Canon PowerShot S300 2MP Digital ELPH Camera Kit w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The biggest new feature is the 3x optical zoom. While only a small step up from the original 2x, the new zoom requires a slightly enlarged body. Also added is a movie mode. The new movie mode allows up to 30 seconds of footage to be recorded at a resolution of 160 x 120. You can also record at 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolution, but the recording time shortens correspondingly.

The diminutive 1.5-inch color LCD screen remains small. However, the control scheme is slightly modified to incorporate the camera's new capabilities--a wheel now controls the camera mode and has a power button in its center. The S300 includes several white-balance presets, exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments, and a black-and-white mode. Essentially, the S300 is a classy digital point-and-shoot with enough features and control for most hobbyists.

I'm somewhat tech-savvy so the S300 presented no problems in terms of getting up and running. I was able to intuitively grasp how to use most features without reading the manual. Those wanting or need to read the manual will find it understandable and well-written.

There are several settings which determine the size and quality of the images. On the best settings (which is why you'll need more memory), the quality is excellent for on screen display. I've not printed any pictures yet, so I don't know about that. This is a 2.11 megapixel camera, so there are cameras out there with better image quality. That said, none are this small or ease to carry around.

The S300 camera has a variety of shooting modes: auto, manual, stitch assist, and movie. You can also set the white balance so that you're shooting in black-and-white. The auto mode takes good shots under most conditions. I've not played enough with the manual mode to comment on it. The stitch assist, which allows you to create panoramic shots, is amazing when used in conjunction with the included computer software (in my case on a Mac). It'll put everything together and you can even save as a QuickTime VR if you have the appropriate software. The movie mode shoots at 20 frames per second and includes audio. The image quality is acceptable, but the audio is weak.

The included Macintosh software (it comes with Windows versions as well) consists of an image database, an image editor, a video editor, a photo stitch assistant, and a camera remote control program. Excellent stuff, all.

You have two ways to get images into your computer: Via the included USB cable or by using an optional Compact Flash PCMIA adapter (cost: about $10). The USB cable, at least on the Mac, works great, though I suspect the download of lots of images from the camera would take a minute or two. I'm ordering a CF PCMIA adapter.

As I mentioned, the 8 MB Compact Flash memory really isn't enough. At best quality the camera holds 7 images before running out of space. With 128 MB (which is what I've ordered) it will hold 128 images. Movie times face similar constrains.

That aside, overall Canon has succeeded in delivering point-and-shoot ease-of-use to a digital camera. The S300 is small enough to take anywhere, and the result is that any moment becomes a photo opportunity. Users adept with Adobe Photoshop will find that a camera like the S300 allows any image at any time to become part of their digital world, and if that's not bound to enhance creativity, I don't know what will.

Highly recommended.


Amazing camera overall.   June 17, 2001
Sam I Am (Woodmere, New York United States)
71 out of 71 found this review helpful

I shopped around before buying this camera and finally bought it for the incredibly small size and sharp pictures. I have not been disappointed. The camera looks so sleek and small that people around you invariably comment on it. The buttons are intuitive and the small screen is incredibly sharp. I have a coolpix 950 at work and I can't believe it but the images off the s300 are sharper and the tones are more precise. In adddition the canon lenses are superior to Sony and Olympus and are rivaled only by larger Nikon cameras. My only regret is that the camera does not come in a 3 megapixel variety, but realistically, one almost never needs 3 megapixels for home use anyway. 8 x 10s are sharp and beautiful on the s300 using maximum pixelation and superfine mode. Needless to say a 128 mb CF card is a must. The 8 mb card this comes with is a joke! Also, if you use the display to shoot images and not the viewfinder you will need a spare battery. One more point; the s100 case does not fit this camera; canon makes a hard to find PSC 300 case for this camera which fits well, although it adds a tad too much bulk. Neverthelesss, you should get it otherwise the metal will scratch. I found the case, a battery, and a neck strap. My wife, who is not tech savvy, also loves this camera for it's size and ease of use. Although pricey, I think this camera is exceptionally well made and designed and worth the investment. All in all this is the hottest digital camera out there for good reasons: size and outstanding images!


Superb Camera, great choice for every level of photographer   June 28, 2001
Kapil (Bombay, India)
70 out of 70 found this review helpful

I have had my Canon S300 (IXUS) from May 2001. It has been a great month taking over 400 pictures on holiday and then back home. All my pictures are exceptionally crisp and clear with many taken with flash and indoors. And this is without even using it at the highest resolution. The short review is, if you need a digital camera, buy this one and live happily ever after.

I spent over 1 month doing research on the net before finally deciding which camera to buy. The tough choice was buying the Canon even though it was only a 2.1 MP resolution. You can buy a Sony or Fuji or other 3.34 MP camera for similar price. BUT DON'T. The biggest advantage is size and speed of use. You will alway be able to have this midget camera in a pocket near you. It is superbly designed and crafted. While it does not have any manual capabilities (some minimum features) it is rare to require them in normal use.

The useful features are the movie mode and simple panorama shooting. The software with the camera is quick and easy to use with minimum fuss. Obviously the USB connection makes life simple and quick. The Zoombrowser software has a great feature to make emailing pictures a breeze as you can choose the compression level as you go along.

The battery life is decent though you should get the AC power adapter and a bigger memory card. The Sandisk 128 MB card was for about US$ 100 and will give you more than enough space to enjoy taking pictures and video. The greatest joy of going digital is the ability to keep on clicking and never worry about the cost. I can happily let my kids click away without any concern.

I have had prints made (4 * 6 in) from the images and they are amazing even at medium resolution and fine setting. I don't know about larger sizes but for home use they are perfect.

The only few points on the downside for this camera.

1. No power indicator on the battery life. You only know its over when it starts to die completely

2. Its not 3.34 MP resolution (at this price it would have been nice though not required)

3. Its not cheap as a choice (good things never are I guess)

Finally, the joy is in the jealous looks and envious comments you get whenever you pull out this stunning camera. It is an exceptionally good camera and you will have no regrets. ENJOY.


Great Choice with outstanding picture quality!   May 23, 2001
91 out of 93 found this review helpful

This was my first digital camera purchase and I researched extensively before deciding on the S300. My priorities included at least 2.1 Mp which is necessary if you are going to have high quality prints made, compact size, ease of use (it's no fun if I'm the only one in my family that can take pictures), and optical zoom.

This camera fits all criteria perfectly. A little pricey, but the picture quality is outstanding compared to other digital camera pics I have seen. Only complaint is there is no battery life indicator until the charge is almost gone. For this reason, an extra battery is a must, but I would skip the AC Adapter. Buy a Compact Flash card reader instead and download your pictures directly from the CF Card. Easier and cheaper to do it this way. I thought the battery charger design was clever and compact also. I have uploaded pictures to have prints made and they are very sharp, crisp and bright. Much better than my old film point and shoot camera.

Also recommend buying a larger capacity CF card, so you can take full advantage of the best quality pictures this camera can take.


Great camera!   November 27, 2001
58 out of 58 found this review helpful

I have used a Canon 35mm for years and the reviews of the Canon digital ELPHs are great, so I decided to make my first digital a Canon S300. My biggest concerns were pixels/resolution and camera size/portability. This camera is teensy! It easily can be carried around all day in a small camera bag and never is cumbersome or heavy. The wrist strap that comes with it is very handy, too.

It is extremely easy to use, especially if you take the time to read through the manual (which I did and saved myself a lot of trial and error time). It does not have as many manual features as some larger cameras, but for someone that wants the ease of an automatic as well as the ability to change lighting and resolution settings, it is great. The buttons are better situated and slightly larger and easier to use than those on the S110 which is currently the same price as the S300. The S300 also has a 3x optical zoom vs. the 2x on the S110.

The camera comes with a rechargeable battery and charger, but if you plan to take a lot of photos and use the LCD screen, you will want a backup battery. These are pricey because only Canon makes them (had to get mine from a camera shop) but they are tiny, come with a protective case and take a full charge in just over an hour. With the LCD screen on, the battery lasts a little over an hour.

I would also recommend a flash card with a large memory. I got a 128mb CF card and have taken nearly 500 photos and still have room on it. I would suggest at least a 64mb. The camera doesn't come with a case, something you definitely will want. I got the smallest one CaseLogic makes that would fit the camera (which is built like a little tank and very sturdy!) I also picked up a lint free cloth specially made for cleaning digital cameras - something I would not have thought of had I not read the manual which says NEVER use any type of liquid or fluid to clean the lens or camera as it can damage the camera.

The clarity of the photos on the LCD screen is incredible! I am so impressed with the technology that has gone into this little jewel. And having the freedom to take unlimited shots is quite liberating - I am discovering there is a photographer in me just waiting to get out! I got a CF card scanner to hook to the USB port on my PC and was able to transfer all the photos I have taken to a zip disk in minutes. The photos are fantastic - great color, detail and resolution. As for printed photos, so far I have not printed any so cannot say but this camera is perfect for sending digital images.

All in all, I am very pleased! The only change I would make to this camera would be to add attachment rings for a neck strap as there is no easy way to put a neck strap on this camera. Otherwise, is just about perfect.