Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Review

By:

Review posted 07/16/2013

Quick Take
Pros
  • Image quality is very good for a camera with a 1/2.3-inch image sensor
  • Performs well at low and mid-range ISO settings with minimal noise problems
  • Nice to find 10x optical zoom in thin camera
  • Start-up times are fast
  • Shutter lag is not noticeable in most situations
  • Shot to shot delays are minimal when shooting without the flash
  • Several Wi-Fi connectivity options
  • Camera fits in a desirable price point
  • LCD is of a good quality
  • ELPH 330 is very easy to use
  • HDMI slot included for downloading full HD video
  • Movie recording quality is good with fast autofocus
  • Compares favorably in performance versus similarly priced cameras
  • External battery charger included
Cons
  • Control buttons on back of camera are too small and too tight to the camera body
  • Minimal manual control options
  • Menu structure is a little odd and requires some practice to use efficiently
  • Full 1080p HD video limited to 24 frames per second
  • Camera's image quality on flash photos could be better
  • Vignetting occurs during some flash photos, depending on the angle of the shot
  • Using the flash slows down the ELPH 330's response times quite a bit
  • Wi-Fi can be a little tricky to set up, especially for those who aren't tech savvy
  • Inclusion of Hybrid Auto mode on the toggle switch is a little odd; few photographers will use this mode a lot
  • Battery lifespan could be better
Bottom Line
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. Read more in our Full Conclusion.


The PowerShot ELPH 330 HS continues Canon's streak of delivering some of the best point-and-shoot digital cameras on the market, topping buyer's guides and best-of lists every year. The HS stands for High-Sensitivity, boasting a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor mated to Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor and a 10x optical zoom lens. This image sensor and processor are wicked fast, and produce vivid colors even in lower lighting conditions. We're talking an ISO range up to 6400 and High-Speed burst shooting up to 6.2 frames per second (at full resolution).

Full HD 1080p video is expected in higher end ELPH series cameras, but one new feature this year is Movie Digest Mode which, utilizing the camera's Hybrid AUTO system to combine Smart AUTO (the camera chooses the best settings for the conditions) and Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization), records up to a 4-second video clip every time you take a still image. That way you not only have the photo to last forever, but the behind-the-scenes action as well.

Finally, like many new 2013 cameras, built-in WiFi is a must. Canon's WiFi is a little different though. Not only can you instantly upload your pictures to your personal computer or Facebook page, but Canon offers a free CameraWindow app (for both iOS and Android devices) as well as compatibility with Canon's iMAGE GATEWAY, and Wireless PictBridge for instant printing with select Canon inkjet printers.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Features
  • 12.1 megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor
  • 10x optical zoom lens (24-240mm equivalent)
  • DIGIC 5 image processor
  • Full HD 1080p video recording
  • Hybrid AUTO
  • Smart AUTO
  • Intelligent IS
  • ISO up to 6400
  • Movie Digest Mode
  • High Speed AF
  • High-Speed Bursts up to 6.2 frames per second
  • ECO Mode
  • Built-in WiFi
    • Compatible with Canon's CameraWindow app on Android or iOS
    • Compatible with Canon's iMAGE GATEWAY
    • Compatible with Wireless PictBridge on select Canon wireless inkjet printers
With color options like black, silver, or pink, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS can match anyone's style. It's available now with a $199.99 MSRP.

What's in the box?:
  • PowerShot ELPH 330 HS
  • Wrist Strap WS-DC11
  • Battery Pack NB-4L
  • Battery Charger CB-2LV
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM




Additional Product Views
HR_ELPH330HS_SILVER_3QFRONT_CL.jpg
HR_ELPH330HS_PINK_BACK_CL.jpg
HR_ELPH330HS_PINK_FRONT_CL.jpg
HR_ELPH330HS_PINK_KIT_CL.jpg


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.