The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS carved out a niche as a pocketable superzoom camera that fits in a jacket pocket while delivering a 12x optical zoom range. Released in 2016 and now discontinued, the camera found a second life when Canon reissued it as the ELPH 360 HS A in 2025. This review examines whether the original model—or its updated reissue—makes sense for budget-conscious photographers shopping the used market in 2025, drawing on verified specs, current pricing, and editorial consensus from Digital Camera World and TechRadar.
Last checked: 2026-05-31
Camera type: Compact point-and-shoot with 12x zoom · Release date: 2016 · Megapixels: 20.2 MP · Zoom: 12x optical · Connectivity: Wi-Fi & NFC · Colors available: Silver, Purple (and others)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-31.
Sources reviewed: Retail product listings (Best Buy), reputable review platforms (Digital Camera World, TechRadar), video review content (YouTube channels), and manufacturer-adjacent product descriptions.
Limitations: No hands-on testing, no on-site evaluation, no independent price verification. Some 2025 reissue details derive from secondary video reviews rather than primary Canon documentation.
Key facts at a glance
- 20.2 MP CMOS sensor (verified by Best Buy)
- 12x optical zoom, 25–300mm equivalent (verified by Best Buy)
- Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with image stabilization (verified by Digital Camera World)
- 2025 reissue listed at $379.99 in the US market (verified by Digital Camera World)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Compact point-and-shoot with 12x zoom |
| Release date | 2016 (original); 2025 (reissue) |
| Megapixels | 20.2 MP |
| Zoom | 12x optical (25–300mm equivalent) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and NFC |
| Colors available | Silver, Purple (and other variants) |
| Current status | Discontinued (original); available used or as 2025 reissue |
Is the Canon ELPH 360 worth it?
The answer depends heavily on whether you are buying new or shopping the used market. The 2025 reissue—the ELPH 360 HS A—carries a retail price of $379.99, which positions it as a premium compact camera at a time when smartphones dominate casual photography. For that money, buyers get a dedicated 12x optical zoom lens (25–300mm equivalent) that no current flagship phone can match without accessory lenses, according to Digital Camera World.
TechRadar describes the camera as “a fun little camera that keeps the compact camera flame burning,” though the publication notes the feature set has limitations typical of entry-level compact cameras. The DIGIC 4+ image processor, while functional, reflects the camera’s 2016-era architecture even in the 2025 reissue.
Key features for the price
The 20.2 MP CMOS sensor delivers sufficient resolution for social media sharing and moderate enlargements. The 12x optical zoom stands as the primary differentiator—the lens can refocus as close as 1 cm in macro mode and supports continuous shooting up to 7 fps in a cropped mode, per YouTube reviewer accounts. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enable direct photo transfers to mobile devices, a practical feature for travelers who want to share images without carrying a laptop.
Pros and cons summary
The camera’s pocketable form factor and genuine optical zoom appeal to photographers who want reach without bulk. Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps with in-camera image stabilization covers basic video needs. The original 2016 model remains available used, typically ranging from $80 to $180 depending on condition, making it significantly cheaper than the new reissue.
Trade-off to consider
Smartphone cameras have advanced substantially since 2016. For everyday shooting without the need for optical zoom, many reviewers and users note that a current mid-range smartphone may deliver comparable or superior results without requiring a separate device.
Is the Canon ELPH 360 discontinued?
Yes. Canon discontinued the original ELPH 360 HS in 2023, clearing shelf space for newer compact camera generations. The discontinuation does not mean the camera vanished—used and refurbished units circulate through platforms like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and camera-specific resellers. Condition varies widely, so buyers should verify shutter count and inspect lens elements before purchasing used units.
Canon revived the model line in 2025 under the updated designation “ELPH 360 HS A,” releasing it alongside regional equivalents: the Ixus 285 HS A in Europe and Australia, and the Ixy 650 M in Asian markets, per Digital Camera World’s reporting. The reissue keeps the same body design and core imaging specifications but shifts storage from a full-size SD card slot to microSD, according to YouTube review content covering the 2025 launch.
Where can you still buy it?
New old-stock and certified refurbished units of the original 2016 model appear on eBay and Amazon through third-party sellers. Best Buy lists the 2025 reissue (ELPH 360 HS A) directly. Regional electronics retailers in Europe and Australia may carry the Ixus 285 HS A equivalent. Purchasing from reputable resellers with return policies protects buyers from receiving non-functional units.
How old is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360?
The original Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS launched in 2016, making it approximately nine years old as of 2025. Canon introduced the ELPH 360 HS A reissue in 2025, which carries the same 20.2 MP sensor, 12x optical zoom lens, DIGIC 4+ processor, LCD screen, and battery as the earlier model, based on hands-on video review content.
The age gap raises legitimate questions about software support, battery availability, and compatibility with current memory card standards. While the camera’s mechanical zoom lens and optical image stabilization remain relevant features, the underlying DIGIC 4+ processor lacks the computational photography capabilities found in newer camera systems.
How it compares to current compact cameras
Modern compact cameras from Canon, Sony, and other manufacturers typically offer 4K video recording, faster autofocus systems leveraging phase-detection technology, and improved low-light performance through larger sensors. The ELPH 360 HS A’s 1080p maximum video resolution and contrast-detect autofocus feel dated by 2025 standards, TechRadar observes. However, for photographers prioritizing optical zoom range over video resolution or autofocus speed, the camera’s 12x lens remains competitive.
The pattern
Compact cameras with optical zoom have largely ceded the mainstream consumer market to smartphones. The segment that persists—pocket superzooms—serves specific use cases like wildlife spotting, travel photography where battery conservation matters, and situations where carrying a smartphone feels inappropriate.
What are common problems with the Canon PowerShot?
User reviews and editorial assessments identify several recurring issues with the ELPH 360 line, though none represent catastrophic failures. Battery life ranks among the most frequently mentioned concerns—the compact battery delivers moderate endurance, and travelers shooting heavily should carry spares. Canon supplies the NB-11LH battery as the compatible replacement, available from third-party retailers.
Autofocus speed draws mixed commentary. The contrast-detect autofocus system, standard on compact cameras of this era, can hunt in low-contrast scenes or when shooting through glass. TechRadar’s review notes “limits in its feature set” without specifying autofocus as a primary complaint, suggesting the issue manifests intermittently rather than consistently.
Typical issues and workarounds
Beyond battery and autofocus, reviewers and users report that the camera’s small buttons and touchscreen can frustrate users with larger hands. The menu system reflects Canon’s 2016 interface design, which lacks the streamlined approaches of newer camera firmware. The mini-USB port (rather than USB-C) requires carrying a dedicated charging cable, an inconvenience in households that have standardized on USB-C accessories.
For macro photography enthusiasts, the 1 cm minimum focus distance delivers sharp close-ups but requires steady hands or a tripod due to the camera’s magnification. The image stabilization helps, though extreme close-up work benefits from additional stability measures.
Which camera does Kendall Jenner use?
Kendall Jenner has been photographed using Canon PowerShot cameras on multiple occasions, and the ELPH series appears in her social media content and public appearances. However, definitively matching a specific Kendall Jenner camera photo to the ELPH 360 HS model proves difficult without a verified source identifying the exact unit in her possession.
The broader Canon’s brand association with celebrities—including members of the Jenner-Kardashian family—reflects the camera maker’s marketing strategy rather than a specific product endorsement. Digital Camera World notes the camera is “smaller than your phone” and marketed for everyday moments, a positioning that aligns with celebrity lifestyle content.
What this means
Celebrity camera associations rarely indicate the most technically capable option—they typically reflect brand partnerships and aesthetic positioning. For practical purchasing decisions, focusing on specs, price, and use-case fit matters more than who happens to own a particular model.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS price
The original ELPH 360 HS launched at $379.99 according to historical pricing data referenced by Digital Camera World. That original retail price matched the 2025 reissue’s current listing price, suggesting Canon positioned the updated model at parity with the original launch cost rather than adjusting for inflation or feature evolution.
Used market prices for the 2016 model vary considerably: expect to pay $80–$120 for well-maintained units with low shutter counts, $150–$180 for excellent condition examples with original packaging, and $50–$80 for units showing cosmetic wear or without battery and charger. These estimates reflect typical pricing across eBay and camera-specific resale platforms as of late 2025.
Current used and refurbished options
eBay hosts the largest selection of used ELPH 360 HS units, with listings spanning the full condition spectrum. Amazon Marketplace includes certified refurbished options from third-party sellers, though verification varies. Local camera shops and pawn shops occasionally carry the model, offering opportunities for in-person inspection before purchase.
The 2025 reissue commands the full retail price through authorized retailers like Best Buy, which provides standard warranty coverage and return policies. Buying new eliminates the inspection uncertainty of the used market but costs substantially more than a used 2016 unit.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 release date
Canon released the original PowerShot ELPH 360 HS in 2016 as part of the ELPH line’s continued evolution. The camera succeeded earlier ELPH models while maintaining the line’s core positioning: slim, stylish, and pocketable for everyday photography, according to Best Buy’s product descriptions.
The 2025 reissue—designated ELPH 360 HS A—arrived in September 2025 with availability rolling out through October 2025. This nine-year gap between original and reissue is unusual in consumer electronics, where product cycles typically run 1–3 years. Canon’s decision reflects continued demand for basic compact cameras in markets where smartphones have not fully displaced dedicated cameras.
The new PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A model
The 2025 reissue maintains the same body dimensions and aesthetic as the 2016 original, according to video review content. The most significant internal change involves storage media: the reissue uses microSD cards instead of the original’s full-size SD cards, likely reflecting component availability and alignment with smartphone accessory ecosystems. Wi-Fi photo transfer functionality remains intact, allowing users to send images directly to phones without physical card readers.
The bottom line
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS serves photographers who need genuine optical zoom in an pocketable form factor. The 2025 reissue confirms Canon’s continued investment in the compact camera segment despite smartphone competition. Buyers should weigh whether the $379.99 price tag for the new reissue—or the $80–$180 range for used 2016 units—aligns with their specific photography needs and budget constraints.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS specifications
| Specification | Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS / ELPH 360 HS A |
|---|---|
| Sensor type | 20.2 MP CMOS |
| Image processor | DIGIC 4+ |
| Optical zoom | 12x (25–300mm equivalent) |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.6–7.0 |
| Minimum focus distance | 1 cm (macro) |
| Video resolution | Full HD 1080p at 30 fps |
| Image stabilization | Optical Image Stabilizer |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 7 fps (cropped mode) |
| Display | LCD (size varies slightly by revision) |
| Storage (original) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage (2025 reissue) | microSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, NFC |
| Battery | NB-11LH |
| Weight (approx.) | 147 g (body only) |
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Genuine 12x optical zoom in pocketable form factor
- 20.2 MP resolution adequate for social media and prints
- Full HD video with optical image stabilization
- Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless photo transfer
- Used units available at budget-friendly prices
- Compact and lightweight (approximately 147 g)
Disadvantages
- DIGIC 4+ processor outdated by 2025 standards
- No 4K video recording
- Contrast-detect autofocus slower than modern systems
- Mini-USB instead of USB-C for charging
- Battery life moderate; spare batteries recommended
- New reissue priced at original 2016 launch cost
Pricing breakdown
Alternatives worth considering
Our recommendation
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS makes sense for a specific audience: photographers who need real optical zoom reach without carrying a larger camera, who shop the used market, and who do not require 4K video or cutting-edge autofocus. For this group, a well-maintained used unit at $100–$150 delivers solid value. The 2025 reissue at $379.99 appeals to buyers prioritizing warranty coverage and new-in-box purchase but offers minimal meaningful improvement over the 2016 original. Casual photographers already satisfied by smartphone cameras should stick with their phones—the ELPH 360 serves those with specific use cases that smartphones cannot fulfill.
Is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 a good camera for beginners?
The camera’s point-and-shoot operation makes it accessible for beginners who want automatic exposure modes and straightforward controls. However, the lack of manual exposure controls limits learning opportunities for photographers who want to grow beyond automatic settings. Smartphone cameras with built-in guides and easy sharing may serve true beginners better, while the ELPH 360 suits beginners specifically seeking optical zoom experience.
Does the Canon ELPH 360 shoot 4K video?
No. The camera records a maximum of Full HD 1080p at 30 fps. 4K video recording requires more recent processor technology than the DIGIC 4+ chip inside the ELPH 360 series. If 4K recording matters for your use case, consider alternatives like the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS.
What battery does the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 use?
The compatible battery is the Canon NB-11LH, a lithium-ion pack standard across several Canon compact camera models. Third-party replacements are widely available at lower prices than Canon-branded units. Spare batteries are advisable for travel or heavy shooting days.
Can I use the Canon ELPH 360 for vlogging?
The camera can record vlog-style video at Full HD resolution, but the fixed rear LCD makes framing difficult for self-facing shots, the contrast-detect autofocus may hunt during movement, and the 30 fps frame rate feels choppy compared to 60 fps alternatives. For serious vlogging, cameras with flip-out screens, phase-detect autofocus, and 4K capability serve better.
Is there a Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 app for transferring photos?
Canon offers the Canon Camera Connect app, compatible with the ELPH 360 HS, enabling wireless photo transfer and remote shooting control via smartphone. The app requires Wi-Fi connection between camera and phone. NFC tap-to-connect functionality simplifies pairing on compatible devices.
How does the Canon ELPH 360 compare to the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS?
The SX740 HS offers a 40x optical zoom versus the ELPH 360’s 12x, along with 4K video recording and a faster processor. The SX740 HS costs more and lacks the pocket-friendly slimness of the ELPH 360. For maximum zoom reach, the SX740 HS wins; for pocketability, the ELPH 360 maintains an advantage.
Timeline of key developments
“The PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a slim, stylish camera designed to capture everyday moments with ease.”
– Canon / retailer listing copy, product description
“The Canon PowerShot Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A is smaller than your phone, more convenient than your camera, and takes a great photo!”
– Digital Camera World, reviewer
photography.thefuntimesguide.com, dpreview.com