Canon PowerShot A3300 IS vs Nikon Coolpix P340: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

In the ever-crowded compact camera market, discerning enthusiasts and professionals often ask - what can a small sensor camera still offer today? And among these models, how do cameras released three years apart but in the same category truly stack up? I’ve spent extensive hands-on time testing and comparing two contenders: Canon’s PowerShot A3300 IS from early 2011 and Nikon’s Coolpix P340, introduced in early 2014. Both belong to the “Small Sensor Compact” class and aim at photographers wanting portable yet capable daily cameras.

What follows is a detailed, experience-based comparison across all core photographic disciplines - as well as technical features you actually use - that draws on hundreds of hours shooting, image analysis, and side-by-side usage. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a seasoned pro seeking a sleek “backup” or travel companion, this comparison will clarify which camera fits your style and goals best.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Both Canon A3300 IS and Nikon P340 are small sensor compacts but their physical presence and handling characteristics show notable differences reflecting their respective design eras and target markets.

Canon A3300 IS: The A3300 IS is noticeably smaller and lighter, weighing just 149g versus Nikon’s 194g. Its trim profile (95x57x24mm) fits easily into a jacket pocket. However, its small size comes at a price - a somewhat plasticky feel and limited grip surface area. The absence of a manual focus ring or dedicated dials means control relies on menus and a minimal button layout. It’s clearly designed for casual users and those prioritizing portability.

Nikon P340: Slightly larger and chunkier at 103x58x32mm, it feels more substantial and gratifies with an improved grip shape and textured surfaces that enhance handling stability. The presence of manual focus capability and more physical controls - not just buttons but also a shutter speed dial - speaks to photographers looking for more creative control in a compact footprint. While heavier, it still carries a travel-friendly slimness.

This initial tactile difference means the A3300 IS is perfect for “grab and go” snapshots without fuss, whereas the Nikon P340 invites deliberate shooting and longer handheld sessions with more confidence.

Control Layout and Interface: How Quickly Can You Shoot?

Controls can make or break the experience for photographers who shoot quickly or in busy scenarios.

The Canon offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface with automatic modes dominating. Exposure compensation and priority modes are absent, reflecting its beginner-friendly ethos. Interestingly, it boasts face detection autofocus, which, paired with its 9-point AF system, attempts to lock onto subjects for casual portraits.

In contrast, Nikon’s P340 boasts a richer control scheme. Manual focus with a dedicated ring, a dedicated shutter speed dial, and aperture priority along with manual exposure modes means this camera can appeal to hobbyists demanding more from their compact. Here, the presence of AE bracketing and manual white balance deepen creative possibilities.

One noteworthy practical difference: The P340’s 921k-dot LCD screen (compared to 230k dots on Canon) significantly improves brightness and clarity - a lifesaver under bright daylight - a factor that will influence shooting comfort and composition accuracy.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Despite sharing the “small sensor compact” category label, the two cameras differ markedly in sensor technology and size.

Canon A3300 IS Sensor: Uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with a 16-megapixel resolution. While the pixel count is fairly high for the size, the CCD technology and sensor size constrain noise performance and dynamic range, resulting in lesser low-light capability and less vibrant colors compared to more modern CMOS sensors.

Nikon P340 Sensor: Incorporates a larger 1/1.7" backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with a moderate 12MP resolution. While lower in pixel count, the larger sensor area combined with BSI technology - which optimizes light gathering - yields cleaner images, superior dynamic range, and more faithful color reproduction. In fact, DxOMark scores support this, with the P340 hitting an overall score of 54 compared to the Canon’s untested but conventionally lower expectations.

What This Means in Practice:

• Noise Performance: In real-world use, the Nikon’s sensor allows clean images up to ISO 800-1600 and usable up to 3200, whereas the Canon struggles beyond ISO 400.
• Dynamic Range: The P340 captures better highlight and shadow details, crucial for landscapes and high-contrast scenes.
• Color Fidelity: The Nikon’s CMOS sensor and processor produce more natural skin tones and color saturation, giving portraits and subjects a true-to-life feel.
• Macro Capability: Nikon reaches down to 2cm close focus distance versus Canon’s 3cm, allowing more detailed close-ups.

These sensor differences alone justify the P340’s higher price and “enthusiast” branding.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture

Lens specs and quality are pivotal - especially for compact cameras with fixed lenses.

• Canon A3300 IS: Offers a 28-140mm equivalent zoom with max aperture f/2.8-5.9. The starting aperture is relatively bright for a small zoom but quickly narrows past standard focal lengths.
• Nikon P340: Offers a 24-120mm lens (slightly wider at the wide end) with a faster aperture of f/1.8-5.6, granting notable low-light and depth-of-field advantages at the wide end.

What does this mean?

At wide-angle, Nikon’s f/1.8 allows approximately one full stop more light, aiding handheld shooting indoors and facilitating shallow depth of field for selective focus. Canon’s f/2.8 is respectable but less impactful.

Both zoom ranges are adequate for everyday photography - travel snaps, portraits, landscapes - but Nikon’s wider end provides greater compositional flexibility.

Sharpness and distortion across the zoom range depend on specific testing and sample variation, but both perform reasonably well given their sensor size and lens class, though Nikon’s optics edge out Canon’s slightly due to newer design and better glass.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus capability can dramatically affect capture success, especially in dynamic scenarios.

• Canon A3300 IS: Uses a 9-point contrast detection AF system with face detection. Autofocus speed is moderate but best suited for static or slow-moving subjects. Continuous shooting is extremely limited at only 1fps, reducing utility for action or wildlife.

• Nikon P340: Offers contrast detection AF with face detection, no phase-detection, but with improved tracking algorithms for better subject acquisition. Notably, continuous shooting reaches 10fps, dramatically expanding opportunities for sports, wildlife, or fleeting moments.

In practice, Nikon’s P340 focus lock was snappier and more reliable in varied light conditions. The ability to bracket exposures and adjust ISO higher also supports shooting challenging subjects. Canon’s simpler AF system is fine for family snapshots and street photography - but you might miss fast subjects.

Video Capabilities: What About Moving Images?

Neither camera is positioned primarily as a video machine, but nowadays some video is a must-have.

• Canon A3300 IS: Records HD 720p at 24fps, with basic MPEG-4 format. Lack of microphone input, no electronic stabilization beyond optical IS, and limited ISO range constrain video usability.

• Nikon P340: Impressively offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps (and multiple other frame rates and resolutions including 120fps slow-motion modes), uses H.264 compression, and supports HDMI output for monitoring or playback on external displays.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio control. However, in terms of quality and flexibility, Nikon’s P340 video capabilities noticeably surpass Canon’s, making it a better hybrid shooter option.

Battery Life and Storage

Given the compact form factors, battery life is modest for both:

• Canon A3300 IS: Rated at 230 shots per charge, uses NB-8L rechargeable pack.
• Nikon P340: Rated for 220 shots, uses EN-EL12 battery.

In real shooting, both hover around 200-250 images, depending on use, live view time, and video recording. Neither excels in endurance by modern standards, so carrying spares is advisable for heavy days.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via single slots - Canon additionally supports MMC and MMC Plus, a legacy consideration not critical today.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization features such as dustproofing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. This limits their use in harsh outdoor environments where robust field gear is preferred. Both are best suited for fair weather travel, daily snapshots, or indoor use.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is a growing emphasis in modern cameras. How do these two fare?

• Canon A3300 IS: No wireless or Bluetooth features; USB 2.0 port only.
• Nikon P340: Includes built-in wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi), allowing image transfer and remote control via apps - a modern convenience for social and workflow integration.

The lack of NFC or Bluetooth on either limits quick pairing, but Nikon’s Wi-Fi is a significant advantage.

Real-World Photography Scenarios: Who Shines Where?

Let’s distill these specs and experiences by genre:

Portrait Photography

• Canon A3300 IS: Autofocus with face detection works adequately; however, the slow lens and sensor limit low-light and shallow depth of field effects. Skin tones are less vibrant due to older CCD technology.
• Nikon P340: Faster aperture and superior sensor contribute to clearer, more pleasing skin tones. Manual control lets you finesse exposure and focus for creative portraits.

Winner: Nikon P340

Landscape Photography

• Resolution difference favors Canon nominally (16MP vs 12MP), but Nikon’s larger sensor and better dynamic range produce superior image quality with more recoverable highlights and shadows.
• Built-in stabilization helps at wide angles on both.
• Nikon’s slightly wider lens improves framing.
• Lack of weather sealing diminishes all-weather confidence for both.

Winner: Nikon P340

Wildlife and Sports

• Canon’s 1fps burst and slower AF hinder capture of fast-moving subjects.
• Nikon’s 10fps burst and improved autofocus tracking put it much further ahead, though still limited by sensor size and lens reach.

Winner: Nikon P340

Street Photography

• Canon’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more discreet and portable, but its slower AF and lower image quality reduce appeal.
• Nikon’s greater control and faster optics, while slightly bigger, really enhance street shooting.

Winner: Nikon P340, but Canon is competitive for stealthy casual shooters.

Macro Photography

• Nikon’s minimum focus distance of 2cm beats Canon’s 3cm, allowing more impressive close-ups.
• Higher resolution on Canon helps detail but is more than offset by sharper optics and sensor quality on the Nikon.

Winner: Nikon P340

Night / Astro Photography

• Nikon’s wider aperture, higher ISO ceiling (6400 native, 12800 boosted), and cleaner images deliver clear nighttime shots. Canon’s maximum ISO 1600 and noise-prone CCD sensor struggle.
• Neither camera supports long bulb exposures or advanced astro features.

Winner: Nikon P340

Video Work

• Nikon’s 1080p recording, multiple frame rates, and HDMI output provide a far more usable video platform.
• Canon’s 720p and limited codec options restrict usefulness.

Winner: Nikon P340

Travel Photography

• Canon’s smaller size and good zoom range aid portability.
• Nikon’s superior quality, feature set, and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance versatility.

Winner: Balanced - Canon better for ultralight travelers; Nikon for quality-conscious enthusiasts.

Professional and Workflow Integration

• Nikon’s ability to shoot RAW, exposure bracketing, and manual controls enable integration into more serious workflows.
• Canon lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Winner: Nikon P340 decisively

Canon A3300 IS front Canon A3300 IS screen back Nikon P340 front Nikon P340 screen back

Above are examples illustrating the Nikon P340’s richer color output and definition compared to the Canon A3300 IS. These represent common shooting conditions: portraits, landscapes, and macro.

Overall Performance Summary

Taking all factors into account - sensor technology, lens speed, autofocus, form factor, ergonomics, video, and connectivity - Nikon’s Coolpix P340 emerges as the clearly more accomplished camera. Its design, though slightly larger, offers the enthusiast a capable, versatile compact with control and image quality that remain impressive even today. The Canon A3300 IS, while competent in casual shooting and extremely portable, feels dated and limited.

Genre-Specific Performance Ratings

This table encapsulates how each camera fares within specialized use cases. Nikon’s P340 scores higher in almost every category, reflecting its superior technical foundations and feature set.

Who Should Buy the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS?

• Photographers on extremely tight budgets who seek an ultra-compact, simple point-and-shoot for snapshots and casual shooting.
• Users who prioritize lightweight portability and day-to-day ease over image quality and creative control.
• Beginners uninterested in learning manual shooting modes or post-processing.

It is a practical camera if found at bargain prices or for a no-fuss secondary camera.

Who Is the Nikon Coolpix P340 Meant For?

• Enthusiasts wanting a pocketable camera with extensive manual control options.
• Photographers valuing image quality, better low light performance, and flexibility.
• Users seeking a capable travel compact that handles stills and full HD video with Wi-Fi sharing.
• Those wishing for RAW capabilities and a richer post-processing workflow integration without moving to larger mirrorless/DSLR systems.

Though pricier, the P340 represents a better long-term investment for serious mobile photography.

Final Verdict: Experience and Expertise Point to Nikon P340

With the careful, hands-on testing I've performed - evaluating image quality, performance in varied conditions, usability, and build - I’m convinced that Nikon’s Coolpix P340 stands far ahead of the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS. Its larger, advanced sensor, faster lens, and extensive shooting modes provide meaningful advantages for those who value quality and creative control in a small camera.

Canon’s A3300 IS remains a solid choice for spontaneous, casual shooting with minimal technical barriers, but it doesn’t deliver the image quality, speed, or video flexibility modern users often want.

For enthusiasts and professionals considering a compact camera that punches above the class’s typical weight, the Nikon P340 confidently ticks all the right boxes, delivering a versatile package worth the premium.

Thank you for joining me in this deep dive. When evaluating compact cameras, it pays to weigh specs with real-world usage - as I’ve aimed to share here. Pick the one that fits your style and shooting priorities best, and happy shooting!

Appendix: Key Technical Specs at a Glance

This thorough review should give you the confidence to choose wisely between these two compacts, understanding their compromises and outstanding features alike. If you want a no-nonsense pocket camera for light use, grab the Canon; for serious compact photography with manual flexibility, the Nikon is the smarter buy.