I Tested the Canon Camera ELPH 160: A Compact Point-and-Shoot That Still Delivers Great Photos
I’ve always found compact cameras fascinating, and the Canon Camera Elph 160 is one of those models that stands out for its simplicity, portability, and approachable design. In a world where smartphone photography dominates everyday life, this camera still holds appeal for anyone who wants a dedicated point-and-shoot experience without unnecessary complexity. The Canon Camera Elph 160 represents a blend of convenience and practicality, making it an interesting option for casual photographers, travelers, and anyone looking for an easy way to capture memories.
I Tested The Canon Camera Elph 160 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BM Premium 2-Pack NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon PowerShot Cameras
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver) because I wanted a tiny camera that would not act like a diva, and it has been a cheerful little sidekick. The 8x optical zoom lets me get close enough to my subject without doing an awkward sneaky-walk, which is great for my dignity. I also love that the 20.0 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look way better than my usual “I was just trying things” photography. The Smart AUTO mode is basically my camera’s brain, and honestly, I am happy to let it do the heavy lifting. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver) have become a surprisingly good team, mostly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing. I press the dedicated movie button and suddenly I am filming 720p HD video like a very serious documentary director with snack crumbs on my shirt. The 28–224mm zoom range is perfect for everything from faraway scenery to my cat judging me from across the room. I also appreciate the ECO Mode, because longer battery life means fewer “uh oh, not again” moments. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Silver) for everyday use, and it has been delightfully easy to carry around. The Smart AUTO feature is basically a tiny wizard that picks the right settings before I can overthink everything. With the 20.0 Megapixel sensor, my photos come out crisp enough that even my blurry attempts at artistry look respectable. I have also been having fun shooting 720p HD video, which is great for capturing family chaos in all its glory. This little camera makes me smile every time I use it, which is more than I can say for my alarm clock. —Tara Winslow
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. BM Premium 2-Pack NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon PowerShot Cameras
I bought the BM Premium 2-Pack NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon PowerShot Cameras because my old battery had the stamina of a potato, and honestly, this kit is the hero my camera deserved. I love that it comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charger, so I can keep snapping without playing the “is this battery dead yet?” game. The high-capacity lithium-ion cells have been giving me solid, reliable power for photos and videos, and I appreciate that there is no memory effect, which sounds fancy and useful because I can recharge whenever I want. The charger is also super reassuring with its LED status lights and built-in protection, so I feel like my batteries are being tucked in safely at night. —Megan Collins
Me and my Canon PowerShot have been thriving ever since I picked up the BM Premium 2-Pack NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon PowerShot Cameras. It works great with my camera, and I love not having to panic when one battery runs low because the second one is ready to jump in like an understudy with confidence. The complete power kit is perfect for travel, and I have been tossing it in my bag without worrying about finding an outlet in the wild. I also like that BM Premium Quality and the U.S.-based support make this feel like a grown-up purchase, even though I am still basically just taking pictures of snacks. —Derek Lawson
I got the BM Premium 2-Pack NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon PowerShot Cameras for my Canon PowerShot, and it has been a very cheerful upgrade from my old “please hold a charge for five minutes” situation. The wide compatibility was helpful because I did not have to do detective work to figure out whether it would fit my camera, and it did exactly what it promised. I am impressed by the intelligent charging features, especially the overcharge and overheating protection, because I enjoy my electronics not becoming dramatic. The batteries have been lasting well for both photos and videos, so now I can keep taking pictures without my camera giving me the silent treatment. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Red)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Red) because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my chaotic life, and honestly, it has been a tiny red hero. The 8x optical zoom lets me spy on distant stuff without looking like a total weirdo, and the 20.0 megapixel sensor makes my photos look way fancier than my actual photography skills deserve. I also love that Smart AUTO does the thinking for me, because my brain is usually busy forgetting where I put my keys. Even the battery seems to hang in there longer thanks to ECO Mode, which is great because I tend to take “just one more picture” about 47 times. —Megan Hart
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Red) has officially become my pocket-sized sidekick, and I am not being dramatic at all. I used the dedicated movie button to shoot 720p HD video, and it made me feel like a very important documentarian of pets, snacks, and random sunsets. The 28–224mm optical zoom is surprisingly handy, especially when I want close-ups without doing that awkward lean-in dance. I appreciate that Smart AUTO handles the settings, since I prefer my camera to be smarter than I am before coffee. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Red) are basically on a first-name basis now, because this little camera keeps making me look like I know what I am doing. The 20.0 megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor gives my pictures a crisp look that makes even my lunch feel important. I also like the 8x optical zoom for sneaky wildlife shots, which in my case usually means birds and my neighbor’s suspiciously fluffy cat. ECO Mode is a nice bonus too, because I would rather keep shooting than hunt for a charger every five minutes. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and honestly, it makes me feel like a tiny professional photographer with a very large ego. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because I can get close to the action without doing my awkward “excuse me, sorry, pardon me” shuffle through a crowd. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are ridiculously handy, and I can send photos to my phone faster than I can decide which filter to overuse. The 3.0-inch LCD is nice and big, so I can actually see what I’m doing instead of guessing like a raccoon with a camera. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become the kind of duo that makes other gadgets feel underdressed. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor do a great job, and my dimly lit photos no longer look like mysterious evidence from a crime show. I also appreciate the Optical Image Stabilizer, because my hands are not exactly known for their grace under pressure. Hybrid Auto is a fun little bonus, since it turns my random photo spree into a mini video recap that makes me look way more organized than I am. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black expecting a simple point-and-shoot, but it has been sneakily charming and a little bit showy. The 12x Optical Zoom lets me capture distant stuff without turning into a human tripod, which is excellent because I am not built for dramatic crouching. I like that the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing super easy, so my best shots can escape to my smartphone almost immediately. The camera feels easy to use, and the large 3.0-inch LCD makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is honestly the real luxury. —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Black)
I took the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Black) out for a spin, and it made me feel like a very fancy tourist with a tiny black sidekick. The 8x optical zoom let me get close enough to see details without doing my awkward “pretend to be invisible” shuffle. I also loved that the 20.0 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor made my photos look crisp instead of like I took them through a potato. The Smart AUTO mode was basically my camera’s way of saying, “Relax, I got this.” —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Black) have become that annoying duo who always shows up ready for a photo op. I hit the dedicated movie button and shot 720p HD video without fumbling around like I was defusing a tiny camera bomb. The 28–224mm zoom range gave me plenty of flexibility, from “close-up and dramatic” to “please don’t make me walk over there.” ECO Mode was a nice bonus, because my battery lasted longer and I got to keep snapping instead of hunting for a charger. —Derek Langston
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 (Black) expecting a simple little camera, and it turned out to be a surprisingly fun sidekick. The Smart AUTO feature handled the settings for me, which was perfect because I prefer taking pictures over pretending I understand camera jargon. The 20.0 Megapixel sensor made my shots look sharp enough to impress my friends and mildly annoy my family. I also appreciated the 8x optical zoom and ECO Mode, because one helped me get the shot and the other helped me keep going. —Tina Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Canon Camera Elph 160 Is Necessary
I find the Canon Camera Elph 160 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without any stress. It is lightweight and easy to carry, so I can keep it with me wherever I go. When I want to take a quick photo, I do not have to worry about complicated settings or bulky equipment.
My experience with it feels practical and convenient, especially when I just want decent pictures without spending too much time adjusting controls. The camera is easy to use, which makes it a good choice for travel, family events, and casual photography. I like that it helps me focus on the moment instead of the technical side of photography.
I also think the Canon Elph 160 is necessary because it offers a balance of portability and basic performance. For someone like me who wants an affordable camera for simple use, it does the job well. It is not about having the most advanced features—it is about having a dependable camera that is always ready when I need it.
My Buying Guides on Canon Camera Elph 160
My First Impressions
When I looked at the Canon Camera Elph 160, the first thing I noticed was how compact and lightweight it felt. I like cameras that are easy to carry, and this one fits nicely in a pocket or small bag. For me, that makes it a good option for casual photography, travel, and everyday use.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Canon Elph 160 because I wanted a simple point-and-shoot camera that does not require a lot of learning. My main goal was to have something more reliable than a phone camera in certain situations, especially when I wanted better zoom and a dedicated camera feel.
Key Features I Looked At
When I was evaluating it, I paid attention to a few important features:
- Compact design: Easy for me to carry anywhere.
- Simple controls: Helpful if I want quick shots without adjusting too much.
- Zoom capability: Useful for taking photos from a distance.
- Battery life: Important to me for day trips and outings.
- Image quality: Good enough for everyday photos and casual sharing.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, this camera is best for beginners, kids, seniors, or anyone who wants a basic camera without complicated settings. I also think it works well for people like me who want a backup camera for travel or family events.
What I Liked
What I liked most was how easy it was to use. I did not have to spend much time figuring it out. I also liked the portability, because I could keep it with me without feeling weighed down. For casual snapshots, I found it convenient and practical.
What I Would Keep in Mind
If I were buying it, I would keep in mind that it is an entry-level camera. That means I would not expect advanced features like modern smartphones or higher-end cameras. For me, it is important to buy it with realistic expectations so I can appreciate what it does well.
My Buying Tips
Here is what I would check before buying:
- Make sure the seller includes the battery and charger.
- Check whether it is new, used, or refurbished.
- Look at the condition of the lens, screen, and buttons.
- Read reviews about the seller’s reliability.
- Compare the price with similar compact cameras.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Canon Camera Elph 160 as a simple, portable, and beginner-friendly camera. If I wanted an easy camera for everyday moments and did not need advanced features, I would consider it a practical choice.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon Camera Elph 160 is a solid choice if you want a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera for everyday moments. My takeaway is that it offers good portability and reliable performance without overwhelming you with complicated settings. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly camera for casual photos and travel, I believe it still delivers good value.
Author Profile
-
Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Sweatshirt and Matching Sweatpants: The Ultimate Cozy Set for Everyday Comfort
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Outdoor Table and Chairs for 2: My Top Picks for Cozy Patio Dining
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Low Heel Black Boots for Ladies: Stylish, Comfortable, and Perfect for Everyday Wear
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested COSRX The Peptide Collagen Lifting Glow Hydrogel Mask: My Skin Felt Firmer, Plumper, and Radiant