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Canon Powershot A480 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85 Comparison

Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85 Canon Powershot A480

The Canon Powershot A480 and the Panasonic Lumix LS85 both scored highly in my picture quality tests. In fact they offer a bit of extra quality over many cheaper digital cameras. They are available for around the same price and are basic, snapshot digital cameras. They have plastic bodies and are on the large side for slipping into a pocket.

Basic Specification

Canon Powershot A480

10 megapixels
3.3x Optical Zoom
2.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 1cm
Panasonic DMC LS85

8 megapixels
4x optical zoom
2.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 5cm

There is not much to choose between the two cameras when it comes to specifications. You get a couple more megapixels with the Powershot A480, but this is balanced by the longer zoom of the Lumix DMC LS85. In fact this camera also has a feature that allows you to decreases the amount of megapixels you shoot at while increasing the amount of zoom available. Panasonic has also included image stabilisation.

Both cameras have a few more features than other brands offer with their more basic cameras. This gives you access to a number of ISO and white balance settings. One more advanced feature Canon has included on the Powershot A480 is three different metering modes. This feature should not be overlooked as it gives added flexibility when getting the perfect exposure is challenging.

Design

I have a preference for the Powershot A480 here. I think it looks a little more modern. Looks though are probably not that significant when buying this type of camera and it is also a personal viewpoint as to which camera you prefer the look of.

Start Up and Shutter Lag

The Powershot A480 is the winner here. The Lumix DMC LS85 is certainly on the slow side once the flash unit is turned on. I found the camera especially slow to respond when trying to take more than one photo with flash.

Power Supply

No difference here. Both cameras run on two AA batteries.

Picture Quality

Both cameras are up at the top end in terms of picture quality. It is very difficult to split the two cameras in this area.

Ease of Use

I like the menu system Panasonic uses. It is all in one place and is simply a case of scrolling through the options until you find the one you are looking for. The black text on a white background is clear and easy to read.

Verdict

It is very difficult to split the two cameras. This is especially true when it comes to picture quality. The Powershot A480 has a slight edge when it comes to responsiveness. This is really noticeable when using flash. The Lumix DMC LS85 is a bit easier to use. Otherwise I would suggest it comes down to whether you prefer the look of one of these cameras over the other or if you can get one at a cheaper price than the other. They are both impressive and are good choices within their price range.

Front View
Canon Powershot A480
Canon Powershot A480 Front View


Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85 Front View

Back View
Canon Powershot A480
Canon Powershot A480 Back View


Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85 Back View

Top View
Canon Powershot A480
Canon Powershot A480 Top View


Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85 Top View



WHERE TO BUY THE Canon Powershot A480?
GBP 69.99 Click to visit store
GBP 75.00 Click to visit store
GBP 80.9 Click to visit store
GBP 87.09 Click to visit store
GBP 91.22 Click to visit store
GBP 91.78 Click to visit store
GBP 101.17 Click to visit store
GBP 104.58 Click to visit store
GBP 116.35 Click to visit store
Click a flag for prices from other countries: Click for prices from Austria Click for prices from Denmark Click for prices from France Click for prices from Germany Click for prices from Sweden
WHERE TO BUY THE Panasonic DMC LS85?
GBP 94.99 Click to visit store
Click a flag for prices from other countries: Click for prices from Austria Click for prices from Denmark Click for prices from France Click for prices from Germany Click for prices from Sweden
Related Pages
Panasonic DMC LS85 Review
Panasonic DMC LS85 Specification
Canon Powershot A480 Review
Canon Powershot A480 Specification
Canon Powershot A480 vs Nikon Coolpix L19
Canon Powershot A480 vs Nikon Coolpix L20
Canon Powershot A480 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Canon Powershot A480 vs Sony Cybershot DSC S950

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.