• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon ELPH 300 HS advantages over Panasonic SZ3

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.4 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Panasonic SZ3 advantages over Canon ELPH 300 HS

  • More telephoto lens reach
    250 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic SZ3

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX48S

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • HDMI out
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
Panasonic SZ3
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster shutter
Panasonic SZ3
Canon SD980 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon 320 HS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon 320 HS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $231
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More dots on screen
Panasonic SZ3
Canon 320 HS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $231
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon A4000 IS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon A4000 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Panasonic SZ3
Canon A4000 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Canon 150 IS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Canon 150 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Panasonic SZ3
Canon 150 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Longer exposure
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?