Canon PowerShot N100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 – A Hands-On Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing your next compact camera is often a soul-searching quest - as anyone who’s tried to balance pocketability, image quality, and user-friendly features knows all too well. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison between two small-sensor compacts, the Canon PowerShot N100 (2014) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 (2009). Both non-interchangeable lens cameras reside in the same category but come from distinct design philosophies and eras. I’ve spent days with each, putting them through their paces across various photography disciplines to unravel which compact camera better suits what type of user and genre.

If you’re squinting at specs sheets wondering how these two stack up beyond numbers, or if subtle tactile nuances and real-world performance sway you one way or another, this article is for you. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

The Compact Camera Landscape – Setting the Stage

Before plunging into individual specs, it’s crucial to frame these cameras within their market “ecosystems.” Both the Canon N100 and Sony S930 are what I call “bridge-to-good” compacts - models that aspire to deliver better image quality and controls than snap-and-go point-and-shoots, yet without burdening you with DSLR-sized complexities.

Released five years apart, technology leaps and consumer habits have shifted - meaning the Canon N100 features a more advanced DIGIC 6 processor and touchscreen, while the Sony S930 harks back to simpler days without wireless or large displays. But does older always mean worse? Not necessarily.

Already, the size and ergonomics define much of the user experience. The Canon N100, weighing 289g with its 105x68x36mm body, feels more substantial in hand - almost reassuring - whereas the pocket-friendlier Sony S930 is lighter at 167g and smaller dimensions (90x61x26mm). If you prize heft for stability, Canon’s got you. For true pocket portability with a barely-there feel, Sony wins.

Design and Control Layout – Navigating Your Shooting Experience

Compact cameras can suffer or shine based on how their controls feel during shooting. Fancy specs mean little if it takes forever to change settings mid-scene.

The Canon N100 boasts a tilting 3-inch touchscreen with a sharp 922k-dot resolution, enhancing framing flexibility, particularly for low or high-angle shots. Its touchscreen capability lets you select AF points easily - a luxury at this price point.

Meanwhile, the Sony S930 opts for a smaller fixed 2.4-inch LCD with modest 112k-dot resolution - noticeably dim and lacking touch capabilities. This means a lot more button pushing and menu diving.

Looking at the top plate controls, Canon’s layout is more intuitive and modern, featuring the familiar zoom rocker around the shutter button and clear mode dial positions. Sony’s more minimalistic but less ergonomic design can hamper quick adjustments.

Customization is nonexistent on both, but Canon edges out on user interface fluidity thanks to its touchscreen and tilting screen. For me, that makes day-to-day shooting smoother, especially when you want to photograph subjects from unusual angles.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality – The Heart of the Matter

Now, the never-ending question for any photographer: which camera delivers better image quality?

Canon’s PowerShot N100 uses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring approximately 7.44mm x 5.58mm with an area of 41.52mm², packing 12 megapixels. In contrast, Sony’s older S930 has a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17mm x 4.55mm, 28.07mm²) with 10 megapixels.

The larger sensor size on the Canon is a decisive factor. From my lab tests and field work, larger sensors generally yield better low-light performance, dynamic range, and finer tonal gradation. The DIGIC 6 processor also aids noise reduction and color reproduction.

Sony’s CCD sensor, while decent for bright daylight shots, exhibits more noise and less punch in low-light conditions. CCDs, common in older cameras, typically have slower readout speeds and limited video capability compared to CMOS.

Canon’s maximum native ISO goes up to 6400 (although 3200 is more usable), whereas Sony tops at 3200 ISO, and that noise becomes more apparent starting around ISO 800.

In practical portrait sessions, the Canon delivered notably cleaner skin tones with less grain, and better subtle detail retention - no small feat at this compact size. Sony, while capable of sharp daylight images, struggles as shadows deepen or lighting dims.

Lens and Optical Performance – How Far Can You Zoom?

Both cameras come with non-interchangeable lenses but with different focal ranges and apertures.

Canon covers a 24-120mm equivalent zoom (5x optical) with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8-5.7. That wide f/1.8 at the wide end is great for background separation and low light, making portraits and indoor shots more pleasant.

Sony offers a shorter 38-108mm equivalent (2.8x zoom) with maximum apertures from f/2.9-5.4. While slightly slower on the wide end, it still offers a reasonable telephoto reach.

In macro shooting, Sony shines with a 5cm minimum focus distance, letting you get closer to your subject. Canon’s macro figures aren’t officially specified, but focus stacking or post-focus features aren’t available here.

Overall, Canon’s zoom range offers more versatility, particularly advantageous when traveling or shooting diverse scenes. However, Sony’s macro prowess may appeal to close-up fans on a budget.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance – Speed Meets Accuracy

Let’s talk focus; for many photographers, this is more critical than megapixels.

Canon’s N100 incorporates 9 contrast-detection AF points, face detection, and touch-to-focus. While lacking advanced phase-detection or continuous AF, it locks focus with commendable speed and accuracy in most lighting conditions. The camera lacks continuous AF or tracking modes, so moving subjects might challenge it.

Sony’s S930 also has 9 contrast-detection AF points but no face detection or touch AF, relying on center-weighted focusing. This makes it less responsive when subjects move unpredictably. Continuous shooting is limited to 2fps - a painfully slow rate nowadays.

In wildlife or sports shooting, neither model impresses. The N100’s single-shot AF system means you’ll miss fast action, and the S930’s slow burst exacerbates this.

For portraits, Canon’s face detection adds a reliable layer of convenience. I found the touch-to-focus feature on N100 especially satisfying when photographing kids or pets - allowing quick focus on their eyes without fumbling through menus.

Build Quality and Durability – How Tough Are These Tiny Titans?

Neither camera boasts professional-grade environmental sealing, so they’re not good companions in harsh weather or gritty conditions.

Canon has a solid plastic body with a pleasant matte finish, feeling robust enough for casual use but definitely not rugged. Sony’s more compact body uses lighter plastics and feels less substantial in hand.

If you’re the type to travel light and gently, either will hold up. But for outdoor adventures requiring durability, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

Viewing Experience and Interface – See What You Shoot

The Canon N100’s 3-inch tilting TFT touchscreen LCD not only provides a bright and crisp view but allows flexible shooting angles, invaluable when on the move or trying creative compositions.

Sony’s S930, stuck with a smaller and less crisp 2.4-inch fixed screen, presents a frustrating challenge in bright outdoor conditions - the kind of screen that makes you squint and guess at your framing.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so LCD usability is critical.

In day-to-day shooting, the N100’s interface is simply more modern and accessible, translating to quicker workflow and less missed shots.

Video Capabilities – Lights, Camera, Limitations

Neither model is a video powerhouse, but the Canon N100 edges ahead.

The Canon records 720p HD video at 30fps using the efficient H.264 codec and includes a microphone input - a rare find in compacts of this class, allowing higher-quality sound recording with an external mic. It even supports exposure compensation during recording, giving creative control.

The Sony S930 trails with very low-resolution VGA (320x240) video only, in Motion JPEG format, lacking mic inputs or modern codecs. Frankly, I wouldn’t choose this camera for video beyond snapshots.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Storage – Practicalities That Matter

Canon’s N100 packs a rechargeable NB-12L battery, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge. This is respectable, though I recommend carrying a spare battery for longer shoots.

The Sony S930, amusingly, runs on two AA batteries - a convenience for field replacement but often less power-dense and heavier in the bag.

Connectivity-wise, Canon’s inclusion of Wi-Fi and NFC offers easy image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps - a godsend for casual shooters today.

Sony lacks any wireless connectivity or HDMI/USB ports, severely reducing flexibility in file transfer or external viewing.

Storage-wise, Canon uses the more ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while Sony uses the proprietary Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, an increasingly obsolete format harder to find on store shelves.

Genre-Specific Performance – One Camera For All?

Let’s map real-world usability across photography disciplines.

Canon N100 screen back Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back

Not surprisingly, the Canon N100 acts as a better all-rounder for everyday photography, especially for portraits, travel, and casual landscapes. Where video and wireless sharing matter, Canon leaps ahead.

Sony’s S930 can still appeal to collectors or ultra-light travelers who prize compactness and simple macro shooting - but be ready to compromise on image quality and features.

Price to Performance – Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

Pricing tells an interesting story. Both cameras hover around the $200–$350 mark in the used or discount markets (though the Canon originally targeted a higher price point).

Given the modern processing and features on the Canon, the Canon N100 offers significantly better value today - especially for those prioritizing image quality, connectivity, and usability.

Sony S930’s dated specs and restricted features limit its appeal unless absolute portability and budget are your driving factors.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If forced to pick one camera to recommend to the photography enthusiast looking for a competent, pocketable companion with modern conveniences and better image quality, Canon PowerShot N100 wins hands-down.

It combines a larger sensor, brighter lens, touchscreen controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and HD video with mic input - features that matter in everyday shooting and creative exploration.

However, if you want a smaller device, don’t mind outdated tech, and occasionally shoot tight macro subjects on a tight budget, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 offers respectable image quality for daylight snapshots.

For professional use, neither is a suitable primary camera given the lack of RAW support, advanced controls, or fast autofocus. But as travel or casual second cameras, they do okay - especially the Canon, which integrates better with current workflows.

Closing Thoughts – The Compact Camera Quandary

After over 15 years testing cameras, I’ve learned that compact cameras like these are a balancing act between convenience, image quality, and capability. No pocketable camera is perfect.

The Canon PowerShot N100 impresses as a thoughtful blend of usability, image quality, and modern features worth the slight bulk. The Sony DSC-S930 reminds us how much things have improved in 5 years - its anachronistic specs underscore the pace of innovation but also the enduring appeal of very compact, simple cameras.

Whichever you lean toward, consider what you shoot most, where you’ll use the camera, and what features streamline your creative flow. In other words: pick the camera that feels right in your hands and your lifestyle.

Happy shooting!

Want more in-depth camera comparisons or tailored gear advice? Drop me a question - I’ve tested thousands of models and love sharing hands-on insights grounded in real-world experience.