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Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue)
- No Longer Available
Remember the Essentials
The included memory card will store approximately 46 still photos and 60 seconds of video.
Don't get caught without memory, get a high-capacity memory card.
The Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue) is a sleek and compact camera that is simple to use and well suited to the amateur photographer. With a resolution of 10.0 megapixels and a 3.3x Optical zoom, the A480 provides the performance and features that are perfect for photographing family events, keeping up with children at play, or recording scenes and events during a vacation or business trip. The camera has everything you need to make shooting fast, easy and fun including a large 2.5-inch LCD and a full range of performance features including enhanced Face Detection & Motion Detection technology, and a DIGIC III Image Processor to keep every image looking its best. The PowerShot A480 also features high quality construction, and stylish, pocket-size designs, making it a perfect travel companion.
- 10.0 Megapixel Resolution
- With 10.0 megapixels of resolution, you'll be able to capture superb detail and color resulting in beautiful prints with excellent sharpness and clarity at print sizes of over 20x30"
- 3.3x Optical Zoom Lens
- The 3.3x Optical Zoom lens is made to canon's demanding specifications, and is capable of shooting close-ups, group shots or scenery. The addition of the 4x digital zoom also provides the ability to really single out details from a distance
- 2.5" LCD Display
- The 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD screen is crisp, clear, and bright so it is easy to frame your shots under even bright light conditions. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.
- DIGIC III Image Processor with iSAPS Technology
- Canon's DIGIC III Image Processor improves processing speed and image quality, and assures that every image is colorfully vibrant while enabling Canon's Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. iSAPS is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the DIGICI II Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
- Face Detection Technology
- The PowerShot A480 features Face Detection Technology, which finds up to 9 faces in the frame and sets the most suitable focus point. In addition, Face Detection AE adjusts exposure and flash settings to ensure proper illumination of both the faces and the overall scene, eliminating the common problem of darkened or overexposed faces, and Face Detection WB means the camera concentrates upon faces when calculating white balance for the best possible skin tones.
- High Sensitivity
- The PowerShot A480 features high ISO Sensitivity of up to ISO 1600 to reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpens subjects in low-light situations, providing you with greater shooting flexibility.
- Motion Detection Technology
- The advanced Motion Detection Technology works in the background to instantly evaluate how fast your subject is moving. Then it automatically selects and sets the optimal exposure and ISO settings to keep everything looking sharp and clear.
- 15 Shooting Modes
- Choose from Auto, Program, Movie, or Special Scene where you can select from settings such as Night, Snow, Indoor, Beach and more to get the best possible image.
- Powered By AA-size Batteries
- The camera uses common AA-size batteries that can be purchased at any store so you don't need to worry about running out of batteries or recharging batteries - simply get new ones locally. You can also use economical NiMH Rechargeable AA batteries.
- Easy, Flexible Direct Printing Options
- The Camera supports direct printing using the Canon Direct Print system or the PictBridge system, so you can print without a computer on many different brands and models of printers. The Direct Print feature also allows for image preview and editing (including cropping) on the camera before you begin printing, so your printed pictures are exactly what you need. Also, the Print/Share button is an easy way to transfer images directly to a computer when the camera is connected via the USB cable.
Go To
| Camera Type | Compact Point-and-shoot Digital Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10.0 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" 10.3 Megapixel CCD |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| File Formats | JPEG, AVI |
| File Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | sRGB |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Crop Factor | Not Applicable |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | 6.6-21.6mm f/3.0-5.8 (35mm film equivalent: 37-122mm) |
| Zoom | 3.3x |
| Lens Mount | Not Applicable |
| Focus Type | TTL Autofocus |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 19.2" (50cm) - infinity Macro: 1.2" (3cm) - 19.2" (50cm) Wide |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | No |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO Selectable ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) |
| Shutter Speeds |
15-1/2000 seconds Long Shutter operates with noise reduction when manually set at 1.3-15 seconds |
| Metering |
Evaluative*, Center-weighted average, Spot** * Controls facial brightness in Face Detection AF ** Metering frame is fixed to the center |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Program AE (P), AE Lock, Exposure Compensation (±2 stops in ½ stop increments), Special Scene |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not Applicable |
| Burst Capability | 0.8 fps (Large/Fine) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control | No |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, Slow Synchro) |
| Effective Flash Range | 1' (0.3m) - 9.8' (3.0m) |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| Dedicated Flash System | No |
| Max Sync Speed | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type |
Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Memory Card MultiMediaCard (MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus) |
| Still Images per GB | 375 (Large/Fine) |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | AVI (Motion JPEG) with Audio |
| Video Resolution | 640 x 480 (30 fps/30 fps LP), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 4GB or 60 minutes per clip |
| Audio Recording | WAVE (Monaural) |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | LCD Display as viewfinder |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display | 2.5" TFT Color LCD (115,000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B jack) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows System
Macintosh System
|
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Weatherproofing | No |
| Durability | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 2x AA Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, NiMH) |
| Power Adapter | ACK800 AC Adapter Kit (optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 2.5 x 1.3" (93 x 62 x 32mm) |
| Weight | 4.9 oz (140g) [camera body only] |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 28 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (22)
- Large clear LCD (14)
- Compact (13)
- Good image quality (12)
- Image stabilization (10)
Cons
- Limited zoom (4)
- Lag / shutter delay (3)
Best Uses
- Family photos (18)
- Travel (18)
- Fun (10)
- Landscape/scenery (8)
- Low light (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual photographer (16), Photo enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Halleluiah! (with a few caveats)
I love my old Powershot G3, but really wanted something that was smaller and more convenient to tote around. I am thrilled to have found the A480, which sports some great manual features as...Read complete review
I love my old Powershot G3, but really wanted something that was smaller and more convenient to tote around. I am thrilled to have found the A480, which sports some great manual features as well as the numerous automatic settings everyone has come to expect. It takes beautiful images, it's convenient, and it's very nice to have higher-level controls like ISO and long exposure times.
The only thing I can see that's lacking between this and some of the higher-priced cameras is the Image Stabilization. For your average snapshot (especially if you're not going to be blowing anything up to poster size) then I think this camera is really fine. If you're trying to capture a branch that's slightly swaying in the breeze or do a lot of low-light work, you may be disappointed if you don't have a tripod or a steady hand. However, to its credit this camera does have "Motion Detection Technology" which I suppose is sort of the poor man's version Image Stabilization. Motion Detection Technology monitors subject motion or camera-shake and changes the ISO as needed to resolve the problem of shaky hands. Of course the downside is that higher ISO means more noise, so yes it would be nice to have the option to have Image Stabilization available but for most users in the majority of conditions I really think this camera will be fine.
In short, I've consistently found that Canons take exceptional pictures almost magically, and their controls & buttons are incredibly easy to use and figure out. A great value.
Pros:
- The camera gives you plenty of advance warning on the "low battery" notice - much appreciated.
- Startup time is very quick.
- Lens retracts into the camera quickly when you shut it off.
- Comfortable to shoot with; feels good in the hand.
- Price is fantastic for a camera with this many features.
- Uses AA batteries (I consider this a plus; realize that some may not). For me the ability to buy replacement batteries in a drugstore is more important than the (supposedly) longer life offered by the Lithium-Ions.
- Ability to set long exposure times up to 15 seconds.
- Ability to adjust your picture in Program mode using multiple ISOs or by stepping up/down the exposure a few stops in either direction.
- "Super Macro" setting is amazing! You can get amazing super-closeup shots.
- Images have that certain "beauty" that Canon digitals are so magically capable of.
- As always, Canon's menus and command buttons are second-to-none.
Cons:
- Lack of viewfinder.
- No image stabilization (although for some situations this is can actually be a plus; it seems with some IS cameras that sometimes the IS "forces" the camera to take a picture you didn't want).
- Lens angle is not very wide.
- Slight blurriness if not using flash - easily corrected by upping the ISO although that does add to the noise.
- No option to dim the screen (this would help save battery life).
- Not great in bright light on auto setting (but again, this is easily corrected using the easy-to-change ISO and exposure settings).
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
cute & convenient
Point and shoot convenience and light weight for travel when an slr camera is too bulky and/or heavy. The controls need time to become familiar for use.
Point and shoot convenience and light weight for travel when an slr camera is too bulky and/or heavy. The controls need time to become familiar for use.
Reviewed by 28 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great w new photographers
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Long flash reload
- Not waterproof
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I am just starting out in photography, and this camera has everything I need- but it's not waterproof (I don't think). My parents gave me their old camera (this one) and bought a new one. It works well on pretty much everything. Sometimes it shows faces as not being there (because it is supposed to show all faces) and sometimes it shows as having too many faces. But most photo editing software is the same, so I don't mind.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Nice Body Color
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I bought this camera because it used disposable batteries because I will be traveling overseas and don't want to have to worry about running out of charge. It is a little larger than expected but that is not a big deal. So far, I am very pleased with it. [...]
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Nice Body Color
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
This camera is silk and very good,pocket friendly,and produces nice pictures
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I bought this camera for my 10 years old daughter who loves photography. It is very easy to use. She learned nearly all the features very quickly all by herself. The picture quality is good. The camera is light-weighted. We replaced the 264k memory card with 2G memory card. She used it to record tv programs for fun. She absolutely loves it. Oh, the AA batteries seem to last for a long time too.
Pros
- Good Image Quality
- Great Zoom
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
The Powershot A series is great. I have several of the A series cameras. I choose this model because of its size and color. It fits nicely in my purse. And most importantly it takes great pictures.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
Good hand held comact with great image stability and excellent canon lens.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
this did what a camera at this price is expected to do. after limited use i opted for a different camera. my review should be considered as much as my use of it. ie limited
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
Clear shots for a compact little camera. Perfect camera to fit in your purse for use in a pinch.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I would like more options, but the camera is great for my needs.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good value
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- No Case included
Best Uses
- Just starting-out Camera
- Snapshots
- Spontaneous Photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
We bought this camera for our 11-yr old as a Christmas gift. Picture quality is great and the feature set is ideal for someone who is just starting to explore photography - simple to use with a handful of settings geared toward the most common "snap-shot" opportunities. Connects to PC via USB and can upload photos to the included Canon photo organizer.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I bought this camera to replace my old point-and-shoot, that was falling apart. I'm suprised at how small and light it is. It's easy to use and easy to carry in my purse. (And it's cute!) Well worth the cost, I would recomend this camera to anyone who wants to always have a good camera close at hand.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I purchased this camera as a gift for my mother. She is really not all that great with "modern" devices. However, this camera is and was perfect for her.
The menus are very intuitive even for someone that is not used to using "tech" devices. The preview screen is huge for those that can't see all that well without reading glasses. Takes nice point and shoot pics!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I use this camera for taking family photos. It does all it is supposed to do and more. Very satisfied and glad I bought it. Very compact and simple to use.
Pros
- Good in Low Light
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
- Poor Image Stabilization
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
Point and shoot convenience and light weight for travel when an slr camera is too bulky and/or heavy. The controls need time to become familiar for use.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
used for photo surveys of building exteriors, good photos but in use less than three months the gears used to open and close the lens are broken so besides the chatter of the lens attempting to open and close, lens error message is constant. Not worth the money to get repaired, considering the original cost of the camera, basicly a throw away.......
Pros
- AA batteries
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Limited Zoom
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I bought this for a technophobe novice photographer and it has been very easy to teach her to use it. All of the controls are simple and it takes AA batteries, which is GREAT. Really simple to download images (although I don't use included software). Overall a nice little portable camera for a beginner.
Pros
- Bright LCD
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Keep Clean
- Easy To Use
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
We use this at work to take pictures for clients. It's easy to use, takes consistently good photos, has a long battery life and stands up to lots of demand. It's even good to use at company parties. Great camera for the price.
Pros
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Keep Clean
- Easy To Use
- Image Stabilization
Cons
- Zoom
Best Uses
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
I would love to take an SLR with me when I travel, but I know I won't carry it around. So, I took this on safari. Sure the zoom wasn't ideal when we couldn't get close, but the ability to pull it out of my pocket and snap clear pictures on the go gave us hundreds of good shots - from which we had our fair share of great shots - without the difficulty of caring for a bigger camera.
Pros
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Easy To Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Strong Construction
Cons
- LCD dim in bright light
- Slow flash recharge
Best Uses
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
Bought this camera for an active vacation (couldn't bring the SLR) and loved it. Small and easy to use with a surprising number of features. It has a lot of flexibility -- from being completely automatic to taking control of the settings. The LCD was difficult to see in bright light, and the flash had to charge after each use, but those are minor drawbacks for the great price.
Pros
- Bright LCD
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Keep Clean
- Easy To Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Fun
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera (Blue):
Just point and shoot is right and get great pic.s. I've been using a high end camera and found set up time made me miss pictures. I still use it, but pull out this one first and don't miss and still get very good pic.s.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Memory Cards
Required item: Sufficient memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $7.85
- GBP 5.01
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $7.99
- GBP 5.10
Bags & Straps
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a strap.
- Price: $4.75
- GBP 3.03
Screen Protectors
Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.
- Price: $7.49
- GBP 4.78
Card Readers
Download your pictures faster and save battery life.
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.35
What's in the Box
- 128MB SD Memory Card
- 2x AA-size Alkaline Batteries
- USB Interface Cable (IFC-400PCU)
- A/V Cable (AVC-DC300)
- Wrist Strap (WS-800)
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- User Guide
- 1-year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
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