Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Review

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a compact, budget-friendly point-and-shoot camera with decent image quality and performance for its low price point. Released in early 2015, it makes a good starter camera for those wanting a simple, portable option for capturing everyday photos and videos without breaking the bank.

In this in-depth Canon ELPH 180 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this camera’s essential features, image quality, handling, and performance. We’ll also compare it to some entry-level point-and-shoot models to help you decide if it fits well.

Canon ELPH 180 Key Features

Before diving into the performance and image quality testing, here’s an overview of some of the Canon ELPH 180’s most important features:

• 20MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor – Offers resolution for prints up to 13 x 19 inches

• 8x optical zoom lens – 28-224mm (35mm equivalent) lens range covers wide-angle to moderate telephoto

• Optical Image Stabilizer – Minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shots

• DIGIC 4+ image processor – Handles all camera processing and imaging tasks quickly

• 720p HD video recording – Capture moments in motion at 1280 x 720p resolution

• Intelligent Auto mode – Automatically selects optimal settings from 32 predefined shooting situations

• Help button – Easy access to integrated camera guides and tips

• Multiple scene modes – Enhance creativity with settings designed for specific types of photos

• 2.7-inch LCD – Large screen makes framing shots and reviewing images convenient

Ergonomics and Handling

Weighing just 5 ounces and measuring only 3.8 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches, the ELPH 180 is a highly compact, pocketable camera you can take anywhere. It easily fits into purses, bags, or even large pants pockets. The primarily plastic body feels chintzy yet solid enough.

The camera offers an excellent, deep right-hand grip that makes it feel secure in your hand. All the buttons are clustered on the back within easy thumb reach. The zoom toggle surrounding the shutter button responds smoothly.

There’s nothing fancy about the ELPH 180’s controls or menus, which helps keep operation straightforward. Novices should feel right at home, while more experienced photographers may find it limiting after a while.

Image Quality

The ELPH 180 delivers good image quality for its class thanks to its 8x optical zoom lens and 20MP CCD sensor. Photos show relatively accurate colors and reasonably handle contrast and dynamic range.

However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some mushy details, luminance noise in shadows, purple fringing around high-contrast edges, and a somewhat harsh rendition of reds and oranges. Still, the image quality is fine for small prints, online use, and typical snapshots.

An 8x zoom range provides excellent versatility for everything from group shots to wildlife. Just don’t expect tack sharpness at total telephoto magnification. Fortunately, the built-in optical image stabilization will help minimize the appearance of camera shake blur by up to 3 stops for steadier handheld zooming.

The camera offers numerous picture effects like Fisheye, Toy Camera, and Monochrome to expand creativity. While you can capture images as JPEGs or raw files, there’s only so much you can tweak from the 20MP 1/2.3” sensor.

Video Recording

Casual shooters will appreciate the ELPH 180’s 720p HD video recording ability. Footage appears crisp and smooth on camera, though you’ll notice some issues with sharpness, luminance noise, and autofocus reactions when viewing full-screen videos.

The camera’s CCD sensor technology also causes the dreaded “rolling shutter effect,” where fast panning or subject movement looks skewed. Keep shots steady with modest panning for best results. Audio from the tiny mono microphone sounds hollow and muffled, too, so it works better for quick clips than serious projects.

Features and Performance

Canon put ease of use at the forefront of the ELPH 180’s design. Its simple, functional layout works well for casual shooting, while the Smart Auto mode automatically analyzes each scene to pick the optimal settings. This makes it easy to point and shoot good photos on the fly.

The camera starts quickly in about 2 seconds and focuses fast in ideal conditions. However, its contrast detection autofocus system slows down considerably in dim lighting. The shutter response lags too at full telephoto or in low light.

Burst shooting peaks at around 1 fps, but you must wait for the images to save before shooting – hardly ideal for action. On a positive note, when you hit the power button to conserve battery, the camera powers down quickly.

Battery Life

Expect to snap around 220-300 shots per charge from the ELPH 180. This falls below average for an entry-level point-and-shoot. Using flash, video recording, and other power-draining features will also reduce the battery runtime.

Overall, you should be fine for day trips and short vacations without needing to pack the battery charger. But picking up a spare NB-11LH battery isn’t a bad idea if you plan to shoot a lot between recharges.

Similar Camera Alternatives

1. Canon IXUS 185

The [Canon IXUS 185] is nearly identical to the ELPH 180, offering the same 20MP sensor, 8x zoom, 720p video, and compact form factor. It adds a slimmer metal body, Wi-Fi for wireless transfers, and creative shooting modes. But you’ll pay about $20-30 more.

2. Nikon COOLPIX A10

For a more straightforward point-and-shoot experience, consider the [Nikon COOLPIX A10]. It has a zoomed-out 5x lens, a 16MP sensor, and primary features. Yet it nails the basics very well for its ultra-low price around $100. The image quality punches above its class, too.

3. Sony W800

The [Sony W800] merges a 20MP CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom, 720p video, and built-in USB charging into a slim, attractive metal design. It often costs only around $100-120, too. The main tradeoffs are no image stabilization and lackluster low-light performance.

Conclusion & Final Verdict

As one of the cheapest cameras in Canon’s roster, the PowerShot ELPH 180 cuts some corners to meet its budget-minded price point. The plastic body is not durable, and some specs lag behind the competition.

However, if you want a simple point-and-shoot with decent image quality and a generous 8x zoom range in a shirt pocket-sized package, the ELPH 180 gets the job done. Its beginner-friendly controls and Smart Auto intelligence make capturing nice snapshots a breeze, too.

Just don’t expect too much in terms of speedy performance, manual controls, or low-light power. But overall, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 offers excellent value and quality compared to other sub-$150 point-and-shoots. It’s thus easy to recommend as a starter camera for casual photographers.

So, you want an inexpensive, no-frills point-and-shoot camera that outperforms phones and fits comfortably into any bag or large pocket. In that case, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is worth consideration.