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Canon ELPH 360 HS

by William Brawleyns

In addition to updating some long-zoom PowerShots ahead of this year's CES expo, Canon also refreshed a number of their slim and sleek ELPH models. Starting with their top-of-the-line ELPH model, the Canon ELPH 360 HS replaces last year's ELPH 350 HS, though it sports more or less the same amenities and features in a similarly stylish, pocketable, and affordable package.

The Canon 360 HS is centered around a 12x optical zoom lens that offers a 25-300mm-equivalent focal length range with variable aperture spanning f/3.6-7.0. To help combat camera shake, the 360 HS's lens features optical image stabilization, too.

Situated behind the lens is a 20.2-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, the same as in the previous model. Paired with this sensor is a DIGIC 4+ image processor, which should allow for nice, detailed images and a native, non-expandable ISO range of 80-3200.

Also carried over from the predecessor is Creative Shot mode, which captures multiple images at once with a unique variety of filters and effects, all while preserving an original, unfiltered image file. Smart Auto mode is brought over as well as Hybrid Auto, which takes still images and short video clips and combines them into a video highlight reel all in-camera -- no video editing software or skills required!

Speaking of video, the ELPH 360 HS sports a dedicated movie button and shoots up to 1080p Full HD video at 30fps using the mobile device-friendly MP4 format. You can also use the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to easily connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet to transfer and share images and movies, as well as remotely control the camera using the companion app (for iOS and Android). The camera features a dedicated Wi-Fi button on the rear of the camera to quickly and easily pair your device.

The Canon 360 HS features a non-articulated, non-touchscreen, 3.0-inch monitor with a 461K-dot resolution LCD display.

One of the changes to the new 360 HS compared to the predecessor is an increase in burst shooting rate. Going from a rather humble 2.6fps for full-resolution images, the new 360 HS now offers a more useful 7.2fps, according to Canon, despite using the same sensor and processor. The other change, according Canon's specs, is that battery life of its rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack has decreased slightly to 180 shots per charge, compared to 185 from the 350 HS.

Like most other compact digital cameras nowadays, the Canon 360 HS uses SD memory card for media storage and is compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC types.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS offers a sleek and stylish, affordable compact camera with a lightweight, easy-to-use design. The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February for an estimated retail price of US$209.99 -- the same price point as the earlier model -- and will be available in silver and purple.