|
|
Steve's Conclusion
|
Steve's SnapShot |
|
Pros
|
|
|
Cons
|
|
Timing Test Results
|
|
|
Bottom Line
|
| The Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS is an outstanding ultra-compact digicam that is loaded with high quality features and the powerful HS system. It produces amazing image quality while still being easy enough for anyone to use. |
|
Pick This Up If...
|
| ...You are looking for an ultra-compact to carry every day and you
require the highest image quality possible from a camera of this size. |
Looking at our outdoor images, most of which were taken on an overcast afternoon, show that the camera does very well with its exposure and excellent with reproducing color. It did however, struggle a little with the higher dynamic images. The cannon shot shows slight overexposure in the overcast sky while the museum shot shows some noisy shadows on the building. All of the images are crisp and show a tremendous amount of detail. Along with being incredibly compact, the 8x optical zoom lens makes the camera incredibly versatile for its size. With a 35mm equivalent of 28-224mm, vast landscapes and close-up shots alike are at your fingertips.
Our indoor samples show us that the camera is capable of capturing one of the sharpest, most detailed images that we have seen from an ultra-compact. At ISO 100, the amount of clarity and detail is amazing. As your ISO settings go up, the images keep their outstanding quality all the way through ISO 1600; which is not normal for most compact and ultra-compact cameras. Once you hit ISO 3200 you really start to see a grainy image, but it also exceeds most camera's ISO 1600 quality; and you could still produce pleasing smaller prints. Assisting with your low-light and indoor shots is a small built-in flash unit. With a maximum range of up to 13ft. (W) at ISO auto, you should have no problem lighting a small room or group of people.
With the increase in camera features and image quality, the Portrait modes of the new compact cameras has also increased greatly. With face detection that recognizes and follows a face almost instantly once its within the frame, the camera is always ready to capture an image with the optimal settings (exposure, focus, WB, etc.) based on the face or faces, and nothing else. While this might leave some over or under exposed areas in the background, the camera makes sure you get what is most important; the subject. Our sample image shows two faces with great exposure and natural skin tones. The HS system allowed the camera to capture the image without the flash, eliminating any chance of red-eye or white balance issues within the portrait.
Capturing HD video on the 310HS is as easy as hitting the video record button at any time while the camera is in any shooting mode. The camera's full 1080p HD video quality is very good for a compact digicam, producing a bright image while maintaining focus. The camera's on-board mic is very sensitive and will pick up sounds that are close to the camera, including the wind, which can be heard in our sample. To help reduce background noises, try to stay out of the wind and away from anything that makes a constant sound.
Powering the 310 HS is a 3.7V, 760mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Although this is a small battery, we were able to capture over 250 images and videos on a single charge, surpassing Canon's claims of just 210 images. While it is very exciting to see a battery outlast its expected number of images, at just 250 you will always want to have a spare battery on hand at all times. The included portable charger makes it easy to keep an extra charged and with you all the time.
Bottom Line - The new Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS is a fantastically powerful ultra-compact Digicam. Sporting a 12-Megapixel HS CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processor and 8x optical zoom lens that make up the HS system, the camera captures extremely high quality images even in lower-lighting conditions. It also comes loaded with useful and easy to use features that allow anyone to just pick up the camera and start shooting. With a MSRP of $259.99 USD, this is an affordable and compact camera with class leading image quality.
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
| Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12MP Digital Camera - Blue | |||
| Seller | Price | In Stock | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $215.00 | Yes |  2854 reviews |
 | $229.69 | Yes |  274 reviews |
| AmericanPro2011 | $278.80 | No | No seller reviews |
