Canon Powershot A480 vs Nikon Coolpix L19 Comparison
Nikon Coolpix L19
Canon Powershot A480
Let me start by saying I like both the Nikon Coolpix L19 and the Canon Powershot A480. I think they are two of the better entry level digital cameras introduced in the spring of 2009.
Basic Specification
Nikon Coolpix L19
8 megapixels
3.6x optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro focusing 5cm
Canon Powershot A480
10 megapixels
3.3x optical zoom
2.5 inch LCD screen
Macro focusing 1cm
Features
The biggest difference people are likely to notice is the difference in the number of megapixels the two cameras have. To be honest a couple of extra megapixels are neither here nor there. Both cameras offer plenty of scope for extra large prints.
If you dig a bit deeper you will find the Powershot A480 gives you access to more features. These include colour effects and different metering modes.
Design
As you would expect the size and general design of the two cameras is fairly similar. They are both on the large side for slipping into a pocket. Nikon has added a small grip to the front of the Coolpix L19. This can make it slightly easier to get a good hold of the camera.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
There is no clear winner when it comes to start up times and shutter lag. The Coolpix L19 was marginally quicker at taking a picture once it was turned on and ready to go. This was more noticeable when flash was turned on. The Powershot A480 was more than a second faster to turn on and take a photo though.
Power Supply
Both cameras use AA batteries.
Picture Quality
I found the Coolpix L19 to be a little better when the light dipped, but there is not a lot to choose between the two cameras. The Powershot A480 produces photos that are a shade sharper in most instances.
Ease of Use
Here the Nikon model wins hands down. Part of the reason for this is the very small number of features you have access to. This means the menu system has very few options for you to get to know and deal with. Aside from that point the buttons and controls on the back and top of each camera are roughly similar. Both cameras have mode buttons you need to press to select switch the camera into movie mode or to select one of the preset scene modes. Setting options for flash, self timer and macro mode are handled in a very similar way and in this respect there is not a lot to choose between the two cameras.
It is worth noting that to get the most out of the Coolpix L19 I needed to use the pre programmed scene modes. This was especially true for landscape shots. Using the appropriate scene mode made a big difference to the sharpness of the photos.
Verdict
At the time of writing the Powershot A480 is a little cheaper than the Coolpix L19. For me this price difference tips the balance in favour of the Canon camera unless you think you really need totally simplicity. If the cameras were the same price I would suggest the Powershot A480 is the camera to go for if you like the idea of a few extra features whereas if you want the ultimate in ease of use I would go with the Coolpix L19.
Product Shots
Front View
Nikon Coolpix L19
Canon Powershot A480
Back View
Nikon Coolpix L19
Canon Powershot A480
Top View
Nikon Coolpix L19
Canon Powershot A480
