Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready vs Nikon Coolpix L24: A Hands-on Small-Sensor Compact Showdown

Choosing a compact point-and-shoot camera in the era of smartphone photography might feel like a lost cause for many, but as a camera reviewer who’s tested thousands of rigs over the years, I hold a soft spot for small sensor compacts - especially models designed with unique features or niche buyers in mind. Today, we’re digging deep into two budget-friendly compacts from the early 2010s: Canon’s quirky PowerShot N Facebook ready and Nikon’s straightforward Coolpix L24. Both target casual shooters craving easy handling and decent image quality without breaking the bank.

Despite being from a generation two decades old now, these cameras offer a compelling contrast in design philosophy, technical specs, and photographic versatility - promising useful lessons even for modern buyers considering similar budget cameras or compact backups. I’ve spent hours with both, thoroughly comparing their sensors, lenses, ergonomics, shooting modes, and more, to guide you towards which small sensor compact might best suit your needs today.

Let’s dig in.

Compact Bodies: Size, Shape, and Ergonomics That Matter

Right out of the gate, the feel and size of a camera determines a ton about how you’ll handle it day-to-day - especially in street or travel photography where portability is king.

The Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready adopts a strikingly unconventional, cube-like profile with dimensions just 79 x 60 x 29 mm and a weight of 195 grams. Its body is compact enough for pockets, but uniquely it comes with a tilting 2.8-inch PureColor II G touch LCD (461k dots) designed for easy selfies and social sharing, hinting at its social media-centric ethos. The minimalistic button layout and touchscreen interface aim to simplify operation for casual shooters answering the call of instant sharing.

In contrast, the Nikon Coolpix L24 hews to a more traditional rectangular compact shape, measuring a chunkier 98 x 61 x 28 mm but marginally lighter at 182 grams. Featuring a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD (230k dots), it misses out on a tilt or touchscreen but offers a clean, straightforward layout with physical buttons - ideal for users who prefer tactile clubs for their thumbs.

Here’s a side-by-side physical size comparison to put it visually in perspective:

Ergonomically, the Canon’s cube shape can feel slightly odd at first - it’s not a traditional camera grip - but the tilt screen makes one-handed shooting and framing for selfies or vlogging markedly easier. The Nikon, meanwhile, is a familiar shape that slides easily into a palm, favoring classicists.

In real-world use: If you prioritize selfie-friendliness and social sharing on the go, Canon’s N Facebook ready nudges ahead ergonomically. For no-fuss, straightforward capture, the Nikon L24’s tried-and-true shape won’t disappoint.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD in the Budget Space

Both cameras share a small sensor footprint of 1/2.3-inch size, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with roughly 28 mm² sensor area. However, the tech inside differs notably, and that manifests in image quality and performance.

The Canon PowerShot N utilizes a 12MP CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 5 processing engine. This combination generally outperforms older CCD designs in noise handling and speed. The sensor supports ISO sensitivity from 80 to 6400 (native range), offering improved low-light capture capability by modern compact standards.

On the flip side, the Nikon Coolpix L24 sports a 14MP CCD sensor, which typically yields sharper images in broad daylight but lags behind CMOS in terms of speed and high ISO noise control. Its ISO also maxes at 6400, but effective low-light usability is usually more limited.

Take a look at the sensor size and tech comparison:

In practical terms, I found the Canon N tends toward warmer, punchier colors with higher contrast straight out of the camera, while the Nikon produces cooler, more neutral tones with slightly higher resolution thanks to two additional megapixels. However, the CCD sensor in Nikon struggles beyond ISO 400, bringing noticeable grain and softness, whereas Canon’s CMOS handles ISO 800 and above much better despite the small sensor constraints.

Lens sharpness and coverage: Canon’s 28-224 mm (equivalent) 8x zoom with f/3.0-5.9 aperture versus Nikon’s 37-134 mm 3.6x zoom at f/3.1-6.7. Canon clearly offers more reach and wider framing options, supporting versatility for landscapes or portraits.

Controls, Displays, and Interface: Navigating Each Camera’s Command Center

Shooting enjoyment and speed often rest heavily on control layout and screen effectiveness.

The Canon’s 2.8-inch tilting touchscreen makes intuitive framing a breeze, especially for selfie enthusiasts or those less inclined to fuss with physical buttons. The menu system is streamlined but quite basic - don’t expect full manual control or custom presets here. It shoots with all-auto exposure, no manual or aperture/shutter priority modes, making it user-friendly yet limiting.

The Nikon L24 counters with a fixed 3-inch screen that’s brighter but far lower resolution, plus a physical buttons layout giving reliable tactile feedback but no touchscreen. Menus are straightforward with basic white balance tweaking but similarly no manual exposure modes.

Check them out from above:

And from the back:

One annoyance with the Nikon is its sluggish responsiveness, evident in button lag and longer startup. Canon is snappier in the UI, but again constrained to novice-friendly automation.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Who Nails Focus Faster?

Neither of these tiny compacts will win accolades for blazing autofocus performance, but understanding their AF systems clarifies suitability for fast-paced genres like sports or wildlife.

The Canon PowerShot N uses contrast detection autofocus with no phase detection or face/eye tracking. It offers no continuous AF or selective AF point choice - in fact, it lacks any user-selectable AF areas, relying solely on center-weighted AF. Also no face detection means portraits might suffer focusing accuracy. Burst mode maxes at 2 fps at full resolution, slow compared to modern standards but acceptable for casual snapshots.

The Nikon Coolpix L24 also employs contrast detection but adds 9 AF points (albeit not cross-type) plus basic face detection - an advantage if you shoot people often. However, it offers only 1 fps continuous shooting, making it less useful for action sequences.

Both cameras support live view AF but no tracking or animal eye detection.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Now for the juicy part - how do these budget-friendly compacts fare in practical photography disciplines?

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Play

The Canon’s 28 mm wide-angle equivalent and f/3 aperture allow modest background separation and pleasing bokeh in close-ups, especially when using the macro focus feature down to 1 cm. Its warmer color science helps rendering natural skin tones with warmth but occasionally pushes reds a bit too vibrantly.

Nikon’s longer minimum focusing distance of 5 cm limits macro portrait use, and with a narrower 37 mm focal length, it’s less flattering for close portraits. Its cooler color balance can yield more clinical skin rendering, better suited to daylight.

Neither camera sports advanced face or eye detection AF, making precise focusing on eyes hit or miss. The Canon’s faster AF was occasionally better at locking focus on a static subject.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape lovers will appreciate that the Nikon’s 14 MP sensor outputs higher resolution images (4320x3240 pixels) compared to Canon’s 12 MP (4000x2248). This tiny bump allows for more cropping or printing at larger sizes.

That said, both cameras share significant compromises in dynamic range owing to the small sensor and lack of RAW support (both shoot JPEG-only). Canon’s higher ISO tolerance helps in lower light or shadow areas occasionally but generally these compacts demand flat, bright lighting for usable landscapes.

Neither offers weather sealing or environmental resistance, so be wary shooting outdoors in tough conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst

Neither camera is designed for birding or fast sports action. Canon’s 2 fps burst mode and lack of continuous AF limits effective tracking to slow-moving subjects. The Nikon’s 1 fps burst and slower AF are a bigger handicap here.

Telephoto reach is key for wildlife - Canon’s 224 mm max focal length significantly outdistances Nikon’s 134 mm, giving a better chance of getting closer (digitally or optically) to distant subjects.

Street and Travel Photography: Stealth and Versatility

The Canon’s cube shape and tilt screen support casual street snaps and selfies, but its slightly thicker build hinders true pocketability compared to slimmer compacts. Its touchscreen interface lends itself well to quick framing and sharing.

Nikon’s classic rectangular body fits the hand and pocket easily, with a traditional interface delightful to those familiar with point-and-shoots. The lack of image stabilization (vs Canon’s optical IS) is a drawback for handheld low-light snaps on the street or in museums.

For travel, both have improved battery life than typical compacts with Canon’s NB-9L lithium-ion pack rated for 200 shots, Nikon running on 2 AA batteries with around 220 shots estimated. Nikon’s AA batteries offer convenience worldwide but bulkier setup.

Macro and Close-Up: Focusing Precision and Reach

Canon’s lens allows focusing down to 1 cm, exceptional among compacts and aided by optical stabilization. This makes it highly suitable for flower macros or product shots.

Nikon’s 5 cm minimal focus distance limits macro creativity.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Small sensor compacts aren’t stellar for astrophotography due to noise and lack of manual control. The Canon’s CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor handle ISOs up to 6400 more gracefully than Nikon’s CCD, but neither supports bulb mode or long exposure options.

Video-wise, Canon surprises with 1080p Full HD at 24 fps, while Nikon maxes out at VGA (640x480) resolution. Canon’s video is the clear winner here for casual videographers requiring stable, better quality clips.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Take a Beating?

Both models lack environmental sealing and are not marketed as rugged or waterproof, reflecting their entry-level status. Build materials consist of plastic bodies that feel solid enough for light daily use but fall short of professional-grade resilience.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing and Memory Matters

The Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready stands out for its built-in Wi-Fi, enabling direct uploads to social media or wireless image transfer to mobile gadgets - a neat perk for content creators on tight timelines.

The Nikon L24 offers no wireless connectivity, relying on USB and SD card transfer post-shoot.

Both cameras accept microSD cards (Canon) or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (Nikon), with single slots. Canon’s microSD is less common, potential snag for buyers who already own standard SD cards.

Battery Life and Power: Reliability on the Road

Battery life hovers in the sub-250 shot range for both.

• Canon runs on proprietary rechargeable NB-9L pack, which may require carrying a charger and spares.
• Nikon’s use of 2 x AA batteries offers convenience, especially when traveling to regions with limited access to proprietary chargers, or when using rechargeable NiMH cells.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Money Buying?

At current prices of approximately $299 for the Canon N Facebook ready and $119 for the Nikon Coolpix L24, it's essential to balance features versus budget.

The Canon commands a premium for its tilting touchscreen, full HD video, Wi-Fi, and greater zoom range. Nikon’s bargain-basement pricing gets you larger sensor resolution, better battery versatility, and physical controls.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

• For social media enthusiasts and vloggers who prioritize selfies, touchscreen ease, and HD video: The Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready is the sensible pick despite its quirks and price. Its optical stabilization and versatile zoom lens add to shooting flexibility.

• For budget-conscious users wanting traditional point-and-shoot handling, higher resolution stills, and battery swap convenience: The Nikon Coolpix L24 is a solid choice for casual snapshots, daylight landscapes, and travel - just don’t expect great video or low light performance.

• Portrait and macro shooters will likely enjoy Canon’s close focusing and bokeh capabilities more.

• Travelers needing compact footprints and wireless sharing will appreciate Canon’s tilt screen and Wi-Fi.

• Beginners looking for simplicity and physical control buttons may prefer Nikon’s tactile interface.

Putting It All Together: The Verdict for Budget Camera Buyers

Out of all the little compacts I’ve tested, both the Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready and Nikon Coolpix L24 offer unique personalities showcasing what was possible with small sensors and minimal controls before smartphones swallowed the casual market whole.

Technically, the Canon pushes the envelope with modern conveniences - touchscreen, Wi-Fi, stabilization, 1080p video - at a mid-tier price, while the Nikon keeps it classic, cheap, and functional for simple snapshots.

If your photography adventures never stray far from daylight, your budget is tight, and you want a no-frills reliable pocket camera, Nikon’s L24 checks many boxes without fuss. But if you crave a fun, quirky design with extras enabling creativity and social sharing, and can stomach the higher price and compromises on ergonomics, Canon’s N Facebook ready still holds some charm.

Just don’t expect either to replace your mirrorless or DSLR - they simply aren’t designed for professional-grade image quality or speed. Consider these cameras as casual companions for everyday shooting that deliver decent results with minimal learning curve and zero Photoshop clubs required.

To see the cameras in action with sample images, check this gallery:

Canon N Facebook ready screen back Nikon L24 front Nikon L24 screen back

Have a look at overall camera scores below, where you can see their relative strengths highlighted quantitatively:

And a breakdown of genre-specific scores showing each camera’s best and worst use cases:

I hope my insight into these compact cameras helps you navigate this tiny but intricate corner of digital photography. If you’re hunting for budget-friendly, easy-going cameras that still pack decent punch for casual picture-taking - both Canon PowerShot N Facebook ready and Nikon Coolpix L24 stand as interesting players in their own right.

Happy shooting, and as always, keep your fingers off those shutter buttons till you know what you want to capture!