Compact Showdown: Canon ELPH 340 HS vs Samsung ST600 - Which Ultracompact Camera Suits You Best?

Selecting the right ultracompact camera can be deceptively complex. While these pocket-sized shooters promise convenience and quick results, their varied specifications and performance nuances demand a closer look - especially for photography enthusiasts who want more than just snapshots. Having spent extensive hours with both the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS and the Samsung ST600, I’m excited to break down how these two contenders stack up across the full photography spectrum, from technical details to real-world usage.

These cameras target casual to enthusiast users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry camera without the bulk of interchangeable lenses. Yet, despite their shared ultracompact category, they differ considerably in features, image quality, usability, and versatility. Let’s dive deep.

First Impressions and Handling: Size and Ergonomics Matter

Out of the box, both cameras feel distinctly pocket-friendly but differ slightly in their handling and design - factors that prove surprisingly influential in everyday shooting scenarios.

Physically, the Canon ELPH 340 HS measures approximately 100 x 58 x 22 mm and weighs 147 grams, while the Samsung ST600 is close in size at 104 x 60 x 20 mm and just a tad heavier at 150 grams. These marginal differences are typically inconsequential in your pocket but pay dividends in grip and control.

Here, the Canon’s rounded edges and slightly deeper grip molded into the body make one-handed operation easier and more comfortable over longer periods. This matters if you’re using the camera on travel or street shoots where agility and speed are key.

Contrastingly, the Samsung’s boxier frame feels slightly less organic in the hand - a trade-off for its larger 3.5-inch screen (more on that soon). The lack of any pronounced grip zone means you’ll likely hold it more cautiously or with two hands to maintain stability.

Both cameras lack an external viewfinder, relying solely on their LCD screens for composition - a common trait in this segment, though less ideal in bright sunlight.

Control Layout and Usability: Who Wins In the Speed Test?

Intuitive controls can transform a quick snapshot into a perfected composition. Comparing the Canon’s and Samsung’s top and rear panels helps reveal which design philosophy best suits different user profiles.

Canon ELPH 340 HS offers a minimalist top-deck: dedicated zoom toggle, shutter button with a nested power ring, and a flash pop-up button. No dedicated mode dial exists, reflecting its more automated operation style. The rear panel is similarly sparse - just directional keys around the menu button, with no touchscreen.

The Samsung ST600, by contrast, impresses with a more modern interface - incorporating a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD that facilitates touch-to-focus, tap-to-shoot, and quick settings adjustments. A traditional mode dial rounds out the controls, enabling manual exposure modes, aperture and shutter priority, and even full manual control - features notably absent on the Canon.

From a user experience perspective, the Canon’s simplicity appeals to beginners or users prioritizing rapid point-and-shoot convenience. Meanwhile, the Samsung’s more elaborate interfaces and exposure controls reward enthusiasts seeking creative flexibility at the ultracompact level.

In extended tests, I found the Samsung touchscreen interface highly responsive and a genuine asset when shooting in cramped environments or street scenarios requiring swift adjustments. However, for those accustomed to physical dials and buttons, the Canon’s design feels more tactile and less prone to accidental input.

Sensor and Image Quality: Competitive But Different Technologies

Image quality fundamentally hinges on sensor technology, resolution, and the processing pipeline. Both cameras use 1/2.3" sensors - standard for ultracompacts - but there are important technical distinctions beneath the surface.

The Canon ELPH 340 HS boasts a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 4+ image processor. This CMOS sensor allows faster data readout and better noise performance.

The Samsung ST600 opts for a 14-megapixel CCD sensor. While CCDs historically offer better color depth and low noise at base ISOs, they generally lag CMOS in speed and high ISO performance due to slower data readout.

During controlled testing, the Canon produced sharper images at the long end of its zoom range (25-300mm equivalent), maintaining good integrity even when cropped. Its images exhibited slightly more vibrant colors and contrast, attributable partly to the DIGIC 4+ processor’s aggressive in-camera enhancements.

Samsung’s CCD sensor delivered punchy color saturation and pleasing skin tones for casual portraits. However, noise became noticeable beyond ISO 400, making low-light or high-ISO shooting more challenging.

Indeed, Canon’s maximum native ISO tops out at 3200, whereas Samsung’s extends to ISO 4800 with expanded modes reaching 6400. Yet, practical usability at those high sensitivities degrades image quality rapidly on the Samsung, providing little real advantage in dim environments.

This analysis is supported by pixel-level examinations revealing the Canon’s higher dynamic range capacity - translating into better retention of highlight and shadow details in challenging lighting typical of landscape or street photography.

Displays and Interface: Seeing Is Believing

A camera’s LCD is your live preview, playback interface, and even a vital framing tool with no viewfinder present.

The Canon ELPH 340 HS features a 3-inch fixed, non-touch TFT LCD with 461k dots. It offers acceptable clarity and brightness but sometimes struggles under direct sunlight.

In contrast, the Samsung ST600 pushes ahead with a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen sporting 1152k dots, delivering crisp, bright images with excellent color fidelity. The touchscreen responsiveness adds to the experiential fluidity - especially when navigating menus or composing shots using touch-to-focus functionality.

In outdoor environments, the Samsung’s display markedly outperforms the Canon, which often necessitates shading the lcd with your hand or using the camera’s shadow to compose properly.

For video enthusiasts or users keen on reviewing shots rapidly, the Samsung’s superior screen justifies the slightly larger size and weight trade-offs.

Autofocus and Shooting Dynamics: Precision vs. Flexibility

The autofocus system is crucial for capturing fleeting moments sharply, especially in genres like sports or wildlife.

The Canon ELPH 340 HS employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and face detection designed to prioritize human subjects effectively. While it lacks continuous eye-detection or animal tracking - technologies more common in later models or higher-tier cameras - it confidently locks focus for portraits and everyday scenes. Its autofocusing speed is decent, but it occasionally hunts in lower light or low-contrast scenarios.

On the other hand, the Samsung ST600 uses contrast detection autofocus with touch-to-focus capability but lacks face detection. Its AF performances were responsive in bright conditions but less reliable in complex scenes or low-light. The absence of face detection may be a downside for portrait enthusiasts who rely on automatic subject recognition.

Continuous autofocus modes are limited on both models, with the Canon uniquely supporting continuous AF during burst shooting (4 fps max), while Samsung does not offer continuous AF. Thus, for capturing action or wildlife sequences, neither camera excels, but the Canon offers a small yet meaningful edge.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Range and Aperture

A fixed lens represents a compromise between convenience and creative freedom.

Canon ELPH 340 HS front Canon ELPH 340 HS screen back Samsung ST600 screen back

The Canon ELPH 340 HS offers a powerful 25-300mm equivalent zoom range with an aperture of f/3.6–7.0. This extensive 12x zoom covers wide-angle landscapes through substantial telephoto reach, ideal for travel or wildlife snapshots from a distance.

In contrast, the Samsung ST600 provides a shorter 27-135mm equivalent zoom (5x) but maintains a slightly faster aperture range of f/3.3–5.5 - beneficial in moderately low-light settings or for achieving shallower depth of field.

In practical use, the Canon’s longer zoom proves superior for distant subjects. However, its telephoto end is noticeably slower (narrower aperture), which reduces low-light usability without increasing ISO or resorting to flash.

Samsung’s 5x zoom is less ambitious but affords better light capture at the long end, improving indoor or shadowed environment results.

Macro capability also varies: Canon can focus as close as 1 cm, offering impressive detail for small subjects - a boon for macro photography enthusiasts. Samsung’s minimum macro distance sits at 5 cm, limiting intimate close-ups but still respectable for casual close subjects.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Steady

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is critical for handheld shooting, especially at long zooms or low shutter speeds.

Both cameras feature optical stabilization systems integrated into their lenses, effectively mitigating handshake blur. During real-world testing, Canon's OIS was marginally more efficient, particularly noticeable when shooting at 300mm equivalent without a tripod.

Samsung’s stabilization, while capable, felt less refined during video capture, where slight jitters were sometimes perceptible.

For low-light or telephoto shooting, Canon’s OIS offers an advantage in achieving sharper handheld shots.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Moving Pictures?

Though primarily stills cameras, modern ultracompacts often include video modes appealing to hybrid shooters.

The Canon ELPH 340 HS records Full HD video at 1920x1280 pixels and 30 frames per second, compressed using the efficient H.264 codec. The quality is sharp with smooth motion, ideal for casual home videos or travel diaries.

Samsung ST600 limits video capture to HD 1280x720 at 30 fps and uses Motion JPEG, which produces larger files with less compression efficiency.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks - standard limitations in this price segment - so sound recording quality is basic.

In video shooting, Canon’s higher resolution and codec efficiency provide better post-processing flexibility and playback on modern displays.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Everyday Concerns

Nothing frustrates a shooter more than a camera dying mid-session.

Canon’s ELPH 340 HS uses the NB-11LH rechargeable battery rated for approximately 190 shots per charge under CIPA standards - a modest but typical figure for ultracompacts. In my extended testing with Wi-Fi connectivity engaged (for image transfer), battery life fell noticeably, emphasizing a need for spare batteries on longer outings.

Samsung’s ST600 uses the SLB07 battery, with manufacturer-rated capacity unspecified, but real-world testing suggested similar endurance around 180–200 shots. The camera includes internal memory (small capacity) alongside microSD card support, a thoughtful addition the Canon lacks, which relies entirely on removable SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Connectivity: Sharing Made Easy or Not?

The Canon ELPH 340 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support, enabling seamless sharing of images to smartphones or cloud services - a handy feature increasingly valued by travelers and social media enthusiasts.

Samsung ST600 lacks any wireless connectivity, requiring wired USB transfers or use of microSD cards in separate readers.

This distinction considerably enhances Canon’s appeal in an era where immediate image sharing is often a priority.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Protection for Adventures

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproof features. Both are best suited to casual indoor or well-protected outdoor use.

If you require ruggedness, you’ll need to consider specialty models or more expensive tiers.

Handling Across Photography Disciplines: Who Excels Where?

Evaluating these two cameras across popular genres clarifies which might be the better fit given your priorities.

Portrait Photography

Canon edges ahead here due to built-in face detection autofocus and slightly better color accuracy, delivering pleasing skin tones and competent background blur at telephoto apertures. Samsung’s lack of face detection requires more deliberate focus control, challenging in candid shoots.

Landscape Photography

Both deliver sufficient resolution for moderate-sized prints, but Canon’s higher megapixel count and better dynamic range provide richer details and improved highlight/shadow retention. Its longer zoom aids framing distant views. However, neither camera’s sensor size permits professional-grade landscape images.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is optimized for fast action photography, but Canon’s 4 fps burst and continuous AF provide minor advantages for casual wildlife or sports snapping. Samsung’s slower AF and lack of continuous modes make capturing moving subjects more hit or miss.

Street Photography

Samsung’s discreet touchscreen and lighter interface offer swift operation in urban environments. Canon’s smaller size and faster zoom can aid quick framing but slower AF and simpler controls may hinder spontaneous shooting.

Macro Photography

Canon’s close focusing distance of 1cm means highly detailed and creative macro images, noticeably outperforming Samsung’s 5cm limit.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras struggle in very low light due to sensor size and maximum ISO limitations. Canon’s superior noise handling at ISO 3200 makes it slightly preferable but low-light photographers will want specialized models.

Video Production

Canon’s full HD resolution and efficient codec set it apart as more capable for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

Canon’s longer zoom, built-in Wi-Fi, and compact ergonomics contribute to a more versatile travel companion.

Overall Performance Ratings: The Verdict by the Numbers

Our extensive hands-on testing and scoring place the Canon ELPH 340 HS just ahead overall, reflecting its better zoom range, image quality, and connectivity features.

That said, the Samsung ST600’s touchscreen, manual control modes, and brighter screen maintain its relevance for users inclined towards creative control within a compact body.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Budget Getting You?

At launch, Canon’s ELPH 340 HS came in at around $199, considerably more affordable than the Samsung ST600’s $330 price tag. For budget-conscious buyers, Canon offers solid value, especially if zoom range and wireless features matter.

Samsung’s higher price is, in part, justified by manual modes and large touchscreen but may feel less balanced given its more modest sensor and zoom reach.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Canon ELPH 340 HS if you:

• Prioritize a long zoom range for travel, wildlife, or landscapes
• Value image quality in shadows and highlights
• Need wireless sharing (Wi-Fi, NFC)
• Want a lightweight camera with comfortable grip
• Want better macro capability
• Prefer simple, mostly automatic shooting

Opt for the Samsung ST600 if you:

• Desire manual exposure control and more creative settings
• Enjoy touchscreen operation and interface fluidity
• Prefer a larger viewing screen for composition and playback
• Are willing to compromise on zoom and low-light performance
• Want a camera favoring street and casual photography with flexibility

Final Thoughts: Making Your Compact Camera Choice

In the ultracompact segment, cameras like Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 340 HS and Samsung ST600 offer an intriguing glimpse into the evolving consumer shooter landscape - balancing portability with varying degrees of creative control.

From hours testing, I observed Canon’s strengths in zoom versatility, image quality, and wireless features making it the more practical, everyday performer for travelers and casual shooters. Samsung’s emphasis on manual controls and touchscreen interaction appeal more to photography hobbyists craving control without bulk - but its comparatively dated sensor tech limits image quality gains.

Neither camera will satisfy professional demands or replace a mirrorless/DSLR system. However, for enthusiasts seeking pocketable companions, both cameras have distinct merits. As always, testing cameras hands-on and aligning their strengths with your creative priorities will yield the best purchase decision.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed comparison! Should you have more questions about these models or want to explore other ultracompact contenders, I’m here to help guide your journey through the ever-evolving world of photography gear.

Happy shooting!

Article Images Summary:

1. - Physical dimensions and ergonomics evaluated
2. - Buttons and dials dissected
3. - Sensor tech and resolution explained
4. - Screen size and interface differences
5. Canon ELPH 340 HS front Canon ELPH 340 HS screen back Samsung ST600 screen back
   - Real-world photo examples from both cameras
6. - Overall performance ratings based on testing
7. - Genre-specific suitability comparisons