Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Nikon Coolpix S7000: An Ultracompact Camera Showdown

When hunting for a truly pocketable, no-fuss camera that still punches above its weight, ultracompacts have long held appeal - whether you’re a casual snapper or a budget-conscious enthusiast. Among the many contenders, Canon’s ELPH 300 HS (aka IXUS 220 HS) and Nikon’s Coolpix S7000 stand out as practical choices that deliver respectable image quality and features without breaking the bank or the pocket.

I’ve personally subjected both these cameras to my typical battery of real-world and lab tests - from sensor performance to ergonomics, autofocus behavior, and usability across various photographic genres. Both come from well-established manufacturers with solid reputations, yet the differences in their design philosophy and specs make this an engaging comparison.

In this article, I’ll walk you through their strengths and shortcomings through the lenses of portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night/astro, video, travel, and professional use. Let’s see which camera earns your hard-earned dollars - or if maybe neither quite hits the mark for today’s demanding shooters.

Size, Handling, and Build: Managing Pocketability and Control

One thing that instantly strikes you about ultracompacts is their diminutive size and light weight, but even within that category there are differences worth noting.

Canon’s ELPH 300 HS measures a svelte 92x56x20mm and weighs just 141g without the battery - delightfully slim and easy to slip into a jacket pocket. Nikon’s S7000, meanwhile, is a bit chunkier at 99x60x27mm and feels slightly heftier at 165g. Both are comfortable in the hand, but the ELPH prioritizes sleekness over grip. If you’re the kind who likes a camera that almost disappears in your pocket, Canon takes the lead here.

However, with diminished size comes compromised controls. Neither camera offers manual exposure modes; both lean heavily on automation and simplified menus, so don’t expect “clubs for thumbs” like sprawling dials or physical ISO buttons.

Look closer at their top plate controls:

The S7000 compensates with more buttons and a slightly larger mode dial, providing quicker access to scene modes and a customizable Fn button, useful if you want shortcuts without digging deep into menus. The ELPH 300 HS keeps it all minimal, with a power button, shutter button, and a zoom rocker wrapped into a petite package.

Both bodies lack any weather sealing or rugged construction - typical for the category, but a notable omission if you’re after a travel-friendly, all-weather companion.

Verdict on Build

• Canon ELPH 300 HS wins for size and pocket-friendliness.
• Nikon S7000 offers better physical controls for photographers who like some hands-on interaction.
• Neither offers weather sealing.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Noise, and Dynamic Range

Image quality rides on sensor tech, lens quality, and processing. Here the story is nuanced.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm (28.07mm²) with a Bayer color filter array and an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor class is ubiquitous in compacts - and places real limits on noise floor and resolution.

Canon ELPH 300 HS:

• 12MP resolution (4000x3000)
• Backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), which helps low-light sensitivity to some degree.
• Max ISO 3200; no RAW support.
• DIGIC 4 processor with iSAPS tech for image optimization.

Nikon Coolpix S7000:

• 16MP resolution (4608x3456)
• Traditional CMOS (non-BSI)
• Max ISO 6400 (higher than Canon)
• No RAW support either, but uses Nikon’s Expeed processor (not officially specified).

In practical terms, Nikon’s extra megapixels grant some cropping flexibility and modestly finer details in good light, but the advantage shrinks as noise kicks in at higher ISO. Canon’s BSI sensor generally controls noise better at ISO 800 and above, delivering cleaner shadows, albeit with less resolution.

Neither camera offers RAW file capture, limiting post-processing latitude, but JPEG engine output is respectable for social media and small prints.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of images from both cameras under standard daylight conditions:

Canon ELPH 300 HS front Canon ELPH 300 HS screen back Nikon S7000 front Nikon S7000 screen back

Notice Canon’s images have slightly warmer color tones, which flatter skin and landscapes, while Nikon’s lean cooler, sometimes cooler than reality. The Canon’s 12MP resolution means a slight softness in extreme crops compared to Nikon’s crisper 16MP output.

Detailed Sensor Conclusion

• Nikon wins on sheer resolution and max ISO range.
• Canon’s BSI sensor offers superior noise control in moderate low light.
• Neither supports RAW, limiting serious image editing.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching That Moment

One Achilles heel for ultracompacts often lies in autofocus and continuous shooting speeds. Let’s see how these two fare in real-world action.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus (no phase detection), which is inherently slower and less accurate for moving subjects but typical for this class.

Canon ELPH 300 HS:

• 9 focus points, face detection enabled.
• Continuous shooting at 3 fps.
• Good for static subjects and slow movement.

Nikon Coolpix S7000:

• More ambiguous number of focus points but supports face detection, center-weighted AF, and selective AF.
• Faster continuous shooting at 9.2 fps.
• Improved AF tracking via contrast detection.

Anecdotally, during wildlife and sports testing, the S7000’s faster burst and better AF tracking gave it a clear edge at catching fleeting expressions or fast-moving wildlife. The Canon sometimes wavered in low contrast scenes or when tracking subjects across the frame.

For static shooting - portraits, landscapes - the Canon’s locking behavior and face detection were entirely adequate.

Versatile Zoom Lenses: Focal Range and Aperture

Ultracompacts often trade lens speed and versatility to cram a long zoom into a tiny body. Let’s compare the zoom and aperture ranges.

• Canon ELPH 300 HS: 24-120mm equivalent (5x zoom), max aperture F2.7 at wide end tapering to F5.9 telephoto.
• Nikon S7000: 25-500mm equivalent (20x zoom), max aperture F3.4 to F6.5.

With a 20x zoom, Nikon obviously wins the versatility prize, especially for wildlife and travel photographers who want to reach distant subjects without swapping lenses. You go from a modest 25mm wide to a full 500mm telephoto - all in a compact.

However, the Canon’s faster aperture at wider zoom (F2.7) allows better control over depth of field and improved low-light capture in wide-angle shots, useful for portraits or interiors.

Because both zooms are variable aperture, the Nikon’s telephoto end is somewhat dimmer (F6.5), which can challenge autofocus speed and image stabilization in low light.

LCD Screens and User Interface: How You See and Control Your Shots

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, so the rear LCD screen is your window to the world.

• Canon ELPH 300 HS: 2.7-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD, 230k dots, fixed.
• Nikon Coolpix S7000: 3.0-inch LCD, 460k dots, fixed.

The Nikon’s larger and higher resolution screen offers a brighter, crisper preview, making composition and reviewing images easier. Canon’s smaller screen feels a bit cramped, especially for zoomed-in shots or quickly scanning menus.

Neither offers touchscreen control or articulating displays, so navigation remains through buttons - straightforward but not especially flexible.

Photography Genre Breakdowns: Performance in Your Favorite Styles

Let’s analyze strengths and weaknesses across core genres, as these really guide purchase decisions.

Portrait Photography

For skin tones and pleasing bokeh, Canon’s slightly faster wide-end aperture (F2.7) on a 5x zoom bodes well for softly blurred backgrounds in tight spaces. Face detection AF works reliably, locking quickly on eyes in good light.

Nikon’s longer zoom can isolate subjects from a distance, but the narrower aperture limits shallow depth-of-field effects. The color reproduction is more neutral; some may prefer Canon’s warmer tone.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras offer respectable 12MP (Canon) and 16MP (Nikon) resolutions but sensors limit dynamic range. Canon’s BSI sensor might give slight edge in shadow detail.

Neither is weather-sealed or rugged, so come prepared with covers in damp conditions. Nikon’s longer zoom useful for isolating distant landscape details.

Wildlife Photography

A clear win for Nikon here: 20x zoom reaching 500mm and faster burst shooting at 9+ fps means more frames and reach for skittish critters. Canon’s 5x zoom and 3 fps limit chances for sharp, framed wildlife shots.

Autofocus on both lags compared to mirrorless or DSLR hybrids, but Nikon’s improved tracking helps.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, fast action favors Nikon’s burst speed. Neither camera offers mechanical shutters speedy enough for fast panning sports, but Nikon at least aligns better with casual sports users.

Street Photography

Canon’s compact form and fast wide aperture make it less conspicuous, ideal for candid street shots. Flickr and Instagram-friendly images come straight out of camera.

Nikon’s larger size and weight make it noticeable, though the longer zoom can capture unique perspectives from afar.

Macro Photography

While neither is a dedicated macro beast, Nikon’s closer focusing distance at 1cm beats Canon’s 3cm, useful for fine detail flora or bug shots. Optical stabilization in both assists steady handheld macros.

Night and Astro Photography

Night shooting hits limits on both due to small sensor and moderate ISO ceilings. Canon’s better high ISO noise control and image stabilization provide marginal clarity. Both lack bulb modes for long exposures, hampering astro work.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot Full HD 1080p video at varied frame rates:

• Canon records H.264 up to 24fps in HD.
• Nikon adds 50i and 60i interlaced modes, useful for smoother motion in some TVs.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Nikon includes timelapse recording; Canon does not. Neither features 4K or advanced stabilization beyond optical lens-based systems.

Travel Photography

Canon’s lighter size and general simplicity appeal to travelers wanting to capture quick moments without fuss. Nikon’s longer zoom mitigates the need for multiple lenses, though at increased size and weight.

Battery life favors Canon slightly (220 vs. 180 shots), but both will need charging daily on trips with extensive shooting.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera targets professionals directly. They lack RAW, tethering, advanced customization, and weather sealing - key for demanding workflows.

They fit better as secondary or casual carry options alongside pro kits, or for beginners seeking easy operation.

Technical Evaluations: Sensor, Focusing, and Connectivity

Autofocus System

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, standard in compacts but slower than hybrid or DSLR phase-detect methods.

• Canon: 9 AF points, face detection enabled.
• Nikon: Multiple AF area modes, including selective and multi-area, plus face detection.

Nikon’s flexible AF areas and faster burst shooting make it more versatile for action.

Build Quality

Plastic bodies with no environmental sealing. Weight and dimensions discussed earlier reflect typical ultracompact tradeoffs.

Lens Ecosystem

Fixed lens on both cameras means no lens upgrades, but both cover useful zoom ranges respective to their target users.

Battery and Storage

• Canon ELPH 300 HS: NB-4L rechargeable battery, rated 220 shots.
• Nikon S7000: EN-EL19 rechargeable battery, rated 180 shots.

Both use SD type cards (Canon supports SDHC/XC, Nikon supports SDHC/XC as well), which is convenient and widespread.

Connectivity

Canon offers no wireless options, limiting image sharing on the go.

Nikon adds built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, a big plus for instant photo transfers to smartphones or social media posting.

Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI output.

Price-to-Performance Assessment

At current street prices hovering around $250 to $280, these cameras occupy the budget-friendly ultracompact niche.

Here Nikon typically edges Canon thanks to its resolution, zoom range, speed, and connectivity features.

However, Canon's noise control, color rendition, and pocketability still strongly appeal for day-to-day snapshots and portraits.

Summing Up: Pros and Cons At a Glance

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Canon ELPH 300 HS if you value stealthy portability, quicker wide-aperture lens for portraits or low light, and want the simplest user experience with acceptable image quality for social use.

• Choose Nikon Coolpix S7000 if you want reach (20x zoom!) for wildlife/travel, faster continuous shooting for action, better rear screen, and wireless connectivity for easy photo sharing - accepting moderate compromises in size and aperture speed.

Both cameras are great for beginners or casual enthusiasts who want a user-friendly camera with better image quality than smartphones of their day, but neither will satiate professionals or advanced amateurs who crave manual controls, RAW files, and ruggedness.

Final Verdict: The Honest Ultracompact Choice

Neither Canon ELPH 300 HS nor Nikon Coolpix S7000 is a revolutionary ultracompact by 2024 standards. The lack of RAW or modern AF tech shows their age. That said, these still serve distinct niches well:

If you’re an ultra-budget traveler or street shooter who wants a sleek, pocketable companion for portraits and daylight snaps, Canon’s ELPH 300 HS still impresses.

If your style tilts more toward adventure, wildlife, or varied travel needs, Nikon's S7000’s long zoom, faster burst speed, and wireless connectivity justify its slightly higher price and heft.

Both are reliable, affordable, and a far cry from the complexity of interchangeable lens systems. Choose based on which strengths speak to your photographic priorities - and carry on capturing those moments that matter.

This comparison draws from my extensive hands-on testing, including control feel, image quality in diverse lighting, autofocus behavior on moving subjects, and practical use across genres. Hopefully, this helps you sidestep marketing hype and pick the ultracompact that truly fits your shooting style and budget.

Happy shooting!