6 Canon Compact Digital ELPH Cameras That Will Fill Your Hand with Magical Photography Powers

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Canon coined the acronym ELPH for marketing purposes instead of it indicating any of the features of the compact cameras in this group. Canon added a “p” to the word “elf,” which it could not trademark, to describe these small, but powerful, little cameras.

1. The Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS, like all the ELPH models, offers a wide range of features for the casual photographer who wants both ease-of-use and quality picture taking—and in a stylish, contemporary body. The PowerShot SD4500 also includes Canon’s HS system, as do all the ELPH compacts. It is able to improve photo quality in low-light conditions because of the combination of Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor and each camera’s very precise CMOS sensor. Together, they reduce noise at high ISO levels and enlarge the camera's dynamic range, which results in digital photos with greater detail and more saturated colors in dark settings.

The SD4500 has a 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, plus it’s the first ELPH with a 10x optical zoom lens. The “IS” in its name refers to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, which helps to produce sharp images by reducing camera shake even at the longest focal length of the zoom. Despite its “elf-like” size, the SD4500 shoots 1080p HD video, and in slow motion, with its Super Slow Motion Movie mode. The Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS retails for $279.99.

2. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS features a 3.2-inch wide, intuitive, touch-panel LCD screen to select various camera settings and shooting modes with the touch of a finger. Combine an f/2.0 lens with Canon’s HS System (including a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor), and the ELPH 500 can take more photos without a flash and create more depth of field. The 500 model also has a 24mm wide-angle lens with a 4.4x-optical zoom range.

Full HD 1080p video with stereo sound comes to life quickly with a dedicated movie button. You can also zoom the lens during video shooting too and produce clear, sharp images with the optical image stabilizer. Other exceptional capabilities in this little package include an 8.2fps continuous-shooting speed, Super Slow Motion Movie and new scene modes, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS is also priced at $279.99.

3. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is a more robust version of the ELPH 500. When the PowerShot ELPH 510 was released during August 2011, it was the world’s thinnest camera at just 0.86 inches that includes a 28mm wide-angle lens, 12x optical zoom lens and Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The 12x zoom range is the equivalent of 28–336mm in 35mm format, which means you can capture more family members and friends in a single image as well as distant objects or subjects.

The Canon HS System in the 510 has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which allows the camera to shoot excellent-looking low-light photos with an ISO sensitivity range to 3,200. Like the PowerShot 500, the 510 also comes with Full HD 1080p video with stereo, the 3.2-inch wide touch-panel LCD screen, 7.8fps high-speed burst mode, the Super Slow Motion Movie mode and a long list of other shooting modes and photo effects. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS retails for $349.99.

4. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS camera can be a slim, elegant fashion accessory and a powerful little package for great picture-taking fun. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor is paired with a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor to capture all the excitement of an active lifestyle, even in low-light conditions. The 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens, with 5x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer, brings your world beautifully into focus in clear, sharp details.

Even though the PowerShot ELPH 300 can easily fit in your pocket or purse, it also shoots Full HD 1080p video in stereo and Super Slow Motion. Its continuous-shooting mode is a fast 8fps; and you’ll never miss a shot, as Smart AUTO sets the camera’s parameters according to 32 predefined shooting situations. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS retails for $229.99.

5. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS camera is also an upgrade of the 300. The new 310 is just as stylish, available in contemporary purple, blue, pink, green and silver. It contains the same 12.1-megapixel sensor as the 300, but improves the lens’ capability with 8x optical zoom, a 28mm wide-angle focal length and optical stabilization. You can see a wide view of your subject and scene with the 3-inch LCD and shoot Full HD 1080p video with stereo sound. You’ll find the same high ISO sensitivity to 3,200, shooting modes, photo effects and continuous shooting at 8.7fps. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS is priced at $259.99.

6. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS camera may be the most affordable at just $179.99, but its users rate it very high (4.6 on a 5.0 scale). The reason is simple: They still receive a long list of exceptional features that often costs more in competitive models. The HS System in this camera includes a 12.1-megapixel sensor with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor, so low light is almost never a problem. The 4x optical zoom lens starts at 28mm wide angle and zooms to 112mm (35mm equivalent) and also has image stabilization. The 3-inch LCD makes compositions fast and easy and you’re more likely to expose every photo correctly with the Smart AUTO System and its 32 shooting combinations. Shoot all the Full HD 1080p video you want and a still-photo burst rate of 8.2 fps. It’s magic; it’s amazing; it’s ELPH!

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