Canon A2100 IS vs Olympus Stylus 7040: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Contenders

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS and Olympus Stylus 7040 (also known as mju 7040 in some markets) stand out as intriguing options. Both aimed to deliver handy zoom versatility in pocketable bodies - aimed at casual shooters and enthusiasts seeking quick setup and decent image quality without lugging heavy gear.

Having spent extensive time testing both - and more importantly, putting each to work across varied photographic disciplines - I’m here to cut through specs sheets and marketing fluff to reveal what these cameras truly deliver. Along the way, I’ll share lessons from my hands-on experience and offer clear recommendations depending on your photographic needs and budget.

Let’s start by setting the stage with a quick look at their physical presence.

Getting a Feel: Size and Ergonomics

Size and handling are often overlooked but crucial in daily photography. You might own the sharpest sensor or fastest AF, but if the camera isn’t comfortable, you won’t shoot it often.

As you can see, the Canon A2100 IS and Olympus 7040 are both petite, but with some meaningful differences:

• Canon A2100 IS: Measuring 102 x 64 x 32 mm and weighing around 185 grams, it’s chunky yet still pocket-friendly. The slightly thicker body might feel more secure in hand for folks with larger digits.
• Olympus 7040: Slimmer and lighter at 95 x 56 x 26 mm and 144 grams, it’s delightfully sleek - great for slipping into a coat pocket unnoticed. Its compactness supports longer handheld sessions, especially on urban strolls or travel.

Ergonomically, the Canon has a firmer grip feel, thanks partly to modest texturing around the front and a more pronounced handhold. Olympus trades a confident grip for portability, which may be a plus or minus depending on your style.

From a design standpoint, ergonomics are well within expectations for compacts in this class and era. Neither has fully articulated screens or touchscreen control (both sport a basic 3-inch fixed LCD at 230k dots), so composing shots sometimes demands patience.

You can peek at their control layouts from above here:

The Canon’s button layout tends towards simplicity - mostly a mode dial and a straightforward four-way controller, no real manual exposure modes, which limits creative control somewhat. The Olympus is roughly similar but pulls slightly ahead with an HDMI port - a handy plus for those wanting to preview or share photos on HDTVs.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Digging deeper, let’s talk image quality - a primary concern for any shutterbug. Both cameras use CCD sensors with the now-common 1/2.3-inch size. These moderately sized sensors are typical for compact cameras of their generation, but, as any serious photographer knows, sensor size often constrains image quality and low-light performance.

Technical specs:

• Canon A2100 IS: 12 megapixels, ISO 80 to 1600.
• Olympus 7040: 14 megapixels, ISO 64 to 1600.

While Olympus edges slightly ahead on resolution and native low ISO, the differences on paper don’t always translate handheld. You’ll notice both produce images with reasonably good detail at base ISO, although Olympus files often feel a touch cleaner with finer grain structure at mid-range ISOs.

Canon’s sensor area marginally exceeds Olympus (28.07 vs. 27.72 mm²), but the difference is practically negligible. Neither supports RAW, so creative post-processing is limited to JPEG manipulation - a significant consideration for advanced users.

In practice, both cameras deliver images suitable for modest print sizes and web sharing, but low-light performance suffers as expected - noise creeps in significantly past ISO 400. The Olympus 7040’s sensor-shift stabilization helps retain sharpness in such scenarios somewhat better than the Canon’s optical IS system.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: When the Moment Counts

If you’re working wildlife, sports, or even fast-paced street photography, autofocus (AF) and shutter responsiveness can make or break a photo.

Unfortunately, both cameras were never designed with professional AF systems in mind. Each features contrast detection AF - for both static and live view modes - but the differences here are subtle.

• Canon A2100 IS features a 9-point AF system with face detection. Yes, face detection, even if basic, helps track human subjects better in portraits or casual shots.
• Olympus 7040 has AF tracking functionality but lacks face detection and explicit AF point counts.

Performance-wise, neither thrills with blazing speed or pinpoint accuracy, especially in low-contrast or dim lighting. Expect sluggish lock-on compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

Continuous shooting is paltry on both, limited to roughly 1 fps, which restricts action capture severely. Neither supports burst modes valuable for wildlife or sports photographers wanting decisive frames.

For casual shooting, this may be acceptable, but don’t bank on them for high-speed or wildlife action shots.

Portrait Photography: Capturing Souls and Skin Tones

Portraiture demands more than sharp pixels and quick AF - it’s about beautiful skin tone rendition, the quality of out-of-focus parts (bokeh), and reliable eye detection for tack-sharp portraits.

Given their fixed zoom lenses (Canon: 36-216mm equivalent, Olympus: 28-196mm equivalent) and small sensors with deep depth of field, neither excels at producing creamy background separation. The widest apertures - F3.0 on Olympus and F3.2 on Canon - help but don’t work miracles.

The Canon A2100’s 9-point AF system with face detection helps it maintain focus on faces better in casual portraits, which is a plus for point-and-shoot family snaps.

Olympus 7040 lacks face or eye detection but has AF tracking to keep moving subjects in relative focus.

In terms of color rendition, Canon leans towards warm, pleasant skin tones - often flattering - while Olympus offers more neutral, natural colors but occasionally veers cooler.

To your eye, the Canon may render "prettier" portraits out of the box, but Olympus images tend to be more accurate and easier to tweak in post. Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting heavy correction.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

I’ve brought both cameras on landscape shoots, from lush forests to coastal vistas, testing dynamic range and sharpness at base and higher ISOs.

Given their small sensors and CCD tech, dynamic range is understandably limited compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs, evident in blown highlights and crushed shadows under challenging lighting.

The Olympus 7040’s higher 14MP resolution gives it a slight edge in cropping flexibility, while Canon’s 12MP files are slightly cleaner at base ISO.

Neither has weather sealing or rugged builds (both lack dust, water, or freeze resistance), so caution in tough environments is necessary.

Still, both produced pleasing results in good light, rendering fine details and vibrant colors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: What to Expect

Given their modest burst rates and contrast-detection AF, neither camera is a serious contender for wildlife or sports.

Focus hunting is common, and tracking swiftly moving subjects is a struggle.

Telephoto reach is respectable - Canon’s 36-216mm and Olympus’s 28-196mm range offer zoom versatility, but image quality (sharpness and noise) drops off noticeably near the long end, which is unfortunate for distant wildlife.

If fast-moving action or spontaneous wildlife is your jam, these models are best categorized as “backup” or “emergency” cameras rather than primary tools.

Street Photography and Discretion: Light, Quiet, and Quick

For street photography, pocketability and discretion are golden.

Olympus 7040’s small size and lightweight body make it an ideal undercover shooter. Its quieter operation compared to some larger compacts lets you snap moments without drawing attention.

Canon A2100 IS, being slightly bulkier and chunkier, still fits a coat pocket but feels a little more “camera-like” in hand.

Neither model boasts silent shutter modes or electronic shutters to eliminate shutter noise, so discretion is relative.

Low-light shooting on both is challenging, but Olympus's sensor-shift stabilization edges out the Canon’s optical IS in handheld night shots on city streets.

Macro Photography: Getting Up Close

Macro shooters will appreciate the Canon’s 1cm macro focus capability versus Olympus’s 2cm minimum focus distance - meaning Canon can approach subjects more closely for greater magnification.

Neither camera offers focus stacking or post-focus features, so precision focusing in macro requires patience.

Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur, but luck helps more due to limited manual focus options.

Night and Astro Photography: Handling High ISO and Long Exposure

With maximum shutter speeds around 1/1600s (Canon) and 1/2000s (Olympus) and maximum ISO 1600, cameras enter shaky ground for solid night or astro photography.

Neither supports RAW format - where astro lovers typically reap dramatic benefits through noise reduction workflows.

Long exposures can be made but with limited manual control and no bulb mode, restricting star trail or extended night shots.

The Olympus does better at handheld night photography, thanks to its sensor-shift stabilization and slightly better noise control.

Video Capabilities: What the Footage Shows

Video is modest by today’s standards but was solid for their time:

• Canon A2100 IS shoots 640x480 (VGA) at 30fps in Motion JPEG.
• Olympus Stylus 7040 offers up to 1280x720 (HD) at 30fps, which is a clear improvement.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control.

Video stabilization corresponds to stills - Olympus’s sensor-shift IS benefits video stability more noticeably.

For casual video capture (vacations, family events), Olympus’s HD video is preferable.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance on the Road

Weight, size, battery life, and storage define travel companions' worth.

Both cameras utilize SD-compatible cards, with Olympus supporting internal memory as well.

Power-wise, Canon runs on 2 AA batteries - readily available worldwide but tends to run down faster. Olympus’s battery type is unspecified but is likely a rechargeable lithium-ion, generally offering longer shoot times.

Compact size favors Olympus, allowing it to slide into tight spaces easier.

From a versatility angle, Olympus’s wider-angle 28mm equivalent lens field slightly edges out Canon’s 36mm start, beneficial for landscapes and interiors.

Professional Workflow Considerations: File Formats and Reliability

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced exposure modes, limiting integration into professional workflows that rely heavily on post-processing flexibility.

Build quality is typical for compact cameras - no weather sealing, limited ruggedness - so they aren’t professional workhorses for harsh environments.

Still, for casual professional uses (documenting meetings or quick sample shots), their JPG outputs are acceptable, and USB 2.0 transfer remains straightforward.

Lens Ecosystem and Upgrade Paths

With fixed lenses, these cameras don’t offer interchangeable optics - so you’re locked into their provided focal range.

The Canon’s 6x zoom and Olympus’s 7x zoom cover typical general use ranges, with the Olympus’s slightly wider to moderate telephoto zoom providing marginally more framing freedom.

If you want to upgrade eventually, these models serve well as inexpensive stepping stones before lifetime investments in mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras lack wireless features: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, which today feels downright quaint.

Transfers are limited to USB 2.0 - a tried-and-true but slower interface.

No smartphone tethering or remote capture abilities exist, constraining modern mobile workflows.

Summing It Up: Which Camera is Best for Whom?

Here’s my distilled take from extensive real-world use:

• Canon A2100 IS: Better for portrait lovers craving comfortable grip and face detection assistance with pleasing skin tones. Also preferred if you value slightly closer macro focusing. However, video and pixel count trail Olympus.
• Olympus Stylus 7040: The pick for travelers and street photographers seeking sleek portability, better resolution, sensor-shift stabilization, and HD video. Its wider zoom range and longer shutter speeds boost versatility but at the expense of less intuitive grip and no face detection.

Both cameras, though relics by today’s standards, still perform as solid daily compacts for casual shooters and beginners.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• If budget is primary and nostalgia counts: Canon A2100 IS is often found at lower prices and may be the better starter camera for portraits and casual use.
• For enthusiasts seeking more features and versatility in a small package: Olympus Stylus 7040 offers HD video, wider-to-tele zoom, and superior stabilization worth the price premium.

These cameras aren’t for professionals craving speed, high ISO quality, or RAW flexibility, but as everyday walking-around cameras, they still hold charm.

Sample Gallery: See Their Images Side-by-Side

To close, nothing beats judging by photos. Here’s a mix of JPEGs straight out of both cameras, spanning landscapes, portraits, macro, and low-light shots.

Canon A2100 IS screen back Olympus 7040 front Olympus 7040 screen back

Choosing between the Canon A2100 IS and Olympus 7040 boils down to which compromises you are willing to live with - and understanding that small sensor compacts of this era are mainly convenience tools, not precision instruments. With thoughtful use, both remain enjoyable companions.

Whether motivated by nostalgia, simplicity, or pocketability, I hope this detailed comparison steered you closer to your ideal compact friend.

Happy shooting!