Canon S90 vs Sony WX350: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera is an important decision, especially when both contenders bring different strengths to the table. The Canon PowerShot S90 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 represent distinct approaches to compact photography, tailored to varied needs and shooting styles. Drawing from extensive hands-on comparison tests and technical analysis, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

The Canon S90, launched in 2010, is a masterclass in classic compact camera ergonomics. Its solid, slightly chunky body (100x58x31mm, 195g) exudes a professional feel - this isn’t a toy. The grip and button layout cater to photographers who like manual control and a tactile experience.

By contrast, the Sony WX350 (2014) embodies a sleeker, more portable design (96x55x26mm, 164g) with a strong focus on travel convenience. It’s lighter and slimmer, aimed at photographers who prioritize discretion and easy pocket carry.

Both cameras employ fixed lenses and feature non-touch 3-inch LCD screens for composing shots. Neither model includes a viewfinder, although the Canon’s slightly larger size allows a more comfortable grip during extended shooting.

Controls and Handling

• Canon S90: Offers dedicated dials and buttons for aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation. This manual-friendly control scheme is rare in compacts and is a boon for enthusiasts.
• Sony WX350: Eschews manual exposure modes in favor of simplified auto and scene modes. Its control layout is clean but less customizable.

If you want a compact camera that feels like a creative tool you can finely tune, the Canon edges out here. However, if you prefer a grab-and-go camera with less fuss, Sony’s design wins for portability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Closer Look

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor. The Canon S90 is fitted with a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor, measuring 7.44x5.58mm with an effective resolution of 10MP. Meanwhile, the Sony WX350 features a smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55mm) with a much higher resolution of 18MP.

Sensor Size and Resolution Tradeoffs

• Canon S90: Larger sensor area (~41.5mm²), lower megapixels (10MP)
• Sony WX350: Smaller sensor area (~28mm²), higher megapixels (18MP)

The Canon’s advantage in sensor size means better light-gathering capability per pixel, which tends to yield superior noise control and dynamic range, especially in low light. The Sony’s higher pixel count offers sharper images in good lighting conditions but risks increased noise at higher ISOs due to smaller individual pixel sizes.

Image Quality in Real-World Use

• Dynamic Range: The Canon’s CCD sensor delivers about 11 stops of dynamic range, allowing for more detail retention in shadows and highlights during landscapes or contrast-heavy scenes.
• Color Depth: Canon’s sensor shows robust color fidelity and smoother gradations, which is crucial for accurate skin tones in portraits.
• Low Light Performance: Despite aging technology, the S90 manages clean images up to ISO 3200, with usable results around ISO 800–1600.
• Sony WX350: Utilizes BSI-CMOS technology which improves light sensitivity over traditional CMOS, but at its small size, noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800.

In sum, if image quality takes priority - especially for portraits and landscapes - the Canon sensor technology retains an edge, even years after release. The Sony’s sensor is more versatile resolution-wise but is outclassed for demanding lighting.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

Lens specs often define the photographic flexibility of compact cameras:

The Canon S90's lens leans toward wider apertures, especially its bright f/2.0 at the wide end, excellent for low light and shallow depth of field effects. Its 3.8x zoom covers typical street and portrait focal lengths well but lacks reach.

The Sony WX350 focuses heavily on zoom versatility, boasting a whopping 20x zoom extending to 500mm equivalent. This makes it a natural choice for travel and wildlife snapshots where reach matters. However, the tradeoff is a slower maximum aperture, which can hamper performance in dim conditions and limit background blur.

Optical Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, critical for handheld shots at telephoto or slow shutter speeds. Sony’s stabilization is optimized for their superzoom range, enabling surprisingly steady shots at full 500mm reach.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

The Canon S90’s autofocus relies on nine contrast-detection points, and while it offers manual focus override, it lacks face detection or tracking. This can make it somewhat slower and less forgiving for fast-moving subjects.

Sony’s WX350 adds face detection and AF tracking, useful for portraits and moving subjects like sports or wildlife. Moreover, continuous AF isn’t available in either, but Sony’s tracking helps maintain focus during bursts.

Practical Insights

• Portrait and street photographers will appreciate Sony’s face detection for capturing expressions reliably.
• Wildlife and sports demand fast, accurate AF with tracking - Sony WX350 generally performs better for these genres.
• If manual focus precision is critical, the Canon gives you more control.

Shooting Experience: LCD, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Both cameras incorporate fixed 3-inch LCD screens with similar resolutions (~460k dots).

• Canon S90: The screen is bright with good viewing angles, though the absence of touchscreen limits interactive control.
• Sony WX350: Similar screen size and resolution but slightly better brightness.

Neither has viewfinders, which affects shooting in bright daylight or for composition preferences. The Canon’s manual controls compensate by giving feedback through physical dials, whereas Sony’s interface leans on menu navigation.

Burst Rates and Video Capabilities

In terms of burst shooting, the Sony WX350’s 10fps mode offers excellent speed for capturing action sequences. The Canon S90’s sluggish 1fps limits it to static subjects.

Video is another major difference. The S90’s VGA-quality video is decidedly outdated, offering only basic recording. Sony delivers Full HD 1080p video at 60fps interlaced and 30fps progressive modes, catering well to casual videographers and vloggers.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Sony’s WX350 enjoys a significantly longer battery life, nearly double the shots per charge. Its integrated Wi-Fi enables easy sharing to smartphones and remote control via apps - a boon for social media enthusiasts.

Canon S90 lacks wireless features entirely, reflecting its age.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let’s examine how these cameras stack up across your favorite photography types.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Canon’s bright aperture and larger sensor create superior background separation and smooth, natural skin tones. The lack of face detection is a downside but manageable.

Sony’s face detection aids focus, but its smaller sensor and slower lens limit bokeh quality and low-light portrait shots.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail

Canon’s higher dynamic range and CCD sensor excel in landscapes, rendering shadows and highlights with more nuance.

Sony’s resolution boost offers sharper detail on sunny days, but limited dynamic range can mean blown highlights or crushed shadows.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Reach

Sony’s 20x zoom and AF tracking greatly outshine the Canon for distant subjects and fast action. Burst mode at 10fps helps capture decisive moments.

Canon’s slower AF and reach mean it’s less ideal here.

Street Photography: Discretion and Speed

Canon’s manual controls favor street photographers who want creative input and deliberate capture.

Sony’s compact size and zoom flexibility make it more versatile on the street but less tactile to handle rapidly.

Macro: Close Focus

Canon supports macro mode down to 5cm with sharp detail.

Sony does not specify macro, which limits its capability for close-up creativity.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Options

Canon’s better noise control at higher ISO and manual exposure modes make it more capable in low light and night scenes.

Sony’s sensor struggles above ISO 800, restricting night photography.

Video: Quality and Flexibility

Sony offers a clear advantage with Full HD video, smooth frame rates, and superior codec support.

Canon’s video capability is basic and dated.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery

Sony’s light weight, long battery life, and extensive zoom make it a strong travel companion.

Canon is heavier, less zoomed, and with shorter battery endurance.

Professional Use: RAW Support and Workflow

Canon S90 supports RAW capture, critical for post-processing flexibility.

Sony WX350 does not offer RAW, limiting professional workflow options.

Canon S90 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Above you see sample images from both cameras in various conditions. Notice the Canon’s superior color rendition and smoothness in portraits, and Sony’s reach advantage in telephoto shots.

Evaluating Value: Pricing and Long-Term Considerations

The Canon is a premium compact with features appealing to serious photographers who want creativity and image quality, but it demands patience and compromises on zoom and video.

The Sony targets casual shooters and travelers, offering versatile zoom and multimedia without manual complexity.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera Choice

• If you opt for the Canon S90, invest in a fast SD card to handle RAW files smoothly. Explore custom white balance and manual focus to refine your technique. This camera rewards patience and practice.
• For Sony WX350 owners, capitalize on the superb zoom and Wi-Fi features for travel and everyday shooting. Use face detection and focus tracking to improve your hit rate on portraits and moving subjects.
• Both cameras benefit from external accessories such as tripods for night shooting and good quality UV filters to protect the lenses.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera is Right for You?

The Canon PowerShot S90 and Sony WX350, though both compact cameras, cater to different photographic priorities.

Choose the Canon S90 if:

• You value image quality, manual control, and creative flexibility.
• Portrait, landscape, and low light photography are your focus.
• RAW file support and fine-tuned exposure is important.
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera and sacrificing zoom reach.

Choose the Sony WX350 if:

• You prefer a lightweight, pocket-friendly superzoom travel camera.
• Video recording in Full HD is important to you.
• Autofocus with face detection and tracking is a priority.
• Battery life and wireless photo sharing appeal to your on-the-go lifestyle.

Explore, Experiment, and Enjoy

Whichever camera you select, take time to get familiar with its strengths. Our extensive side-by-side testing highlights that even older models like the Canon S90 can hold their own against newer entrants like Sony WX350, depending on what you value most in your photography.

Check out reputable retailers or camera enthusiasts groups to try these models firsthand. Consider lens accessories, extra batteries, and sturdy bags to enhance your shooting experience. The best camera is the one that inspires you to get out and create.

Happy shooting!

All technical data is from our hands-on lab testing combined with manufacturers’ specifications. Images and scores are compiled from rigorous evaluation protocols to ensure balanced and actionable insights.