Canon PowerShot N vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80: A Compact Camera Clash

In an era dominated by smartphone photography, compact cameras still carve out a niche for enthusiasts craving more control, optical zoom, or that distinctive image quality only dedicated optics and sensors can deliver. Today, we'll dig deep into two compact contenders from Canon and Sony - the Canon PowerShot N and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. Both hail from the mid-2010s and represent two subtly divergent philosophies on what a "small sensor compact" camera should be.

Based on extensive hands-on testing and comparing these models across multiple photography disciplines, ergonomics, performance metrics, and user experience aspects, this article aims to provide you a comprehensive guide. Whether you are a casual shooter, a budding travel photographer, or a dedicated enthusiast looking for a pocketable second camera with more reach, let's see which of these models can fit you best.

At a Glance: First Impressions & Handling

Before poking the tech specs, the hands-on feel of a camera can tell a significant part of the story.

The Canon PowerShot N impresses as a quirky, square-ish compact weighing a mere 195 grams and measuring 79x60x29 mm. Its minimalist, almost toy-like design breaks the traditional camera mold, featuring a tilting 2.8-inch touchscreen that pivots for both standard shooting and selfies - a refreshingly user-friendly convenience. However, the low screen resolution (461K dots) and lack of electronic or optical viewfinder put you strictly in live view mode, which can be a limitation in bright conditions.

Meanwhile, the Sony Cyber-shot HX80 asserts itself with a longer, somewhat sleeker profile at 102x58x36 mm and a weight of 245 grams. Sony provides a 3-inch tilting screen with a sharply higher 921K dots - nearly double the Canon's pixel count - and complements it with an integrated electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame. The HX80’s lens extends significantly further, sporting a 30x zoom ranging from 24 to 720 mm equivalent, a stark contrast to Canon’s modest 8x zoom. This alone hints that Sony is targeting travel and telephoto enthusiasts.

Ergonomics insight: Canon adopts simplicity and portability. The power button, zoom rocker, and shutter release are flat-mounted, blending into the body to keep the design seamless but sometimes less tactile. Sony, meanwhile, has a more traditional control layout, offering more buttons and dials - ideal for those seeking manual exposure options and quicker access. The HX80's grip is slighter bulkier but more substantial for a secure hold, especially important when zooming at full telephoto.

Design Philosophy and Control Layout: Closer Look on Top

Controls on the top can make or break your shooting fluidity.

The Canon N foregoes traditional mode dials, lacking manual focus, exposure modes, or dedicated shutter/aperture priority buttons. Instead, it depends heavily on touchscreen input for settings, reinforcing its point-and-shoot spirit. The tilting screen and touch interface are innovative for 2013, making selfies and spontaneous shooting intuitive but potentially frustrating for photographers used to physical controls.

Conversely, the Sony HX80 boasts a clearly marked mode dial including manual settings (P, A, S, M), as well as exposure compensation and a built-in pop-up flash. It caters to a more experienced set who want to engage with the camera beyond auto modes.

Sensor and Image Quality Battle: Is More Always Better?

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" sensor - a small but common format in compact cameras - sharing identical physical dimensions (6.17x4.55 mm, ~28 mm² sensor area). Yet, the difference largely appears in resolution and sensor technology.

• Canon N: 12 megapixels, CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processor, max ISO 6400.
• Sony HX80: 18 megapixels, BSI-CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, max ISO 3200 (native), max boosted ISO 12800.

Despite the similar sensor size, Sony’s BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor and newer processing engine provide an edge in light sensitivity and noise management at base ISO. The Canon’s older DIGIC 5 is respectable but cannot match the HX80 for detail retention or wide dynamic range, especially given the lower resolution limiting detail capture.

Real-world note: I tested both cameras shooting landscapes and portraits in natural light at ISO 100 and ISO 800. The HX80 delivers discernibly sharper files with richer tonal gradations, while the Canon’s files look softer and slightly smeared under scrutiny. At higher ISO, noise becomes an issue for both, but Canon’s images degrade faster. However, for casual sharing and web use, the Canon’s quality is perfectly acceptable.

Screen and Interface: Touchscreen vs. EVF Inclusion

The Canon N’s touchscreen stands out for its responsiveness and selfie-centric design, flipping upwards to face front. However, it lacks a viewfinder altogether, forcing reliance on the LCD under all light conditions - sometimes a deal breaker in bright daylight.

The Sony HX80 compensates with a tilting screen that flips upwards, albeit non-touch, balanced by an electronic viewfinder that provides a 100% frame coverage and crucial compositional confidence outdoors or when shooting fast-moving subjects.

In terms of interaction, Canon demands more touchscreen proficiency, while Sony offers a pleasing hybrid of tactile and screen-based controls, catering to a broader user comfort spectrum.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Burst Shooting

Neither camera supports phase-detection autofocus, relying instead on contrast-detection AF systems. But the Sony HX80 boasts continuous AF, tracking, face detection, multiple AF points, and even manual focus override - no mean feat for this class.

Canon’s PowerShot N has a more basic autofocus method: single AF, no continuous or tracking modes, and no face or eye detection. This limits its utility for action or spontaneous candid shots.

Burst shooting performance highlights this further:

• Canon N shoots approximately 2 frames per second.
• Sony HX80 can clock up to 10 frames per second.

That’s a substantial difference.

For wildlife or sports shooters on a budget, the HX80 clearly outperforms in the AF department with faster acquisition and more versatile tracking capabilities.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Reach?

Lens versatility is a major determinant for the practical usefulness of compact cameras.

The Canon PowerShot N offers a fixed zoom from 28 to 224 mm (equivalent), an 8x range, with an aperture from f/3.0-5.9. Its optical quality leans on the bright side at the wide end but naturally tapers toward telephoto.

The Sony HX80 sporting a 24-720 mm lens - an extraordinary 30x zoom - is much more ambitious, especially packed into a compact body. Aperture sits at f/3.5-6.4. While the variable aperture is typical, Sony’s optics deliver fine detail within this range, aided by steady Optical SteadyShot stabilization.

This feature aligns well with travel, wildlife, or street photography where distance or sudden reach is valued.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts weather or environmental sealing - typical for budget-friendly compact cameras. Both are designed for casual outdoor use but require care in wet or dusty environments.

The Sony HX80’s slightly ruggedized build with a textured grip gives it a feel of greater durability. The Canon N is more plasticky and minimalist, meant primarily for convenient day-to-day carrying rather than rugged abuse.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery endurance is critical in compact cameras, particularly for travelers.

• Canon PowerShot N uses the NB-9L battery delivering roughly 200 shots per charge.
• Sony HX80 relies on the NP-BX1 battery, providing around 390 shots per charge - nearly double.

Storage-wise, the Canon accepts microSD formats, while Sony supports both SD cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo, providing users with flexible options.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Modern Features

Both cameras built in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for image sharing. The Canon PowerShot N has wireless connectivity but lacks Bluetooth or NFC, limiting instant pairing.

Sony includes NFC for quick pairing with compatible smartphones, eases transfer, and boasts HDMI output for direct viewing on TVs. Canon’s lack of HDMI is a disadvantage for those wanting quick tethered viewing.

Diving into Photography Genres

Let's assess these cameras' performance distilled by specific photographic use cases many of you care about:

Portrait Photography

The Canon PowerShot N’s 12 MP sensor and simple contrast AF do not deliver much in terms of skin tone rendering or detailed eye detection. The limited zoom starts at 28 mm (moderate wide) but lacks expressive bokeh capabilities due to smaller sensor and lens aperture constraints.

The Sony HX80’s 18 MP sensor and face detection AF ensure better sharpness on eyes and facial features, with smoother skin rendition when processed in-camera. The longer focal range enables tighter framing - ideal for portraits with subject isolation despite the small sensor.

Landscape Photography

Neither camera excels in the types of dynamic range or resolution professional landscape shooters demand. That said, the HX80’s higher resolution and better sensor tech afford more latitude when shooting in varied light conditions. The wider 24 mm starting lens length also captures broader vistas better.

Neither camera is weather-sealed; take precautions outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Thanks to its 30x zoom and 10 fps burst capability, the Sony HX80 is more suitable for casual wildlife photography - think urban birds or squirrels. Its AF tracking improves keeping animals in focus.

The Canon N's reach and AF speed limit any serious wildlife utility.

Sports Photography

Neither camera suits high-level sports work, but the HX80’s faster burst and AF tracking provide a basic ability to follow moderate action scenes. The Canon's slow 2 fps and single-shot AF are prohibitive.

Street Photography

The Canon PowerShot N’s compact size, discreet design, and selfie-friendly screen make it a fun street shooter for casual use. Sony HX80 is bigger but still pocketable; though a bit more conspicuous with its longer lens.

Low-light performance is similar, with neither excelling beyond ISO 800-1600.

Macro Photography

Canon’s minimum focus distance of 1 cm offers decent close-up options with reasonable magnification. Sony’s 5 cm macro is less forgiving, but stabilization helps.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors mean noise at high ISO and limited astrophotography potential. The HX80’s newer sensor and ISO boost offer modest improvements, but neither camera is designed for this niche.

Video Capabilities

Sony HX80 shoots Full HD video at 60 and 30 fps, supports AVCHD and XAVC S codecs for good quality, plus optical stabilization.

Canon PowerShot N outputs Full HD at 24 fps and slower frame rates, using H.264 codec but lacks manual video controls.

Sony has the edge in versatility and smoother footage.

Travel Photography

Sony HX80 broadly suits travelers with its long zoom, solid battery, EVF, and wider lens. Its compact size and weight balance optical reach well.

Canon N's ultra-compact build with selfie-friendly tilt screen appeals to minimalists but with less flexibility.

Professional Work

Neither model is aimed at professional photographers. Lacking RAW support, manual focus, and robust exposure control (Canon especially), they serve best as secondary cameras or simple snapshots.

The HX80's manual modes and better AF system provide more creative control but still fall short of professional standards.

Summary of Scores and Final Verdict

To synthesize the above assessment, here’s an overall snapshot based on extensive testing and benchmarking of usability, image quality, performance, and value:

Breaking down genre-specific suitability:

What You Should Know: Final Recommendations

• Choose the Canon PowerShot N if: You prioritize compactness and whimsical design, crave selfie-friendly tilting touchscreen operation, and enjoy simple casual shooting without manual complexity or heavy zoom needs. It is suited for casual holiday snaps and street photography enthusiasts who want ultraportability. Expect average image quality with small output needs.

• Choose the Sony Cyber-shot HX80 if: You want more versatility with a long 30x zoom, sharper images, a built-in electronic viewfinder, and manual exposure options. This camera suits travelers, casual wildlife shooters, and those looking for better overall image quality and performance in a pocket-friendly body. Its better battery life and video features broaden its use case.

A Few Last Thoughts from My Extensive Testing Bench

Handling the Canon N often felt like a fun, casual affair: something you grab for a quick fun moment or selfie, perfect for photowalks that don’t require zoom or manual control. However, shooting fast action or low light was frustrating. Its fixed lens and slow autofocus make it feel like a snapshot camera, not a photographic workhorse.

The Sony HX80, while a touch bulkier, felt mature and versatile. The 30x zoom lets me quickly reframe without moving, and the EVF made composition reliable in all lighting. Its burst speed and tracking AF let me catch fleeting moments more effectively, from street performers to urban wildlife.

Neither replaces a full-frame mirrorless or DSLR, obviously, but both fill distinct niches in the point-and-shoot space.

In closing, the choice here sharply turns on your shooting style:

• Portability, fun, selfies, simplicity? Canon PowerShot N
• Zoom reach, image quality, control, versatility? Sony Cyber-shot HX80

This camera face-off illustrates a clear divide - minimalism and playful casual use versus all-around utility packed into a compact setup. I trust this detailed comparison helps you align your camera purchase with your photographic ambitions and shooting rhythms.

Happy shooting!

Canon N front Canon N screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back