Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS vs Nikon Coolpix S01: The Ultimate Ultracompact Showdown

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, choosing the right model often means balancing portability with practical features and image quality. Today, we take a deep dive into two compelling options from the mid-2010s: the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS and the Nikon Coolpix S01. Both cameras promise pocket-friendly convenience but diverge significantly in capabilities and design philosophy.

Having rigorously tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, we’ll guide you through every key aspect - technical, practical, and creative - so you can find the best fit for your photography style and goals.

Pocket-Sized Powerhouses: Design and Handling

Size, weight, and ergonomic comfort are paramount in ultracompact cameras because they’re designed for effortless carry and spur-of-the-moment shooting. Here’s how these two stack against each other:

The Nikon S01 is significantly smaller and lighter - measuring just 77x52x17mm and weighing under 100 grams, it’s one of the smallest cameras we’ve tested. It really slips unobtrusively into your pocket or purse.

The Canon ELPH 340 HS, while still compact, is chunkier and heavier but offers more tactile controls that photographers will appreciate in spontaneous shooting scenarios. Its 3-inch fixed screen is bright and legible, though it lacks touch sensitivity.

If ultimate portability is your priority, Nikon’s S01 redefines pocket cam convenience. However, in real-world photography where steady grip and quick access to controls matter, the Canon’s form factor feels more confident.

User Interface and Exposure Controls: Doing More With Less

Control allocation and interface design deeply impact how easily you can translate your creative vision into images.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS opts for a traditional button and dial setup. Despite its compact size, it offers a decent control layout with:

• Zoom toggle rocker
• Dedicated on/off and shutter buttons
• Mode dial with preset scene modes
• Playback, menu, and function buttons accessible without menu diving

You get the comfort of customizing white balance and toggling face detection autofocus, which benefit portraits and quick snapshots. However, fully manual exposure modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority) are not supported, limiting advanced creative control.

The Nikon Coolpix S01 takes a different path with minimal physical controls:

• Touchscreen interface for adjustments
• Basic shutter button and zoom control
• Scene selection mostly automatic/manual via touchscreen menus

This means no manual focus, exposure compensation, or ISO tuning beyond defaults. The touchscreen is small but responsive, suitable for casual users. However, the lack of a viewfinder or external dials means you rely entirely on screen visibility and menus, which can be a downside in bright outdoor settings.

For photographers who desire fast operation and some degree of manual tweaking, the Canon will feel more intuitive and reliable. The Nikon is designed for simplicity over control, focusing on those who want point-and-shoot ease.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Sensor technology largely dictates image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The better the sensor, the more detail, color depth, and cleaner images you can expect.

Canon's 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels delivers a clear advantage in resolution and sensor size, allowing for better light capture, sharper detail, and higher sensitivity. This translates to richer images especially in well-lit conditions.

The Nikon S01's 1/2.9" CCD sensor with 10 MP runs behind in pixel count and physical area, limiting overall detail and low-light capability. CCD sensors excel in color reproduction but can be less efficient in noise handling at higher ISOs compared to CMOS.

Our real-world testing confirms that Canon’s sensor provides more flexible cropping potential, better tonal gradation, and noticeably cleaner images at ISO 800 and above.

For landscape, portrait, and any scenario demanding quality prints or cropping latitude, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS holds a clear edge.

Display and Live View: Composing Your Shots

The ability to preview and review images comfortably is often underestimated but crucial.

• Canon ELPH 340 HS: A 3-inch 461k-dot TFT fixed screen that is bright and color accurate. The lack of touchscreen may frustrate some, but the display’s clarity is excellent under moderate light. It uses traditional button-based navigation.
• Nikon S01: Smaller 2.5-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating and touch capability. The touchscreen enables intuitive menus but the lower resolution reduces fine detail in image playback.

Because neither camera has a viewfinder, you rely entirely on their rear screens. The higher resolution and size of Canon’s display make it easier to confirm focus, check exposure, and frame your shots, especially outdoors.

If you frequently shoot in sunny environments where reflections challenge screen visibility, Canon’s brighter LCD offers better usability.

Focusing Systems: From Faces to Fast Action

Autofocus speed and accuracy impact how often you nail the shot first time, particularly for dynamic subjects.

The Canon’s autofocus is noticeably faster with nine selectable focus areas and face detection, making it well suited for portraits, casual wildlife, and street photography. Its 4fps burst mode coupled with continuous AF lets you track moderate movement.

Nikon’s S01 has a more simplified AF system with contrast-only detection and no face detection or continuous AF. This limits performance in tracking moving subjects and results in less confident focus lock for portraits.

For shooting people, pets, or action, Canon’s system offers greater flexibility and reliability. Nikon targets casual snapshots where advanced focusing is less critical.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach and Versatility

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS sports a 12x optical zoom reaching a telephoto 300mm equivalent focal length, ideal for wildlife, sports, and candid portraits. Its macro ability close to 1 cm lets you explore fine detail.

Optical image stabilization helps prevent blur at long zoom or slower shutter speeds, a big plus for handheld shooting.

By contrast, the Nikon Coolpix S01’s 3x zoom covers a more modest range (29-87mm). This is sufficient for snapshots and casual travel but restrictive if you want to reach distant subjects.

The absence of stabilization means you’ll need strong lighting or a tripod for sharp photos beyond the wide-angle range.

If flexibility in framing and telephoto reach are important, Canon clearly outperforms here.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Canon’s more powerful integrated flash covers a longer distance, making it useful in gloomy interiors and casual night settings. Combined with higher ISO capabilities and stabilization, Canon will deliver cleaner low-light shots.

Nikon’s much weaker flash and lower ISO ceiling considerably restrict its use in dim environments, often resulting in grainy or blurry photos without additional lighting.

If night, indoor, or astro photography is in your interests, Canon is the better choice.

Video Recording: Creativity in Motion

Canon offers Full HD video recording with optical image stabilization, resulting in smoother and more usable handheld footage. The standard 30fps is adequate for everyday videos, vlogging, or casual use.

Nikon tops out at 720p HD, lower resolution and no stabilization means videos can feel jittery, especially handheld.

Neither model has external mic inputs or advanced video features, so they aren’t tailored for serious videographers. However, Canon’s video capabilities better align with creative users seeking quality video in a compact package.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras deliver similar battery life in still photography, typical of cameras this size. The Canon’s ability to swap batteries and use external storage cards gives it significant practical advantage for longer shooting sessions or travel.

Nikon’s fixed internal memory is a glaring limitation - you must offload images frequently, and storage capacity is limited.

Canon’s Wi-Fi and NFC simplify wire-free image transfer and remote control, features absent on the Nikon.

For active users, travelers, and pro shooters, Canon’s versatility in storage and connectivity is critical.

Canon ELPH 340 HS front Canon ELPH 340 HS screen back Nikon S01 front Nikon S01 screen back

Real-World Performance Across Photography Styles

Let’s contextualize technical specs into photographic disciplines where ultracompacts are often used.

Portrait Photography

• Canon ELPH 340 HS: Face detection AF performs reliably. The longer telephoto allows for pleasant subject-background separation and natural skin tones. Optical IS reduces motion blur. However, limited aperture max (f/3.6) may constrain bokeh quality.
• Nikon S01: Lacks face detection and telephoto reach, limiting compositional variety. Colors are decent but skin tones slightly flat. Macro mode starts at 5 cm, less flexible.

Landscape Photography

• Canon’s higher resolution sensor delivers more detail and dynamic range. 16 MP files offer cropping freedom.
• Nikon’s lower resolution and smaller sensor restrict fine detail.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing - not ideal for rough outdoor conditions.

Wildlife & Sports

• Canon’s 12x zoom and 4 fps continuous shooting with continuous AF allow moderate action capture.
• Nikon’s 3x zoom and basic AF are non-starters here.

Street and Travel Photography

• Nikon excels in portability and discretion - super small and light, perfect for street candids.
• Canon offers greater versatility but with added size and weight.
• Canon’s Wi-Fi and storage flexibility are big wins on the road.

Macro Photography

• Canon’s 1 cm macro focusing distance unlocks creative close-ups with detail.
• Nikon’s 5 cm minimum reduces capability.

Night and Astro

• Canon’s 3200 max ISO and optical IS help in low-light.
• Nikon’s ISO 1600 cap and no stabilization limit results.

Video Use

• Canon supports Full HD stabilized video – suitable for casual filmmakers.
• Nikon limited to 720p and no stabilization.

Performance Scores: How They Stack Up

Which Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

*If you prioritize the lightest gear and snapping quick moments, Nikon S01 is appealing. For richer image quality and flexibility, Canon’s size tradeoff is worthwhile.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps in Choosing an Ultracompact Camera

Both the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS and Nikon Coolpix S01 deliver what ultracompact cameras promise - extreme portability with ease of use. But your creative goals define which excels.

• Choose the Canon ELPH 340 HS if you want:

  • Superior image quality and detailed photos
  • Longer zoom for versatile framing
  • Better autofocus and face detection for portraits and action
  • Full HD video with stabilization
  • Expandable storage and wireless connectivity

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S01 if you want:

  • The absolute smallest and lightest camera possible
  • Basic point-and-shoot simplicity with touchscreen ease
  • Something to slip unobtrusively into your pocket for spontaneous snaps

Neither unit supports raw shooting or professional-level controls - so advanced photographers seeking full creative freedom will want to look beyond ultracompacts. But for casual enthusiasts and beginners, either camera can jump-start your journey with instant shareable images.

Make sure to check these cameras in person if possible. Handling and user interface comfort are very personal factors. Also, consider investing in a quality wrist or neck strap to keep these tiny cameras secure.

Additional Resources and Accessories

• For Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS, explore compatible SD cards (preferably Class 10/UHS-I) for smooth video recording.
• Consider protective cases to safeguard the compact body against daily wear.
• If video is important, a small portable tripod can dramatically improve footage stability.
• Nikon S01 users should plan frequent offloads due to internal memory - compatible software and USB cables help streamline workflow.

Photography is about making the most of your equipment to express creativity. Both these ultracompacts offer distinct paths: Nikon’s minimalism versus Canon’s versatility. Whichever you choose, dive in, experiment freely, and enjoy capturing your world.

Happy shooting!