Canon A480 vs Nikon D3

On this page, we are analyzing the Canon A480 vs Nikon D3, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Pro DSLR by companies Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the A480 (10MP) and the D3 (12MP) is very well matched but the A480 (1/2.3") and D3 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The A480 was revealed 10 months later than the D3 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon A480 being a Ultracompact camera and the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the A480 matches up vs the D3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A480 & Nikon D3. The full galleries are provided at Canon A480 Gallery & Nikon D3 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon A480 provides outer dimensions of 92mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Nikon D3 has proportions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") with a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs).

See the Canon A480 vs Nikon D3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the A480 compared to the D3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A480 and D3 is 94 and 50 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the A480 and D3.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The A480 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Nikon D3 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The fresher A480 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.