I wanted to write mainly about the size of this camera. But let me back up first...I had a previous ELPH, that was working fine for a few years, but I started noticing cataracts in my pictures. Examining the lens, I noticed that the lens was scratched in the middle, from what I assume was the lens cover opening and closing several times over the years. Maybe it was my fault for carrying it around in my pocket throughout the years, maybe it's Canon's fault...I don't know, but it did force me to get a new camera, the ELPH 170.
Size - I specifically like this camera for what it is - a small but powerful camera. I have an SLR, but to be honest, it sits in the closet for the most part. I don't want to be on vacation, at a family event like a wedding, or out with friends and have a big, clunky camera.
My brother once asked me when seeing me with my ELPH, "Who still carries a separate camera, when everyone has one on their phone?" Well, my answer to him was that phone cameras are great for their size, but really as cameras, they're not the greatest. And this is why I like this size of camera. It fits in a pocket and it takes excellent pictures. 12x zoom...dedicated camera...you'll get much better pictures than anyone else who is taking them with their phone, and then you can simply stick it back in your pocket again.
As far as specs, you can compare them yourself, but for me, I remember the days of film and the early days of digital cameras. The pictures I'm able to take today on a cheap camera with image stabilization and high resolution amaze me when I think of the past...but then I digress. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really don't think you can go wrong buying a Canon or Nikon today, but size is of importance to me, and the size of this camera fits a nice balance between power and size.
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Reviews with images
An excellent point and shoot camera with good zoom capability.
A very nice and small point and shoot camera. We took this to Alaska two weeks ago and used it extensively to photograph animals in Denali Park. The zoom feature worked very well. The only limitation using the zoom is that the image on the viewfinder is so small that I did not know if I got the images I wanted until we got back to the lodge and I loaded the memory card into my laptop. Then we could see the full image magnified and could edit or delete those we did not want to keep. I have other, larger cameras and chose not to take them as they are bulky. This little camera fits in a pocket. I gave my big digital SLR camera to my daughter as it was a pain to carry on a trip. Others with us in the park had elaborate equipment and several commented favorably on my images when seeing them on the laptop. It is a good choice forma trip unless you want superzoom capability and are willing to put up with the equipment. The battery life is also excellent. I have taken trips in the past with teenagers who were always having to recharge batteries. I did not recharge this one at all.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
I wanted this camera for a very specific reason. To keep in my car for the occasional winter scene photo. Cheap because I don't want to be stressed on it being stolen or lost. i need the longer focal length because the scenery is usually at a distance. i did a comparison of my parking lot with an iPhone 6 and this Canon at max range (optical range for the Canon). You can see the Canon gets me closer with much better quality. In low light it would be even more favorable to Canon. I rested each of them on my window ledge. Not exactly a super scientific test but enough to demonstrate a clear superiority at a long focal length for the Canon. Which of course you would expect. And the camera is smaller and lighter than my phone.
It has the usual Canon controls. Little things are nice, like there is a tiny upper vertical line in the focal length measure you see when you increase the focal length (as well of course as the (x12) ) so you know when you have hit the upper optical part of the range.
Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
Excellent for a cheap camera to do long range photos.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
Very good for longer range cheap portable camera.Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
I wanted this camera for a very specific reason. To keep in my car for the occasional winter scene photo. Cheap because I don't want to be stressed on it being stolen or lost. i need the longer focal length because the scenery is usually at a distance. i did a comparison of my parking lot with an iPhone 6 and this Canon at max range (optical range for the Canon). You can see the Canon gets me closer with much better quality. In low light it would be even more favorable to Canon. I rested each of them on my window ledge. Not exactly a super scientific test but enough to demonstrate a clear superiority at a long focal length for the Canon. Which of course you would expect. And the camera is smaller and lighter than my phone.
It has the usual Canon controls. Little things are nice, like there is a tiny upper vertical line in the focal length measure you see when you increase the focal length (as well of course as the (x12) ) so you know when you have hit the upper optical part of the range.
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Top reviews from other countries
Jacque N.
Excellent camera, but quick set-up guide not enough
Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2016Color: BlueStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
KelDude
very good camera for the price
Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2016Color: BlackStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
Kathy Downey
Very nice Camera
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2015Color: BlackStyle: BaseVerified Purchase
