Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS vs. ELPH 360 HS: Compact Camera Showdown for Everyday Photographers

When it comes to ultracompact point-and-shoot cameras, Canon’s PowerShot ELPH series has long occupied a sweet spot for those wanting simplicity, decent image quality, and pocketability without breaking the bank. But even within the ELPH lineup, subtle differences in specs and features can significantly impact how these cameras perform for different photography pursuits.

Today, I’ll be drawing on my extensive hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras to break down how the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS stacks up against the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS. Both were announced on the same day in early 2016, but cater to slightly different users and priorities.

We’ll cover everything from sensor tech to real-world image quality, autofocus performance, video prowess, and their practicality for various photography genres. Along the way, I’ll also share candid pros and cons and help match each camera to the right photographer. So grab your coffee - let’s dive in.

At a Glance: Design, Handling, and Build Quality

Both cameras follow Canon’s classic ELPH design ethos: slim, pocketable ultracompacts with modest styling cues. The 190 IS is the smaller and lighter of the two, tipping the scales at 138 grams versus 147 grams for the 360 HS. Their dimensions are similarly tight, although the 360 HS is fractionally larger and slimmer.

Why does this matter? If you’re after a true grab-and-go companion that doesn’t weigh down your pocket, the 190 IS has the edge. But if you can spare a bit of bulk for a nicer screen and longer zoom, the 360 HS still stays compact without becoming a burden.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness, so neither is suited for harsh environments. Build quality is typical of budget ultracompacts - mostly plastic, with a slightly rubberized grip on the 360 HS lending a bit more confidence in hand.

Ergonomics wise, neither model features an electronic viewfinder or articulating screen - the 190 sticks with a tiny 2.7-inch, low-res LCD, while the 360 steps up to a larger 3-inch screen with better resolution (461k dots vs. 230k). Neither is touch-sensitive.

Physical controls are minimal on both, lacking manual control dials or any clubs for thumbs beyond basic zoom and shutter buttons. Notably, the 360 HS supports manual focus, albeit limited, whereas the 190 IS does not, which may irk enthusiasts who want creative control.

To summarize the handling differences:

Sensor Secrets and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

Both the 190 IS and 360 HS cram a 20-megapixel sensor of the same physical size: 1/2.3-inch with a sensor area around 28 mm², which is typical for compact cameras. But their underlying sensor technologies differ - a crucial detail that has significant implications.

The 190 IS uses a CCD sensor, a mature, older tech known for delivering decent image quality with moderate dynamic range but generally poorer low-light performance. In contrast, the 360 HS sports a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor (Backside Illuminated), which boosts light-gathering efficiency and improves high ISO capabilities, dynamic range, and noise control.

This distinction is key in real-world shooting, especially in complex lighting or low-light scenarios. The 360’s sensor supports a wider native ISO range (from 80 to 3200) compared to 190’s capped 1600, enabling cleaner images in dim environments or indoor settings without resorting to flash.

Image processing on both cameras is driven by Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor, though the 360 HS can better leverage the sensor’s improved data due to the sensor-gen advantage.

Zoom Lenses and Focusing: Flexibility vs. Aperture Trade-offs

The ELPH 190 IS features a fixed 24-240mm equivalent zoom (10x), while the 360 HS offers a slightly longer 25-300mm (12x) zoom range. At first glance, the 360 HS seems superior for telephoto reach, especially useful for casual wildlife or sports snaps.

However, both lenses start with similar moderate maximum apertures: f/3.0 at wide for the 190 IS against f/3.6 for the 360 HS, and they get quite slow (around f/6.9–f/7.0) at full telephoto, which limits light intake, especially handheld at long zooms.

Both cameras have optical image stabilization to help counteract camera shake, which is important given the narrow apertures and longer zoom.

Autofocus systems on both revolve around contrast detection with face detection capabilities. The 360 HS can handle manual focus, which might appeal to more experienced users, while the 190 IS is fully auto only.

In real-world shooting, I found the 360 HS’s AF to be slightly snappier, particularly in well-lit conditions - the DIGIC processor and improved sensor help speed up focus hunting. But in low light or very fast-moving subjects, both cameras struggle to keep pace with advanced mirrorless or DSLRs, especially since neither has phase detection autofocus or animal-eye AF.

LCD and User Interface: Bigger Screen Wins

Staring at your images post-shoot is often an underrated part of the experience. Here the 360 HS has a clear edge with a 3-inch, 461k-dot screen, which delivers brighter, sharper, and more color-accurate previews compared to the 190 IS’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen.

Neither has touchscreen functionality or a viewfinder, which means framing shots in direct sunlight can be tricky. The 360’s bigger screen helps a bit, but don’t expect perfect outdoor visibility.

Menus and interfaces are intuitive but basic on both cameras - Canon sticks with its familiar PowerShot layout, favoring beginners and casual shooters who want quick menus without overcomplicated jargon.

Real-World Performance: Shutter Speeds, Burst Rates, and Responsiveness

Ultracompacts generally are not known for blistering burst rates or extremely fast shutter responses, but there are differences worth noting here.

The ELPH 190 IS offers a maximum continuous shooting speed of 0.8 frames per second (fps), barely enough for casual snapshots, while the ELPH 360 HS clocks in a much more usable 2.5 fps burst mode. It’s still not sports camera territory, but for capturing kids or pets in motion, that speed makes a tangible difference.

Shutter speeds range identically between both cameras - max of 1/2000s and minimum 15 seconds - adequate for most everyday shooting but limiting for fast action or creative long exposures (multiple long exposures can be better achieved with a tripod and manual techniques).

Diving Into Photography Genres: Which Camera Shines Where?

Now for the heart of the matter - how do these two cameras fare across popular photography types? Let’s break it down in detail.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands nuanced skin tone rendering, pleasing bokeh for creamy backgrounds, and reliable eye/face detection autofocus.

At their price and sensor size, neither Canon will match the creamy background separation of larger-sensor mirrorless or DSLRs with wide-aperture prime lenses. However, the 190 IS’s slightly faster lens aperture at wide angle (f/3.0) offers a slight edge for indoor portraits or lower light.

The 360 HS’s superior sensor tech and face detection yield sharper images with a bit better color accuracy, especially under fluorescent or mixed lighting. Eye detection autofocus is not supported on either, which limits precision focus on eyes - a big gap for portrait enthusiasts.

If you prize quick, straightforward portrait snaps with acceptable skin color and background blur, the 360 HS slightly wins overall due to image quality, but the 190 IS pros include ease of use and faster lens aperture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters crave high resolution, wide dynamic range, raw file support, and often weather resistance.

Neither camera supports raw shooting or weather sealing - a clear limitation for serious enthusiasts. That said, their 20MP sensors combined with JPEG processing deliver respectable images suitable for online sharing or small prints.

The 360 HS pulls ahead here thanks to its BSI-CMOS sensor and native ISO 80 capability, making it easier to capture more subtle shadow and highlight details without too much noise. Its longer zoom also aids framing distant scenery.

Dynamic range is modest on both, with limited latitude for heavy post-processing. The 190 IS’s CCD sensor, while competent, tends to clip highlights and lose shadow nuance more quickly.

Neither camera’s lens is especially sharp at the edges for landscapes, but center sharpness is reasonable for casual work.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast and accurate autofocus, long and sharp telephoto lenses, and high burst rates.

Both cameras struggle to hit the mark here - autofocus is contrast-based and slow to track erratic subjects, plus no animal-eye detection tech exists. The 360 HS’s modestly longer 300mm zoom grants slightly more reach than the 190 IS’s 240mm.

The 360 HS’s 2.5fps burst is three times the speed of the 190 IS, theoretically capturing more behavior moments but still falls short of real wildlife shooter standards (think 10fps plus).

Image quality at maximum zoom and telephoto apertures (f/6.9 and f/7) can be soft and noisy, especially handheld.

In short: neither camera is a dedicated wildlife tool, but the 360 HS offers slightly more versatility for casual nature snaps.

Sports Photography

Sports demand excellent tracking autofocus, blazing frame rates, and good low-light sensitivity.

Neither camera is designed for this use; both lack phase-detection AF, have slow burst speeds, and limited high-ISO performance. The 360 HS bursts faster but still is too slow for peak action.

Low light on the CCD sensor struggles, making the 190 IS a poor choice here. The 360 HS’s better sensor helps, but you’re still pinning hopes on good lighting or flash.

If sports photography is a priority, stepping up to an APS-C or full-frame mirrorless model is highly advised.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and decent low-light ability are key for street shooting.

Here, these cameras’ compact size shines. The 190 IS is lighter and smaller, making it easier to tuck away and shoot candidly. However, its slower focusing and dimmer screen may frustrate fast-paced street scenes.

The 360 HS balances slightly bigger size with a better display and sharper images. Its BSI sensor handles dusk or indoor street scenes better.

Neither camera has silent electronic shutter modes, so noise may be an issue.

Overall, if pocketability trumps all, go 190; if image quality and ease of framing matter more, 360 HS wins.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer a close focusing distance of 1 cm, allowing decent macro shots with fine detail capture.

Optical image stabilization helps with handheld macro work. Manual focus on the 360 HS allows fine-tuning focus, a definite advantage for macrophotographers experimenting with composition.

The 190 IS’s faster lens aperture at wide (f/3.0) also helps here.

For casual macro snaps, either works, but 360 HS makes precise focus easier.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensor compacts face challenges here due to noise and limited exposure controls.

The 360 HS’s BSI CMOS sensor and extended ISO range (native ISO 80-3200) trump the 190 IS’s CCD and capped ISO 1600, delivering cleaner noise performance.

Neither supports raw files, limiting post-processing latitude. Neither has bulb mode or advanced long exposure features.

Neither camera is an astropics champion, but for casual night shots or cityscapes, the 360 HS is the smart choice.

Video Capabilities

Video is a growing use case.

The 190 IS maxes out at 1280x720 (HD), 25fps, while the 360 HS delivers full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps, capturing much more detailed and smooth footage.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio options, and no in-body or advanced digital stabilization beyond basic optical IS.

The 360 HS’s HDMI port makes external monitoring possible.

For vloggers or casual videographers, 360 HS’s full HD video is a clear winner.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatility, battery life, size/weight balance, and ease of use.

The 190 IS offers slightly longer battery life on paper (190 shots vs 180 for 360 HS) and lighter weight. The 360 HS trades these off for a better screen, sensor, and lens reach.

Both accept SD cards and have built-in WiFi/NFC for image transfer.

Neither supports GPS tagging, a minor drawback for travel logs.

Overall, for purely lightweight travel, 190 IS is ideal; for better all-around image quality and video, 360 HS scores higher.

Professional Use

Professional needs vary, but reliability, file formats, and workflow integration matter.

Neither camera shoots raw files or offers advanced manual exposure modes, limiting their use for professionals demanding maximal creative control or post-processing flexibility.

They can serve as backup cameras or simple quick-snap devices but are not suited as primary professional tools.

Technical Summary Table

Canon ELPH 190 IS front Canon ELPH 190 IS screen back Canon ELPH 360 HS front Canon ELPH 360 HS screen back

Value and Pricing: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

At the time of their release, the 190 IS was priced around $159, while the 360 HS commanded about $209 - a $50 premium.

Considering the practical benefits of the 360 HS - better sensor, longer zoom, superior screen, higher frame rate, and full HD video - the extra cost seems more than justified for anyone wanting well-rounded performance in an ultracompact package.

If budget is a tight constraint and you just want a no-frills point-and-shoot for casual use, the 190 IS remains a respectable, affordable choice.

Putting Their Scores in Context

My Final Take: Recommended User Profiles and Verdict

After putting these two cameras through their paces, here’s how I’d distill their strengths for real-world buyers - no hyperbole, just plain talk.

Choose the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS if…

• You want the absolute smallest, lightest, and cheapest ELPH for casual casual snapshots.
• You primarily shoot outdoors in good light and don’t mind limited video or low-light capabilities.
• Manual controls and RAW are not on your radar - you want a grab-and-go, point-and-shoot simplicity.
• Portability and convenience outweigh image quality nuances.
• You’re a beginner or cheapskate on a tight budget who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles.

Choose the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS if…

• You seek the better sensor tech and improved low-light performance for sharper, cleaner photos.
• Full HD video at 1080p and a bigger, brighter screen matter to your shooting style.
• The longer zoom at 300mm expands your framing possibilities.
• Manual focus option and faster burst rates appeal to your desire for slightly more creative control.
• You prioritize all-around value for everyday photography - landscape, street, travel, video, casual wildlife.
• You don’t mind paying a modest premium for versatility and future-proofing.

Concluding Thoughts

Neither camera will revolutionize your photography or replace enthusiast mirrorless systems. But within their category, the ELPH 360 HS represents a meaningful upgrade over the 190 IS, especially for users seeking better image quality, video, and flexibility.

When selecting between them, consider your shooting preferences and budget pragmatically. For pocketable simplicity and low cost, the 190 IS still holds water, but the 360 HS is the superior all-rounder deserving the extra investment.

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH series remains a solid entry path into serious digital photography. These models’ tradeoffs showcase how ultracompacts balance size, convenience, and performance in compact, stylish shells.

If possible, handle both in person to gauge what feels best in your hands. Consider buying used or on sale, as their release dates mean prices vary widely.

Whichever you pick, the right camera is the one you’ll carry daily and use to make images that matter - and these two offer nice options at their price points.

Happy shooting!