• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon ELPH 300 HS advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    19 mm vs 26 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.4 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Canon ELPH 300 HS

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $250 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    288 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.0 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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 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 SZ8

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 SZ8
Panasonic DMC-FX48S
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $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 SZ8
Canon SD980 IS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

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 SZ8
Canon 320 HS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $231
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Nikon S6400

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Nikon S6400
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Canon ELPH 300 HS
Samsung WB50F
  • $235
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
Compare Other Cameras?