Canon A1400 vs Canon A490: A Practical, Hands-On Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

When hunting for a budget-friendly compact camera, two contenders from Canon’s PowerShot lineup come up often: the Canon A1400, introduced in 2013, and its somewhat older sibling, the Canon A490 from 2010. Both share the same core philosophy - a simple-to-use point-and-shoot style with fixed zoom lenses and small 1/2.3" CCD sensors - yet they offer subtle but meaningful differences that can affect your shooting experience.

Having spent many days in the field with both models, testing various photography styles from casual street snaps to macro close-ups, and even some low-light experiments, I’ll break down what each camera brings to the table, where they shine, and where they fall short. By the end, you’ll be able to judge which suits your pocket, your hands, and your photographic ambitions.

Let’s dive in, starting with how they feel in your grasp.

Size and Handling: Not Just Pocket-Sized, But Comfortable?

When I first picked up both cameras, their compact size was immediately apparent - ideal for pockets or a small bag. Yet beyond mere size, the ergonomics differ slightly, impacting comfort during extended use.

The Canon A1400 measures 95 x 62 x 30 mm and weighs just 174 grams (without batteries). Its slim profile houses a slightly longer zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) and an optical tunnel viewfinder - a surprisingly handy throwback in this class, especially when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.

In comparison, the Canon A490 is virtually neck and neck in size at 94 x 62 x 31 mm and 175 grams, but without any viewfinder at all. Its shorter zoom range (37-122mm equivalent) keeps the optics more compact, arguably making it less front-heavy.

Ergonomically, the A1400’s rounded grip edge provides a bit more confidence when shooting single-handed, especially outdoors, while the A490 feels a tad flatter and less contoured. Neither sports any illuminated buttons, which isn’t surprising at this price point, but I found both responsive enough for casual daily use.

If you prefer discreet shooting with minimal bulk and occasionally want to use a viewfinder rather than the LCD, the A1400 nudges ahead here. That said, both cameras are designed to be grabbed-and-go workhorses without fuss.

At a Glance: Control Layout and Top-Panel Usability

A camera’s control interface shapes how fluidly you can adapt to changing conditions. Let’s peek at the top controls and dials for both models:

Both models sport a similarly minimalistic top layout: shutter release, zoom rocker, and power button. No manual dials or creative modes here, which reflects their beginner-friendly, automatic focus.

The A1400 takes a small point with a dedicated dedicated flash pop-up button, whereas the A490 integrates the flash release within the mode dial. But neither offers aperture or shutter priority modes - no surprises there; these are fully auto-centric shooters.

While the A1400 lacks touchscreen input, its menus feel slightly faster to navigate thanks to the processor improvements made between 2010 and 2013 (although Canon does not publish much info on the CPU used in these models).

Bottom line: For basic point-and-shoot control, neither camera offers exotic functionality, but the A1400’s marginally newer design gives it a slight edge in responsiveness.

Sensor and Image Quality: Are 16MP and 10MP Splits Worth Noting?

Now here’s a pivotal point. Both cameras share the same sensor size (1/2.3-inch CCD), which is pretty standard in affordable compacts - but the A1400 sports a 16-megapixel sensor, while the A490 settles for 10 megapixels. Here’s how that shakes out:

CCD sensors, especially in this class, produce decent color rendition and good skin tones, but fall short on dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to the now more common CMOS sensors.

In my tests:

• The A1400's 16MP sensor delivers sharper images with finer detail at base ISO (100).
• The A490, with 10MP, renders softer detail but can yield marginally cleaner low-ISO shots due to larger pixel sizes - even so, the difference isn’t large.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, which means your editing options are limited to JPEGs processed in-camera. That’s a disadvantage for serious photographers but expected here.

The max native ISO stops at 1600 for both, but noise creeps in aggressively beyond ISO 400 on either camera, limiting low-light usability. Both cameras also include an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly smooths fine detail to avoid moiré but can soften textures.

For landscapes or travel, the higher resolution on the A1400 might yield more pleasing prints or cropping flexibility - but remember the lens quality and sensor size cap ultimate image quality.

See It for Yourself: Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Given the lack of an electronic viewfinder, these models rely heavily on an LCD screen or the naked eye through the A1400’s optical tunnel viewfinder.

The A1400 features a 2.7-inch screen with 230k dots resolution - small by today’s standards but providing decent clarity and color accuracy for composing shots. The A490’s smaller, 2.5-inch, 115k-dot screen is notably less sharp and less responsive when viewing in sunlight, making framing more challenging outdoors.

The optical viewfinder on the A1400, while simple and tunnel-type (no overlay info or focus confirmation), helps in bright conditions, reducing screen glare and saving battery life. The downside: It doesn’t cover the entire sensor field, so framing isn’t precise, but it’s a welcome feature at this price point.

If you plan to shoot mostly outdoors or want to conserve battery, the A1400’s viewfinder gives it a practical edge, despite the low resolution. For indoor use, the LCDs on both cameras suffice, but I prefer the A1400’s brighter screen.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics: More Reach or Wider Angle?

Lens versatility often dictates how broadly you can cover different photography genres with a fixed-lens compact.

• Canon A1400: 28-140mm equivalent, 5x zoom, aperture F2.8-6.9
• Canon A490: 37-122mm equivalent, 3.3x zoom, aperture F3.0-5.8

The A1400’s wider angle start at 28mm is quite useful for landscapes and street photography, allowing to fit more into the frame. The 5x zoom’s telephoto end at 140mm reaches moderately into distant subjects, good for portraits and casual wildlife.

The A490’s narrower 37mm wide end is more limiting but generally sufficient for everyday snapshots; its telephoto stop at 122mm is a bit shorter, which might frustrate those needing more reach.

Maximum apertures are roughly the same - neither lens is fast in telephoto or wide-open, which means they can struggle in low light without flash.

Both cameras lack optical image stabilization, a significant drawback for hand-held shooting at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. This absence reduces sharpness potential, especially in dim environments.

For macro enthusiasts, the A490 can focus as close as 1cm, a position better than the A1400’s 3cm minimum, letting you get closer subject detail without accessories.

In summary, if you desire more framing flexibility and occasional reach, the A1400’s lens suits a wider range of scenarios, from tight interiors to moderate telephoto.

Autofocus and Performance: Snappy or Sluggish?

AF speed and accuracy can make or break capturing fleeting moments, like street scenes or fast-playing kids.

The autofocus systems here rely on contrast detection, common in entry-level compacts but prone to hunting in low light.

• The Canon A1400 offers 9 AF points with face detection and supports continuous AF tracking, a mild upgrade.
• The Canon A490 sticks with 5 AF points and lacks face detection, limiting its focusing precision.

I found the A1400 noticeably faster to lock focus, especially tracking faces or moving subjects, thanks partly to newer processing and improved AF algorithms Canon implemented between releases.

Both cameras have slow continuous shooting modes at only 1 frame per second, making neither suitable for fast action, sports, or wildlife sequences demanding high burst rates.

For casual portraiture and street photography, the A1400 again feels more responsive and flexible, with face detection reducing the chance of missed focus on your subject.

Video Recording: Modest but Serviceable

Videographers won’t find blockbuster specs here; both cameras concentrate on stills.

• Canon A1400: HD 720p at 25fps, using H.264 codec, produces reasonably smooth videos for casual use.
• Canon A490: VGA 640 x 480 at 30fps, encoded as MJPEG - a more dated and less efficient format.

Neither camera supports 1080p, external microphones, nor headphone jacks. No image stabilization in video either, which limits handheld footage quality.

The higher resolution and cleaner codec on the A1400 produce noticeably better video in my tests, with fewer compression artifacts and smoother motion.

If video is a minor factor for you, the A1400 again justifies its slightly higher price with superior HD recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready to Shoot Longer?

Both cameras use 2 x AA batteries, a convenient feature since AA cells are ubiquitous and easy to replace in the field.

• The A1400 rated for about 150 shots per charge, which is rather modest.
• The A490’s official battery rating is unspecified, but my experience suggests roughly similar endurance.

Rechargeable NiMH AAs or high-quality alkaline batteries help, but if you’re a heavy shooter, packing spares is essential.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards; the A490 further supports a variety of card types (SC, MMC), showing a nod to backward compatibility.

Connectivity: What’s Missing Means No Wireless Freedom

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no NFC. Files transfer via USB 2.0 cable, which feels dated but suffices for the casual user.

You won’t find GPS tracking either, which sometimes helps travel shooters but again is rare at this price.

Build Quality and Durability: Lightweight but Not Rugged

Neither model employs weather sealing, shockproofing, or any special dust resistance. Expect normal use with care, especially if traveling outdoors.

Their plastic bodies and fixed lenses limit robustness, but on the upside, their lightweight design means they are easy to carry all day.

Real-World Photography: Where Each Model Shines

Let’s explore different photography genres and see how these pocket compacts hold up.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Face Detection

The A1400’s face detection and 9 AF points deliver faster, more reliable focus on faces, essential for clean portraits. The wider 28mm wide-angle lets you capture environmental context, while the 140mm telephoto offers inoffensive background separation, though with limited depth of field due to small sensors.

The A490’s lack of face detection makes portraits a gamble; you may miss focus especially in busy scenes. Its 37mm wide angle may require stepping back more indoors.

Neither create creamy bokeh like larger sensor cameras, but you can achieve acceptable separation by backing off your subject and zooming in.

Landscape: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Proofing

Neither camera boasts remarkable dynamic range - small CCD sensors hit their limits with bright skies and deep shadows. The A1400’s higher 16MP sensor provides more detail when cropping or printing large, beneficial for landscapes.

Both lack weather sealing, so thoughtful protection against rain or dust is mandatory outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

With slow burst rates (1 fps) and contrast-detection AF, neither camera excels here. The A1400’s slight edge in AF tracking helps, but don’t expect professional-level results.

For casual bird watching or sports at a park, they suffice, but action photographers should look elsewhere.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low Light, and Portability

Both cameras score well on portability and silence (no loud mirror slap). The A1400’s optical viewfinder supports discreet shooting in daylight.

Low-light performance disappoints in both; lack of stabilization and noisy images above ISO 400 make nighttime street photography challenging.

Macro Photography: Closeup Detail and Focus Precision

If you’re curious about macro, the A490 can focus as close as 1cm, making it slightly better for shooting flowers or small objects. The A1400’s 3cm minimum focus still allows decent close-ups, but not as intimate.

Neither has focus stacking or stabilization modes common in dedicated macro cameras, though.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Without manual exposure controls or RAW shooting, astrophotography is mostly off the menu. High ISO noise hampers both cameras here. The longer 15-second shutter speed capability is a plus but the lack of bulb mode limits longer exposures.

Video Use: Casual Clips and Travel Footage

If you want simple video clips on holiday, the A1400’s 720p recording is the clear winner for quality and codec efficiency. However, neither is good for advanced video with stabilization or external mics.

Travel: Battery Swaps and Versatility

The AA battery system appeals to maintainers who travel without chargers. The A1400’s wider angle, optical viewfinder, and better screen make traveling easier.

Professional Work: Workflow Integration and Reliability

Both cameras cater only to entry-level users; no RAW files, low burst speeds, and limited control preclude serious professional use.

Sample Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Comparisons

Here are some real-world images captured with both models to illustrate differences in sharpness, color, and focal length versatility:

Canon A1400 screen back Canon A490 front Canon A490 screen back

Note how the A1400 pulls ahead in detail retention, especially at 100% crops, and better color fidelity in portraits and landscapes.

Summing Up Overall Performance

Based on my thorough tests including image quality, handling, autofocus, and features, here’s an objective rating comparison:

The A1400 outperforms the A490 modestly in image detail, AF functionality, video quality, and ergonomics, justifying its slightly higher price tag.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Breaking down specific genres highlights the subtle performance gaps more clearly:

You’ll notice the A1400 beats the A490 consistently across most areas except for close focusing macro. That is its only notable advantage for the older model.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you want the best image quality, faster autofocus, slightly longer reach, a viewfinder option, and HD video - go with the Canon A1400. It’s worth the roughly $10-15 price premium for beginners and casual enthusiasts who want their compact to punch above its weight.

• If budget is ultra-tight and you prize close-up macro focusing more than zoom reach or video, the Canon A490 still delivers decent 10 MP images and is a rudimentary option. It’s best for absolute beginners who want an entry-level fixed-lens camera for snapshots only.

• Professional users or serious hobbyists, beware: Neither is a substitute for even mid-range mirrorless or DSLR cameras, but for point-and-shoot daily carry, these remain solid despite their age.

Final Thoughts: Practicality Over Prestige

In this era of smartphones and sophisticated mirrorless cameras, the Canon PowerShot A1400 and A490 stand as humble reminders of simpler photographic tools that are easy to pick up and shoot for daily life moments.

Neither breaks new ground technologically, but the A1400 reflects Canon’s incremental refinements and addresses many shortcomings of its predecessor.

If you value portability, respectable image quality for a budget compact, and modest video capability, the A1400 earns a slight but meaningful recommendation.

Dear Canon, I hope you’ll revisit this segment with upgrades in stabilization, wireless capabilities, and RAW support - amazing what technology is now within reach.

Until then, these two little cameras remain viable companions for those who prefer dedicated optics to smartphone snaps or want an uncomplicated creative outlet.

Happy shooting - and remember, no matter which camera you choose, mastering light and composition will always trump megapixels or processing specs.

If you have questions or want my hands-on video review highlights of these cameras in action, drop a comment below!