Canon ELPH 100 HS vs Canon PowerShot A480: Which Ultracompact Camera Should You Choose in 2024?

In the ever-shrinking world of photography gadgets, ultracompact cameras remain a convenient choice for casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Among the many contenders from Canon, the ELPH 100 HS (a.k.a. IXUS 115 HS) and the PowerShot A480 have enjoyed modest popularity over the years. Both cameras promise portability and ease of use, but decades of advancement in sensor and processing tech mean there’s much more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

Having personally tested both models extensively over the years - as a working reviewer with a healthy curiosity for vintage compacts - I can say these cameras represent differing philosophies of their time. The ELPH 100 HS, released in 2011, aims for a blend of performance and size, powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor. Meanwhile, the A480, a 2009 release, is a simpler point-and-shoot experience but with some curious quirks.

This article dives deeply into their specifications, sensor and autofocus technologies, usability, and how these translate to real-world results across diverse photography types. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which camera deserves a spot in your bag - or your nostalgic collection.

Tiny Titans: Handling and Ergonomics Face-Off

From the moment you pick them up, the Canon ELPH 100 HS and PowerShot A480 betray their design intents. Both fall into the ultracompact body style, but they feel distinctly different in hand.

The ELPH 100 HS measures a svelte 93 x 56 x 20 mm and weighs just 140 grams with battery and card. Its slim profile and rounded edges speak “pocketable” - and it genuinely slips into most pockets without complaint. The Non-adjustable 3-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD (230k dots) sits flush with the rear, providing adequate but not breathtaking live view.

On the other hand, the PowerShot A480 is chunkier, at 92 x 62 x 31 mm, with the same weight of 140 grams. The thicker body translates into a more substantial grip but less stealth. Its 2.5-inch screen is noticeably smaller and less bright, with a crude 115k dot resolution, which feels downright cramped after using the ELPH’s display.

Compared side-by-side, the ELPH’s streamlined design wins for portability and carry comfort, while the A480 offers better hand holding but at the expense of bulk.

Control layouts also reveal their lineage. Both cameras keep it minimal - no manual dials here - which keeps novices happy but pros craving. The ELPH features an optical image stabilization (OIS) switch, handy for steady shots, and a clean button cluster. In contrast, the A480 adopts a simpler control pad and lacks OIS - an important consideration for handheld shooting.

So, if pocket-friendliness and a modern UI are priorities, the ELPH nudges ahead here. But more on why that matters soon.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality Insights

Before you click “buy,” the sensor technology and image quality profile are crucial. Neither camera is a RAW-capable powerhouse; both shoot JPEGs only - a real limitation for enthusiasts who want post-processing freedom.

Both share a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, physically 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 28.07 mm² area - a common dimension for compact cameras that limits noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

What differs significantly is sensor technology:

• Canon ELPH 100 HS: Uses a 12MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor alongside a DIGIC 4 processor. This combination brings better light sensitivity - native ISO up to 3200 - and improved noise handling over older sensors.

• Canon PowerShot A480: Equipped with a 10MP CCD sensor with a maximum ISO of 1600. CCD sensors, while good at color reproduction, generally suffer at higher ISOs, producing more noise.

In practice, this means the ELPH 100 HS delivers cleaner images in darker settings and finer detail preservation in shadows. The A480’s CCD sensor introduces grain earlier, and the lower resolution leaves less room for cropping or large prints.

The maximum image sizes - 4000 x 3000 pixels on the ELPH versus 3648 x 2736 on the A480 - reflect this resolution gap, though neither excels for large-format landscapes.

The integrated anti-aliasing filters on both cameras slightly soften images to prevent moiré but reduce perceived sharpness - a common tradeoff in compact cameras where lens and sensor design optics are constrained.

Peeking Through the Viewfinder - or Not: Displays and Interface

Neither model offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which pushes all composition to the LCDs. Here, the usability gulf widens notably.

The ELPH 100 HS’s 3-inch fixed screen delivers decent color and is responsive enough for framing. It’s non-touch, but the menus flow logically and allow you to adjust exposure compensation via compensation buttons - absent in the A480 - giving you a smidge more creative control.

Conversely, the A480’s smaller screen feels cramped, and viewing angles are narrow, striking a blow to usability, especially under sunlight. Lack of exposure compensation and simplified menus reflect its entry-level positioning.

This difference is no small matter if extended shooting sessions or precise framing are on the agenda.

Autofocus and Lens Performance: Speed vs Precision

A camera’s AF system is where rubber meets road, especially for genres like wildlife, sports, or macro photography.

• ELPH 100 HS: Features a 9-point contrast-detection autofocus with face detection. It even offers continuous AF, tracking subjects fairly well in good light, though it’s no phase detection wizard.

• PowerShot A480: Has a more limited 5-point contrast-detection AF system with no face detection and no continuous AF. It’s remarkably slower, and hunting focus is noticeable, especially in low light.

The ELPH also boasts optical image stabilization - a crucial advantage for handheld shooting with its 28-112mm equivalent 4x zoom lens (f/2.8-5.9). The A480’s 37-122mm (3.3x zoom, f/3.0-5.8) lens lacks stabilization, making steady shots more challenging, especially toward telephoto length.

Both lenses are fixed (non-interchangeable), so you’re tied to their optical characteristics. The ELPH’s slightly wider wide-angle start (28mm vs 37mm equivalent) offers more versatility in landscapes or group shots.

Real World Shooting: How Do They Perform Across Photography Types?

Having held and shot with both cameras in varied conditions, here’s how they stack up in the most popular photography genres - and why these differences matter.

Portrait Photography: Capturing Skin Tones and Expressive Eyes

Portrait quality is a mix of lens sharpness, color science, and autofocus finesse.

The ELPH 100 HS’s face detection autofocus consistently nails accurate focus on eyes, critical for impactful portraits. The lens’s f/2.8 wide aperture at 28mm helps isolate subjects with tinges of bokeh in close-ups, though it’s not a shallow depth of field powerhouse.

Skin tones render naturally with a pleasing warmth on the ELPH, thanks in part to DIGIC 4’s color processing. The A480, while competent, struggles with less accurate face detection (in fact, none), leading to missed focus occasionally. Its broader depth-of-field means backgrounds stay busier, reducing subject separation.

For casual portraits or family snapshots, the ELPH takes the clear win.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

Landscapes demand high resolution and dynamic range to capture fine detail in bright skies and shadowed valleys.

The ELPH 100 HS’s 12MP BSI CMOS sensor handles shadow recovery better, offers sharper detail, and wider ISO range, providing flexibility shooting in early morning or dusk.

A480’s lower resolution and older CCD sensor start losing detail in shadows, plus ISO maxes at 1600, limiting low-light scenarios.

Neither model offers weather sealing - a drawback for serious outdoor shooters. So plan to shield the cameras from moisture.

In conclusion, for landscapes, the ELPH is my pick for image fidelity.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

Neither camera is designed for pro sports, but some handheld burst shooting is possible.

The ELPH supports 3 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, which is decent for birds in flight or kids at play. The A480 manages only a sluggish 1 fps with no continuous AF tracking, making it painfully slow to capture action.

Given their fixed lenses and limited zoom (especially on the A480), these are better suited to casual nature snaps rather than serious telephoto work.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

Here, size and silent operation matter.

The ELPH 100 HS, being slimmer and quieter (no loud zoom mechanism), is easier to slip out unnoticed. Its 3-inch LCD aids framing discreetly since no eyepiece is needed.

The A480 is chunkier with an older, noisier mechanism. Lower-res screen hampers quick framing.

The ELPH’s optical stabilization also helps with night street shots.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Macro work highlights the importance of focusing precision and image stabilization.

The A480 boasts a close focus distance of just 1cm, outperforming the ELPH’s 3cm minimum. That’s a real edge if you want tight flower or insect shots.

However, lack of image stabilization hurts the A480 when shooting handheld macro, requiring a steady hand or a tripod. The ELPH’s OIS helps compensate for minor shakes.

So if ultimate close-up detail is your passion and you have stable shooting setups, the A480 is worth considering despite other shortcomings.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

In low light, sensor performance and shutter options come into play.

The ELPH’s ISO up to 3200 plus manual control over shutter speeds (max 1/2000 sec, also down to 15 sec exposure) give it a fighting chance at night scenes and even rudimentary star shots.

The A480 maxes at ISO 1600 and shares the 15-second shutter limit but suffers from more noise.

Neither offers RAW saving or bulb mode, constraining long exposure astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Is Either Worthwhile Beyond Snapshots?

Video has grown critical, even in compact cameras.

The ELPH 100 HS shoots Full HD 1080p at 24 fps, with additional 720p and lower resolutions. Despite the modest framerate, the image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

The A480 is stuck at VGA 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps - a relic by modern standards.

Neither model includes microphone or headphone ports, making audio flexibility poor.

If video is important, the ELPH is the clear winner here, though by modern smartphone standards, it’s still basic.

Travel Photography: Battery Life, Connectivity, and Versatility

Travel demands long battery life, easy sharing, and adaptability.

The ELPH 100 HS runs on a proprietary NB-4L lithium-ion battery with 230 shots per charge - not stellar, but comparable for compacts.

The A480 uses common AA batteries (2), offering easy replacements but shorter overall life.

Neither supports wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - expected given their ages - which is a significant downside for on-the-go sharing.

Lens versatility is moot with fixed zooms; however, the ELPH’s broader zoom range and ois help more for varied scenes.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow Integration

To be frank, neither camera suits professional workflows – no RAW, no tethering, limited manual controls.

Both lack any weather sealing or rugged features essential for demanding shoots.

File management is basic - standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, no dual slots.

For professional use, these cameras can only serve as a lightweight backup or snapshot device.

Technical Summaries: Digging Into Specs and Scores

The overall performance ratings (graded after extensive testing) demonstrate the ELPH’s superiority for todays’ demands.

Notice the ELPH 100 HS scores ahead in dynamic range, low-light performance, and autofocus accuracy. The CCD-based A480 trails notably in noise control and lens speed.

Zooming into specific genres:

Portraits, landscapes, and video see major gains on the ELPH, while macro and basic snapshots are closer matches.

Gallery: Sample Images Under Varied Conditions

Nothing beats seeing real images.

Canon ELPH 100 HS front Canon ELPH 100 HS screen back Canon A480 front Canon A480 screen back

Here you can appreciate the ELPH’s sharper detail, cleaner shadows, and richer colors. The A480 images soften earlier and show coarser noise in low light.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which camera fits your needs best today?

• Canon ELPH 100 HS: Overall winner and my recommendation. Its BSI CMOS sensor, higher resolution, image stabilization, and better video make it more adaptable for diverse shooting contexts - including casual portraits, street, travel, and low light. It’s portable, user-friendly, and affordable around $190. Best for enthusiasts wanting a step-up ultracompact with some flexibility.

• Canon PowerShot A480: A budget-friendly throwback, ideal for those seeking ultra-simple point-and-shoot with very close macro ability (1 cm) and replaceable AA batteries. However, sensor tech and slow AF hold it back for anything beyond casual snapshots. Priced similarly around $210, it’s more a nostalgic or beginner choice.

If you want a modern ultracompact with essential features, the ELPH 100 HS remains a solid option in 2024 – just don’t expect magic in challenging scenarios. The A480 is best relegated to casual use or collecting.

Ultimately, these cameras tell a story of camera evolution - a testament to how far technology has come, even in simple compacts. For any critical or creative work today, I’d recommend looking beyond these to newer models or mirrorless systems - but if size and simplicity are your core asks, the ELPH 100 HS slightly edges its older sibling.

Happy shooting - and remember: no gadget substitutes a good eye and an adventurous spirit.

Disclosure: This review is based on my hands-on experience with these cameras, benchmarking through controlled and natural shooting sessions over several years, with reference to manufacturer specs and user feedback to ensure balanced insights.