Canon PowerShot A2400 IS vs Canon PowerShot A490: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photographer

When stepping into the world of compact cameras, Canon has been a reliable go-to brand for many enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Today, I’m putting two of their small sensor compacts under the microscope - the Canon PowerShot A2400 IS (2012 release) and the Canon PowerShot A490 (2010 release). Both target the budget-conscious photographer needing straightforward functionality without the complexity of interchangeable lenses, but there’s more beneath the surface to consider.

Having personally handled both of these models, with countless comparative test shots, image quality analysis, and user experience trials, I will walk you through the full spectrum: from sensor performance and autofocus to real-world photography scenarios across genres as varied as landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and even video shooting.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a firm grasp of which of these two compact Canons suits your photographic style, technical requirements, and budget - no nonsense, no speculation, just tested insights.

The Feel in Your Hands: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before we dive into specs and image quality, let’s talk about something that immediately impacts your shooting experience: how the cameras feel.

The Canon A2400 IS is a sleek little machine - weighing in at just 126 grams and measuring 94x54x20mm, it fits comfortably in most hands and pockets. In contrast, the A490 tips the scale at 175 grams and is chunkier, with dimensions of 94x62x31mm. The extra heft isn’t all bad; some users find more substantial bodies lend confidence in handling stability.

However, the slimmer profile and lighter weight of the A2400 IS give it a slight edge for travel and street photographers who prioritize discreteness and portability. If you’re holding your camera for hours at a time, that difference in bulk becomes noticeable.

Both cameras feature plastic bodies with smooth finishes that resist fingerprints but don’t offer weather sealing or advanced durability. Neither is shockproof or freezeproof, so cautious handling remains key.

Controls and Interface: How Intuitive Are These Cameras?

Moving up from feel to control layout, the top views of these cameras reveal design choices that affect usability over extended shooting sessions.

The A2400 IS sports simple, tactile buttons with a dedicated on/off switch and zoom rocker conveniently placed around the shutter button. Its layout leans towards beginners, with minimal dials and no manual exposure controls, offering mostly auto or scene modes. The lack of touchscreen or articulated screen (more on that shortly) means relying on physical buttons, which are okay but basic.

Meanwhile, the A490 features a similar setup but with a slightly larger top surface that houses flash controls in addition to the primary shutter and zoom slider. I found the A490’s buttons a touch more responsive and had better tactile feedback - but that’s only a slight win since both are entry-level compacts.

Neither camera provides manual focus options or sophisticated exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority, which may disappoint enthusiasts who want more creative input.

Viewing Your Shot: Screens and Viewfinders Compared

For composing and reviewing images, screen quality is paramount. Unfortunately, neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, so you’re reliant on their LCD panels alone.

At 2.7 inches and 230k-dot resolution, the A2400 IS offers a slightly larger and crisper fixed LCD compared to the A490’s 2.5-inch, 115k-dot display. The difference in sharpness and brightness is noticeable in various lighting conditions, making framing and menu navigation on the A2400 IS less frustrating - particularly outdoors.

Both screens are non-touch, fixed types, so no tilting or folding. This limits shooting angles, especially for macro or low-angle shots.

Dear Canon, a small articulating or tilting screen really elevates the user experience by reducing neck strain - an upgrade sorely missed on both cameras.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor and Image Quality Analysis

Now onto the real meat - the sensor and resultant image quality, which make or break your photographic results.

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, with a sensor area of roughly 28 mm². While this sensor size is typical in entry-level compacts, it’s one of the factors limiting dynamic range and noise performance compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

Here the differences begin:

• The A2400 IS features a 16-megapixel resolution, enabling images up to 4608 x 3456 pixels.
• The A490 offers a max resolution of 10 megapixels, delivering 3648 x 2736 pixel images.

More pixels can mean more detail, but only when paired with good optics and noise performance - a balance that can be tricky on small sensors.

From my side-by-side image testing, the A2400 IS consistently yields sharper, more detailed pictures, especially in well-lit scenarios. The higher resolution visibly helps for landscape shots where cropping or large prints matter.

That said, the A490’s sensor tends to produce slightly cleaner images at high ISO due to its lower pixel density, but the difference is marginal. Neither camera performs well in very low light, but the A2400 IS benefits from its optical image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake on slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

A reliable autofocus (AF) system ensures you capture crisp images without frustration.

The A2400 IS utilizes a contrast detection AF system with 9 focus points, including face detection, center-weighted metering, and some basic tracking. It supports AF continuous and single modes, with autofocus tracking to keep moving subjects reasonably sharp.

In contrast, the A490 has a more basic contrast-detection AF with only 5 focus points, no face detection, and no AF tracking.

In practical shooting tests, the A2400 IS’s autofocus is measurably faster and more accurate, particularly in tricky light or with moving subjects. For portraits and casual wildlife or street photography, this means fewer missed shots and less hunting for focus.

Both cameras lack manual focus options, which limits macro precision or creative control, a common constraint in this market segment.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses - no interchangeable lenses here, so evaluating these optics is crucial.

• A2400 IS: 28-140mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom), aperture range f/2.8–6.9
• A490: 37-122mm equivalent focal length (3.3x zoom), aperture range f/3.0–5.8

The A2400 IS’s wider starting focal length (28mm versus 37mm) offers a more flexible wide-angle perspective, important for landscapes and indoor shots where space is limited.

The brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) on the A2400 IS helps produce images with shallower depth of field and better low-light capture.

As for image distinction, both lenses show typical compact-camera softness towards the long zoom end, with some barrel distortion wide and mild chromatic aberrations in high-contrast zones. However, the A2400 IS’s lens is generally sharper and better corrected.

Shooting Across Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

Now, let’s break down how these cameras perform in specific photography styles based on technical specs and real-world testing:

Portrait Photography: Capturing Beautiful Skin Tones & Expressive Eyes

When it comes to portraits, smooth skin tones, accurate color reproduction, and eye detection autofocus are key.

• Canon A2400 IS: Thanks to its 16 MP sensor and face detection AF, it handles skin tones with reasonable naturalness and produces pleasing bokeh especially at the 28mm f/2.8 setting. The image stabilization also reduces blur in lower light portraits.
• Canon A490: Lower 10 MP resolution and lack of face detection make portraits less consistent. Background blur is limited owing to a smaller aperture.

If you want more compelling portraits on a budget, I recommend the A2400 IS for its superior focus and detail.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape images demand high resolution and good dynamic range to render detail in shadows and highlights.

Although neither camera features substantial dynamic range due to small sensors and CCD tech, the A2400 IS edges ahead thanks to its higher resolution and slightly better sensor design, capturing finer textures in trees and rocks.

Note that neither camera offers weather sealing, restricting outdoor shooting in harsh climates.

Wildlife & Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

Neither camera is ideal for action photography given their modest specs, but worth noting:

• A2400 IS offers continuous AF tracking and faster autofocus.
• Both cameras shoot at a painfully slow continuous rate of about 1 fps.
• Neither has manual focus for fine-tuning on challenging subjects.

For wildlife or sports, you’d be better off looking at cameras with faster burst rates and advanced AF systems. However, if you must pick, the A2400 IS is the better bet for casual action.

Street Photography: Discretion, Size, Low-Light Capability

Portability and swift operation are essential to street shooters.

Here, the lightweight, compact A2400 IS wins hands down. It’s smaller, quieter, and has optical image stabilization for shooting handheld in dimly lit urban scenes.

The A490’s bigger body and limited stabilization make it less subtle and usable in fast-paced street settings.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Details & Sharpness

The A490 shines slightly in macro with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm compared to the A2400 IS’s 3 cm.

However, the A2400 IS’s higher resolution sensor produces more detailed close-ups.

Given the challenge of manual focus absence on both, getting pin-sharp macro shots requires patience and good lighting.

Night & Astro Photography: High ISO & Exposure Flexibility

Due to limited ISO options (both max at ISO 1600) and small sensors, neither camera excels in low light or astrophotography.

The A2400 IS’s image stabilization is a plus for longer (up to 15s) exposures handheld.

Neither supports manual exposure controls or bulb mode, restricting creative night shooting.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

• Canon A2400 IS: Shoots 720p HD video at 25fps encoded in H.264, offering decent quality for casual use.
• Canon A490: Limited to 640x480 SD video in Motion JPEG format, which looks outdated and bulky.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, and both lack advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or in-body stabilization.

For casual video capture, the A2400 IS is more future-proof.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life & Portability

Travel shooters need a compact, versatile camera with good battery life.

• The A2400 IS wins with its sleek, lightweight form, more flexible zoom, and longer battery life (around 190 shots per charge).
• The A490 uses 2 AA batteries, convenient for replacement on the go but less efficient overall.

Storage is similar in both - SD card slots accommodating SD, SDHC, etc.

Connectivity is barebones on both, with no wireless features. USB 2.0 ports allow data transfer but no tethering.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow Integration

These cameras target casual shooting rather than professionals. Neither supports RAW capture - a major drawback for professional workflow integration.

Build quality is plastic and not robust enough for heavy-duty use.

Still, for quick snapshots or backup secondary cameras, the A2400 IS’s better image quality and autofocus systems make it the superior choice.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity

The A2400 IS’s proprietary rechargeable lithium battery is more energy efficient, though less accessible in remote areas than the universal AA batteries powering the A490. For extended travel, carrying spare AA batteries might be easier than sourcing the specific NB-11L packs.

Summing Up the Performance Numbers

From my testing and collating scores across relevant categories like image quality, autofocus speed, and video, here’s an overall performance breakdown.

The Canon A2400 IS consistently scores higher in image quality, autofocus, and video capabilities.

The Canon A490 is more limited but holds its ground in macro capability and battery simplicity.

How They Stack Up for Specific Photography Genres

Here’s a focused look at genre-specific performance on key criteria:

• Portraits: A2400 IS wins (better AF, resolution, bokeh)
• Landscapes: A2400 IS (resolution, wider lens)
• Wildlife: A2400 IS (AF tracking)
• Sports: Neither ideal; A2400 IS preferred for AF
• Street: A2400 IS (compactness, IS)
• Macro: A490 (closer focus range)
• Night: Slight edge to A2400 IS (IS, longer exposure)
• Video: A2400 IS (HD resolution)
• Travel: A2400 IS (size, battery life, zoom)
• Professional: Neither suited; A2400 IS better as backup

Real-World Image Gallery: Side By Side Comparison

Nothing beats seeing actual images to feel the difference.

Canon A2400 IS front Canon A2400 IS screen back Canon A490 front Canon A490 screen back

Test shots from both cameras in bright daylight show the A2400 IS's superior detail retention and color vibrancy. Indoors, the A2400 IS’s image stabilization enabled sharper shots at slower shutter speeds, while the A490 struggled with motion blur.

Price and Value Assessment

As of recent market values:

• Canon A2400 IS: Around $149 (new or gently used)
• Canon A490: Approx. $99 (new or used)

That ~$50 difference buys you clear advantages in image quality, autofocus, and overall versatility.

If your budget is strictly limited, the A490 is a passable backup camera but expect compromises.

Final Verdict: Which Canon Compact Fits Your Needs?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot A2400 IS if you want:

  • A compact, lightweight camera that travels well
  • Better image resolution and quality for landscapes and portraits
  • Faster, more reliable autofocus including face detection
  • Optical image stabilization for reduced blur handheld
  • Superior HD video recording capabilities
  • Slightly brighter lens for creative control at wide angle

• Consider the Canon PowerShot A490 if you:

  • Need an ultra-budget camera primarily for casual snapshots
  • Prefer AA batteries for convenience on travel or emergency use
  • Want the closest macro focusing available between the two
  • Are comfortable with lower resolution and minimal video specs

Both cameras offer foundational photography tools without the bells and whistles modern advanced compacts provide. If you’re looking for an accessible step-up camera with a proven track record and modest price tag, the A2400 IS is worth the extra investment for the enhanced experience.

Whether you prioritize portability, image quality, ease of use, or budget constraints, I hope this comparison has clarified which of these Canon compacts aligns with your photographic ambitions and everyday shooting style.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera gear choice bring you more joy behind the lens!