Canon Powershot A480 vs Sony Cybershot DSC S950 Comparison
Sony Cybershot DSC S950 Comparison
Canon Powershot A480
The Canon Powershot A480 and the Sony Cybershot S950 are two of the cheaper models available from these leading brands. They are both relatively straightforward cameras to use.
Basic Specification
Canon Powershot A480
10 megapixels
3.3x Optical Zoom
2.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 1cm
Sony Cybershot DSC S950
10 megapixels
4x optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 5cm
Features
A quick look at the main features suggests the Cybershot DSC S950 has the edge over the Powershot A480. This is true if you look at the length of the zoom lens and the size of the LCD screen. When testing the two cameras I found the LCD screen of the Cybershot DSC S950 difficult to see, especially in bright sunlight. Therefore despite having a smaller screen I preferred the Powershot A480 in this area. The Canon model offers closer macro focusing.
Although not mentioned in the main specification Sony only offer a basic movie mode with this camera, so you are limited in the quality of the movies you can take. For example they will not look that good on a TV screen.
Design
The Cybershot DSC S950 is a fair bit smaller. You can slip it into most pockets. It comes in three colour choices. These are black, silver and pink. Although not exactly big, the Powershot A480 is noticeably larger. This camera is available in four colours: red, blue, silver and black.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
In this set of tests the Powershot A480 is the clear winner. The shutter lag times it managed were roughly what I have come to expect from cameras in this price range. The time taken to turn the camera on and take the first shot was 2.75 seconds. This compares well with more expensive cameras. The Cybershot DSC S950 struggled to keep up and with a turn on and first shot time of 5.45 seconds it is much slower in this area.
Power Supply
The Powershot A480 runs on AA batteries. Replacement batteries can add to running costs, unless you use rechargeable AA batteries. The Cybershot DSC S950 uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery. A battery and charger are supplied with the camera.
Picture Quality
I found the Powershot A480 to be a clear winner. This is mainly due to the sharpness of the photos it takes. The difference may not be that obvious with smaller prints, but it is noticeable as you increase print size.
Ease of Use
I found the Sony camera a little easier to use, although there is not a great deal in it.
Verdict
Taking into account picture quality, the quality of the LCD screen, movie mode, plus start up and shutter lag times I much prefer the Powershot A480. You should also be able to pick it up for a little less money too.
Product Shots
Front View
Canon Powershot A480
Sony Cybershot DSC S950
Back View
Canon Powershot A480
Sony Cybershot DSC S950
Top View
Canon Powershot A480
Sony Cybershot DSC S950
