makes the camera better in low light, and it also makes it easier to blur the background for nice “bokeh” and shoot at higher shutter speeds.

      Colors are bright and rich, just what you’d expect, considering Canon’s legendary color rendition made possible by the DIGIC processor (version 4 in this case).

      Although Canon cameras are not famous for their autofocusing capability, I have experienced no more frustration with this camera than on my other Canon cameras. I think the slow autofocusing of Canon cameras is more of an issue with videos than with single shot photography.

      Bottom line – this is an outstanding little camera for its cost, size, features, and image quality. I give it a strong 5 stars. I have noticed some 1- or 2-star reviews mentioning mechanical glitches such as the lens not extending or retracting, but so far I have had no issues of this type. Because I bought this little gem for my wife, I am considering buying a second one before they’re no longer available. The cell phone camera has virtually killed the pocket camera, and as I lamented in my review of the excellent Canon PowerShot SD 1400 HS, little pocket cameras will one day soon no longer be available. So I recommend getting one now while you still can.
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