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
Features
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.
Product Shots
Front View
Canon Powershot A480
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Back View
Canon Powershot A480
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
Top View
Canon Powershot A480
Panasonic Lumix DMC LS85
