Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Pro Reviews

The IXUS 255 HS / ELPH 330 HS is positioned in the middle in the IXUS / ELPH range and provides a good balance between features and performance on the one hand and price on the other. It outclasses the 16.1 Megapixel CCD sensor-based entry-level IXUS / ELPH models in every way, sporting better image quality and noise performance, a wider range of shooting modes, Full HD video, a longer zoom and a better quality screen. In terms of progress, it's also a better model than the 2012 IXUS 230 HS / ELPH 310 HS that it replaces. But aside from the 10x zoom range, (the IXUS 230 HS / ELPH 310 HS has an 8x 28-224mm zoom), the changes are incremental. The IXUS 230 HS / ELPH 310 HS remains in the IXUS / ELPH line-up for the time being and now looks like a great value for money buy. Nonetheless the IXUS 255 HS / ELPH 330 HS is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile and classy point-and-shoot compact with great image quality and a capable zoom range. As such it's a deserving recipient of Cameralabs' Highly Recommended Award.

Although the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS camera isn't a high-end camera that will compare favorably with interchangeable lens models or fixed lens models with large image sensors, you'll find that the ELPH 330 stacks up well when comparing it to similarly priced cameras with 1/2.3-inch image sensors. It works quickly, it has good image quality, and it's a thin camera with a 10x zoom lens. Flash photos are probably its biggest weakness, but many cameras in this price range also struggle with flash photos. Versus other beginner-level camera around the $200 price point, the PowerShot ELPH 330 is a solid camera that will give you a good value and good results.

For the price, it's a great little camera and if you're looking for a slim unit that has a host of features, good build quality and produces excellent pictures, then you need to take a look at the Canon IXUS 255 HS.

One of the best cameras you can buy for less than $250, the svelte, 10x-zoom Canon PowerShot Elph 330 HS takes beautiful pictures and lets you send them instantaneously with integrated Wi-Fi.

We had a difficult time grading the 330 HS for several reasons. For $230, you’re paying for a camera that shoots good quality photos, is stylish, and is simple to use. However, at the end of the day, it’s still a point-and-shoot, and at $200-plus it’s somewhat pricey for a plain shooter. If your budget allows, we would recommend upgrading to the PowerShot S110, which is better performing, has a variety of shooting modes, and has a compact profile – albeit not as svelte and light as an ELPH. Five years ago, smartphones couldn’t compete with a standalone digital camera when it comes to photography. In a very short time, smartphones have caught up in image quality. Yes, smartphones still can’t rival that of a digital camera – especially if you want to print out your photos later – but they have become so good that users are happy enough to carry just one device that can do it all. And statistics show that more and more users are using their phones for casual, day-to-day photography, which suggests they are willing to sacrifice some quality for fun features like uploading and sharing to Facebook or e-mailing them friends and family. Cameras like rugged cams, megazooms, and interchangeable lens shooters still have a place, but point-and-shoots like the 330 HS are continually being overshadowed by their distant cellular cousins. It’s hard to justify carrying two gadgets when one can do it all. For non-smartphone users or those who want a dedicated camera that’s easy to carry around and shoots good photos – perhaps at a party or on vacation – the 330 HS is a good option, albeit a bit pricey. But, looking into the future, with smartphones now accounting for more than half of cell phone users and continuing to rise, good cameras like the 300 HS won’t be good enough next year – smartphones will be the new point-and-shoot. Sex appeal won’t sustain current point-and-shoot models like the 330 HS; it’s time for the ELPH to evolve considerably or die.

Immaculate image quality is the highlight of this superb point-and-shoot camera