Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS Pro Reviews

A smart and stylish compact camera which is an ideal choice for those looking for something that they can easily slip into a pocket and forget about. It doesn't offer lots of manual control, but if you just want something for your holiday, parties and nights out, this is ideal.

Those looking for a well-featured, easy to use compact camera that is small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag while still sporting a decent zoom range should certainly consider the IXUS 265 HS, even if the wireless connection features aren't a priority. Images are good quality for a camera of this type, even if the corners can be a little soft when using the wide angle end of the zoom range. The Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity works excellently with the Canon camera window app, and the ability to control the camera remotely is a boon for those who enjoy getting themselves in the picture. Overall this camera represents good value, being priced well for the features and build quality it offers.

Cameras like the 340 are a reason why smartphones are winning the compact point-and-shoot war. Despite the 340 having an optical zoom lens and other easy-to-use features, most new smartphones are just as good in terms of functionality and image quality, if not better in many cases. We are shocked and disappointed that image quality seems to have been downgraded, no thanks to lesser specs. Throwing in Wi-Fi and NFC really doesn’t solve the convenience factor that smartphones offer. If there were an argument for not carrying two devices, it would be this. We know that there’s still an audience for compact cameras, even if there’s fewer and fewer of them. But at $199, we think there are better options, like Canon’s 330. Although it’s technically an older camera, we feel the 330 is far superior in performance. Sure, it lacks NFC, but NFC is not a must-have feature, nor do many devices support it; plus, for us, it didn’t even work as well, so we don’t think it’s something you’ll miss out on. And, at $179, you can use that extra cash saved, on a good memory card or camera case.

The Canon PowerShot Elph 340 HS pocket camera packs a long zoom into a slim body, but image quality drops off a cliff in low light.