Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690: A Deep Dive Into Two Compact Performers

In the realm of small sensor compacts, the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 represent slightly different philosophies packed into modest camera bodies. Both pitched as affordable, easy-to-use cameras ideal for casual shooters, they also appeal to enthusiasts who want a simple second camera or a travel-friendly daily carry. However, which of these two cameras will better suit your style, needs, and expectations?

Having spent years conducting rigorous side-by-side tests across dozens of compact cameras, I’ve taken a close look at these two models from technical, practical, and creative angles. From sensor performance to user experience and genre-specific capabilities, this article breaks down how each fares in portraits, landscapes, video, and more - with honest insights to guide your buying decision.

Let’s start by considering their physical attributes and ergonomics, a fundamental but often overlooked aspect of everyday usability.

Feel and Function: Ergonomics & Physical Design

When you pick up a camera, how it feels in your hands often shapes your shooting experience more than specs on paper. The Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready surprises with its distinctive cube-like shape and touch-oriented control philosophy. Meanwhile, the Sony W690 embraces traditional compact dimensions that are slimmer yet slightly wider.

Canon’s N Facebook Ready measures 79x60x29mm and weighs 195 grams, offering a small, stable grip, especially for those with smaller hands. Its tilting 2.8-inch touchscreen with PureColor II G technology allows intuitive tapping and swiping, which is a boon for quick adjustments or selfie framing - a feature Canon explicitly emphasizes given the model’s “Facebook ready” branding.

Sony’s W690, measuring a broader 94x56x22mm but lighter at 142 grams, opts for a fixed 3-inch ClearPhoto TFT LCD screen without touch. While lacking touchscreen benefits, the slightly larger screen is bright and clear under various lighting conditions, which might appeal if you primarily use physical buttons.

You also get a feel for control layout differences when looking from above:

Canon’s minimalist approach leans heavily on touchscreen navigation, reducing physical buttons to a bare minimum. Sony, on the other hand, provides more tactile buttons for mode selection and zoom control. For users transitioning from smartphones craving simplicity, Canon’s approach might be more inviting. For those favoring button-driven interface reliability, especially under gloves or rapid shooting, Sony’s more traditional layout will prove preferable.

Bottom line on ergonomics: Canon prioritizes touch and compactness, perfect for casual and selfie-focused shooters; Sony offers a lighter, slimmer body with physical controls better suited for shooters wanting traditional handling.

Inside the Frame: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, a common choice in compact models balancing cost, size, and image quality. However, they diverge in sensor technology and resolution.

• Canon N Facebook Ready: CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels.
• Sony W690: CCD sensor pushing 16 megapixels.

From a technical standpoint, CMOS sensors generally excel in noise control and speed, while CCDs were traditionally celebrated for color fidelity and sharpness but lag behind in high ISO performance. The Canon’s Digic 5 processor further enhances image optimization and noise reduction capabilities, a critical point for low-light or higher ISO shots.

In field tests, Canon’s 12MP sensor produces cleaner images at ISO 400-800 compared to Sony’s 16MP CCD, which starts showing noise and softness at similar sensitivities. Notably, the Canon’s ISO ceiling is 6400, whereas Sony’s maxes out at ISO 3200, reinforcing Canon’s edge in higher sensitivity shooting.

Canon supports 1:1 aspect ratio shooting, ideal for social media-friendly square crops, whereas Sony sticks to 4:3 and 16:9 ratios. Canon’s sensor area and dynamic range, while not groundbreaking, yield pleasing images with balanced exposure retention in shadows and highlights.

While neither camera supports RAW capture - a limitation for enthusiasts seeking full post-processing control - Canon’s Digic 5 processing compensates well to produce JPEGs with respectable detail and color accuracy.

In practical terms, you’ll find the Sony’s higher resolution effective when shooting in bright conditions where ISO is low, such as sunny outdoor scenes or daylight snapshots. However, Canon’s sensors allow more forgiving low-light performance, important for indoor, evening, or travel photography where lighting varies greatly.

A Glimpse Back: Screen and Interface Usability

The rear interface often defines how quickly and comfortably you can compose and review, especially on cameras designed for casual shooters.

Canon’s tilting 2.8-inch PureColor II touchscreen boasts 461K dots, remarkable clarity for this class. The tilting form factor improves versatility - think low ground-level macro shots or high-angle street photography - and touch responsiveness adds fluid navigation through menus and focus points.

Sony’s fixed 3-inch ClearPhoto screen is larger but with only 230K dots, resulting in visibly less sharpness. Despite the larger real estate, the lack of touchscreen means navigating menus can feel clunkier, especially for users accustomed to smartphone-like responsiveness. However, Sony includes physical shortcut buttons which reduce menu diving once you familiarize yourself with their layout.

For quick image review or video playback, Canon’s screen also renders colors vibrantly and brightness well, aiding composition even under partial sunlight. Sony’s screen, while adequate, struggles in bright outdoor environments, requiring shade or an angling trick.

Overall, if you value creative framing flexibility and intuitive UI, Canon’s screen and design will appeal more. If you prefer straightforward textual menus with tactile buttons, Sony holds solid.

Power Under the Hood: Lens, Zoom, and Stabilization

Lenses are the eyes through which your camera sees the world. Both Canon and Sony are equipped with versatile zoom lenses aiming to maximize shooting opportunities.

• Canon N Facebook Ready: 28-224 mm equivalent (8× zoom) with max aperture F3.0-5.9.
• Sony W690: 25-250 mm equivalent (10× zoom) with max aperture F3.3-5.9.

Sony’s longer 10× zoom edge means more reach for distant subjects, a distinct advantage for casual wildlife or event photography where stepping closer isn’t possible. Canon trades reach for broader wide-angle at 28 mm, more suitable for street and travel photography, allowing you to capture expansive scenes with less distortion.

Macro performance also differs: Canon’s minimum focusing distance is a striking 1 cm, allowing close-up shots with impressive detail. Sony requires at least 5 cm, which is respectable but less intimate. If you enjoy macro or product photography, Canon’s lens versatility combined with its tilting screen seriously ups your creative options.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld sharpness at telephoto lengths or in low light:

• Canon uses Optical IS, which effectively compensates for handshake.
• Sony also features Optical SteadyShot, proven over years of compact models.

From practical shooting tests, both systems reduce blur notably - Canon allowing slightly longer shutter speeds without degradation, explained partly by its superior sensor noise control.

Focusing Abilities: How Quickly and Accurately?

Autofocus performance is a top priority depending on the genre, especially for candid, wildlife, or sports photography.

• Canon N Facebook Ready: Contrast detection AF only (no face or eye detection), no manual focus.
• Sony W690: Contrast detection AF with face detection and AF tracking.

Sony’s face detection helps centralize focus on human subjects, improving portrait success rates - a remarkable feature for its category. Face detection, combined with center-weighted focus and multiple focus areas, gives Sony a slight edge for snapshot portraits or family shots.

Canon drops some autofocus bells here, relying on a simple contrast detection system without face detection. However, the touchscreen enables you to tap focus points quickly, which can partially compensate with user intervention.

Continuous autofocus and tracking are absent in both models, limiting use in fast-moving scenes. Shooting moving subjects - wildlife or sports - will present challenges due to slow focus systems and limited burst speed (Canon: 2 fps; Sony: 1 fps).

The Shooting Experience Across Genres: Genre-Specific Insights

Let me break down how each camera performs in varied photographic playgrounds:

Portrait Photography

Sony’s face detection naturally makes it easy to keep subjects sharp, complemented by 16MP resolution giving excellent detail for prints or social media. However, Canon’s lack of face/eye AF and lower resolution might frustrate users who want quick, reliable portrait results.

That said, Canon’s lens offers slightly wider apertures at the wide end, allowing for softer bokeh and better subject-background separation in close portraits, especially given its 1 cm macro capabilities for artistic close-up shots.

Landscape Photography

Here resolution and aspect ratios matter. Sony’s 16MP CCD sensor wins out in sheer pixel count and traditional 4:3 framing, useful for prints or cropping.

However, neither camera boasts extensive weather sealing or ruggedness, so shoot with caution outdoors.

Dynamic range in both is limited, but Sony’s CCD may retain deep shadows slightly better, although Canon’s CMOS sensor generally produces less noise in shadow areas.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short here due to slow autofocus, limited burst rates, and no eye or animal detection AF. Sony’s longer zoom extends reach, but slow 1 fps shooting and limited tracking reduce your chances of sharp shots in action scenarios.

If these genres rate high on your list, neither is ideal, but Sony’s tracking autofocus is at least a modest benefit.

Street Photography

Canon’s compact cube design and tilting touchscreen, plus silent shooting mode, make it a stealthy partner for spontaneous street captures. The quick tap focus supports decisive shooting.

Sony’s relatively flat profile and physical controls also fit well but may feel less discreet due to standard button presses and slower AF.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1 cm macro focus is outstanding for a compact - paired with tilting screen, offering unrivaled framing ease for tiny subjects. Sony’s 5 cm focus distance is adequate but less satisfying.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance is a special interest of mine. Canon’s Digic 5 plus 6400 max ISO trump Sony’s CCD capped at 3200.

Noise control and image clarity beyond ISO 400 are clearly better on Canon, enabling more usable handheld night shots. Lack of manual exposure and long exposure modes limits astrophotography on both, but Canon’s 15-second minimum shutter speed edges out Sony’s 30 seconds max by offering faster casual night shooting.

Video Capabilities

Canon shoots full HD 1080p at 24 fps with H.264, and also offers 720p and slow-motion VGA modes - a rare plus in this segment.

Sony is limited to 720p HD at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format, which feels dated.

Neither has external microphone or headphone jacks - limiting pro video applications - but Canon’s higher resolution video and slow-motion options make it the better compact video companion.

Travel Photography

Compact size, lightweight, battery life, and lens versatility define a great travel camera.

Sony’s lighter weight (142g vs 195g) and longer zoom give it an edge for lightweight travel.

Canon’s better low light, tilting touchscreen, and macro ability make it more versatile creatively while traveling.

Battery life is comparable: Sony rated at 220 shots, Canon at 200 shots, both sufficient for day trips with spare batteries or power banks.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dust, shock, or freeze proof features - not surprising given their budget-friendly compact designs.

Build quality is typical plastic with adequate sturdiness for casual use. Handle with care in extreme conditions or rugged trips.

Connectivity and Storage

Canon benefits from built-in wireless connectivity, allowing easy photo sharing and uploads directly via Wi-Fi - a big plus for social media lovers and those who want quick transfers without cables.

Sony lacks wireless features, necessitating USB cables to transfer files.

For storage, Canon supports microSD cards, while Sony can accept SD cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility depending on your card inventory.

Price and Value for Money

At near-identical price points (Canon $299, Sony $297), your decision leans heavily on feature priorities.

Canon offers touchscreen, Wi-Fi, better low-light, full HD video, and macro abilities.

Sony focuses on higher resolution photos, longer zoom, face detection AF, and slightly lighter body.

Summing It Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Having tested both extensively, here’s my bottom line:

• Pick the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready if:

  • You want touchscreen convenience and selfie friendliness.
  • Low-light shooting and video quality matter.
  • You enjoy macro photography with precise close focus.
  • Wireless sharing is a priority.
  • You want a distinctive, compact design with playful ergonomics.

• Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 if:

  • You prioritize higher still image resolution for bright light shooting.
  • You want longer zoom reach for casual outdoor snaps.
  • Face detection and tracking AF improve your portrait and candid success rates.
  • Physical buttons and a slim body appeal more to your handling style.
  • You don’t need video beyond basic 720p.

Final Thoughts: An Expert’s Perspective

In an age where smartphone cameras dominate the casual segment, these two compacts stand out by offering dedicated photographic tools that improve creativity while keeping things simple. Neither is a professional workhorse, but each addresses specific niches well.

Canon’s N Facebook Ready is the more modern, socially connected, and video-capable option, geared towards enthusiasts valuing touch interfaces and creative framing.

Sony’s W690 is a solid all-rounder with the advantages of higher photo resolution and traditional controls, suiting those who prefer reliability and simplicity without touchscreen compromises.

I’ve personally brought both on various outings - from city street explorations to twilight macro shoots - and often found myself swinging toward Canon’s flexibility for creative framing but remembering Sony’s higher resolution for bright day landscapes.

If your budget stretches a bit further, do explore newer compacts offering RAW capture and hybrid AF systems. But if these models fit your price point, this comparison provides a solid foundation to choose what suits your style best.

Whichever you pick, take time to explore its features fully - play with the touchscreen or button layouts, differ focal lengths, and test in your preferred shooting conditions. That hands-on experience combined with this analysis will ensure you’re confident in your compact companion for years of enjoyable photos.

Happy shooting!