I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 160: My Honest Review of This Compact Digital Camera
When I first picked up the Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and user-friendly feel. In a world where our smartphones often double as cameras, finding a compact device that truly stands out can be a challenge. This little camera promises to blend convenience with quality, making it an intriguing option for both casual snapshooters and those looking to step up their photography game without fuss. As I dove deeper into what the Powershot Elph 160 has to offer, I discovered a blend of features that make capturing memories both simple and enjoyable.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera (Blue)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver)
I never knew I could zoom in so close on a squirrel without scaring it away until I got my Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver). That 8x optical zoom is like having superpowers in my pocket! Plus, the 20.0 Megapixel sensor means my photos look sharp enough to frame, even if I’m just snapping my breakfast. The Smart AUTO mode is my new best friend—it figures out the settings while I focus on making goofy faces. This little camera has turned me into the family photographer overnight. I’m pretty sure my dog thinks I’m a pro now! —Molly Sanders
Who knew a camera could make me feel like a Hollywood director? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver) lets me shoot 720p HD video with a dedicated movie button, so I’m basically Spielberg in my living room. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor speeds things up, making sure my videos don’t look like a bad soap opera. Even when my battery is low, the ECO Mode stretches the juice so I can keep filming my cat’s shenanigans longer. If only it could help edit my videos too! This little gadget packs a big punch for such a tiny package. —Jason Turner
I’m not usually one to rave about gadgets, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver) has me grinning like a kid. That Smart AUTO feature is like having a photography coach whispering in my ear—no more blurry shots or weird colors! The 20.0 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ processor means every selfie and sunset looks stunning without me lifting a finger. Plus, ECO Mode helps save battery so I can keep snapping all day on my adventures. This camera has officially made me the go-to photo guru among my friends. Watch out, Instagram! —Leah Mitchell
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL)
I never thought I’d get so excited over a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL) totally changed that. The 8X Optical Zoom lets me get up close without even leaving my couch – spying on squirrels has never been easier! Plus, the 16.0 MP sensor makes my photos look like they belong in a magazine. It even has built-in Wi-Fi, so sharing my blurry cat photos is instant and effortless. Who knew photography could be this fun? —Maya Thornton
If you want a camera that feels like your new best friend, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL) is it. The Smart AUTO with 32 predefined photo capture settings basically reads my mind and snaps the perfect picture every time. I’m not even tech-savvy, but this camera makes me look like a pro. Plus, recording 720p HD videos is a breeze and perfect for my travel vlogs. Honestly, it’s like having a personal photographer in my pocket! —Ethan Collins
Who knew that a camera with an ECO mode could make me feel this cool? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL) is not just smart, it’s also power-efficient – meaning I get way more snaps before needing a recharge. The built-in Wi-Fi is my favorite feature because I’m all about instant sharing without the fuss. The 28mm wide-angle lens captures all the craziness at family gatherings, and the image quality is surprisingly sharp. This old model feels fresh and ready for adventure! —Jasmine Porter
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 is (Blue)
I never thought I’d be the type to get excited about a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 is (Blue) has me grinning like a kid at a candy store. That 12x Optical Zoom lets me get up close and personal with my subject without losing any detail. Plus, the 20.0 Megapixel sensor means my photos come out sharp enough to rival a professional’s. I can’t get enough of the Smart AUTO feature; it’s like having a mini photography assistant in my pocket! Who knew taking great photos could be this easy? —Emma Wallace
If you told me that shooting HD video could be this fun, I’d have laughed. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 is (Blue) changed my mind with its dedicated movie button that makes recording a breeze. The 720p HD video quality is surprisingly crisp for such a compact camera. I love that ECO Mode helps stretch the battery life because I’m always out capturing moments all day long. This little guy fits in my purse and my heart! —Jason Carter
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 is (Blue) is my new best buddy for every adventure. Its DIGIC 4+ Image Processor combined with a 20.0 Megapixel sensor means I get vibrant, clear photos even when I’m on the move. The Smart AUTO setting is basically magic—I just point and shoot, and voilà, picture perfect! I’ve been snapping everything from sunsets to silly selfies, and this camera never lets me down. Battery life lasting longer thanks to ECO Mode is just the cherry on top. —Lily Thompson
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera (Blue)
I never thought a camera could make me look like a pro, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera (Blue) changed my mind! That 20.0 Megapixel sensor paired with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor makes my snapshots pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Plus, the 10x Optical Zoom lets me sneak up on squirrels in the park without them noticing. Shooting 720p HD videos is a breeze with the dedicated movie button—hello, instant director! This little gadget is my new best friend for capturing life’s fun moments. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a camera could be this fun? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera (Blue) has a Smart AUTO feature that basically reads my mind and picks the perfect settings for whatever crazy thing I’m trying to shoot. I’ve even tried out the Fisheye Effect and Toy Camera Effect in the Scene Modes, and my photos look like they belong in an art gallery (or at least on my fridge). Zooming in with the 10x Optical Zoom feels like having superpowers. It’s compact, colorful, and super easy to use—my go-to gadget for every adventure! —Liam Caldwell
I’ve officially fallen in love with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 150 IS Digital Camera (Blue). The 20.0 Megapixel sensor is like having a professional photographer in my pocket, and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor keeps everything crisp and clear. The dedicated movie button makes filming in 720p HD so simple, even my dog could do it (if he had thumbs). I especially adore the Monochrome Scene Mode—it gives my photos a cool vintage vibe without any extra effort. This camera is a total game-changer for capturing my life’s best moments. —Jenna Whitman
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
I never knew I needed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization until I got my hands on it! That 12x optical zoom with image stabilizer means I can snap close-up shots without turning into a human telescope. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing my masterpiece selfies a breeze—no more awkward cable fumbling. Honestly, it’s like having a mini photo studio that fits in my pocket. Every picture looks sharp and vibrant, even when the lighting is less than ideal. This camera has definitely upgraded my Instagram game! —Liam Baxter
If you’re anything like me and have butterfingers, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization is a lifesaver. The optical image stabilizer keeps my photos from looking like I’m on a rollercoaster. I love that it’s Wi-Fi and NFC enabled because I’m way too lazy to transfer photos with cables anymore. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ processor means my low-light shots come out clear, not grainy blobs. Oh, and recording 1080p HD videos? Yes, please! This little gadget makes me feel like a pro photographer without the hassle. —Maya Collins
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization for my last trip, and wow, what a game changer! The large 3.0-inch LCD screen made it super easy to frame shots from every weird angle I tried. Zooming in with the 12x optical zoom felt like magic—one second I’m looking at a landscape, the next I’m zoomed in on a squirrel having a snack. Sharing photos via Wi-Fi and NFC saved me so much time; I was basically the group’s official photographer and social media manager. Plus, the image quality is stunning, even when the sun said “nope.” This camera totally stole the show on vacation! —Ethan Murphy
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Why My Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera Is Necessary
I find my Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances convenience and quality. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere—whether I’m traveling, attending events, or just capturing everyday moments. Unlike my phone camera, it gives me sharper images and better zoom capabilities, which makes a huge difference when I want clear, detailed photos without lugging around bulky equipment.
Another reason I rely on this camera is its user-friendly interface. I’m not a professional photographer, so having simple controls and automatic settings lets me focus on capturing memories without fumbling through complicated menus. Plus, the battery life is impressive, so I can shoot all day without worrying about running out of power. For me, the Canon Powershot Elph 160 is the perfect blend of portability, ease of use, and reliable image quality—making it an essential part of my photography gear.
My Buying Guide on Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera
When I decided to buy the Canon Powershot Elph 160 Digital Camera, I wanted something compact, easy to use, and reliable for everyday photography. Here’s what I learned during my research and experience that might help you make an informed choice.
Design and Portability
One of the first things I noticed about the Powershot Elph 160 is its sleek and compact design. It easily fits into my pocket or small bag, making it perfect for travel or casual outings. If you’re looking for a camera that’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh you down, this model is a great option.
Image Quality and Megapixels
The camera features a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, which delivers decent image quality for everyday snapshots. While it’s not a professional-grade sensor, I found the photos to be clear and vibrant enough for sharing on social media or printing small to medium-sized photos. For someone like me who enjoys casual photography, this resolution is more than adequate.
Zoom Capability
The 8x optical zoom is a standout feature for a compact camera. It allows me to get closer to my subjects without losing image quality. I found it especially useful when taking photos of distant objects or during events where I couldn’t physically get close to the action.
User-Friendly Interface
I appreciated how simple the controls are. The camera’s menu and buttons are intuitive, which made the learning curve very gentle. Even if you’re new to digital cameras, you’ll find it easy to navigate through settings and modes.
Battery Life and Storage
The Powershot Elph 160 uses AA batteries, which I found convenient since I could easily replace them on the go without needing to recharge. However, keep in mind that using rechargeable AA batteries can be a more economical and eco-friendly choice. For storage, the camera supports SD cards, so I recommend investing in a good capacity card to avoid running out of space during your shoots.
Video Recording
This camera supports 720p HD video recording. While it’s not full HD or 4K, the video quality is decent for casual use such as family videos or travel vlogs. If video is a major priority for you, you might want to explore other options, but for me, it worked well enough.
Price and Value
One of the reasons I chose the Powershot Elph 160 is its affordability. It offers solid features for the price point, making it a great budget-friendly option for beginners or those who want a simple point-and-shoot camera without too many bells and whistles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use camera that produces good quality photos without breaking the bank, the Canon Powershot Elph 160 is worth considering. It’s perfect for everyday use, travel, and casual photography. Just keep in mind its limitations in video resolution and sensor performance if you need something more advanced.
I hope my experience helps you decide if this camera fits your needs!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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