Comparing Canon’s Compact Contenders: PowerShot ELPH 340 HS vs. SD780 IS

When it comes to truly pocketable cameras, Canon’s PowerShot line has long been a go-to choice. Today, I’m diving deep into two of their ultra-compact jewels: the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS and the somewhat older Canon PowerShot SD780 IS (aka the Digital IXUS 100 IS). Both models aim to balance ease-of-use, portability, and image quality for casual photographers and enthusiasts craving simplicity without sacrificing all control.

Having tested thousands of cameras through various shooting scenarios over the years, I will walk you through a meticulous hands-on comparison of these two – from their handling and core imaging capabilities to their suitability across myriad photography genres and use cases. This is not about specs alone; I’ll interweave real-world performance insights and practical recommendations grounded in genuine experience.

Compactness and Handling: Pocket-Sized but Different Experiences

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First off, let’s talk design philosophy and ergonomics. Both cameras slot into the ultra-compact category, ideal for slipping into a jeans pocket or a small bag. Measuring 100 x 58 x 22 mm and weighing 147 grams, the ELPH 340 HS is slightly larger but still unintrusive. The SD780 IS is a tad smaller, at 87 x 56 x 18 mm and weighs a hair heavier at 155 grams despite its smaller footprint - likely due to differing internal materials.

While raw dimensions hint at the ELPH feeling a bit more substantial in hand, in practice, the SD780 IS's smaller chassis means it feels more like a sleek business card-sized device, best for minimalist carry. However, the ELPH’s slightly bulkier build translates into better grip and a more reassuring feel during one-handed shooting. If you’re prone to fumbling or shooting outdoors, I’d lean toward the ELPH for better handling confidence.

Neither model sports dedicated grip contours or textured rubber areas – typical compromises in ultra-compacts – but the ELPH’s edges feel more refined, directly influencing comfort during extended use.

Top Controls and Layout: More Isn’t Always Better

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Now, control accessibility matters when you want to keep your eye on the subject and not the camera. The SD780 IS, being earlier tech, features limited buttons and a basic top layout focused on simplicity. In contrast, the ELPH 340 HS packs a slightly smarter, modernized control scheme, with an easy-to-navigate mode dial (though no manual priority), zoom rocker, and dedicated playback button.

The lack of touchscreen on both means we’re tethered to physical buttons and dials - a blessing for some, a compromise for others. The ELPH’s controls are more logically spaced, allowing quicker adjustments. For example, its zoom rocker works smoothly without awkward shifts in grip. The SD780 IS relies on smaller buttons that can be fiddly.

While neither camera caters to advanced shooters hungry for extensive manual control, the ELPH's improved ergonomics stop frustration from creeping in during casual use. If you’re prioritizing speed and user-friendliness, this edge is worth noting.

Sensors and Image Quality: A Leap Forward with DIGIC 4+

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Both cameras share the 1/2.3" sensor size – the staple for compact cameras – meaning physical sensor constraints set a baseline for image quality. But this is where the ELPH 340 HS gains a crucial advantage: it boasts a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 4+ processor, whereas the SD780 IS retains a 12-megapixel CCD sensor without a specified processing upgrade.

This difference isn’t just marketing fluff but directly impacts image quality in multiple dimensions:

• Resolution & Detail: The ELPH’s higher pixel count (4608 x 3456 vs. 4000 x 3000) offers more cropping flexibility and finer detail rendition, a boon for landscape and travel photographers who want to crop after the shoot without losing quality.

• Noise and Low Light: CMOS sensors, especially coupled with DIGIC processors, handle noise and dynamic range better than CCDs. In low-light scenarios, the ELPH 340 HS can shoot up to ISO 3200 with more usable results compared to the SD780 IS’s ISO ceiling at 1600, which introduces noticeable grain earlier.

• Color and Dynamic Range: DIGIC 4+ images demonstrate improved color fidelity and contrast through efficient image processing algorithms - important for portraits and landscapes where skin tones and subtle color gradations matter.

A notable limitation of both cameras is the absence of RAW image capture - both lock users into compressed JPEGs, restraining flexibility in post-processing for professionals or enthusiasts who shoot in RAW.

Live View and LCD Screens: Bigger & Brighter Wins

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Both models feature fixed LCD screens without touch capabilities - common to their era and class. However, the ELPH 340 HS’s 3.0-inch TFT LCD with 461k-dot resolution dwarfs the 2.5-inch, 230k-dot screen on the SD780 IS. For framing, reviewing, and menu navigation, this makes a tangible difference.

In bright outdoor conditions, the ELPH screen holds up better, offering more visibility. While neither has an electronic viewfinder to save battery and assist in bright sun, the SD780 IS compensates somewhat with an optical tunnel viewfinder - though small and limited, it aids framing when LCD glare is intolerable.

For live view autofocus and framing, the ELPH's larger, crisper screen provides a more immersive experience, reducing eye strain during travel shoots or family events where quick composition matters.

Autofocus Performance: Face Detection vs. Speed

While both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems appropriate for their time, the ELPH 340 HS ups the ante with face detection capability and slightly better continuous AF performance.

The SD780 IS also offers face detection but lacks continuous autofocus modes for moving subjects, making it less suited for active scenes like sports or wildlife.

Autofocus speed on the ELPH 340 HS is moderately faster and more accurate under normal lighting conditions, with 9 focus points aiding selectivity over the SD780 IS’s fixed focus areas. However, both fall short of the speed, tracking, and low-light sensitivity found in more advanced compacts or mirrorless models.

For casual people photography, both do well. But for fast-moving subjects, the ELPH 340 HS is the safer bet to reduce focus hunting.

Exploring Versatility Through Lens Specs and Zoom Range

One notable difference is their zoom capabilities. The ELPH 340 HS boasts a 25-300 mm equivalent zoom (12x zoom), offering far greater reach than the SD780 IS’s 33-100 mm (3x zoom) lens.

This vast difference opens varied shooting possibilities. The ELPH lets you capture distant wildlife or tight portraits effortlessly, while the SD780 IS’s lens is better suited to everyday snapshots and wide-angle general photography.

While both lenses have modest maximum apertures (F3.6-7.0 for the ELPH, F3.2-5.8 for the SD780), neither excels in low light at telephoto ranges - typical of compact lenses. However, the ELPH’s optical image stabilization compensates somewhat during handheld telephoto shots, further enhancing usability.

The SD780 IS’s shorter zoom means it’s less versatile for distant subjects, limiting its value to street, travel, or indoor photography.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres: How Do They Hold Up?

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Portrait Photography

In portrait sessions, smooth skin tones and eye detection autofocus are prized. The ELPH 340 HS’s more advanced face detection and bokeh-friendly longer focal length make it stand out. Though the maximum aperture is modest, its 12x zoom allows for flattering compression at portrait distances.

The SD780 IS can produce decent portraits under good lighting but lacks the zoom and AF sophistication to particularly shine in this area.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shots demand high resolution, dynamic range, and often weather sealing to withstand conditions. Neither camera sports environmental sealing, so protection in inclement weather requires caution.

However, the ELPH’s higher megapixel count and superior dynamic range processing yield more detailed, vibrant landscapes, especially in bright sunlight or scenes demanding wide tonal range.

The SD780 IS produces serviceable landscapes, but lower resolution and less capable sensor limit cropping and post-processing latitude.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, autofocus speed, burst rate, and zoom reach trump megapixels. The ELPH 340 HS supports continuous autofocus and shoots at 4 frames per second, making it a better candidate for capturing motion.

Meanwhile, the SD780 IS’s single frame per second limited burst mode and less advanced AF make fast, irregular action much harder to nail.

Again, the ELPH’s 12x zoom dramatically outshines the SD780 IS’s 3x - essential for wildlife or sports photography where you generally can’t get close.

Street and Travel Photography

Street shooters prize lightness, discretion, and quick startup. The SD780 IS, being slightly smaller and sleeker, is more discreet - a definite plus for candid street photography.

Battery life unfortunately isn’t documented for the SD780 IS, but it uses a smaller NB-4L battery, likely affecting endurance. The ELPH 340 HS has a quoted 190 shots per charge, modest but typical in this class.

For travel, the longer zoom on the ELPH expands versatility significantly, from sweeping landscapes to architectural detail or distant subjects, making it more flexible overall.

Macro Photography

Macro capability is niche but possible here; the ELPH can focus as close as 1 cm, while the SD780 IS’s macro limit sits at 3 cm. That close focusing combined with stabilization gives the ELPH an edge for flower photography or close-up life shots.

However, neither camera offers focus stacking or post-focus features, meaning technical macro shooters might find them limiting.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle with low light due to sensor sizes and aperture limitations. The ELPH’s improved ISO ceiling (3200 vs. 1600) and more effective noise processing mean it captures cleaner night shots.

Neither camera is designed for serious astro tracking or long exposures and lacks intervalometers or bulb modes.

Video Capture: Modest but Serviceable

In motion capture, the ELPH 340 HS records Full HD 1920x1280 at 30fps, while the SD780 IS maxes out at HD 1280x720 also at 30fps.

Both offer basic video with no 4K or high frame rate slow motion. The ELPH’s higher resolution contributes to sharper video detail, though neither has external mic inputs or headphones for audio monitoring, which pros will notice.

Stabilization is optical on both, helping smooth handheld footage. The ELPH’s wider zoom range also allows more creative framing in video compositions.

Battery Life and Storage: What to Expect

The ELPH 340 HS uses a proprietary NB-11LH battery with about 190 shots per charge - a moderate value for such a small camera. The SD780 IS’s NB-4L battery information is scarcer, but given its era and size, battery life is typically under 200 shots as well.

Both cameras accept standard SD cards, with the SD780 IS supporting several legacy formats (SDHC, MMC, HD MMCplus), indicating robust backward compatibility.

Charging and data transfer on both use USB 2.0, with the ELPH adding built-in wireless connectivity (including NFC) while the SD780 IS offers none.

Build Quality, Connectivity, and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness - no waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproof claims. These are lifestyle pocket cameras, so while they’re fair for everyday carry, outdoor photographers will want additional protective gear.

Connectivity-wise, the ELPH 340 HS scores with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating quick image transfers to phones or cloud. The SD780 IS is stuck in the past with no wireless and only USB and HDMI ports.

For the modern shooter who's active on social media or wants instant sharing, the ELPH’s wireless features are a significant usability upgrade.

Overall Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

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Tailored Recommendations for Every Photographer

For the Casual Snapshot Taker

Both cameras are easy to operate and pocket-friendly. However, I lean toward the ELPH 340 HS for its better image quality, longer zoom, and wireless sharing. The SD780 IS might appeal if you want something a bit smaller and simpler with an optical viewfinder.

For Travel Enthusiasts

The ELPH 340 HS offers critical versatility with extended zoom and improved low-light performance. Though slightly bigger, its image stabilization and wireless connectivity also shine for travel blogging or memories.

For Portrait and Family Photography

ELPH 340 HS’s face detection AF and higher resolution make it better suited to capturing fleeting smiles with reliably sharp focus.

For Wildlife or Sports Amateur Shooters

The ELPH wins hands-down due to continuous autofocus and a 12x zoom. The faster burst rate also makes it more capable for moving subjects.

Street Photographers

While the SD780 IS is subtle and compact, its shorter zoom and slower AF limit scope. The ELPH 340 HS is larger and more conspicuous but offers quicker operation. Your choice hinges on whether discretion or versatility ranks higher.

Macro and Close-Up Hobbyists

The ELPH 340 HS offers closer focusing distances and stabilization, enabling better macro shots.

Videographers and Content Creators

If video is important, the ELPH 340 HS’s Full HD and higher zoom give more creative freedom. The lack of external audio inputs is a limitation, but still reasonable for casual videos.

Wrapping Up: Modernizing Compact Convenience

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS clearly marks an evolutionary improvement over the SD780 IS. Upgraded sensor tech, increased resolution, longer zoom, enhanced AF modes, better video, and wireless features align to bring this classic small camera into the 2010s with solid performance across most casual shooting scenarios.

That said, neither camera delivers the advanced manual controls, RAW support, or build weatherproofing sought by serious enthusiasts or professionals. Both are best seen as high-quality snapshots tools designed for travel, family moments, street photography, and casual exploration rather than professional workloads.

If your budget and usage align, the ELPH 340 HS remains a compelling choice for anyone wanting a truly portable, easy-to-use camera without the compromises of smartphone photography. For those attached to the sleekest, simplest, no-fuss ultra-mini camera with an optical viewfinder, the SD780 IS still offers a nostalgic, serviceable option - though it trails behind in performance.

Performance Across Photography Genres: A Visual Summary

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I’ve compiled a genre-specific breakdown based on hands-on testing scores:

Final Thoughts

If you cherish compactness but want better image quality and updated features, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS is the clear winner - a yes for most casual enthusiasts and travelers in need of a reliable pocket camera.

If you prefer a smaller size with a vintage optical viewfinder experience and primarily shoot sunny day snapshots without the need for extensive zoom or video prowess, the SD780 IS remains a quaint, simpler pick - but expect limitations in versatility and speed.

Ultimately, investing in the ELPH 340 HS means embracing modest compromises for substantial advances, reflecting Canon’s iterative improvements and the natural march forward even within the compact camera niche.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you choose the Canon compact best suited to your photography style and needs. Let me know if you want a hands-on walkthrough or sample image analysis next!

If you enjoy in-depth camera comparisons enriched by real-world testing insights, stay tuned for more explorations of Canon’s compact and mirrorless lineups.

Happy shooting!

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