Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS Digital Camera Review

Low Light Performance

Low-light performance is generally fine with the ELPH 530 HS, though we wouldn't recommend it as one of our top low-light compact shooters. Noise isn't a big problem, thanks to smart noise reduction and a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, though details are smudged and lighting often has an odd tint. Since the maximum aperture is a mediocre f/3.4, blurriness can be a problem because the shutter has to stay open longer than it should to gather the necessary amount of light. Focus is reasonably fast as well. The flash is weak, but can light up a small room to get a party portrait.

Noise Reduction

We measured strong but not standout noise performance from the ELPH 530 HS. The noise-to-signal ratio crosses 1 percent somewhere right above ISO 200, but remains under 2 percent up until the maximum ISO setting of 3200. Heavier noise reduction appears to kick in around ISO 800, based on the slight drop in noise levels compared to ISO 400. More on how we test noise.

ISO Options

The ELPH 530 HS's native ISO range stretches from 100 to 3200, selectable by the user in full stops. The Low Light scene mode can extend the range up to ISO 6400, but at just 2.5 megapixels.

Focus Performance

Video: Low Light Sensitivity

Low-light sensitivity was better than we expected, dropping below our acceptable threshold at a respectable 21 lux.