A Hands-On Comparison of the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS vs. Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready: Which Compact Fits Your Photography Style?

When budget-conscious but serious photo enthusiasts shop for small sensor compacts, the options can feel overwhelming - especially when two models share a brand and similar sensor specs but come from different eras. Today, I’m pulling out my trusty test gear to compare two Canon compacts that almost bookend the early 2010s: the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS (2009) and the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready (2013). Whether you’re hunting for an easy life-cam for travel or a pocketable backup for casual shoots, this detailed side-by-side will help you understand what each camera brings to your photo arsenal and whether either deserves a spot in your bag today.

I’ve personally tested both cameras extensively across key photography disciplines - portrait, landscape, macro, even a little wildlife and sports - to deliver not just specs, but real-world impressions backed by hands-on experience and technical understanding.

Let’s dive into what separates and connects these two Canons.

First Impressions: Size, Shape, and Handling for On-the-Go Shooters

Size and ergonomics make a huge difference in a compact camera’s appeal and usability, especially if you shoot street scenes or travel light.

Looking side-by-side, the Canon A2100 IS measures roughly 102x64x32mm and weighs around 185g, while the newer Canon N Facebook Ready is noticeably smaller at 79x60x29mm and just 195g. The A2100 IS feels a bit chunkier in the hand but offers a more traditionally shaped body - slots nicely into my clubs-for-thumbs grip, making one-handed shooting manageable. The N Facebook Ready feels a little boxier, smaller footprint-wise, and more pocketable, fitting easily into coat pockets.

If size and portability matter most, the N Facebook edges ahead here. However, don’t overlook how much physical control layout impacts your shooting cadence - which we’ll get to shortly.

Control Layout, Screen, and User Interface: Old School vs. New School

Though similar in sensor tech, these two cameras present very different user interface designs, reflecting advances in touchscreen tech and user expectations.

The A2100 IS sticks to the basics: physical buttons and a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with modest 230k-dot resolution. The controls are straightforward, ergonomic, if a bit clunky for quick setting changes - no touchscreen here means hunting through menus rather than swiping or tapping.

The N Facebook Ready, on the other hand, boasts a tilting 2.8-inch touchscreen with much higher density at 461k dots, sporting Canon’s PureColor II G touch tech. The screen’s tilt mechanism, combined with touchscreen responsiveness, makes framing from creative angles a breeze. Also, the N Facebook was designed with social media sharing in mind - hence the “Facebook Ready” branding - so it includes built-in wireless connectivity that the A2100 lacks.

If live view framing and quick adjustments via touchscreen suit your shooting style, the Facebook Ready’s interface is more modern and flexible. But for shooters who prefer tactile controls and larger screens, the A2100 IS still holds value.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tweaking the Pixels

Under the hood, both models pack a 1/2.3” sensor measuring roughly 6.17x4.55mm, giving a sensor area of around 28.07mm². Both feature 12-megapixel resolutions, though the N Facebook Ready employs a newer CMOS sensor with Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor, while the A2100 IS uses an older CCD sensor with less advanced processing.

From my lab tests and real-world shooting, several differences emerged:

• Dynamic range: The newer CMOS sensor in the N Facebook Ready delivers notably better dynamic range, preserving highlight and shadow detail more effectively in scenes with stark contrasts. Landscapes and high-contrast portraits particularly benefit.

• ISO performance: The N Facebook supports native ISO sensitivity up to 6400, compared to the A2100 IS’s maximum native ISO 1600. Practically, the Facebook Ready produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings, making it more versatile for low-light or indoor situations.

• Color rendition: Both Canons capture vibrant colors with a balanced palette, but the DIGIC 5 processor in the Facebook Ready yields more natural skin tones and smoother color transitions.

While neither camera can rival APS-C or Micro Four Thirds systems in image quality, the N Facebook Ready’s updated sensor and processor give it a distinct leg up in image fidelity, especially in challenging lighting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Speed and focus accuracy are crucial, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects or street scenes with split-second opportunities.

The A2100 IS employs 9 contrast-detection autofocus points, with face detection support, but lacks continuous autofocus or tracking modes. Its single-shot autofocus can feel sluggish when hunting focus in low contrast or low light. Continuous shooting maxes out at a paltry 1 frame per second, making it a real challenge to capture action sequences.

Conversely, the N Facebook Ready trades off the number of precise autofocus points - details Canon didn’t fully specify - but uses contrast detection in combination with the DIGIC 5 engine for somewhat snappier focusing. However, it still lacks continuous AF and tracking, limiting its ability for sports or wildlife. Mode-wise, the Facebook Ready duplicates single AF only, but it can shoot at around 2 frames per second, doubling the A2100 IS output.

In practical terms, neither camera is ideal for wildlife or sports enthusiasts seeking high burst rates or predictive AF. Both cameras are better suited to more deliberate shooting styles - portraits, casual travel snaps, or street photography.

Lens and Focal Range: How Much Zoom Do You Really Need?

Lens specs can make or break your camera’s versatility.

The N Facebook Ready offers a slightly wider wide-angle at 28mm versus 36mm on the A2100 IS, beneficial for landscapes or group shots in tight quarters. Plus, it has a longer telephoto reach of 224mm compared to the A2100’s 216mm, and a faster maximum aperture at the wide end (f/3.0 vs. f/3.2).

While these differences seem modest on paper, in real shooting situations the Facebook Ready provides greater framing flexibility, especially in confined spaces or when targeting distant subjects.

That said, neither lens is especially fast, so reliance on good lighting remains key, and neither features optical zoom stabilization modes that outperform their competitors’ standard optical IS systems.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Action in a Snap?

If you’re chasing decisive moments - children, pets, sports - burst shooting performance matters. Unfortunately, neither camera aims at high-speed continuous shooting.

• A2100 IS: single frame per second, no buffer. Good luck catching more than one good shot of a moving target.

• Facebook Ready: around 2 fps. Double the speed but still limited.

Neither offers advanced buffer memory or RAW shooting modes, keeping them out of the pro continuous shooting league.

Exposure Controls and Creative Modes

For manual exposure buffs or those wishing to flex creative muscles, these cameras offer very limited options.

• No aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual modes on either camera.

• The A2100 IS offers basic exposure compensation but no bracketing or advanced metering beyond center-weighted and spot.

• The N Facebook Ready strips back some functionality, lacking even exposure compensation or custom white balance options.

You’re primarily shooting in fully automatic or program modes here, which is fine for entry-level users or casual shooters but may frustrate enthusiasts hoping for creative control.

Flash and Low Light: Can They Light Up Your Night?

Both models feature built-in flashes with standard modes (auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in, slow sync), but:

• A2100 IS’s flash range maxes at 3.5 meters, adequate for indoor snapshots.

• N Facebook Ready’s flash range isn’t specified but its flash modes are limited.

Image stabilization (optical in both) works well to steady handholding but only up to a point.

In low light, the Facebook Ready’s ISO 6400 capability and cleaner noise profile usually yield better shots. Neither camera is optimized for long exposure or astrophotography (no bulb mode, no exposure bracketing).

Video Capabilities: From VGA to Full HD

Video features reveal generational shifts clearly.

• A2100 IS: max video resolution of 640x480 (VGA) at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG. No HD here - quite limiting even at release time.

• Facebook Ready: shoots full HD 1920x1080 video at 24 fps using H.264 compression. Additionally, it supports 720p, standard definition, and high frame rate modes (up to 240 fps at reduced resolutions) for slow-mo effects.

Neither camera has external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio tuning. Stabilization helps with handheld video, but true professional video shooters will want to look elsewhere.

The Facebook Ready is clearly the better video pick and was more future-proof when launched, offering capabilities that have since become minimum standards.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing Made Easy?

Connectivity often makes or breaks compact cameras for today’s casual content creators.

• A2100 IS: no wireless capabilities whatsoever, only USB 2.0 for image transfer.

• Facebook Ready: built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing, paired with dedicated apps for direct Facebook uploads - hence the “Facebook Ready” branding. Optional GPS accessory available.

Regarding storage:

• A2100 IS: uses standard SD/SDHC/MMC cards.

• Facebook Ready: uses microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards.

This difference can require buying adapters or specific card types depending on your existing gear, but the Facebook Ready’s wireless and social media-centric features are attractive for quick sharing, especially for younger or less technical users.

Battery Life and Power: Staying Powered in the Field

• A2100 IS runs on two AA batteries, convenient for travel and easy to replace globally but less power-efficient.

• Facebook Ready uses a proprietary NB-9L rechargeable battery pack, offering up to 200 shots per charge under CIPA standards.

If you want long days without worrying about charging but will have access to stores, the A2100 IS’s AA cells offer rugged practicality. For lighter travel packs and planned shooting days, the Facebook Ready’s rechargeable efficiency wins.

Real-World Performance by Photography Genre

After weeks of side-by-side field tests, here’s how both cameras fared across critical photography disciplines:

Canon A2100 IS screen back Canon N Facebook ready screen back

Portrait Photography

• A2100 IS: Face detection autofocus works reasonably well, producing fairly accurate skin tone reproduction under natural light. Bokeh is limited by the small sensor and slower aperture. Manual focusing is nonexistent, making selective focus tricky.

• Facebook Ready: Slightly more natural skin tones with sharper fine detail due to improved sensor and processor. Touchscreen autofocus helps nail focus on eyes quickly. Still, shallow depth of field is limited by sensor size and lens aperture.

Both cameras fall short of professional AF tracking or eye detection features but handle casual portraits acceptably.

Landscape Photography

• A2100 IS: Decent resolution for prints up to 8x10 inches, but dynamic range is compressed, leading to highlight clipping in scenes with sky and shadows. The 36mm wide angle is somewhat restrictive.

• Facebook Ready: Wider 28mm angle enables broader vistas. Superior dynamic range from CMOS sensor better retains sky and shadow details, enhancing landscape shots.

Neither offers weather sealing, so caution in rough conditions is advised.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is designed for wildlife, but…

• The A2100 IS’s slow autofocus and 6x zoom can capture distant subjects - but expect lag and missed shots.

• The Facebook Ready’s 8x zoom and modestly faster focusing improve chances, but lack of tracking AF and slower burst rate severely limit action capture.

Sports Photography

Realistically, don’t expect much here. Both cameras:

• Lack continuous AF and high-speed burst shooting.

• Have slow startups and shutter lag.

• Are best reserved for static or slow-motion situations.

Street Photography

• A2100 IS: Classic point-and-shoot size is manageable but not pocket-friendly. Fixed reviews note sluggish focusing occasionally.

• Facebook Ready: Compact size, silent shutter option, and tilting touchscreen boost shooting creativity and discretion. Wireless upload capability perfect for social shooters on the move.

The Facebook Ready has the edge for street shooters wanting nimble gear.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus to 1cm, enabling close-up shots with decent detail.

• A2100 IS often suffers from slower autofocus in macro modes.

• Facebook Ready's touchscreen AF simplifies focusing in tight framing.

Neither has focus stacking, but stabilization helps handheld macro.

Night and Astro Photography

Without manual exposure modes or bulb, neither is suited for long exposures or astrophotography.

Facebook Ready’s higher ISO reach offers better low-light shots, but noise starts creeping in at ISO 1600+.

Video Usage

Facebook Ready wins hands-down: true HD recording and slow-motion capture, good for casual videographers. The A2100 IS’s VGA video is more of a novelty in 2024.

Travel and Everyday Use

Facebook Ready’s small size, wireless capability, and tilting screen make it an excellent social travel companion.

A2100 IS’s AA batteries and simple controls suit low-maintenance travel scenarios, especially where charging may be tricky.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera offers RAW support or tethering, limiting their appeal for professionals reliant on post-processing flexibility.

Designed as point-and-shoots, these cameras fill consumer niches rather than studio or commercial workflows.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both models lack environmental sealing and rugged features. They should be considered delicate companion devices rather than rugged field tools.

Summary Ratings and Value Assessment

To visualize the overall and genre-specific performance based on my testing:

At their launch prices (~$220 for A2100 IS, ~$300 for Facebook Ready), the Facebook Ready provides better value for users prioritizing updated imaging and wireless features despite the higher cost. Meanwhile, the A2100 IS’s lower price and AA battery convenience might appeal to cheapskate beginners or casual shooters tight on budget.

Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS if:

• You want a straightforward, budget-friendly compact with optical image stabilization.

• You value AA battery convenience - great for travel without chargers.

• You shoot mainly in good light and don’t mind slower focus or limited video.

• You prefer physical controls and a larger LCD screen.

Opt for the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready if:

• You want better image quality, especially at higher ISOs.

• You crave wireless sharing, a touchscreen interface, and more versatile zoom.

• You’re interested in casual HD video recording and creative videography features.

• You shoot street, travel, or social events where compactness and connectivity matter.

Closing Thoughts from a Camera Tester Who’s Been There

Having spent hours with both cameras in the field, I found the Canon N Facebook Ready to be the more compelling all-around shooter - offering meaningful improvements in sensor tech, user interface, and multimedia capability. It’s a compact that keeps pace with some modern expectations, like wireless sharing and HD video.

That said, the A2100 IS’s simplicity and reliance on AA batteries do appeal to a niche of cheapskates and analog traditionalists who want a no-fuss camera without being tethered to proprietary batteries or complex menus. It’s a solid performer for daylight photography but clearly shows its age.

If you want a no-nonsense point-and-shoot with basic controls, little fuss, and affordable price, the A2100 IS is your friend. But if you want a more versatile, modern compact with better low-light chops and social connectivity, the Facebook Ready deserves your attention - and your wallet.

Whichever you choose, both cameras remind us that sometimes, simplicity and convenience trounce cutting-edge specs, depending on your needs and budget.