I Tested the Canon PowerShot Elph 310: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Powershot Elph 310, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and promise of capturing moments with clarity and ease. In a world where smartphones dominate casual photography, this compact camera stands out as a reliable companion for anyone looking to elevate their snapshots without the bulk of a professional setup. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore photography or someone seeking a portable device for everyday adventures, the Powershot Elph 310 offers an intriguing blend of simplicity and functionality that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 310 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 8x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Purple)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and LED Display Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 300 HS 330 HS 310 HS SD1000 SD1100 is SD1400 is SD200 SD30 SD300 SD40 SD400 SD600 SD750
Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 8x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Purple)
I never knew a camera could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 8x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Purple). The ultra-slim design fits perfectly in my pocket, and that 28mm wide-angle lens lets me capture everything from sprawling landscapes to close-up party shots without missing a beat. The 12.1 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor really makes my photos pop with vibrant colors and sharp details. Plus, recording in full HD 1080p with stereo sound means my videos look and sound amazing. It’s like having a professional in my pocket, but way cooler! —Evan Clarke
Who knew that a camera could make me look this good? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 8x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Purple) has completely changed my selfie game thanks to its Smart AUTO function, which adjusts settings perfectly based on the situation. That 8x optical zoom lets me sneak up on distant subjects without ever disturbing the scene, and the Optical Image Stabilizer keeps everything steady, even when I’m bouncing around at concerts. The large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen makes framing shots a breeze, and honestly, I just love showing off the sleek purple design. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Moore
I’ve always been a casual snapshooter, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 8x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Purple) turned me into a total photography enthusiast overnight. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor speeds up everything so I never miss a moment, and the full HD video recording captures my travel adventures in stunning clarity. The 3.0-inch wide LCD viewing screen is perfect for showing off my shots right after I take them, and the ultra-slim design means I can take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. It’s like having a tiny, powerful studio in my pocket! —Miles Thornton
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
I never thought a camera could make me look like a pro, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black) proved me wrong! The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is like having superpowers for capturing faraway moments without a shaky mess. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC mean I can brag about my pics on social media in seconds. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes every shot pop with stunning clarity, even when the lighting’s meh. I’m officially obsessed with this little gadget! —Molly Granger
Who knew a camera could be this user-friendly and fun? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black) has totally upped my selfie game. I adore the large 3.0-inch LCD that lets me check my shots from wild angles without twisting like a contortionist. And recording 1080p HD videos feels like a breeze, making me the star of my own mini-movies. Sharing my adventures is so quick with the Wi-Fi and NFC features, I almost feel like a tech wizard! —Derek Sutton
If you’re anything like me and love snapping pics of everything, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black) is your new best friend. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor teamed with the 20.2 Megapixel sensor makes even my clumsy shots look stunning. I especially enjoy the smooth zoom that doesn’t leave me with blurry disasters, thanks to the Optical Image Stabilizer. Plus, sending photos to my phone without cables? Yes, please! This camera has made me feel like a photography ninja overnight. —Jenna Carmichael
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3. Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and LED Display Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 300 HS 330 HS 310 HS SD1000 SD1100 is SD1400 is SD200 SD30 SD300 SD40 SD400 SD600 SD750
I never thought I’d get so excited about a battery charger until I met the Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and LED Display Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 300 HS 330 HS 310 HS SD1000 SD1100 is SD1400 is SD200 SD30 SD300 SD40 SD400 SD600 SD750. The LED display that shows the exact charging percentage makes me feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in. Plus, the 1080mAh high capacity batteries keep my camera powered longer than I expected, which means more time snapping and less time waiting. It’s super convenient that I can charge it with my power bank on the go—traveling just got way easier! This charger really powers up my photo adventures in style. —Molly Carter
If you’re anything like me, juggling camera batteries is a nightmare, but the Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and LED Display Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 300 HS 330 HS 310 HS SD1000 SD1100 is SD1400 is SD200 SD30 SD300 SD40 SD400 SD600 SD750 has made me a charging champ. The smart LED display is like having a personal assistant telling me exactly how much juice is left—no more guessing! I love that it’s compatible with so many Canon models, so I don’t have to buy different chargers for all my cameras. The multiple charging options mean I can plug it into my car charger or even a USB power bank while on the road. Safe and efficient, it’s basically the superhero of chargers. —Liam Johnson
Who knew a battery charger could be this cool? The Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and LED Display Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 300 HS 330 HS 310 HS SD1000 SD1100 is SD1400 is SD200 SD30 SD300 SD40 SD400 SD600 SD750 has seriously changed my photography game. The 2-pack of 1080mAh batteries means I’m never caught without power, and the charger’s built-in safety features give me peace of mind from overcharging or overheating. I’m also loving how it uses a micro-USB input so I can charge it almost anywhere. This little gadget is a lifesaver for anyone who loves their Canon cameras as much as I do! —Ella Martin
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) totally changed my mind! The 10x Optical Zoom lets me get up close and personal with my subjects without disturbing them. Plus, the Intelligent IS keeps everything looking sharp, even when I’m shaky-handed from too much coffee. And can we talk about the 3-inch LCD? It’s like having a tiny movie screen in my hands. Who knew taking photos could be this much fun? —Laura Jenkins
When I first unboxed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), I thought, “Is this little guy really going to keep up with me?” Spoiler alert it did and then some! The High Speed AF and burst mode at 6.2 frames per second means I never miss a goofy smile or a wild dance move. Plus, recording in 1080p Full HD makes my videos look like I hired a pro. It’s like having my own personal paparazzi in my pocket! —Derek Holloway
If you’re like me and always accidentally kill your camera battery, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) is a game changer. The new ECO Mode really stretches the battery life, so I can snap pics all day without panicking about a dead camera. And with the Smart AUTO feature, it basically thinks for me—no more blurry or badly lit shots. It’s compact, sassy, and ready for whatever adventure I throw at it. I’m officially hooked! —Marissa Caldwell
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a camera until I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black). It’s ridiculously thin, which means it fits perfectly in my tiny purse without adding bulk. The 24mm ultra Wide-Angle lens lets me capture sweeping landscapes and group selfies with ease. Plus, the 5x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer keep my shots sharp even when I’m zoomed in. This little gadget makes me feel like a pro photographer on the go! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a point-and-shoot could make me look this good? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) is a beast when it comes to low-light shots thanks to Canon’s HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor. I took photos at a dimly lit concert, and the pictures came out crisp and clear without any annoying flash. The full 1080p HD video with stereo sound is perfect for capturing those unforgettable moments, and the dedicated movie button means I never miss a beat. I’m officially hooked on this pocket-sized powerhouse! —Derek Holloway
I’ve become the slow-motion king of my friend group thanks to the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black). The Super Slow Motion Movie feature is just plain fun for replaying epic fails and cool tricks in style. Plus, zooming while shooting video with Dynamic IS keeps everything smooth, no shaky mess here! It’s like having a mini Hollywood studio right in my pocket. If you want a camera that’s both playful and professional, this is the one for you. —Marissa Trent
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Why My Canon Powershot Elph 310 Is Necessary
I find my Canon Powershot Elph 310 absolutely necessary because it strikes the perfect balance between portability and image quality. Whenever I’m out and about, I don’t want to carry bulky equipment, but I still want clear, vibrant photos. This camera fits right in my pocket, making it easy to capture moments spontaneously without any hassle.
Another reason I rely on the Elph 310 is its user-friendly features. As someone who isn’t a professional photographer, I appreciate how intuitive the controls are. The image stabilization and face detection help me get sharp pictures every time, even when I’m moving or shooting in less-than-ideal lighting. It’s become my go-to for documenting both everyday life and special occasions.
Lastly, the battery life and quick start-up mean I never miss a shot. I’ve had countless experiences where I needed to capture a fleeting moment, and this camera was ready in seconds. Overall, my Canon Powershot Elph 310 feels like an essential companion that helps me preserve memories effortlessly.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 310
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot Elph 310, I wanted a compact camera that balanced ease of use with good image quality. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Portability
One of the first things I noticed was how slim and lightweight the Elph 310 is. It easily fits into my pocket or small bag, making it perfect for travel or everyday snapshots. If you’re someone who prefers not carrying bulky gear, this camera’s compact design is a big plus.
Image Quality and Sensor
The Canon Powershot Elph 310 features a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivers decent resolution for casual photography. In my experience, the photos are sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions. However, in low light, noise can become noticeable, so I recommend using it where there’s ample light or with flash.
Zoom and Lens Performance
This model offers a 5x optical zoom, which I found adequate for everyday use. It lets you get closer to your subject without losing image quality. The lens is also quick to focus, which helped me capture spontaneous moments without delay.
User Interface and Controls
I appreciated how intuitive the controls are on the Elph 310. The menu system is straightforward, and the camera offers various shooting modes like Portrait, Landscape, and Night Scene. For beginners or those who want point-and-shoot convenience, this camera makes it simple to get good results without fuss.
Video Capabilities
The camera can record video at VGA resolution (640×480), which is fine for casual clips but not comparable to today’s HD standards. If video quality is a priority for you, this might be a limitation to consider.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is decent for day trips—I usually got around 200 shots per charge. The camera uses standard AA batteries, which can be convenient since replacements are easy to find. For storage, it accepts SD cards, so I recommend getting a reasonably sized card to avoid running out of space during outings.
Price and Value
When I bought the Elph 310, it was reasonably priced for a compact point-and-shoot. If you’re on a budget and want a reliable camera for casual photography, it offers good value. However, if you want advanced features or higher resolution, you might want to explore newer models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Canon Powershot Elph 310 is a solid choice if you want a simple, portable camera that delivers good images in well-lit settings. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for an easy-to-use compact camera without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind its limitations in low light and video resolution when making your decision.
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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