Nikon D700 vs Canon PowerShot A480

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D700 and the Canon PowerShot A480, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D700 was introduced in October 2008 and Canon PowerShot A480 was introduced in January 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D700 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon PowerShot A480 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • 2.50" 115k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D700
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot A480
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D700 and Canon PowerShot A480.

      PROS

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Light - 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"

      Advantage of Nikon D700

      Nikon D700
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D700 over Canon PowerShot A480.

      Nikon D700 vs Canon PowerShot A480
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 10 Megapixel
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 5
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.50"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 115k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 15 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Average Metering vs
      Interval Recording vs
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D700.

      Nikon D750
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Nikon D780
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Pentax KP
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.32 MP

      Nikon Df
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Pentax K-70
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D800E
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Nikon Z6 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony SLT-A58
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Fujifilm X-A1
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Leica S2
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      Medium format

      38 MP

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot A480

      Canon A480
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot A480 over Nikon D700.

      Nikon D700 vs Canon PowerShot A480
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 vs 3648 x 2736
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/500 sec
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz) vs 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 32 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot A480.

      Canon A495
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      1/2.3-inch

      10 MP

      Canon A490
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      1/2.3-inch

      10 MP

      Canon A810
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.0 MP

      Canon A800
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      1/2.3-inch

      10 MP

      Nikon Z50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sigma sd Quattro H
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      APS-H

      44.8 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D700 Canon PowerShot A480
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D700 Canon PowerShot A480
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel10 Megapixel
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D700 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot A480 has a 2.50" screen with 115k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D700

      Nikon D700 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.72x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon PowerShot A480.

      Sensor

      Nikon D700 features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Canon PowerShot A480 features a 10 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D700 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3184 x 2120, 2128 x 1416 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot A480 can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2816 x 2112, 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 3648 x 2048, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D700 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon PowerShot A480 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D700 comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 1000 shots and Canon PowerShot A480 comes with 2 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D700 has a single CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slot. Canon PowerShot A480 has a single SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D700 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D700, and up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot A480. Nikon D700 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Canon PowerShot A480 can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D700 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D700 and ±2 range on Canon PowerShot A480. You can also do exposure lock and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D700 and exposure bracketing on Canon PowerShot A480.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.00 m on Canon PowerShot A480. Nikon D700 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D700 and 1/500 sec on Canon PowerShot A480.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D700 body has dimensions of 147 x 123 x 77 mm (5.79 x 4.84 x 3.03") and Canon PowerShot A480 body has dimensions of 92 x 62 x 31 mm (3.62 x 2.44 x 1.22"). Nikon D700 weighs 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz) and Canon PowerShot A480 weighs 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz).

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      147 mm

      123 mm

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      92 mm

      62 mm

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      123 mm

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      62 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D700 and Canon PowerShot A480

      Nikon D700 and Canon PowerShot A480 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      BAD
      36
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      46
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D700 and Canon PowerShot A480 and give them scores of 63 and 42 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      42

      Sensor

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      BAD
      27
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      2
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      71
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      POOR
      54
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      POOR
      54
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 115k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D700

      Canon PowerShot A480

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      POOR
      49
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 140 g (0.31 lb / 4.94 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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