Canon ELPH 510 HS vs Nikon Coolpix W300: An Expert Hands-On Compact Camera Comparison

When compact cameras come to mind today, it’s easy to dismiss them as mere casual grab-and-shoot devices. But cameras like the Canon ELPH 510 HS and Nikon Coolpix W300 remind us that small sensor cameras can still hold appeal, especially for enthusiasts seeking convenience, specialized features, or budget-friendly options. Having extensively tested both models, I’m here to unpack their real-world performance, technical merits, and suitable use cases with my 15-plus years of hands-on experience. Watch for practical insights you won’t find in spec sheets alone, and get a feel for which model might fit your photography needs.

A Tale of Two Compacts: First Impressions and Physical Feel

At first glance, both cameras speak "compact," but they cater to quite different priorities. The Canon ELPH 510 HS is a sleek superzoom with a 12x 28-336mm equivalent lens and a focus on travel-friendly portability. The Nikon W300, by contrast, is rugged and geared toward adventure, sporting waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof capabilities, housed in a slightly chunkier body.

In the image above, the Canon’s slim 99x59x22mm frame contrasts against the tougher 112x66x29mm Nikon. The Canon’s lighter 206g weight makes it pocketable and subtle, ideal if discretion and lightweight carry matter most. The Nikon adds heft (231g) but offers peace of mind for outdoor, all-weather shooting.

Ergonomically, the Canon opts for minimalist controls and a fixed, good-sized 3.2-inch PureColor II touchscreen - nice for quick framing - while the Nikon sports a 3-inch non-touchscreen with more ruggedized buttons suited for gloved hands or wet conditions.

The top-down view shows the Canon’s clean, simple button arrangement, prioritizing ease for casual users. Nikon’s layout signals versatility with dedicated dials better fitting hands-on tweaks. Clearly, these cameras are aimed at different user mindsets: Canon prioritizes elegant simplicity and zoom reach, Nikon sacks subtly for toughness and versatility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The image sensor lies at a camera’s core image-making abilities. Both these compacts share the same 1/2.3” sensor footprint (6.17x4.55 mm sensor dimensions, approx. 28 mm² active area), but the Nikon W300 ups the resolution to 16MP from Canon’s 12MP.

Despite identical sensor sizes, the Nikon’s higher 16MP count yields more resolution but can result in tighter pixel pitch, typically meaning more noise in low light. Canon’s 12MP sensor trades resolution for slightly larger pixels, tending to reduce noise levels.

In practical shooting, the Canon ELPH 510 HS produces punchy, natural colors with decent dynamic range for its class. Skin tones look pleasant under varied lighting, fitting for portraits on the go, especially with its contrast-detection AF ensuring quick autofocus lock on faces. Nikon’s W300 delivers sharper, more detailed images in good light thanks to its higher resolution. The tradeoff is a touch more noise at anything above ISO 800.

Low ISO images (100-400) on both cameras yield crisp images that work well for casual prints or social sharing. Beyond ISO 1600, image quality declines noticeably on both, but the Canon’s noise reduction feels more natural, retaining better color fidelity.

Autofocus and Lens Capabilities: Which Zoom Fits Your Style?

The Canon ELPH 510 HS boasts an impressive 28-336mm (12x) zoom range, perfect for those who want to capture everything from wide street scenes to distant wildlife silhouettes without swapping lenses. Nikon’s W300 offers a shorter 24-120mm (5x) zoom with a wider maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.9, great for low-light shots and better subject isolation at the wide end.

Both feature fixed lenses, so you won’t swap glass here, but each offers macro focus starting around 1cm - ideal for close-ups but more on that later.

The Canon’s zoom range advantage makes it a superior choice for travel photographers stressing flexibility within a pocket camera weight. Nikon’s wider aperture lens excels in dim environments, such as underwater or dusk scenarios, maximizing shutter speed while reducing motion blur.

Regarding autofocus, both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems without phase detection. Canon’s ELPH 510 HS supports touch autofocus on its touchscreen, allowing you to tap to select focal points - useful and intuitive. Nikon lacks a touchscreen but provides selective AF area modes and continuous tracking that perform well during steady subjects but sometimes waver on fast-moving wildlife or sports scenes given limited AF sensitivity at the telephoto end.

LCD and Interface: Touchscreen vs Button Navigation

Touchscreens might feel ubiquitous now, but in 2012 when the Canon ELPH 510 HS debuted, a 3.2-inch PureColor II TFT touchscreen was quite forward-thinking. It’s fixed (non-articulating), yet bright and crisp enough for framing shots, reviewing images, and tapping to set focus points.

Nikon’s W300 offers a similar-sized 3-inch fixed display but lacks touch functionality in favor of physical buttons, better suited for wet hands or gloved use, consistent with its outdoor adventure intent.

While I generally prefer touch control for speed and ease, Nikon’s button operation feels rugged and reliable - especially underwater or in extreme weather where touchscreens struggle.

Waterproof Toughness vs Everyday Portability

Here’s where the Nikon Coolpix W300 really shines. It’s waterproof down to 30 meters (approx. 100 feet!), dustproof, shockproof from 2.4 meters, and even freezeproof to –10°C. For adventure photographers or families who want to capture snorkeling, snorkeling, skiing, or dusty festivals without fear, the W300 practically lives outdoors.

The Canon ELPH 510 HS, with no weather sealing, must be treated like a delicate instrument. If you’re hiking in rain or beachside spray, you’ll want a sturdy protective case or simply avoid exposure, making it better suited to urban or controlled travel environments.

Burst Speed and Shooting Modes: For Action or Leisure?

Canon’s modest 3 fps continuous shooting speed suits casual shooting but falls short for capturing fast sports or wildlife bursts. Nikon doubles that at 7 fps, helping freeze action better, especially when combined with its 16MP sensor for higher-res detail.

Neither camera offers manual exposure controls, aperture priority, or shutter priority modes, limiting creative exposure flexibility. Both provide automatic exposure metering, center-weighted or multisegment, and support custom white balance.

Video Capabilities: Does 4K Matter?

Video enthusiasts will note the Nikon W300 shoots UHD 4K video at 30p, a solid advantage over the Canon’s 1080p (Full HD) max at 24 fps. Nikon’s 4K videos are well stabilized optically, producing impressively smooth handheld footage for a rugged compact.

Canon’s 1080p video is no slouch though, and supports multiple frame rates including 24, 30, and some slow-motion modes (120 fps at 640x480 resolution), which might appeal to casual shooters interested in slow-mo clips.

Neither camera has external microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or sophisticated video controls - video is an ancillary feature here. Still, Nikon leads if video resolution and rugged 4K capture matter.

Battery and Connectivity: Staying Power and Sharing

Nikon W300 offers approximately 280 shots per charge, a reliable head start over many tough compacts given its built-in rechargeable battery system. The Canon ELPH 510 HS uses the NB-9L battery, with unspecified official battery life but generally lower endurance typical of compact cameras.

Connectivity wise, Canon supports Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility (requiring special cards) but lacks Bluetooth or Wi-Fi built-in. Nikon shines with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling smartphone pairing for remote control, instant transfers, and GPS tagging via its built-in GPS unit - big pluses for those who want to share or geotag on the fly.

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Tiny Worlds Explored

Both cameras let you focus as close as 1cm, allowing dramatic macro shots of flowers, insects (if they cooperate), or textures. Canon’s longer zoom enables more working distance from the subject, useful for shy insects or handheld macro shots without casting shadows.

Nikon’s brighter aperture at the wide end helps with sharper, more detailed macro captures. However, neither camera supports focus stacking or advanced macro modes, so fine detail control is limited - you’ll rely heavily on patience and lighting.

Practical Field Tests Across Genres: Who’s Best for Which?

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in key photography areas, synthesizing real-world testing experience:

Portrait Photography

Canon ELPH 510 HS slightly edges out for portraits thanks to warmer color rendering and effective face detection AF combined with bokeh softness at its longer zoom range. The Nikon W300 produces sharper but sometimes cooler-toned skin, which might appeal to those who prefer punchier detail over warmth.

Landscape Photography

Nikon’s higher resolution sensor and wider-angle 24mm start give it a minor advantage for landscape detail capture and sweeping vistas. Plus, the built-in GPS geotags your shots and the rugged body invites outdoor use without fear. Canon’s longer zoom is less critical here; its smaller file size can be easier for casual landscape sharing.

Wildlife Photography

The Canon’s longer reach (336mm) benefits wildlife photographers needing distance. However, Nikon’s faster burst rate (7 fps vs 3 fps) and faster maximum aperture aid quicker subject tracking and better performance in lower light. Both cameras struggle with high-speed animal action due to limited AF sophistication, but Nikon pulls ahead here.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal for serious sports due to lack of pro-level AF and shutter speeds, but Nikon’s higher burst rate and ruggedness again improve its credentials for casual sports shooters.

Street Photography

Canon ELPH 510 HS’s slim profile, touchscreen, and longer zoom help capture candid street moments unobtrusively from a distance. Nikon’s bulkier build and button interface are less discreet, though if street shooting includes unpredictable conditions (rain, dust), Nikon is tough enough to endure.

Macro Photography

Tie goes to Nikon for sharper macro detail thanks to resolution and aperture, but the Canon’s zoom offers more flexible framing.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras’ sensor sizes and noise performance limit serious astrophotography. However, Nikon’s higher ISO capability up to 6400 gives it a slight edge for night shots. Neither provide bulb mode or long-exposure manual control.

Video Recording

Nikon’s 4K capabilities and robust stabilization clearly target vloggers or adventure videographers, while Canon’s 1080p provides simpler casual recording.

Travel Photography

Canon wins for portability and travel versatility with its compact size and powerful zoom. Nikon suits adventure travelers needing a camera that survives everything mother nature throws.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW or offers advanced file formats, limiting their use in professional workflows. Nikon offers a slight edge with more comprehensive custom white balance bracketing.

Build Quality and Reliability: Daily Use and Durability

Canon’s plastic but refined body feels well constructed for its low price but lacks environmental sealing and toughness. Nikon’s W300 embodies ruggedness best-in-class for compact cameras, ideal for users who require dependable performance in tough conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories

Being fixed-lens cameras, neither supports interchangeable lenses. Canon users might pair the ELPH 510 HS with accessories like external flashes (though not supported here), and extra batteries. Nikon’s integrated GPS and more sophisticated wireless connectivity make it easier to pair with smartphones and accessories for remote control.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Canon ELPH 510 HS front Canon ELPH 510 HS screen back Nikon W300 front Nikon W300 screen back

As you can see in image samples above, Nikon W300 delivers higher resolution and finer detail in daylight, while Canon’s images appear warmer and a bit softer, often preferred for portraits and casual shots.

Overall Camera Scores and Performance Insights

I compiled these ratings based on hands-on tests of image quality, autofocus, handling, video, and durability.

Despite Canon’s longevity and superzoom appeal, Nikon W300’s robustness, resolution, and video features nudge it ahead in overall versatility and user features.

Genre-Specific Scores: Which Camera Excels Where?

Breaking down the performance by photography genre reveals more nuanced perspectives.

• Portrait and street favor Canon for color and compactness.
• Landscape, wildlife, and sports lean toward Nikon for resolution and ruggedness.
• Macro and night photography see slight Nikon advantage but both are limited.
• Video and travel use cases also tilt toward Nikon thanks to 4K and toughness.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon ELPH 510 HS if you:

• Want an affordable, travel-friendly superzoom compact
• Prefer touchscreen controls and ease of use
• Shoot portraits or street photography in stable environments
• Value long zoom reach in a slim form factor
• Don’t need waterproof or rugged build

Choose the Nikon Coolpix W300 if you:

• Need a tough, weather-sealed compact for adventure or outdoor shoots
• Want higher resolution and more detailed image files
• Shoot 4K video and appreciate ruggedized controls over touchscreen
• Travel where environmental abuse (water, dust, cold) is a concern
• Are willing to pay a premium for added durability and connectivity

Dear Canon, I’d love to see a modern update to the ELPH superzoom line that marries your stellar zoom range with ruggedness and 4K video - please?

In the current market, if your lifestyle involves risk-taking outdoor photography combined with video, Nikon W300 is a very compelling choice. For casual photographers who prioritize zoom and portability in sunny, protected conditions, Canon ELPH 510 HS remains a practical, inexpensive option.

Both cameras reflect their periods well: the Canon as the last gasp of the classic superzoom compact era, and the Nikon as part of a new breed of adventure-ready compacts.

Whatever your pick, you’ll find these cameras offer solid value for their price and niches - with the caveat that advanced photographers should look toward larger sensor systems for more serious work.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate the compact camera landscape with confidence. Happy shooting!