Canon A480 vs Nikon S230
94 Imaging
33 Features
13 Overall
25


96 Imaging
33 Features
21 Overall
28
Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 37-122mm (F3.0-5.8) lens
- 140g - 92 x 62 x 31mm
- Released January 2009
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 2000
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 115g - 91 x 57 x 20mm
- Launched February 2009

Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Overview
In this article, we are analyzing the Canon A480 versus Nikon S230, both Ultracompact cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the A480 (10MP) and the S230 (10MP) is fairly comparable and they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The A480 was launched around the same time to the S230 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the A480 grades versus the S230 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot A480 and Nikon Coolpix S230. The complete galleries are available at Canon A480 Gallery and Nikon S230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon A480 over the Nikon S230
A480 | S230 |
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Reasons to pick Nikon S230 over the Canon A480
S230 | A480 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 115k | Crisper display (+115k dot) |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Canon A480 and Nikon S230
A480 | S230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2009 | ![]() | February 2009 | Same generation |
Manual focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen |
Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Physical Comparison
If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon A480 features external measurements of 92mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Nikon S230 has dimensions of 91mm x 57mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 115 grams (0.25 lbs).
Analyze the Canon A480 versus Nikon S230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the A480 versus the S230.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the A480 and S230 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the A480 and S230.
All in all, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of files though you need to consider the release date of the cameras into account.

Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon A480 vs Nikon S230 Specifications
Canon PowerShot A480 | Nikon Coolpix S230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Nikon |
Model type | Canon PowerShot A480 | Nikon Coolpix S230 |
Type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Released | 2009-01-15 | 2009-02-03 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 3648 x 2736 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 2000 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 5 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 37-122mm (3.3x) | 35-105mm (3.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.0-5.8 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 1cm | 10cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 115 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
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 per second | 11.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.00 m | - |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync | Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/500 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 640x480 |
Video format | - | Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
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 proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 140 gr (0.31 lb) | 115 gr (0.25 lb) |
Dimensions | 92 x 62 x 31mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 91 x 57 x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery ID | 2 x AA | EN-EL10 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom) | Yes (3 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, internal | SD/SDHC, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at launch | $210 | $150 |