CANON POWERSHOT ELPH 330 HS REVIEW
Canon releases yet another mid-range cutting edge camera, the Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS which boast of ground-breaking features at the lowest price ever. The camera falls between the IXUS and the ELPH line-up of compact cameras. It is a high-performance point-and-shoot camera that is known today for its great aesthetics and sleek design.
However, its qualities go beyond just the looks as it is among the first compact cameras to be made Wi-Fi enabled for faster image file transfer. It has excellent image quality but with the revolution of the smartphones with amazing cameras, is it worth a shot? We’ll find that out in this detailed Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS review.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
We can have a peek under Canon Elph 330 HS’s body to see just what makes it stand out from other compact point-and-shoot cameras in the market today.
Type: Compact point and shoot with n=built in flash
Resolution: 12 megapixels, 461000 maximum resolution
ISO: Native ISO: 80-6400
Extended ISO: 80 to 6,400
Shutter Speed: 15 seconds minimum and 1/2000 of a second maximum
Continuous Shooting Rate: 2.4 frames per second
Size: 3.6 in. x 2.2 in. x 0.8 in
Weight: 5 ounces or 1.1 pounds
Media Storage: SD card, SDHC, or SDXC cards, Eye-Fi SD
Pricing Options:
Price in Canon Store: $249.99
New on Amazon: $179.99
On Sale: $200
Used: Starting from $94.50 plus $5.04 shipping fee.
Kit options: Accessories Kit $19.95 including batteries and mount
You can take advantage of the fantastic deals at Amazon store for this great camera.
KEY FEATURES
The 12.1mp Canon Powershot brags of an integrated in-built Wi-Fi that enable instant photo transfer and sharing to the varied social networks we have today. It also stands out from its line-up with a sophisticated new 10x optical zoom having a 24mm wide angle lens. This enables you as a photographer to get close and wide enough to capture some of the most amazing pictures of the world despite the prevailing condition.
The cameras flagship feature is the Canon HS system which is a combination of the 12.1 mp CMOS sensor as well as the Digic 5 image processor. This feature provides you with the capability to take detailed, lucid, natural-colored and sharp images. The 1080p full HD video shooting property will enable you to preserve some of the best memories thanks to the Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS. Its high-speed autofocus system will allow you to take quick action shots with a good precision and accuracy. Click here
Another great feature bagged by this camera is the intuitive IS which offers clear images free from noise and blur. The eco mode which has been incorporated in it promises longer shooting periods in one charging.
IMAGE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
The 10x zoom lens is capable of delivering breath-taking optical performance and dynamism. The high-performance lens with which it is fitted, combined with the zoom provides the best compact design. The zoom range of the camera starts from 24mm wide-angle to a 240mm telephoto. These allow you to capture objects at a relatively far distance as well as cover sweeping landscapes and large groups of people or objects.
The image stabilizer that works with the help of the lens shift technology is very vital when you are hand shooting objects to reduce the blurriness in results. It also gives you the ability to shoot at low shutter speeds allowing more light accommodation without you having to adjust the ISO.
The stabilizer, therefore, yields sharper and steadier images. The 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor ensures high sensitivity that delivers an unmatched imaging performance. The camera employs a complex light-capturing design that provides improved ISO to reduce noise. The DIGIC 5 image processor being a flagship feature of the Canon Company works excellent in this camera. It provides faster processing power and more detail in images without the need to utilize artificial photo editing tools.
The image quality is high from ISO 80 through to the highest ISO 6400 thanks to the HS system. This feature of the Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS is quite handy when shooting in low light situations.
DESIGN AND CONTROLS
The camera is characterized with excellent ergonomics attributed to its sleek design and all metal exterior. It is available in three colors, which are black, pink and silver. The aperture of the lens starts at f/3 and closes at f/6.9 when zoomed in fully. The Canon elph 330 hs has a 3 inch rear LCD that is very sharp. The design of the ELPH HS doesn’t feature many buttons but just the ones needed for control. The hybrid automatic mode in this canon product will enable you perform most tasks automatically.
The toggle switch allows you to gain more control by turning on the program shooting mode. The control button at the back will then enable you to adjust the EV compensation. The flash control is also activated in the program shooting mode. The set button activates the menu overlay button that provides more access to the camera features. These include ISO adjusting, white balance and continuous drive mode to name a few.
Besides its jewel Wi-Fi feature, it also has an HDMI port through which you can connect it to a digital TV.
PROS
• It is quite small, light, and compact hence better handling.
• The Wi-Fi feature makes it very efficient in image sharing and file transfer.
• It is quite cheap for the features it contains.
• The camera is user-friendly with the help of the Canon hybrid automatic mode.
• It has great effects such as prolonged exposure and color isolation.
• The LCD is bright enough and decent.
• It has a long battery life.
• Image quality is quite high for a compact point-and-shoot camera
• It has a sharp lens and a 10x zoom range that is quite practical.
CONS
This compact camera from Canon Company also has some flaws that could be improved.
• It has a small aperture lens
• It lacks full manual controls.
• The video shooting mode is limited to 24 frames per second in the 1080p mode.
• Even though it has excellent picture quality, it cannot be compared to the DSLRs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is one of the worthy compact cameras ever produced going for $200. The Wi-Fi feature has put it on a pedestal among its rival compact cameras. Therefore, as portrayed in this Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS, the camera can be ideal for beginners or those looking for a cheap point and shoot camera.
The video shooting capability of this camera may not be its strong suit, but it is sufficient for a mid-range compact camera. Therefore, we would not recommend it for those into professional videography. It can be a perfect personal camera for outdoor activities being portable and light.
VERDICT
Compact cameras cannot be compared to DSLRs regarding image quality and performance. However, the Canon Powershot ELPH 330 HS has some competitive features. It is quite cheap, yet an excellent performer. You can use it to complement your primary camera in business trips and outdoor activities.
Therefore, if you already own this camera, you can provide us with your thoughts on its features and performance based on your experience. For those looking for a first camera, the ELPH 330 HS is an excellent choice.