Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Olympus E-520

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon ELPH 300 HS and Olympus E-520, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the ELPH 300 HS (12MP) and the E-520 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the ELPH 300 HS (1/2.3") and E-520 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 300 HS was brought out 2 years later than the E-520 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Canon ELPH 300 HS being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ELPH 300 HS scores versus the E-520 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon ELPH 300 HS and Olympus E-520. The entire galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 300 HS Gallery and Olympus E-520 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 300 HS comes with outside dimensions of 92mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-520 has dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Contrast the Canon ELPH 300 HS and Olympus E-520 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ELPH 300 HS vs the E-520.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 300 HS and E-520 is 96 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 300 HS and E-520.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ELPH 300 HS because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Canon ELPH 300 HS will give you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher ELPH 300 HS provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.