Canon PowerShot A3300 IS vs Canon PowerShot S120: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, Canon has been a stalwart for delivering solid imaging solutions for both casual shooters and serious enthusiasts. Today, I’ll be diving deep into a hands-on comparison between two distinct Canon PowerShot models: the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS, announced in early 2011, and the slightly more advanced Canon PowerShot S120, introduced in late 2013. While both are small sensor compacts, the two cameras represent very different points on the buyer’s spectrum - one an entry-level budget-friendly model, the other a more feature-rich tool aimed toward enthusiasts seeking pocketable versatility with improved control and quality.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ve spent quality time shooting with both of these cameras, carefully evaluating their real-world performance, technical nuances, and overall value for various photography disciplines. Let’s explore how these two devices stack up against each other, both on paper and through the lens.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs Refined Control

At first glance, the Canon A3300 IS is an entry-level compact designed for absolute simplicity. Weighing just 149 grams and measuring a modest 95 x 57 x 24 mm, it’s one of the smallest and lightest models in Canon’s PowerShot lineup. Its ultra-compact body and fixed lens give you a grab-and-go camera that slips into any pocket - ideal for casual shooters who prioritize portability over manual tweaks.

The Canon S120, while still pocket-friendly, is noticeably larger (100 x 59 x 29 mm) and heavier at 217 grams. Its slightly bigger footprint accommodates a more sophisticated control layout, including manual focus capabilities, shutter and aperture priority modes, and a touchscreen interface. The grip is more pronounced, lending enhanced ergonomics for extended shooting sessions or one-handed operation.

Looking at the top-view of the cameras, the A3300 IS keeps things minimalistic with a simple mode dial and shutter release. The S120, conversely, lays out dedicated dials and buttons that give quick access to exposure settings, ISO, and drive modes - features that hardcore enthusiasts will find invaluable.

In my experience, the S120’s superior ergonomics make it much easier to handle during fast-paced shoots or longer use, especially when manual adjustments are needed. The A3300 IS, while insanely compact, feels more like a casual snapshot tool - light and simple, with fewer distractions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors Tell Different Stories

Here’s where the two diverge significantly. The Canon A3300 IS employs a 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), delivering 16 megapixels of resolution. CCD sensors like this were common in early compact cameras and are known for good color fidelity but often struggle with noise performance at higher ISOs.

By contrast, the Canon S120 uses a larger 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm) with 12 megapixels. Despite the lower resolution, the bigger sensor area (about 41.5 mm² vs. 28 mm²) translates into generally better image quality: improved dynamic range, better low-light performance, and smoother gradation. The BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) technology enhances light-gathering efficiency, which is crucial for night shots or indoor environments.

Technically, the S120 scored a DxOmark overall score of 56, which is surprisingly good for a compact, with a color depth of 21.3 bits and dynamic range of nearly 12 EVs. Meanwhile, the A3300 IS wasn’t tested on DxOmark, but based on sensor tech and years of experience, its image quality lags behind - particularly at ISOs above 400.

What does this mean in the field? In daylight conditions, both cameras can produce pleasing images, especially at lower ISOs. However, push the A3300 IS past ISO 400 and you’ll clearly see noise and softness creeping in. The S120 delivers crisper details, richer colors, and much cleaner high-ISO images - vital for low-light shooting.

Display and User Interface: Touchscreen with Precision vs Basic Fixed LCD

Both cameras feature 3-inch fixed LCD screens, but that’s where their similarities end. The A3300 IS sports a modest 230k-dot display, which by today’s standards is dim and somewhat grainy. It lacks touchscreen capabilities and any form of live exposure preview beyond basic live view.

The S120 ups the ante with a 922k-dot touchscreen LCD using Canon’s PureColor II G technology, which means far brighter, more color-accurate monitoring with improved viewing angles. The touchscreen interface enables intuitive AF point selection, quick menu navigation, and pinch-to-zoom gestures - a huge plus in the field.

During my testing, especially outdoors, the S120’s display retained clarity and visibility under bright sunlight where the A3300 IS’s screen struggled. If you’re relying heavily on the LCD - common in street photography or macro work - the S120’s superior screen significantly enhances usability.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Control: Basic vs Advanced

When it comes to autofocus (AF), the A3300 IS offers a 9-point contrast-detection AF with face detection but no manual focus option, no aperture priority, and only a single frame-per-second continuous shooting. This is very slow by modern standards and limits creative flexibility. The AF can hunt a bit in dimmer light, and tracking moving subjects is unreliable.

In contrast, the S120 boasts the same 9-point AF array but adds AF touch control, selective AF area, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes. Moreover, it achieves an impressive 12 fps burst shooting - a massive difference for sports, wildlife, or action photography.

Hands-on, the S120 autofocus is noticeably faster and more accurate, particularly in live view and low light conditions. I was able to acquire focus on moving subjects significantly better, and manual focus with focus peaking gave extra precision for macro and landscape work.

Clearly, the S120 is the more agile shooter that better suits enthusiasts who demand control beyond automatic modes.

Build Quality and Durability: Lightweight Portability with No Weather Sealing

Both models lack weather sealing and ruggedness features, which limits their use in harsh environments. The A3300 IS’s ultra-light plastic construction feels a bit flimsy in hand, though it fits nicely in a pocket or bag.

The S120’s body is more solid - though still plastic - exuding a reassuring build quality that can withstand everyday knocks and handling without fear. (Neither camera offers splash or dust resistance).

If your photographic adventures regularly include demanding conditions (rain, dust, cold), I’d recommend considering different bodies, but for typical day-to-day shooting, the S120’s build is a clear step up.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Fast Control Meets Useful Range

The fixed lenses on these cameras reveal another key difference:

• Canon A3300 IS: 28-140mm equivalent, 5x zoom, aperture range of f/2.8-5.9
• Canon S120: 24-120mm equivalent, 5x zoom, aperture range of f/1.8-5.7

While both offer approximately 5x optical zoom, the S120’s lens starts wider (24mm vs. 28mm) and boasts a faster maximum aperture at the wide end (f/1.8 vs. f/2.8). This wider glass is invaluable for landscape, street, and low-light shooting, providing that extra light for better subject isolation and hand-holdability in dim conditions.

For macro enthusiasts, both cameras focus down to about 3 cm, but the S120’s manual focus and AF assist make precision framing much easier.

Battery Life and Connectivity Essentials

Surprisingly, both cameras offer about 230 shots per charge, which is somewhat average, especially considering their age. The S120 uses the smaller NB-6LH battery versus the NB-8L for the A3300 IS, but endurance is comparable.

The A3300 IS lacks wireless connectivity notable in today’s standards, and the S120 only adds built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC), allowing for easier image transfer and remote control via Canon’s apps - a helpful bonus for modern workflows.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot each.

Video Performance: Entry vs Advanced HD

Video recording is another stark contrast:

• A3300 IS: Maximum 1280x720 at 24fps, standard MPEG-4 codec, no microphone input
• S120: Full HD 1920x1080 at 60fps or 30fps, H.264 codec, HDMI output (no mic input)

The S120 is clearly the better video performer with smooth Full HD at 60fps and higher quality compression, beneficial for casual videographers. The lack of external mic input restricts serious audio work, but for traveler or vlogger use, this is a decent feature set.

In my field tests, the S120’s video images were sharper and better in low light, thanks to its CMOS sensor and efficient noise handling.

Canon A3300 IS front Canon A3300 IS screen back Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back

Real-World Sample Gallery: What to Expect Image-Wise

Shooting outside on a sunny day, the high-resolution 16MP A3300 IS yields good detail but with somewhat flatter color reproduction compared to the S120. Portraits on the S120 show more natural skin tones, smoother bokeh, and cleaner micro-contrast - likely due to its brighter lens and sensor tech.

In low light, the S120’s images appear cleaner up to ISO 800 and beyond, whereas the A3300 IS shows visible graininess and detail drop-off already at ISO 400.

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range in harsh shadows and highlights but the S120 offers more recovery in post-processing due to its superior sensor.

How Do They Score Overall?

Using standard industry metrics calibrated against genre-specific needs:

As expected, the S120 is the stronger, more well-rounded performer, offering substantial gains in image quality, speed, and usability. The A3300 IS holds value as a budget-friendly, pocketable point-and-shoot for casual use.

Performance by Photography Genre: Who Should Pick Which?

Portrait Photography:
The S120’s faster lens (f/1.8 wide), better skin tone rendering, and accurate face detection autofocus make it a clear winner. The A3300 IS can manage casual portraits but won’t isolate subjects or handle low light as gracefully.

Landscape Photography:
Although the S120’s lens is slightly wider, its superior dynamic range and improved detail at low ISO make it better suited for landscapes. However, neither has weather sealing, limiting outdoor extremes.

Wildlife & Sports:
The A3300’s slow 1 fps burst and sluggish AF mean it’s not optimized here. The S120’s 12 fps rate and faster AF tracking shine for capturing action and wildlife.

Street Photography:
The A3300’s smaller size lends discretion, but the lack of manual controls and slow AF can hinder fast-paced shooting. The S120’s better responsiveness and touchscreen AF selection make it ideal, but it is slightly less stealthy.

Macro:
Both cameras focus at 3 cm but S120’s manual focus and touchscreen assist enable more precise compositions.

Night/Astro:
The S120’s higher ISO (up to 12800) and superior noise control make it far more capable for night shots. The A3300 IS maxes at ISO 1600 but noise limits usefulness.

Video:
Clear edge to the S120 for Full HD 60fps video, making it better for casual video projects.

Travel Photography:
If ultra-light and pocket-sized ease are top priority, the A3300 IS wins. But for a compact with advanced control, image quality, and versatility, the S120 offers the better all-in-one solution.

Professional Work:
Neither is ideal for professional-grade work due to sensor size and lack of RAW (A3300 IS) or advanced lens options. The S120’s RAW support and manual control help pros pack a capable backup or secondary travel camera.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Consider Each Camera?

If you value sheer portability and ease of use, want a budget compact for casual snapshots and don't mind the sacrifices in image quality and control, the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS remains a decent choice - especially when found at bargain basement prices. It’s a great first camera or gift option, delivering straightforward usability to those who want point, shoot, and forget.

However, if you’re an enthusiast craving a compact that punches above its weight with superior image quality, faster autofocus, improved manual control, and strong video features, the Canon PowerShot S120 is well worth the higher investment. It’s a camera I would confidently recommend as a versatile travel companion, a street shooter’s toolbox, or even a lightweight backup for professionals.

Summing up with Some Practical Advice:

• Look for the A3300 IS if:

  • You want something ultra-small and affordable.
  • Auto modes suffice for your shooting.
  • You rarely shoot in low light or need fast continuous shooting.

• Choose the S120 if:

  • You want manual exposure modes or RAW shooting.
  • You often shoot portraits, street, or low-light scenes.
  • Video at Full HD 60fps matters to you.
  • You need faster autofocus and higher burst rates.
  • You appreciate touchscreen controls and better LCD quality.

In conclusion, both cameras have their niche, but the Canon PowerShot S120's technological advances and more thoughtful design make it a superior choice for anyone serious about photography on the go. The older A3300 IS still holds nostalgic charm and value as a simple compact but has aged visibly in capability.

I encourage readers to consider their specific use-case and budget while also factoring in how much control and image quality they truly need. Getting hands-on, if possible, remains the best way to decide - as personal feel and shooting style often tip the scales once you experience these cameras in practice.

If you want to see more side-by-side image samples or detailed test charts, check out the gallery above and the technical analysis tables.

Happy shooting!

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