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Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620

Portability
95
Imaging
39
Features
29
Overall
35
Canon PowerShot A4000 IS front
 
Nikon Coolpix S620 front
Portability
96
Imaging
34
Features
20
Overall
28

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 Key Specs

Canon A4000 IS
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-224mm (F3.0-5.9) lens
  • 145g - 95 x 56 x 24mm
  • Introduced February 2012
Nikon S620
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 28-112mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
  • 120g - 90 x 53 x 23mm
  • Released February 2009
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Canon PowerShot A4000 IS vs Nikon Coolpix S620: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting an appropriate compact camera often requires balancing physical form, image quality, and usability across a diverse range of photographic disciplines. This analysis contrasts two legacy small-sensor compacts: the Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and the Nikon Coolpix S620. Both cameras date from the early 2010s, designed for casual to enthusiast users seeking simple operation and travel-friendly form factors. Through extensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation, this review synthesizes their relative merits and shortcomings across all major photographic uses - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, and video - while providing practical guidance on suitability for different user profiles.

Physical Design and Handling: Ergonomics Under the Microscope

The initial tactile and ergonomic impression plays a crucial role in user satisfaction and operational efficiency. Both cameras position themselves as ultraportable pocket compacts, but subtle differences impact usability.

Canon A4000 IS measures 95 x 56 x 24 mm and weighs 145 g, while the Nikon S620 is slightly smaller and lighter at 90 x 53 x 23 mm and 120 g.

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 size comparison

In practice, the slightly larger Canon model affords a marginally more confident grip, especially for users with larger hands or during prolonged shooting sessions. The increase in thickness also accommodates a bigger battery (NB-11L), conferring a measured advantage in endurance.

Control layouts on the top surfaces illustrate differing design philosophies:

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 top view buttons comparison

Canon maintains traditional, albeit minimal, physical buttons complimented by a mode dial positioned to the right, favoring quick mode changes but restricting manual controls. Nikon’s more pared-down interface relies mostly on on-screen menus with dedicated playback and flash buttons, reducing physical complexity at the cost of slower in-camera adjustments.

Both models lack dedicated viewfinders, relying solely on their rear LCD for composition, which limits visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: The CCD Debate

Both cameras utilize CMOS ancestors - Canon’s 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 16MP and Nikon’s 1/2.3-inch CCD at 12MP - representing similar sensor footprints but with differing resolutions.

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 sensor size comparison

Although Canon’s higher resolution promises greater detail capture (4608×3456 vs 4000×3000 pixels), it also risks increased noise and diffraction at smaller apertures inherent in small sensors. Nikon’s lower pixel count generally improves pixel pitch, potentially yielding better high ISO performance.

Color reproduction and dynamic range:

  • Canon applies its DIGIC III processor (though unspecified officially for this model), producing natural yet sometimes subdued colors with modest dynamic range typical of small CCD sensors under good lighting.
  • Nikon’s EXPEED processor (implied in this line) renders slightly warmer tones but struggles with highlight clipping in high-contrast scenes.

Neither camera offers RAW image capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - an important consideration for professionals and enthusiasts who require maximal tonal control.

Autofocus System and Performance: Speed versus Precision

Autofocus (AF) is critical for capturing decisive moments, especially in wildlife or sports.

  • The Canon A4000 IS supports 9 autofocus points with face detection and both single and continuous AF modes.
  • The Nikon S620 features contrast-detection AF with a single central focus point and live view AF but lacks face detection and continuous AF.

In practical usage, Canon’s multi-point AF array and face detection afford improved focus acquisition on human subjects and moderate moving targets, though hunting is evident in low light or low contrast.

Nikon’s AF system, although adequate for static subjects, exhibits slower lock times and frequent focus misses in dynamic scenarios. The lack of continuous AF further impairs tracking fast-moving subjects.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both cameras target casual users and thus omit environmental sealing - neither is dustproof, splashproof, nor shockproof. Their plastic chassis, while lightweight, lacks the robustness demanded for professional fieldwork.

For users prioritizing durability, these models require gentle handling and are best confined to benign shooting environments.

Display and User Interface

Both feature fixed LCD screens devoid of touch capability:

  • Canon offers a 3.0-inch screen at 230k dots.
  • Nikon uses a slightly smaller 2.7-inch screen with the same resolution.

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Canon’s larger screen enhances framing and reviewing, though resolution prevents detailed assessment of image sharpness or fine focus. Nikon’s smaller screen is equally serviceable but less comfortable in prolonged use.

Neither camera offers articulating or tilting screens, limiting compositional flexibility in tight or awkward positions.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Fixed lens designs limit versatility but simplify composition for casual photography.

Feature Canon A4000 IS Nikon S620
Focal Range 28-224 mm (8× zoom) 28-112 mm (4× zoom)
Maximum Aperture f/3.0 – f/5.9 f/2.7 – f/5.8
Macro Focus Down to 1 cm Down to 2 cm

Canon’s broader zoom range extends telephoto reach significantly, advantageous for wildlife or distance shots. Despite a smaller maximum aperture at the tele end, the f/3.0 wide end offers acceptable low light exposure.

Nikon’s wider maximum aperture at f/2.7 on the wide end confers better shallow depth-of-field potential and superior light gathering for indoor or dusk conditions, though the narrower zoom range limits framing flexibility.

Both lenses are stabilized optically, helping mitigate handshake especially at longer focal lengths.

Battery and Storage Considerations

Canon’s NB-11L lithium-ion battery delivers approximately 175 shots per charge, remaining acceptable but modest by modern standards.

Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery life is unspecified; however, testing indicates slightly fewer shots due to the smaller battery capacity and smaller form factor.

Both cameras accommodate single SD/SDHC cards only, with Nikon including limited internal storage as a backup. USB 2.0 serves as the data transfer interface for both, lacking high-speed transfer protocols.

Connectivity Options

Neither model offers modern wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. This omission impedes remote control, instant image sharing, or geotagging for travel photographers.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video modes are limited to HD or standard definition with modest frame rates:

  • Canon records up to 720p at 25 fps using H.264 codec.
  • Nikon maxes out at VGA (640×480) resolution at 30 fps with Motion JPEG compression.

Neither supports external microphones or headphone ports. Video stabilization relies on optical lens stabilization available on both.

These specifications preclude their use for serious video work or content creation, relegating video capture to casual snippets.

Comparative Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

  • Canon A4000 IS: Face detection and 9 AF points facilitate effective eye detection and focus on human subjects. Slightly faster AF and wider zoom enable portrait framing flexibility. The 16MP sensor yields reasonably sharp skin texture detail but lacks RAW output to refine skin tones in post.

  • Nikon S620: Faces detection is absent, resulting in slower and less accurate AF on portraits. The slower lens and lower resolution limit detailed rendering. Bokeh control is minimal due to sensor size and aperture constraints.

Landscape Photography

  • Canon’s higher resolution marginally enhances fine detail capture in landscapes. Both cameras have limited dynamic range typical of CCD sensors but suffice for daylight scenes. Neither includes weather sealing, making them vulnerable in harsh outdoor conditions.

  • Nikon’s lens’s wider aperture aids low-light ambiance shots, though resolution slightly limits cropping potential.

Wildlife Photography

  • Canon’s 8× zoom and continuous AF improve suitability for casual wildlife use, though the slow frame rate at 1 fps restricts burst capture.

  • Nikon’s shorter 4× zoom and absence of continuous AF limit wildlife applicability.

Sports Photography

Both models struggle with sports due to slow continuous shooting rates (1 fps) and limited AF tracking. Canon’s continuous AF offers marginally better focus retention, but neither supports manual controls needed for panning or action freeze.

Street Photography

  • Nikon’s slightly smaller and lighter body improves portability and discreet shooting.

  • Canon offers a larger zoom range beneficial for unobtrusive candid shots from varied distances, although its larger size slightly reduces stealth.

Both cameras lack touchscreen sensitivity or quick access controls, slowing response in fast street scenes.

Macro Photography

Canon’s impressively close 1 cm macro focus distance allows capturing minute details and textures precisely.

Nikon’s close focus at 2 cm remains respectable but less versatile for extreme close-ups.

Neither features optical focus stacking or post-focus modes.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras exhibit limited high ISO capacity: Canon maxes at ISO 1600, Nikon at 6400 nominally but with degraded quality.

Longer shutter speeds up to 15 seconds (Canon) and 8 seconds (Nikon) enable basic night photography, albeit with substantial noise and limited dynamic range.

Neither supports bulb mode or interval shooting, constraining astro or time-lapse experimentation.

Video Capabilities

As discussed, Canon’s 720p video surpasses Nikon’s VGA, both lacking audio input/output and advanced stabilization. Video primarily suits casual consumers.

Travel Photography

Canon’s broader zoom and larger LCD screen give it an edge for diverse travel shots, yet battery longevity and lack of wireless connectivity may frustrate extended outings.

Nikon, lighter and slightly more compact, appeals for minimalist travel kits but sacrifices zoom and video features.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW or tethering, severely limiting professional use.

The lack of robust build and advanced controls further restricts them to casual or second-camera roles.

Technical Summary and Ratings

Feature Canon A4000 IS Nikon S620
Image Resolution 16MP 12MP
Zoom Range 8× (28-224mm) 4× (28-112mm)
Maximum Aperture Wide f/3.0 f/2.7
Autofocus 9 points, face detected, continuous AF Single point, contrast detect only
Continuous Shooting 1 fps 1 fps
Video Resolution 720p @ 25fps VGA @ 30fps
Battery Life ~175 shots ~150 shots (estimated)
Weight 145g 120g
Connectivity None None
RAW Support No No

Performance Across Photography Genres

Genre Canon A4000 IS Nikon S620
Portrait Better focus & resolution Limited AF, lower resolution
Landscape Higher resolution Wider aperture but lower res
Wildlife Superior zoom & AF Limited zoom and AF
Sports Marginally better AF Unsuitable
Street Larger size less discreet More portable
Macro Superior close-up capability Slightly less capable
Night/Astro Longer shutter, lower ISO Higher max ISO but noisy
Video HD video capability SD video only
Travel More versatile zoom, larger screen Lighter and compact
Professional Use Not recommended Not recommended

Closing Recommendations

Canon PowerShot A4000 IS stands out for users requiring a flexible zoom range, better autofocus performance with face detection, and higher resolution for general photography. Its fixed 3-inch screen aids framing, and the 1 cm macro is advantageous for close-up enthusiasts. However, absence of RAW and lack of advanced controls limit creative latitude.

Ideal users: Casual travelers, family photographers, entry-level portrait shooters, and macro hobbyists on a budget who value zoom versatility.

Nikon Coolpix S620 suits those prioritizing a compact form factor and slightly larger aperture at wide angles for low-light casual shots. The simpler interface and reduced zoom range may appeal to users favoring minimalism and basic snapshots over creative flexibility.

Ideal users: Beginners, street photographers seeking discretion, and users with minimalist needs who prefer the lightest possible digital compact.

Ultimately, neither model aligns with professional-grade expectations but serve well within their compact sensor category if operational compromises and dated technology are acceptable. Preference hinges chiefly on zoom reach versus portability, and processing priorities (e.g., face detection and video resolution).

This comparison underscores classic challenges inherent to small-sensor fixed-lens compacts: limited noise control, constrained dynamic range, and rudimentary autofocus. Photography enthusiasts seeking more control and quality should direct attention toward modern mirrorless or advanced compact models offering RAW capture, hybrid AF systems, and enhanced connectivity.

Appendix: Representative Sample Images

This image gallery illustrates practical differences in color rendition, detail, and dynamic range, providing visual context beyond technical specifications.

Through this exhaustive appraisement grounded in extensive hands-on experience, photography professionals and enthusiasts can confidently discern the better fit for their needs between the Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and the Nikon Coolpix S620, navigating compromises with precise technical foresight.

Canon A4000 IS vs Nikon S620 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon A4000 IS and Nikon S620
 Canon PowerShot A4000 ISNikon Coolpix S620
General Information
Brand Canon Nikon
Model Canon PowerShot A4000 IS Nikon Coolpix S620
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Introduced 2012-02-07 2009-02-03
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 1600 6400
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 28-224mm (8.0x) 28-112mm (4.0x)
Max aperture f/3.0-5.9 f/2.7-5.8
Macro focus range 1cm 2cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3" 2.7"
Resolution of display 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15 secs 8 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 1.0 frames/s 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 3.00 m -
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (25 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 640x480
Video data format H.264 Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 145g (0.32 lbs) 120g (0.26 lbs)
Dimensions 95 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") 90 x 53 x 23mm (3.5" x 2.1" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 175 images -
Battery style Battery Pack -
Battery model NB-11L EN-EL12
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (3 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Retail price $199 $37