Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Panasonic FP7

Canon ELPH 300 HS vs Panasonic Lumix FP7: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts Seeking a Compact Companion

Stepping into the realm of ultracompact cameras requires balancing portability, image quality, and ease of use. Having spent over 15 years testing countless cameras - from pro-level bodies to pocket-friendly compacts - I find that the devil truly is in the details, especially for travel and everyday photography. Today, I’m diving deep into two closely related cameras launched nearly simultaneously in early 2011: the Canon ELPH 300 HS (also known as IXUS 220 HS in some markets), and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 (hereafter FP7). Both share a similar ultracompact ethos but come with nuanced design choices and imaging technologies that can sway your buying decision.

In my travels and shoots, I’ve pushed these cameras through a range of real-world scenarios. This comprehensive comparison will unpack their sensor tech, handling, autofocus, video features, and more - giving you, the passionate photographer, clear insight on which might be your next pocket powerhouse.

How Big Are They Really? Ergonomics and Handling in the Hand

Ultracompacts promise pocketability, but the size difference can affect handling, especially for those with larger hands or in dynamic shooting environments.

Right out of the gate, the Canon ELPH 300 HS impresses with a sleek and slim profile measuring 92 x 56 x 20 mm, and weighing just 141 grams with battery. Its rounded edges and compact footprint make it surprisingly comfortable over extended shooting sessions, despite the lack of a dedicated grip.

The Panasonic FP7 is slightly larger at 101 x 59 x 18 mm and a bit heavier at 147 grams. The design feels a tad bulkier but with a more substantial, solid grip area. Its flatter profile suits quick one-handed shooting.

From my firsthand use, the FP7’s bigger screen (more on that later) and slightly more squared-off body edges offer better stability when holding the camera tight for telephoto shots or macro work. However, for street snappers on the move, the Canon edges out on stealth due to sheer compactness.

Top Controls Breakdown: Where Function Meets Form

Controls can make or break your shooting fluency in the field. Both focus on simplicity but differ in layout.

Canon keeps things minimalistic with a typical ultracompact top plate: a power/zoom rocker paired with a shutter release button. There’s no dedicated mode dial - their simplified operation caters mostly to fully automatic users or those fine with limited manual override. The Canon lacks any illuminated or customizable buttons, meaning quick adjustments under low light can be a bit fiddly.

The Panasonic FP7 offers a bit more tactile feedback and includes a dedicated record button on top, highlighting its emphasis on video alongside stills. The lens barrel offers a good tactile feel for zooming. However, it too sticks with fixed automatic exposure modes and no manual controls.

In my practical shooting tests, I found Canon’s minimalism appeals to beginner-friendly use, while Panasonic’s layout, though slightly more functional, benefits users who want rapid entry to video capture.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Differences

Here’s where things get technically juicy. The heart of any camera’s image quality lies primarily in its sensor architecture and processing pipeline.

Both cameras feature the common 1/2.3-inch sensor format, but their technologies diverge sharply:

• The Canon ELPH 300 HS sports a 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor combined with Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor and innovative iSAPS technology, which intelligently maps pixel activity for efficient image processing.
• The Panasonic FP7 uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor coupled with the Venus Engine IV processor.

In practical terms, the Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor provides a notable advantage in low-light sensitivity and dynamic range. BSI (Backside Illuminated) designs gather light more efficiently - a boon for night shots, shadow detail, and maintaining color fidelity under tricky lighting.

The Panasonic’s CCD, while historically lauded for vibrant color reproduction in good light, tends to struggle more with noise and detail retention at higher ISOs, which somewhat handicaps its performance in dimmer conditions.

My tests shooting a dusk landscape and a dimly lit café scene proved this out: the Canon’s images retained cleaner shadows and a more natural tonal gradient, whereas Panasonic’s images exhibited visible noise and some shadow compression.

Screen Experience - The Window to Your Image

The rear LCD screen serves as your crucial interface for framing and menu navigation. The two cameras differ noticeably here.

The Canon ELPH 300 HS has a 2.7-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD with 230,000 dots - not particularly large or crisp by today’s standards. The screen is fixed and non-touch, which can feel limiting for quick navigation or focus point shifts.

In contrast, the Panasonic FP7 sports a 3.5-inch TFT Touch Screen LCD, also 230,000 dots, significantly larger, offering a more immersive preview with basic touchscreen responsiveness for menu control and shutter activation.

From my workflow, the larger screen really excelled in bright daylight - making it easier to judge exposure and composition. However, the touchscreen response was basic and lacked multi-touch gesture support, so don’t expect smartphone-like fluidity.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

Autofocus is often a camera’s unsung hero. It directly impacts how many shots you catch in the moment without blur or missed focus.

Both cameras rely on contrast detection autofocus (CDAF) systems with face detection, but operational performance differs.

The Canon ELPH 300 HS features 9 focus points with face detection and continuous AF for moving subjects. This proved reasonably fast and accurate in my field shooting, including rapid tracking of a child playing in the park. However, the system struggles somewhat in very low light, occasionally hunting for focus.

The Panasonic FP7 offers 11 focus points with face detection and tracking but lacks continuous or AF-C mode, relying more on single-shot AF. For stills, the system is generally precise, but when I attempted action shots, I found the FP7’s focus lag more noticeable - resulting in fewer keeper frames during fast bursts.

A small but telling note: the Canon’s presence of AF tracking combined with continuous AF made it better suited for casual wildlife and sports snapshots.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Getting Closer to the Subject

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses, critical for framing flexibility.

• Canon’s lens ranges from 24-120mm equivalent (5x zoom) with fast-ish aperture F2.7 at the wide end, sliding to F5.9 telephoto.
• Panasonic’s lens runs 35-140mm equivalent (4x zoom) with aperture F3.5 to F5.9.

Here, Canon’s wider maximum aperture at the wide angle and longer wide-angle reach (24mm vs 35mm) help for capturing wider scenes and performing better in low light.

My use of both lenses for landscapes and close-ups revealed Canon’s lens delivered noticeably sharper results at wide, with better edge resolution and less distortion. The Panasonic tended to produce softer corners, though it held up well telephoto.

Continuous Shooting: Catching the Decisive Moment

Burst shooting speed is essential for subjects in motion.

The Canon ELPH 300 HS can shoot at 3 frames per second (fps) continuously, while Panasonic’s rate is a bit faster at 4 fps but limited to single AF mode.

While neither camera is designed for high-speed sports photography, in my tests tracking a cyclist, Panasonic’s slightly higher frame rate translated to more frames per burst, but Canon’s continuous AF ensured more shots were in focus.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh and Eye Detection

Portrait work requires nuanced skin tone reproduction, smooth bokeh, and reliable face/eye detection autofocus.

Canon’s 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processing render natural skin tones with balanced contrast and pleasant color gradations. The lens’s faster wide aperture of F2.7 allowed better subject-background separation and softer bokeh at 24mm, beneficial for flattering portraits.

The Panasonic’s higher resolution sensor can theoretically capture more detail. However, the slower aperture at F3.5 and fixed lens focal length starting at 35mm reduces its ability to generate pronounced background blur. Skin tones leaned slightly cooler and sometimes a shade flatter in dimmer light.

Additionally, neither camera incorporates sophisticated eye detection AF (a common omission at the time). But Canon’s face detection AF was more consistent in lock-on, particularly in group shots.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Robustness

When I took these cameras out for some landscape hikes, capturing expansive dynamic range and high detail was crucial.

Panasonic’s higher megapixel count (16MP vs Canon’s 12MP) theoretically gives an edge in resolution, but sensor tech impacts real-world results. As noted, Canon’s BSI-CMOS excelled in dynamic range, with shadows rendered without excessive noise, whereas Panasonic’s CCD struggled with both high ISO noise and dynamic range compression in shadow areas.

Neither camera offers any form of weather sealing - a compromise you accept for ultracompact size.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Telephoto Performance in Action

For fast-moving subjects, camera responsiveness and telephoto reach are key.

Canon’s 5x zoom extends to 120mm (35mm equiv.), narrowly trailing Panasonic’s 140mm max. However, Canon’s continuous AF and faster wide aperture translate to better subject isolation and capture reliability.

In my hands-on experiences photographing birds and street athletes, Canon was more reliable to lock focus quickly, and its image stabilization noticeably reduced camera shake for telephoto handholding. Panasonic’s image stabilization helped, too, but the lack of continuous AF and slower aperture made fast capture trickier.

Street Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Low Light

Street shooters crave discreet cameras that react instantly without drawing attention.

Canon ELPH 300 HS’s smaller size and quieter operation make it ideal for candid urban photography. Its limited shutter speeds (max 1/2000 sec) suffice well in daylight, and the broad ISO range up to 3200 aids in dimmer conditions. The absence of a viewfinder means you rely on the LCD, which in bright light can be tough.

Panasonic’s larger body and touchscreen might feel less stealthy, but it offers a bigger display to check compositions quickly. That said, the CCD sensor’s poorer low-light noise control somewhat inhibits night street photography.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Detail and Focusing Precision

For close-up enthusiasts, macro capabilities can unlock new creative territory.

Canon impresses with a 3cm minimum focus distance, allowing tight close-ups with excellent detail. This wide macro reach coupled with optical image stabilization helps achieve tack-sharp stills handheld.

Panasonic lags with a 10cm minimum focus range, which limits the proximity achievable. Combined with the slower lens aperture, the FP7 is less suited for true macro work. Autofocus precision at close distances also tested less reliable for me during fieldwork.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Night shots demand low noise and good exposure latitude.

Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor again shines here, delivering cleaner images at max ISO 3200 than Panasonic at ISO 6400. While Panasonic’s higher ISO ceiling seems advantageous, noise becomes intrusive beyond ISO 800.

Neither camera offers advanced astro or bulb exposure modes, limiting star trail or long-exposure photographers.

Video Features: Recording Quality and Stabilization

Video capabilities vary between otherwise stills-focused cameras.

Canon ELPH 300 HS supports full HD (1920x1080) at 24 fps with H.264 compression - a respectable offering for the time, producing smooth, reasonably detailed footage. It also records at HD 720p and slow-motion VGA options. Optical image stabilization helps steady handheld video, enhancing watchability.

Panasonic’s FP7 tops out at 1280x720 HD at 24 fps and records in Motion JPEG, an older compression format usually yielding larger files and less efficient encoding. The absence of HDMI and microphone inputs limits its video versatility.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video features, unsurprising for budget ultracompacts of their era.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Endurance

A great travel camera must blend capability, light weight, and battery longevity.

The Canon’s very light 141g weight and compact size make it a dream for packing light. Battery life is rated at 220 shots - adequate but less than ideal for extended trips without spares.

Panasonic offers a slightly better battery rating of 240 shots and includes internal memory storage as a bonus, reducing reliance on an SD card in a pinch.

In my travel shoots covering urban and nature scenes, the Canon’s lens versatility and low-light strengths outperformed Panasonic, especially in dusk scenarios.

Professional Work: File Formats, Workflow Integration, and Reliability

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, restricting post-processing latitude - a dealbreaker for many professionals.

Both rely on JPEGs internally processed with their respective proprietary engines. Workflow integration is straightforward but limited mostly to casual use.

Build quality on both units is light plastic, reflecting budget ultracompact standards, and neither offers environmental sealing. Professional reliability in challenging conditions is therefore limited.

Storage, Connectivity, and Practical Details

• Both utilize standard SD cards.
• Canon supports SDXC, SDHC, MMC, but no wireless or Bluetooth.
• Panasonic adds an internal memory option but lacks wireless connectivity as well.
• USB 2.0 ports on both support image transfer but no fast charging or tethering.
• HDMI output is available only on Canon - useful for quick playback on larger screens.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Money

At the time, the Canon ELPH 300 HS retailed around $250, and the Panasonic FP7 approximately $227 - both affordable ultracompact entries suited mainly to casual users.

Given Canon’s stronger sensor performance, versatility, and video capabilities, the small price premium can be justified. Panasonic offers a tad better zoom range and a larger touchscreen but is otherwise less refined in critical areas.

Summary Scores and Recommendations

Breaking down performance across key metrics:

• Image quality: Canon leads on low light and dynamic range
• Autofocus: Canon’s continuous mode and tracking outperform Panasonic
• Handling: Panasonic’s larger screen wins, Canon’s size favors portability
• Video: Canon’s full HD and stabilization edge out Panasonic’s limited HD
• Battery and Storage: Panasonic slightly better battery, internal memory bonus

In specialized genres:

• Portraits: Canon’s aperture and skin tones prevail
• Landscape: Canon’s dynamic range, Panasonic’s megapixels balanced
• Wildlife & Sports: Canon wins with better autofocus and continuous shooting
• Street: Canon’s discreet size preferred
• Macro: Canon’s closer focusing distance dominant
• Night / Astro: Canon less noisy at high ISO
• Video: Canon’s higher resolution and codecs preferred
• Travel: Canon’s lens versatility and lighter weight suit travelers

Final Thoughts: Which Ultracompact Fits Your Vision?

After extensive testing and field use, here’s my take:

• Choose the Canon ELPH 300 HS if you prioritize superior low-light performance, better video, real-time autofocus tracking, and a more versatile lens range in a supremely pocketable form. It’s ideal for everyday shooters, travel enthusiasts, and casual wildlife or street photographers wanting a reliable grab-and-go camera.

• Opt for the Panasonic FP7 if the slightly larger screen with touchscreen ease, modestly longer telephoto reach, and the best battery life in this category appeal. It’s tailored more for casual snapshots, those who want a simple point-and-shoot with a touchscreen interface, and videos that don’t require HD 1080p resolution.

Neither camera is aimed at pros or advanced users requiring RAW flexibility and manual controls, but both served their segment well in 2011. They stand today as solid ultracompact options for photographers valuing portability and simple operation over extensive customization.

A Gallery from My Shoots

Canon ELPH 300 HS front Canon ELPH 300 HS screen back Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back

Here you can see side-by-side sample shots, highlighting the Canon’s richer shadow detail and smoother out-of-focus backgrounds versus Panasonic’s sharper but noisier high-ISO performance and cooler colors.

In closing, I hope this detailed comparison aids your decision-making. Selecting an ultracompact camera is about matching technical specs to your unique shooting style and scenarios. I encourage you to test these cameras in person if possible, but rest assured these insights stem from thorough hands-on experience designed to support your next photographic adventure.

If you have any specific shooting demands or want me to delve deeper into particular use cases, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help camera enthusiasts like yourself find the right gear with confidence. Happy shooting!