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Canon ELPH 180 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon ELPH 180

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1/2.3" CCD Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 1600
    • 28-224 mm F3.2-6.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
    • 0.8fps continuous shooting
    • and HD at 25fps Video Recording
    • 126g. 95 x 54 x 22 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon ELPH 180 Overview

    Launched in January 2016 , Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a 20.0MP Ultracompact camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 8.0x zoom 28-224 mm F3.2-6.9 lens.

    Canon ELPH 180 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon ELPH 180 is a member of Canon's Ultracompact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Canon Ultracompact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3' 2.5 fps 100 x 58 x 23mm 147g
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3' 0.8 fps 95 x 57 x 24mm 138g
    Canon ELPH 180
    2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 0.8 fps 95 x 54 x 22mm 126g
    Canon ELPH 350 HS
    Compare
    2015 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 2.5 fps 100 x 58 x 23mm 147g
    Canon 170 IS
    Compare
    2015 20.0MP - 1/2.3' 0.8 fps 100 x 58 x 23mm 141g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Canon 360 HS vs 190 IS vs ELPH 180 vs 350 HS vs 170 IS


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Canon ELPH 180 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon ELPH 180 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    126g Light Body
    224mm Good Tele Lens
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon ELPH 180 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.70")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 0.8fps
    Low Battery Life: 220 shots
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.20
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90

    Report a correction


    Canon ELPH 180 Physical Specs
    Canon ELPH 180 weighs 126 g (0.28 lb / 4.44 oz) and has external dimensions of 95 x 54 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.13 x 0.87″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Canon ELPH 180 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 22mm, it is also quite small, 6mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon ELPH 180
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon ELPH 180
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon ELPH 180 with the dimensions:

    Canon ELPH 180 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon ELPH 180 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon ELPH 180, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon ELPH 180 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon ELPH 180 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon ELPH 180 with its main competitors:

    Canon ELPH 180 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs ELPH 180 Thickness vs ELPH 180
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    138g 12g heavier 24mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    147g 21g heavier 23mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Sony W800
    Compare
    125g 1g lighter 21mm 1mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Sony W830
    Compare
    122g 4g lighter 23mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    128g 2g heavier 22mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon SX620 HS
    Compare
    182g 56g heavier 28mm 6mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon 160
    Compare
    127g 1g heavier 22mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Nikon A10
    Compare
    160g 34g heavier 29mm 7mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon ELPH 180 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon ELPH 180 Lens

    Canon ELPH 180 features a 28-224 mm F3.2-6.9 8x zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 224mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    ELPH 180
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    ELPH 180
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.20 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    ELPH 180
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    ELPH 180
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    ELPH 180 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

    Canon ELPH 180 Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon ELPH 180 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features DIGIC 4+ processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with aspect ratios of and 4:3. ELPH 180 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon ELPH 180 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in the same price range.

    Canon ELPH 180 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon ELPH 180 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon ELPH 180's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon ELPH 180 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon ELPH 180 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Canon ELPH 180 LCD

    Canon ELPH 180 has a Fixed Type 2.70-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.70", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Canon ELPH 180 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    ELPH 180 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Canon ELPH 180 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Canon ELPH 180 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Canon ELPH 180 Battery

    Canon ELPH 180 is powered by NB-11LH battery which provides a battery life of 220 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Ultracompact Cameras

    Canon ELPH 180
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon L32 with its 320shots is the model with longest battery life among Ultracompact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon ELPH 180 vs Nikon L32 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon ELPH 180 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 190shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 180shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Sony W800
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Sony W830
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon SX620 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 295shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Canon 160
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Camera Nikon A10
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots No No No

    Canon ELPH 180 Video Features

    With Canon ELPH 180, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 25p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    ELPH 180 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Canon ELPH 180 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Canon ELPH 180 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon ELPH 180 can shoot continuously at max speed of 0.8 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately ELPH 180 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon ELPH 180 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Canon ELPH 180 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Canon ELPH 180 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon ELPH 180 in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon ELPH 180 for Portrait Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 has a score of 23 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theELPH 180.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon ELPH 180 for Portrait Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 for Street Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 has a score of 54 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon ELPH 180 for Street Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 for Sports Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 has a score of 15 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theELPH 180.
    Image Stabilization
    224 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 0.8fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon ELPH 180 for Sports Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 for Daily Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 has a score of 58 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    126g
    Body Thickness 22mm
    8.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon ELPH 180 for Daily Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 for Landscape Photography

    Canon ELPH 180 has a score of 21 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theELPH 180.
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon ELPH 180 for Landscape Photography
    Canon ELPH 180 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon ELPH 180 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon ELPH 180 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon ELPH 180

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon ELPH 180 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    Sony W800
    Sony W800
    Compare
    Sony W830
    Sony W830
    Compare
    Canon IXUS 165
    Canon IXUS 165
    Compare
    Canon SX620 HS
    Canon SX620 HS
    Compare
    Canon 160
    Canon 160
    Compare
    Nikon A10
    Nikon A10
    Compare

    Canon ELPH 180 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon ELPH 180 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon ELPH 180's price range.

    Canon ELPH 180 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Canon ELPH 180 has an Overall Score of 32/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is ranked #399 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #990 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #990 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #399 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #65 out of 152 in Top Ranking Ultracompact Cameras
    #498 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #90 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(126g)
    #666 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon ELPH 180
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have RAW support?
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon ELPH 180?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon ELPH 180?
    is the Canon ELPH 180 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon ELPH 180 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon ELPH 180?
    What is the Weight of Canon ELPH 180?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon ELPH 180?
    Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
    Announced 2016-01-05
    Body Type Ultracompact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-224 mm (8x)
    Max Aperture F3.2-6.9
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.70"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 0.8 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 3.00 m (at Auto ISO)
    Flash Modes Auto, on, slow synchro, off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5152 x 3864
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (25p), 640 x 480 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 126g
    Physical Dimensions 95 x 54 x 22mm
    Battery Life 220 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-11LH
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC card
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Ultracompact Cameras
    Canon ELPH 180
    20 MP | 1/2.3" Sensor| 28-224 mm
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    20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 25-200 mm
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