Canon ELPH 100 HS vs. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180: An Expert’s In-Depth Ultracompact Camera Comparison

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, Canon has long been a trusted name, delivering pocket-sized options that appeal to casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Today, I’m diving deep into two of Canon’s budget-oriented ultracompacts: the ELPH 100 HS (aka IXUS 115 HS), launched in 2011, and the PowerShot ELPH 180, released five years later in 2016.

At first glance, these two siblings might appear similar - both lightweight, simple-to-use point-and-shoots without interchangeable lenses or manual controls. Yet, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find subtle but meaningful distinctions in image quality, features, and real-world shooting experience that can make a big difference depending on your needs.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, including many ultracompacts, I’ll walk you through every relevant aspect: sensor tech, autofocus, image output, ergonomics, and genre-specific suitability. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea which Canon ultracompact deserves a spot in your camera bag - or whether it’s time to look elsewhere.

What’s in the Palm of Your Hand? Size, Build, and Controls

Let’s start with the basics - how these cameras feel when you pick them up. Compactness and ergonomics matter greatly for ultracompacts, especially if you plan to carry one daily or use it for street or travel photography.

Physically, both the ELPH 100 HS and ELPH 180 boast classic Canon compact retreats. The ELPH 100 HS measures approximately 93 x 56 x 20 mm and weighs 140 grams, while the ELPH 180 is slightly slimmer front-to-back at 22 mm thick but wider in width at 95 x 54 mm and a tad lighter at 126 grams. Neither includes an electronic viewfinder - the reliance is fully on the rear LCD.

Speaking of controls, here’s the top view where things get interesting.

The control layout remains deliberately minimal on both cameras - a hallmark of ultracompacts aimed at simplicity - offering no manual dials, no customizable buttons, and no advanced exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority. The ELPH 100 HS edges slightly ahead with its processor (DIGIC 4 with iSAPS) promising better image processing than the ELPH 180’s DIGIC 4+. The latter, though newer, sacrifices some processing sophistication in favor of extended zoom range.

My takeaway here? If you prioritize pocketability and straightforward shooting, both are winners. But if you want just a smidge more refined handling and better responsiveness, the ELPH 100 HS nudges ahead. The slight weight difference is negligible during use.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

You can’t talk photography without discussing sensors - the heart of any camera’s image-making ability. Despite their compact size, these Canon ultracompacts pack respectable sensors for their class, but also some notable differences affecting image quality.

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor type, commonplace in ultracompacts, but the technologies differ drastically:

• Canon ELPH 100 HS: Utilizes a 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. The back-illuminated (BSI) sensor design improves light-gathering efficiency, especially in low light. Processing is handled by the older DIGIC 4 with iSAPS tech, still a solid pairing for its era.

• Canon PowerShot ELPH 180: Upgrades resolution to 20 megapixels but on a CCD sensor, which is an older technology compared to CMOS. While the higher pixel count might sound better, CCD sensors generally fare worse in noise control and dynamic range, especially at high ISOs.

Resolution and Detail: The ELPH 180’s 20MP sensor theoretically offers higher detail, but pixel density is quite high on a small sensor - meaning potential for more noise and less sharpness in real-world use. In contrast, the ELPH 100 HS’s 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor trades some resolution for cleaner images and superior low-light performance.

ISO Range: The ELPH 100 HS supports native ISO 100-3200; the ELPH 180 maxes out at ISO 1600. Beyond mere numbers, the difference in sensor technology means the ELPH 100 HS handles noise much better when conditions get dim. My own side-by-side tests reflected this too, with the ELPH 100 HS producing cleaner shadows and less chroma noise.

RAW Support: Neither camera supports RAW, so image quality is baked into JPEG output, emphasizing the importance of hardware and processing.

In short, if you value low-light capability, cleaner images, and moderate resolution, the older ELPH 100 HS’s sensor and processor combo remains impressive. The ELPH 180 tries to impress on specs, but the real-world image quality often skews noisier in challenging lighting.

A Glimpse at the Interface: Screens and User Experience

Ultracompacts rely heavily on their LCD screens for image composition and review, given the absence of viewfinders. Here’s how these two compare.

The ELPH 100 HS features a 3-inch fixed PureColor II G TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution. It’s modest but bright enough for sunny outdoor use, with decent color fidelity.

On the other hand, the ELPH 180 downgrades slightly to a 2.7-inch screen maintaining the same 230k-dot resolution. The smaller screen can feel cramped, especially when framing wide scenes or reviewing images in detail.

Neither model offers touchscreen capability or articulating display, which limits interaction speed and flexibility. For me, the slightly larger screen with the ELPH 100 HS provides a more pleasant user experience and easier menu navigation.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, which can be a dealbreaker if you prefer composing away from screen glare or want better stability by holding the camera to your eye.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Although ultracompact cameras aren’t known for lightning-fast AF, their performance still impacts how often you get the shot you want, especially with moving subjects.

The autofocus systems in these Canon ultracompacts use contrast detection exclusively. Neither employs phase detection or hybrid AF, resulting in limitations in speed and tracking.

• ELPH 100 HS: 9 AF points with face detection and continuous AF modes. Face detection helps in portraits and casual snaps, offering reasonable accuracy.

• ELPH 180: AF point count is unspecified, but it offers single and continuous AF, and also face detection - though AF tracking is absent, meaning it won’t follow moving subjects dynamically.

In practice, the ELPH 100 HS feels more agile thanks to the DIGIC 4 with iSAPS processor support, who optimizes AF performance better. The ELPH 180 seems a bit slower and less confident in challenging focus conditions or continuously tracking subjects.

Continuous shooting rates also differ:

• ELPH 100 HS: Around 3 frames per second (fps) - respectable for casual action shots.

• ELPH 180: Much slower at 0.8 fps, limiting its usefulness for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

If you’re capturing anything beyond still portraits and landscapes, the ELPH 100 HS’s AF and burst shooting speed become key advantages.

Exploring Optical Performance: The Lenses Compared

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses, which define much of the photographic flexibility for ultracompacts.

• Canon ELPH 100 HS: 28-112 mm equivalent focal length (4x zoom), with a relatively bright max aperture of f/2.8-5.9.

• Canon PowerShot ELPH 180: 28-224 mm equivalent focal length (8x zoom), but with a narrower aperture range of f/3.2-6.9.

The 4x zoom on the ELPH 100 HS might seem limiting, but the faster aperture at the wide angle end delivers cleaner backgrounds and better low-light results. Its macro focusing distance of 3 cm is decent for close-ups but not outstanding.

Conversely, the ELPH 180 caters to users who crave reach with its 8x zoom, extending to 224mm equivalent - which is a rarity in compacts at this price point. The downside? The lens is markedly slower, making it less suitable for dimmer environments and limiting handheld telephoto sharpness.

Optical Image Stabilization: A Necessity in Both Models

Given the long zoom in the ELPH 180 and the general shakiness of handheld shooting, optical image stabilization (OIS) is a must-have - and both cameras include it.

The systems are optical (not digital) and work to counteract handshake effectively in daylight or moderate low light. My experience shows both cameras stabilize acceptably but the ELPH 100 HS’s OIS paired with its faster aperture delivers more consistently sharp handheld shots, especially in challenging conditions. The ELPH 180 is good but struggles when zoomed fully telephoto or in poor light.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power Matters

Battery life is frequently an overlooked factor in ultracompacts, but it directly affects how long you can shoot before hunting for a charger.

• ELPH 100 HS: Uses the NB-4L battery, rated for about 230 shots per charge.

• ELPH 180: Uses the NB-11LH battery, rated at around 220 shots per charge.

These are close enough that neither camera delivers exceptional stamina by modern standards. For day trips or travel photography, carrying a spare battery is advisable.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, supporting current common storage formats. However, none feature dual card slots or faster UHS card support.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips Without Frills

Neither camera is designed as a video powerhouse, but they do provide basic recording functionality.

• ELPH 100 HS: Records Full HD 1080p video at 24 fps, also offering 720p at 30 fps and various lower resolution slow-motion modes (up to 240 fps at very low resolution).

• ELPH 180: Limited to 720p HD video at 25 fps or 640x480 VGA, lacking Full HD support.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, no 4K recording, or advanced video features like image stabilization modes tuned for video. The ELPH 100 HS’s inclusion of 1080p gives it a decisive edge for anyone wanting decent casual videos without using a smartphone.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let me break down how these cameras perform in several typical genres - something I always prioritize since specs alone don’t tell the whole story.

Canon ELPH 100 HS front Canon ELPH 100 HS screen back Canon ELPH 180 front Canon ELPH 180 screen back

Portrait Photography

The ELPH 100 HS, with its brighter lens aperture (f/2.8 at wide), delivers more pleasing bokeh and better skin tone rendering. Its face detection AF works reliably to keep eyes sharp, a small but valuable feature for casual portraits.

The ELPH 180’s narrower aperture and slower AF can make subject isolation challenging, resulting in more noise and less comfortable background blur. Combined with slower burst and AF, it’s less ideal but still adequate for snapshots.

Landscape Photography

Resolution might suggest the ELPH 180 should excel here with 20MP sensor resolution, but the practical gains are limited by smaller pixels and higher noise at base ISO. The ELPH 100 HS’s cleaner files win out for balanced dynamic range and usable detail.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or advanced bracketing for HDR shooting. You’ll need to manage expectations and shoot in good light for optimal landscape results.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for serious wildlife or sports work. However, the ELPH 100 HS’s faster continuous shooting rate (3 fps), combined with more reliable AF tracking and optical stabilization, give it a slight advantage for casual wildlife or action capture.

The ELPH 180’s slow 0.8 fps rate and absence of AF tracking make action shooting frustrating, to say the least.

Street Photography

Portability is key here - both cameras fit easily in a coat pocket. The ELPH 180 is slightly lighter and narrower front to back but thicker overall. Discretion is similar.

Thanks to its quicker AF and responsiveness, the ELPH 100 HS feels livelier in street scenarios where timing counts. The extra zoom on the ELPH 180 can be useful though for candid shots from a distance.

Macro Photography

The ELPH 180 has a focusing distance down to 1 cm, which is excellent for close-ups compared to 3 cm on the ELPH 100 HS. However, the latter’s faster lens aperture helps create better subject separation in macro shots.

Expect some limitations in focus precision due to fixed lenses and contrast-detection AF in both.

Night and Astro Photography

At these sizes, ultracompacts are less suited for serious night or astrophotography, but the ELPH 100 HS’s BSI-CMOS sensor and higher ISO ceiling enable modest handheld low-light shooting with less noise.

The ELPH 180’s CCD sensor and ISO 1600 max mean grainier dark shots requiring more cautious use.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

For professional photographers, these ultracompacts are more likely secondary or backup cameras. Neither supports RAW output or advanced color profiles, limiting post-production flexibility.

Build quality is plastic rather than magnesium alloy; no weather sealing or ruggedized protection exist. Both offer USB 2.0 connectivity but lack wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which have become standard for faster image transfer.

Battery life is average, and neither supports external flashes or accessories.

Assessing Value: Price versus Performance

At time of writing, street prices put the ELPH 100 HS around $194, with the ELPH 180 closer to $119. The price difference, while modest, correlates with the features compromises identified here.

In balancing cost with practical shootability, I find the ELPH 100 HS offers better photographic returns for the price - superior image quality, video capabilities, and autofocus - making it the smarter choice for enthusiasts seeking an easy-to-use pocket camera.

The ELPH 180’s longer zoom and higher megapixels can lure photo shoppers prioritizing reach and resolution on a budget, but real-world quality and responsiveness are sacrificed.

Breaking It Down by Photography Type

Some last words referencing how these cameras stack up per photography genre:

• Portraits: ELPH 100 HS clearly favored for skin tone and bokeh.
• Landscapes: Marginal edge to ELPH 100 HS for cleaner files.
• Wildlife/Sports: ELPH 100 HS if you must; else neither great.
• Street: ELPH 100 HS for agility; ELPH 180 for zoom range.
• Macro: ELPH 180 for closer focusing distance.
• Night/Astro: ELPH 100 HS for cleaner low light.
• Video: ELPH 100 HS’s 1080p beats ELPH 180’s 720p.
• Travel: Both portable; ELPH 100 HS more versatile.
• Professional Backup: Neither fully equipped but ELPH 100 HS edges ahead.

The Bottom Line: Which Ultracompact Canon Suits You?

If I had to recommend one of these two for the majority of photography enthusiasts looking for a reliable, pocket-friendly camera, it’s the Canon ELPH 100 HS. Despite being the older model, its BSI-CMOS sensor, better AF system, faster lens aperture, and Full HD video capabilities contribute to a well-rounded, satisfying image-making experience.

That said, if zoom reach is a prime consideration and you’re willing to trade some sharpness and responsiveness for an 8x telephoto lens, the more affordable Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 might fit your bill - especially for casual snapshots or travel shots where a longer focal length can be handy.

Dear Canon, please consider an update marrying the best of both models: fast image processing, a brighter zoom lens, Full HD or higher video, and wireless connectivity in an ultracompact body - I'd gladly review that!

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To sum up what I’ve learned through extensive hands-on testing of these two cameras:

• Both are true ultracompacts, ideal for consumers who want quick, grab-and-go shooting with minimal fuss.
• The ELPH 100 HS excels in image quality and user experience but has a shorter zoom.
• The ELPH 180 appeals to budget-conscious buyers with extended zoom but compromises image quality and speed.
• Neither is suitable for professional work but can serve admirably as travel companions, casual street cameras, or beginner point-and-shoots.
• If video is important, ELPH 100 HS is the only choice here.
• Battery and storage capacities are standard fare, so packing spares is wise for long outings.

If you’re deciding between these two for your next purchase, I encourage you to weigh your top priorities: max zoom reach vs. image quality, video features, and responsiveness. Through this practical lens, your perfect Canon ultracompact awaits.

Happy shooting!

[Disclaimer: All evaluations are based on in-depth hands-on testing and technical analysis conducted over multiple shooting scenarios. Real-world results may vary with lighting and subject.]