Canon PowerShot N vs Nikon Coolpix A900: A Thorough Compact Camera Comparison

In an era crowded with smartphones and mirrorless giants, compact cameras still hold a niche for those seeking true optical zoom, more control, or just a dedicated device for on-the-go creativity. Today, I've got two intriguing compact contenders in the ring: the quirky Canon PowerShot N, introduced in 2013 with its unique square form and social media-friendly features, and the more traditional, yet feature-packed, Nikon Coolpix A900 from 2016, boasting a massive 35x zoom and 4K video capabilities.

Having spent numerous sessions shooting with both, I sought to unravel their real-world usability, image quality, and overall practical value for photography enthusiasts looking for a pocketable companion - or a backup to their heavier gear. Let’s dive deep, addressing every angle from sensor tech to ergonomics, and keep focus on what matters in everyday shooting across genres.

Size and Handling: The Form Factor That Shapes Your Experience

One of the first things that jumps out is how completely different these cameras feel in hand, reflecting fundamentally different design philosophies.

The Canon N is more of a conversation piece - tiny, blocky, and fun. Its 79x60x29 mm footprint and featherweight 195g make it ultra-portable, easily pocketed in a jacket. But that compactness comes with trade-offs: the grip is nearly non-existent, and while its square shape might appeal to innovators, it doesn’t feel like a natural fit for longer handheld sessions, especially with the lens modestly protruding.

Contrast that with the Nikon A900, which is thicker and bigger at 113x67x40 mm and 289g but ergonomically designed. The curved grip and more substantial chassis lend a reassuring steadiness, especially useful when wielding its impressive 24-840mm equivalent zoom. If I were trekking urban streets or landscapes demanding zoom reach, it’s the camera I’d trust to stay steady and feel comfortable.

Ergonomics aren’t just about shape - button layout and controls are vital. Canon’s spartan approach leans heavily on touchscreen interactions, which works well in casual settings but can frustrate users when quick adjustments are needed.

The Nikon A900 counters with a more traditional setup, including tactile dials and dedicated controls for exposure compensation, mode selection, and playback, making manual tweaks smoother even without looking. These physical controls better serve photography purists or those needing quick reactions during action or wildlife shoots.

Display and Interface: Where Touch Meets Traditional

Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders (EVFs), relying entirely on rear LCDs, though their execution varies noticeably.

The Canon N sports a 2.8-inch PureColor II G Touch tilting screen with a resolution of 461k dots. The touchscreen responsiveness is commendable, making navigation and focus point selection (within its limited contrast-detect AF capabilities) intuitive. It’s set up well for casual and social shooting, including “Selfie” friendly modes.

Meanwhile, the Nikon A900 steps up with a slightly larger 3-inch tilting LCD boasting twice the resolution at 921k dots. While it lacks touchscreen, I found the combination of the sharp display and physical controls a more precise fit for photography workflows that require manual interaction. The screen’s clarity benefits framing and critical focus checks, especially at longer focal lengths.

For users prioritizing the ease of a touch interface and casual shooting, Canon N’s screen is appealing. The Nikon’s non-touch but larger, crisper display complements its more control-rich design, suiting photographers who value direct button operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Into the Core

Sensor tech profoundly impacts image quality, dynamic range, and low-light resilience - areas where compact cameras are traditionally challenged due to their small sensor sizes.

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with an identical sensor area of 28.07 mm². This sensor class is common in compact point-and-shoots but doesn’t approach quality levels of APS-C or Micro Four Thirds systems.

Where the models diverge is in sensor resolution: Canon’s 12-megapixel CMOS contrasts with Nikon’s 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Backside illumination (BSI) technology in the Nikon generally yields better sensitivity and noise control, which shows up clearly in my ISO tests.

• Image detail and sharpness: Nikon’s higher resolution sensor delivers crisper images at base ISO, particularly evident in landscapes or shots with plenty of detail. Canon’s files feel softer in comparison, especially when zooming in or making prints beyond 8x10 inches.
• Noise and ISO performance: Both cameras start at ISO 80 and cap at ISO 6400 (Canon) and 3200 (Nikon). Despite Canon’s higher max ISO, Nikon’s BSI sensor offers cleaner images at ISO 800 and beyond, with fewer color shifts and less luminance noise.
• Dynamic range: Neither camera matches the dynamic range capabilities of larger sensor cameras, but Nikon provides a slightly wider latitude in preserving shadow and highlight detail, supported by its ability to shoot in readable JPEGs without heavy clipping.

That said, neither supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility. Users keen on heavy editing may find this restrictive; however, for casual shooters or travelers desiring quick JPEGs, both perform adequately.

Lens and Zoom Axes: Quality and Versatility in Optics

If image quality begins at the sensor, it’s shaped critically by lens optics. Here, the Nikon’s superzoom shines distinctly.

• Canon N: 28-224mm equivalent (8x) with max apertures from f/3.0 at wide to f/5.9 at telephoto
• Nikon A900: 24-840mm equivalent whopping 35x zoom, ranging from f/3.4 to f/6.9 aperture

If your photography bent is landscapes, street, or casual portraits, the Canon’s moderate zoom range offers a practical balance and decent low-light wide aperture. However, if versatility is king - say for wildlife or distant architecture - the Nikon’s huge zoom offers far more opportunity for framing creativity.

One caveat: Nikon’s lens, due to its extensive zoom range, exhibits noticeable softness and distortion at extreme telephoto ends - typical of superzoom designs - and aperture narrowing reduces light gathering ability. Still, for a compact unit that lets you fill the frame at 840mm equivalent, compromises are expected and forgivable in context.

Close focusing distance is identical for both at 1cm, which is more than sufficient for casual macro shooting, though neither is a dedicated macro system.

Autofocus, Burst, and Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus speed, accuracy, and continuous shooting abilities are crucial for action, wildlife, and sports.

Here the Nikon A900 has a clear advantage:

• Autofocus system: Contrast-detect only on Canon N without face or eye detection; Nikon offers contrast-detect with face and tracking AF, significantly improving lock-on for moving subjects.
• Continuous shooting speed: Nikon’s 7 fps tops Canon’s markedly slower 2 fps continuous capability, empowering burst shooting for fleeting moments.
• AF modes: Nikon supports continuous AF tracking, single AF, and selective AF zones, whereas Canon’s fixed basic AF limits versatility.

In real-world tests photographing active kids and wildlife visits, the Nikon consistently produced more keepers with reliable focus. Canon’s AF lag and hunting in lower light frustrated capturing sharp shots of movement.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Both cameras offer video recording with distinct limitations and advantages.

• Canon PowerShot N: 1080p at 24p, with options for lower resolutions and high frame rates for slow-motion (up to 240 fps at 320x240). No external mic or headphone ports.
• Nikon Coolpix A900: 4K UHD recording at 30p and various frame rates in 1080p, also without external audio inputs.

The Nikon A900’s 4K capability is a standout feature in this category, producing crisper footage and better cropping potential in post. The Canon’s slow-motion capability is more playful but in limited resolution.

Neither camera offers in-body stabilization beyond optical lens stabilization, but both do a decent job at minimizing handheld shake during shooting.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power in the Field

When shooting outdoors or on travel, battery and storage matter.

The Nikon’s EN-EL12 battery lasted approximately 300 shots per charge, versus roughly 200 shots for the Canon’s NB-9L battery. The Nikon’s advantage here is pivotal for day trips when recharging opportunities might be scarce.

Both cameras accommodate SD cards, with Canon limited to microSD variants while Nikon accepts full-size SD/SDHC/SDXC. This is a practical plus for Nikon, as microSD cards can be trickier to handle and less common in photography gear.

Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Camera Experience

Connectivity is where these two diverge sharply.

• Canon N includes basic built-in Wi-Fi, enabling simple image transfers, but no Bluetooth, NFC, or HDMI.
• Nikon A900 adds Bluetooth, NFC, and HDMI output, broadening sharing options and external display connection opportunities. This reflects the slightly newer release date and Nikon’s positioning toward more multimedia functions.

GPS is optional on Canon; Nikon skips it entirely.

Durability and Build: Trust Beyond the Photos

Neither camera offers weather, dust, or shockproofing - typical for compacts in these price tiers. The Nikon’s sturdier feel and more substantial body might inspire slightly more confidence; however, both should be treated with care in adverse conditions.

Practical Shooting Across Genres

Now, how do these specs and features translate into practical use across photography disciplines?

Canon N front Canon N screen back Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon N: Lacks face or eye detection autofocus, limiting quick portrait shooting. The lens renders acceptable bokeh at widest apertures but somewhat busy backgrounds show limited subject isolation. Skin tones are natural but less nuanced.
• Nikon A900: Face detection and AF tracking assist perfectly capturing eyes and expressions. The longer zoom gives flexibility for flattering focal lengths, and 20MP resolution aids in producing detailed skin textures.

Landscape Photography

• Canon N: Limited resolution and dynamic range constrain detailed landscape shots; wide-angle zoom equivalent is modest.
• Nikon A900: Higher resolution improves fine texture capturing; 24mm equivalent wide angle helps frame vistas. However, persistent noise at high ISOs limits low light or high dynamic range scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon N: Minimal zoom and slow autofocus restrict use for animals in motion.
• Nikon A900: Massive zoom and fast AF make it a handy option for casual wildlife photography, though sensor size limits image quality compared to dedicated mirrorless or DSLRs.

Sports Photography

• The slower burst and basic AF on Canon are inadequate. Nikon’s 7 fps and AF tracking handle light sports action well but not high-speed or professional levels.

Street Photography

• Canon’s compact size and discreet design benefit candid shooting, though its slower AF can be a drawback.
• Nikon’s larger size and zoom may attract attention but deliver framing flexibility and image quality.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras’ 1cm macro focusing allows for close-ups with good detail, but neither features focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

• Limited ISO and sensor size of both restrict astrophotography. Nikon’s superior noise control and longer exposures edge slightly ahead.

Video Use

• For casual 4K video, Nikon wins outright; Canon offers interesting slow-motion effects but at lower resolution.

Travel Photography

• Canon N is lightweight and pocket-friendly, making it a viable travel companion for snapshots and social sharing.
• Nikon A900 trades some portability for zoom reach, better battery life, and versatility.

Professional Work

• Neither camera is ideal for pro workflows due to lack of RAW support and sensor limitations. Nikon’s manual modes and exposure controls offer some creative leeway, whereas Canon is fully automated.

Overall Performance and Value Summary

In aggregate, the Nikon Coolpix A900 outperforms the Canon PowerShot N across most meaningful criteria: image quality, autofocus, zoom versatility, video, and battery life.

That said, the Canon PowerShot N remains a compelling option for niche users who prioritize ultra-compact design and social media-friendly features over technical performance.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N if:

  • You want the most compact, pocketable camera
  • Touchscreen simplicity and selfie modes matter
  • Your photography is mostly casual snapshots and social sharing
  • You are OK with limited zoom and basic autofocus

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900 if:

  • You want a versatile superzoom in a compact body
  • You value advanced autofocus with face/eye tracking
  • Video quality at 4K is important
  • You need longer battery life and manual control options
  • You shoot a mix of landscapes, wildlife, travel, and casual sports

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Use-Case

While both cameras share the common ground of small 1/2.3” sensors and compact intentions, they serve very different users. The Canon PowerShot N feels like a wonderful gadget for close-up daily fun and quick snapshots, tailored for a social media era starting to mold cameras differently. In contrast, the Nikon Coolpix A900 embodies evolutionary pragmatism: a traditional compact that packs superior specs and enhanced control into a still portable body.

Understanding these distinctions through firsthand testing - shooting diverse subjects, under varied lighting, and pushing each system’s limits - reveals that no camera excels universally. The key is choosing one that aligns with your shooting style, technical needs, and pocket size. As always, in compact cameras, the perfect balance of features, ergonomics, and real-world performance determines the winner for your unique photographic journey.

If you’re after a compact for occasional snapshots with quirky flair, Canon N delivers. But if you seek a nimble, all-around capable travel zoom camera with manual options and video punch, Nikon A900 emerges as the clearer choice.

Happy shooting!