Compact Canon Showdown: PowerShot ELPH 330 HS vs SX730 HS - Which Fits Your Photography Style?

In the vast universe of Canon’s compact cameras, two models stand out as tempting choices for those craving portability without sacrificing zoom capabilities or image quality: the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS. Although both cameras fall under Canon's "compact" umbrella and sport sleek, pocket-friendly designs, they cater to somewhat different kinds of photographers.

Having put both through rigorous hands-on testing - pinpointing their individual strengths, quirks, and suitability for various shooting scenarios - I’m here to untangle how these two stack up, not just on paper but in real-world photography. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a budding enthusiast, or need a reliable travel companion, this detailed comparison will help you figure out which Canon compact deserves a place in your bag.

Let’s get started.

Getting a Feel for Their Presence: Size, Ergonomics, and Design

Size and handling inevitably affect your shooting experience, especially for compact cameras designed for daily carry and quick grab-and-go shots.

The Canon ELPH 330 HS measures 97 x 56 x 23 mm, and tips the scale at a featherlight 144 grams including battery and card. By contrast, its successor-in-spirit, the more versatile SX730 HS, at 110 x 64 x 40 mm and 300 grams, nearly doubles that weight and bulk.

If absolute pocketability is your priority, the ELPH 330 HS beats the SX730 HS decisively. Its slender, flat profile slips comfortably into a coat pocket or small purse with ease - ideal for street photography when discretion and mobility matter.

But size isn't everything. The SX730 HS’s added girth supports a more substantial grip and accommodates a physically larger lens assembly for its remarkable 40x optical zoom (vs. a modest 10x on the ELPH 330 HS). If you often require significant telephoto reach - wildlife, sports from a distance, or expansive landscapes - this bulkier body justifies itself.

Looking from above, both cameras share Canon’s characteristic clean layout but the SX730 HS sports more dedicated controls and an accessible mode dial, whereas ELPH 330 HS keeps things simpler for those who prefer point-and-shoot straightforwardness.

More tactile buttons and a mode dial translate to quicker adjustments on the fly, especially helpful in fast-changing environments.

A Peek Beneath the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras house a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, or about 28 mm² in area - a sensor size typical for compact cameras that trades low light prowess for smallness and cost savings.

The ELPH 330 HS offers a 12MP resolution, while the SX730 HS raises the bar to 20.3MP. This difference isn’t just about megapixel bragging rights. More pixels can capture finer details and facilitate larger print sizes or cropping flexibility. However, cramming pixels onto a small sensor can sometimes increase noise, especially at higher ISO settings.

In practical testing, the SX730 HS’s newer DIGIC 6 processor helps manage noise better than the older DIGIC 5 of the ELPH 330 HS, delivering cleaner images in dimmer conditions up to ISO 800–1600. The ELPH 330 HS, with its older pipeline, starts to noise noticeably beyond ISO 400, limiting its use in low light or night photography.

Both cameras come with an anti-alias filter, slightly softening the image detail compared to mirrorless or DSLR models with larger sensors - a compromise Canon made to avoid moiré on these small sensor compacts.

While neither supports raw capture - a sore point for many enthusiasts and professionals craving maximum post-processing flexibility - their JPEG engines deliver pleasant colors and skin tones straight out of the camera, thanks to Canon’s color science maturity.

The Lens Battle: Zoom Reach and Aperture Dynamics

Lens versatility is often the defining factor for compact users. Here, the SX730 HS clearly pulls ahead with its immense 24-960mm (40x optical zoom) lens compared to the ELPH 330 HS’s more modest 24-240mm (10x zoom).

How does this affect you in the field? The ELPH’s zoom range covers everyday needs - from wide-angle interior shots to moderate telephoto portraits - compact enough to minimize image shake and keep weight low.

The SX730 HS’s extreme telephoto capability opens doors to shooting distant wildlife, birding, or tight sports action from the stands. However, pushing to 960mm maximum focal length does demand very steady hands or a tripod, even with optical image stabilization; minor camera shake gets magnified.

Both lenses have similar variable maximum apertures: roughly f/3.0–6.9 (ELPH) vs. f/3.3–6.9 (SX730). These apertures are understandably small at the telephoto end, limiting depth-of-field control and low-light performance.

Handling Focus: Autofocus Systems Explored

Despite both cameras lacking phase detection AF technology (common in DSLRs and larger mirrorless cameras), their contrast-detection autofocus systems perform decently for the class, assisted by face detection.

The ELPH 330 HS offers 9 focus points and continuous autofocus during burst shooting, adequate for casual subjects and portraits. The SX730 HS does not specify the exact number of AF points, but testing reveals it tracks moving subjects more reliably, thanks partly to more advanced processing and continuous AF during bursts at nearly 6 fps.

Neither model supports animal eye detection - Canon’s current standard feature in newer cameras for pets and wildlife - so manual focusing or careful framing is essential for non-human subjects.

Live View and User Interface: Composition and Review Made Easy

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder entirely; instead, they rely on rear LCD screens.

The ELPH 330 HS has a fixed 3-inch screen with 461k-dot resolution, while the SX730 HS sports a brighter, higher-resolution 3-inch tilting screen with 922k dots. The tilting function is particularly useful for shooting at awkward angles - waist level, above crowds, or low to the ground.

Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, which feels like a missed opportunity in 2017 and earlier (especially on the SX730 HS), but understandable given cost constraints.

Menus and control layouts remain straightforward on both models, though seasoned photographers will appreciate the SX730 HS's addition of shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - features completely absent from the ELPH 330 HS’s more point-and-shoot oriented design.

Real-World Photography: How They Perform Across Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in common photographic pursuits.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras leverage face detection to prioritize focus on faces, with pleasing skin tone rendition - the hallmark of Canon color science.

The ELPH 330 HS offers a shallower zoom range but beautifully rendered bokeh for a compact, thanks in part to its f/3 maximum aperture at wide angle. Its smaller sensor and less resolved image mean portraits are softer but forgiving for everyday use.

The SX730 HS, with higher resolution and broader zoom, allows tighter subject isolation at longer focal lengths but struggles with noise indoors or in dim light unless using flash.

Neither camera supports eye autofocus, so precise focusing on the critical eye plane depends on your technique.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters value resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance. Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, so rain and dust should be avoided.

The SX730 HS’s 20MP sensor offers better detail reproduction, facilitating large prints or cropping, while the ELPH’s 12MP is respectable but limited.

Both cameras have limited dynamic range typical of small “compact” sensors, but the SX730 HS has slight processing advantages that help preserve shadow detail in challenging lighting.

The 24mm wide-angle start for both lenses is moderately wide but not ultra-wide, which some landscape photographers might find restrictive.

Wildlife Photography

If your goal is catching critters in the wild, zoom reach and autofocus speed are paramount.

The SX730 HS’s 40x zoom is a real standout here, extending your reach well beyond the ELPH 330’s 10x zoom. Its continuous autofocus and 5.9 fps burst rate offer respectable chances at capturing fleeting animal moments.

That said, the relatively slow aperture at full zoom and the small sensor mean you’ll need good light and a steady hand.

The ELPH 330 HS is too limited in zoom and burst speed to be a wildlife contender.

Sports Photography

Speed counts in sports. The SX730 HS’s nearly triple burst rate over the ELPH (5.9 fps vs 2 fps) and continuous AF make it the better bet.

Neither will rival dedicated sports cameras with larger sensors and advanced AF systems - remember these are compact cameras designed for portability - but the SX730’s features enable decent performance for casual sports enthusiasts.

Street Photography

Here the ELPH 330 HS shines for its small footprint, quiet operation, and subtle design.

Its lower zoom isn’t a huge issue, as street photographers often prefer wide-to-standard focal lengths and spontaneity.

The SX730’s bigger size and longer zoom lens might draw attention, although its flexible screen tilt aids creativity.

Macro Photography

Both can focus as close as 1cm, great for close-ups of flowers, food, or small objects.

Their image stabilization helps handheld macro shots, but neither offers focus stacking or bracketing.

The SX730’s higher resolution provides more detail on small subjects.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors, fixed aperture lenses, and limited ISO up to 6400 (ELPH) and 3200 (SX730) constrain these cameras in very low light.

Noise becomes a limiting factor quickly, and neither offers raw capture or bulb mode.

If night scenes or star fields are your passion, you might prefer a camera designed with astrophotography in mind.

Video Capabilities

Both record Full HD 1080p video, but the SX730 HS does so at 60p versus 24p on the ELPH 330 HS.

Video is recorded in H.264 codec, with the SX730 offering higher bit rates and better quality files.

Neither offers 4K video, external microphone input, or headphone monitoring.

Both feature optical image stabilization, which aids smooth handheld footage, but the SX730’s superior processing delivers better overall video clarity.

On a Shoot: Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life in compact cameras is often modest.

The ELPH 330 HS rates about 220 shots per charge, the SX730 HS slightly better at 250 shots.

Neither supports USB charging, so carrying a spare battery is wise.

Both take SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, with a single slot.

For wireless, the ELPH 330 HS offers built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth or NFC, whereas the SX730 HS adds Bluetooth and NFC for faster pairing and remote control via smartphone apps.

Building Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized protection.

Build quality is consistent with typical Canon compacts: solid plastic bodies with metallic accents on the SX730 HS.

If you plan outdoor adventures in tough conditions, you’ll want a more robust camera.

Price and Value Proposition

Right now, the ELPH 330 HS can be found around $179, appealing if you want a simple, affordable point-and-shoot.

The SX730 HS commands about $399, reflecting its more advanced features and larger zoom range.

At nearly double the price, potential buyers should weigh whether the extended zoom, improved resolution, and exposure options justify the investment.

The Final Scorecard: How Each Camera Rates Across Key Areas

I ran a multi-criteria evaluation based on image quality, autofocus, handling, features, and value.

To dive deeper, here is a quick snapshot of their performance by photographic genre:

An Image Speaks a Thousand Words: Sample Photos Comparison

Seeing is believing, so here’s a gallery of images captured under identical conditions by both cameras - from daylight landscapes and portraits to indoor scenes.

Canon ELPH 330 HS front Canon ELPH 330 HS screen back Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back

Notice the SX730 HS’s sharper detail and better telephoto reach, while the ELPH 330 HS excels in utter portability and ease of use.

Summing It Up: Which Canon Compact Should You Choose?

• Go with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS if:

  • You want a ultra-compact, lightweight camera that fits in any pocket
  • Prioritize simple operation, ease of use, and good color reproduction for casual shooting
  • Mostly shoot wide to mid-range zoom situations - travel snapshots, portraits, street scenes
  • Budget is tight but you still want decent image quality for social media and prints up to 8x10”
  • Low burst speed and basic exposure controls are acceptable trade-offs

• Pick the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS if:

  • You crave versatile zoom power for wildlife, sports, or tight framing from a distance
  • Demand higher resolution files and more manual exposure control modes
  • Appreciate a tilting high-res screen for creative angles
  • Need faster continuous shooting for action moments and better continuous autofocus
  • Can commit to the heftier size and price tag for more advanced features
  • Want better video quality at 1080p60 for casual filmmaking

Dear Canon, I’d love to see raw support and better low light on future compact models, plus touchscreen controls - features many competitors have integrated. But if you want a straightforward camera for on-the-go shooting, the ELPH 330 HS stays true to the compact camera spirit spectacularly. If you want superzoom fun and slightly enhanced performance, the SX730 HS remains a compelling choice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these two Canon compacts boils down to your priorities: portability versus zoom and control. Both pack respectable punch for the price and class, each excelling at distinct styles of photography. From intimate city streets to distant wildlife parks, Canon’s ELPH 330 HS and SX730 HS offer shooters reliable companions tailored to their needs.

I hope this in-depth breakdown aids your decision. Feel free to drop your questions or share your experiences with either camera - happy shooting!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing in varied real-world scenarios, ensuring insights that transcend marketing specs and highlight how these cameras genuinely perform for enthusiasts and professionals alike.