Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Review: Worth $379 Over the Original?

The quick verdict

The camera in this article is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A. I liked having a small camera with 12x optical zoom, but the refresh did not give me enough reason to pay close to the roughly $379 price discussed in my video.

It keeps much of the older ELPH 360 HS shooting experience. My concern is value: a new model name does not necessarily make this a useful upgrade from a working original.

Before paying for the A version, compare a used original Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS. Check condition, included charging equipment, and the full asking price.

The core camera still feels familiar

The ELPH 360 HS A has a 20.2MP CMOS sensor, 12x optical zoom, DIGIC 4+ processor, and Full HD video. Those are familiar features from the older camera, rather than a move into a different class of compact.

The pocket size and optical zoom are still useful. I understand wanting a separate camera that is simple to carry. I just wanted a more substantial refresh at the price discussed.

I would compare real photos and clips before treating the A suffix as evidence of better image quality.

A smaller card and the same old connector

The A version uses microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards. The original ELPH 360 HS uses full size SD cards, so check which version you have before buying storage.

For the ELPH 360 HS A, compare this SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSD card. The linked pack includes a full size SD adapter. The A camera takes the small card directly; the original non-A camera uses the adapter for its full size slot.

The USB connector is Mini-B. It is for the camera’s data connection, not an in camera USB charging feature. Remove the battery and use the compatible external charger.

That distinction matters more than simply complaining that it is not USB-C. A USB cable alone will not replace missing charging equipment in a used package.

Canon’s ELPH 360 HS A specifications identify the card format, connector, and core camera features. The CB-2LF charger information lists the supported battery types.

Check the wireless task you actually need

Wi-Fi is still part of the camera, so I would not describe the refresh as losing all wireless connectivity. Phone transfer and a wireless computer workflow are different things.

If a particular transfer feature matters, check the instructions for the exact regional model and current phone software before buying. I would avoid assuming that every function of the original carries over just because the body looks familiar.

A basic camera for occasional clips

Full HD video is adequate for a casual clip, but there is no 4K mode. The built in microphone and lack of a normal external microphone connection also limit how I would use it for video.

For a short travel memory, that can be enough. For a camera bought mainly to record myself speaking, I would want to compare focus, framing, sound, and controls with a setup designed more directly for video.

What I would compare at that price

The roughly $379 figure belongs to my original discussion. Compare current prices instead of assuming that is the amount you would pay today.

If I mainly wanted this small body and zoom, I would compare the used original ELPH 360 HS with the ELPH 360 HS A options. A clean used camera can make sense, but a missing charger, faulty zoom, or damaged screen changes the value.

For learning photography, compare complete used DSLR kits or used mirrorless options. They are larger and need a suitable lens, so the tradeoff includes portability as well as image quality.

My verdict

The ELPH 360 HS A can take enjoyable photos, and its small size and zoom are real reasons to carry it. I would compare the older model and complete used alternatives before paying a premium. I wanted more practical improvements from this refresh, especially in charging and everyday handling.