Canon SX130 IS vs Sony S930: A Practical Comparison of Two Compact Cameras from the Early 2010s

Choosing a compact camera today, especially among models released a decade or so ago, involves more than just checking specs on paper. It’s about how these machines perform in real-life shooting scenarios, how they feel in your hand, and whether their feature set fits your particular style - or workflow if you’re a pro. I’ve had the opportunity to spend good hands-on time with both the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930, two interesting cameras that represent Canon’s and Sony’s compact offering from 2009 and 2010 respectively.

In this deep dive, I’m not just reciting specs - I’ll weave in personal testing insights, technical analysis, and usage tips. Whether you’re hunting for a budget superzoom or a no-fuss compact, here’s my honest assessment to help you decide which fits your photographic journey better.

Getting a Feel for Their Size and Handling

Before we dive into sensor specs or image quality, you’ll want to feel the camera in your hand - it’s fundamental. The Canon SX130 IS is notably chunkier and heavier compared to the Sony S930, which benefits from a more petite footprint.

At 113 x 73 x 46 mm and weighing 308 grams (with batteries), the Canon has a solid feel that appeals if you like a firm grip for stability during longer shooting sessions - especially useful in superzoom shooting where lens steadiness is vital. The Sony S930 is much more pocket-friendly, measuring a mere 90 x 61 x 26 mm and tipping the scales at just 167 grams, perfect for those prioritizing portability.

Ergonomically, the SX130’s slightly bigger body accommodates a deeper grip and buttons that are spaced a bit more generously, which suits photographers with larger hands or those who prefer more tactile feedback. The Sony’s compactness comes at a price: its controls are more cramped and less distinct by touch, potentially slowing down quick shooting situations.

Both cameras use basic button layouts without touchscreens, but more on that in the interface section. To me, if you plan extended outings or want one camera to carry everywhere without much bulk, the Sony edges out. But if grip comfort and optical zoom power matter most, Canon’s hulking SX130 IS is more rewarding.

Visualizing Controls and User Interface

Let’s take a closer look at their top plates and control layout to get an idea of how intuitive they are in operation.

The Canon SX130 IS sports a traditional design with a mode dial that includes manual exposure controls like aperture priority and shutter priority. This is a boon if you want to take creative control and learn photography fundamentals without diving into full DSLRs. The zoom toggle and shutter release are well positioned, and the flash pop-up switch is readily accessible.

On the Sony S930, the top controls are minimalist, lacking dedicated dials for manual modes - indeed, it doesn’t support manual exposure modes. Instead, it leans heavily on full auto and scene modes for ease of use. The zoom lever sits conveniently around the shutter button, but the smaller size and less sculpted buttons make operation less assured when speed is crucial.

From my experience, the Canon’s more thoughtful control placement makes it a more versatile learning camera, while the Sony’s simplicity suits users who want straightforward point-and-shoot operation without fuss.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor Specifications and Image Quality

Sensor tech is where images begin, and although both cameras share the same 1/2.3” CCD sensor size, differences in resolution and ISO handling distinguish their outputs.

The Canon SX130 IS offers 12 megapixels (4000x3000 max resolution), while the Sony S930 provides 10 megapixels (3648x2736 max). While that’s a small difference numerically, it influences the level of detail you capture - especially crucial for cropping flexibility or large prints.

Both sensors are CCDs, common in that era, offering excellent color rendition and low noise at base ISOs. The Canon’s sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to 1600 natively, while the Sony pushes to ISO 3200 but with heavier noise penalties. In practice, Canon’s sensor handles noise better at higher ISOs, yielding clearer images in dim conditions.

Color or dynamic range testing wasn’t performed by DxO for these models, however, in my experience, the Canon produces slightly richer skin tones and more vibrant landscapes, thanks in part to its Digic 4 image processor - an upgrade over Sony’s processor here. Colors from the Sony can occasionally appear a bit muted or flat, requiring post-processing work to liven up.

For casual shooting, these differences are subtle, but if you want more detail retention and color accuracy for portraits or landscapes, Canon is a stronger pick.

Seeing and Shooting: Back Screen and Viewfinder Options

Both cameras rely on LCD screens for composing, as you won’t find any electronic or optical viewfinders on either model.

The Canon SX130 IS uses a 3-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots resolution, providing a clear, bright preview image that’s adequate for framing and reviewing shots. Its larger size makes navigation through menus easier, and the lack of touchscreen means menu control relies on physical buttons, which their positioning complements.

The Sony S930 has a smaller 2.4-inch fixed screen with only 112k dots - noticeably less sharp, making it tougher to check focus or fine details in bright daylight. For quick grab shots or casual snapshots, this suffices, but for discerning photographers, it’s limiting.

Both lack an electronic viewfinder, so outdoor shooting can sometimes be tricky, especially in bright sunlight. Carrier bag or hood options can help here, but the Canon’s screen size offers a slight advantage in visibility.

Zoom Capabilities and Lens Performance

Optical zoom ranges and lens apertures are critical for flexibility, especially when you want to cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife.

The Canon SX130 IS boasts an impressive 12x superzoom lens ranging from 28-336 mm equivalent focal length, with aperture varying between f/3.4 (wide) and f/5.6 (telephoto). This kind of reach opens up creative possibilities for wildlife or sports enthusiasts who don’t want to carry extra lenses.

Meanwhile, the Sony S930 features a more modest 2.8x zoom covering 38-108 mm equivalent at f/2.9-5.4 aperture. While the lens is slightly faster at the wide end, offering better low-light options indoors or in shadows, it lacks the telephoto punch, narrowing shooting scenarios where it shines.

Image quality through the zoom range favors Canon too, as the SX130 IS maintains decent sharpness and contrast even beyond 200mm equivalent, although expect some softness at the extremes, which is typical for superzoom lenses. The Sony’s shorter zoom tends to be sharper throughout but limits framing creativity.

In testing, the Canon lens displayed mild chromatic aberration towards the longest focal lengths, but nothing distracting in prints or web sharing. The Sony lens is surprisingly sharp centrally but falls off in the corners, particularly at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus is critical across all photographic genres. Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus (typical for compact cameras), but their AF performance differs.

The Canon SX130 IS AF system is single-point contrast detection with no face recognition or tracking. It's accurate but slow to lock focus in low-light or low-contrast scenes. Continuous autofocus is not supported, and burst rates are limited to 1 fps, so fast action photography is out of reach.

The Sony S930 provides nine AF points, still contrast detection and no face detection, but in practice the AF proved faster and more consistent with moving subjects indoors. Burst shooting improves slightly at 2 fps but remains limited for sports or wildlife.

Neither has modern tracking or eye AF, so portraits or wildlife shots require steady hands and patience. Still, for street photography or casual snaps, the Sony’s AF acquired focus quicker, which is a subtle but meaningful usability plus.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Performance

Both cameras offer fairly low frame rates in continuous shooting mode - Canon SX130 at about 1 fps and Sony S930 at around 2 fps. Neither camera supports RAW output, and both shoot JPEGs exclusively, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Buffer depths are minimal; expect no more than 3-4 consecutive full-resolution shots at burst speeds before they slow down. This narrow throughput means neither camera excels at sports or fast wildlife sequences but suits casual, story-telling photography well.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Capture?

Video is an increasingly important feature in all cameras. Here, the Canon SX130 IS offers HD video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps with H.264 compression. This is respectable for basic sharing, especially given its release era. Autofocus during video is contrast-based and somewhat slow, but the image stabilization helps keep footage watchable when handheld.

The Sony S930 is limited to low-resolution 320 x 240 pixel motion JPEG video at 30 fps, which is a major downgrade for anyone serious about video. Recorded clips look soft and noisy, adequate only for very casual uses like MMS or small web uploads.

Neither combo has external mic ports or headphone jacks, so audio quality is basic. If video is part of your creative workflow, the Canon is the better all-around choice.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Both cameras rely on two AA batteries - a convenient choice for travel and replacements, but it does impact weight and runtime.

Neither manufacturer specifies precise battery life in shots per charge, but anecdotal testing suggests the Sony S930 offers longer shooting times, aided by its smaller screen and fewer features to power. The Canon’s more powerful processor and larger screen reduce charge endurance.

Regarding storage, the Canon SX130 IS uses SD/SDHC/SDXC and MMC cards, while the Sony S930 sticks with Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo variants plus internal memory. Sony’s proprietary format limits compatibility and capacity options, although it does offer the comfort of internal buffer memory.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so both require care in adverse conditions. Their plastic bodies feel well assembled but are not built for professional or harsh-use environments.

If you’re outdoorsy, plan to protect either with cases or bags.

Connectivity and Sharing Options

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS builtin. The Canon SX130 IS supports USB 2.0 wired transfer; the Sony lacks USB altogether, relying on Memory Stick removal for image download.

In today’s connected world, this is decidedly inconvenient. For instant sharing or tethered shooting, neither model satisfies, so plan accordingly.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now for the meat of your decision: which camera performs better across genres?

Portrait Photography

Canon SX130 IS especially shines here thanks to higher resolution, better color rendition, and a longer focal length that allows flattering compression and background separation. While neither camera offers face detection or eye AF, the Canon’s aperture range lets you get subtly blurred backgrounds when shooting close-ups. The Sony’s zoom and f/2.9 lens wide-end helps indoors but loses flexibility for framing. Canon’s slight edge here.

Landscape Photography

The Canon’s higher resolution sensor and 12x zoom starting at 28mm equivalents enable more expansive and detailed landscape shots. The Sony’s tighter zoom range and lower resolution hinder composition options and print size. Neither camera has weather-sealing, so be cautious outdoors. Canon winning.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s extended 336mm zoom range shines for distant wildlife, albeit with the caveat of slow AF and 1fps burst shooting. Sony’s 108mm zoom is simply too limited for genuine wildlife framing, although its quicker AF offers better focus lock on nearer subjects. Overall, if you prioritize reach, Canon wins despite slow focusing.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is made for sports. Low burst speeds, no tracking, and slow autofocus mean missed moments. Sony’s 2 fps burst and faster AF are marginally better for casual sports snaps, but fast or unpredictable action best captured by other gear.

Street Photography

Sony S930 wins for street thanks to its compact, lightweight design for low-discreet carry and operation. The Canon’s bulk and slower controls make it less convenient on the go. Sony’s faster AF helps capture fleeting moments too.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1cm macro focusing distance and decent lens hold an advantage for close-ups. The Sony’s minimum focusing distance of 5cm limits extreme macro shooting. Canon preferred if you want to explore small subjects creatively.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras are limited by sensor tech and no manual long-exposure controls, but Canon’s ability to reach ISO 1600 with less noise is a plus. Neither supports bulb mode or long exposures needed for astrophotography, but Canon’s slightly better noise control facilitates low-light shots.

Video Recording

Canon’s 720p HD video recording and optical stabilization easily beat Sony’s low-res 320 x 240 MJPEG clips. Canon recommended if you care about capturing decent footage.

Travel Photography

Sony's compactness and light weight make it a joy to carry all day. Canon adds reach and capability but with additional bulk. If versatility with zoom and shooting options matter, Canon; if pocketability and convenience top your list, Sony.

Professional Work

Neither delivers raw files or tethered connectivity, so pros will find them limiting for workflows demanding high flexibility. Canon’s manual modes and better ergonomic design feel more professional-friendly in casual or emergency uses.

Overall Performance Summary

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS generally scores higher due to more versatile zoom, higher resolution, manual controls, and superior video. The Sony DSC-S930 stands out largely for portability and faster autofocus for simple snapshots.

Sample Image Gallery Comparison

Canon SX130 IS front Canon SX130 IS screen back Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back

Reviewing side-by-side shots under varied conditions reveals Canon’s sharper, more vivid images, especially in zoomed and dim environments, while Sony’s files sometimes feel softer but with slightly cooler color tones. Both handle basic exposure well, but Canon’s images tolerate cropping better.

My Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is my pick for enthusiasts who want a superzoom, manual control, reasonable video, and a larger screen at a modest price point. While it’s not a fast sports camera or perfectly pocketable, its versatility makes it suitable for vacation landscapes, portraits, and casual wildlife shooting.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 is best suited to beginners or those emphasizing small size and ease of use above all else. It works well for street photographers valuing discreet carry or casual shooters without manual control needs.

So which one should you pick?

• Choose Canon SX130 IS if you want:

  • Longer telephoto reach for wildlife/sports
  • Manual exposure control for learning and creative shooting
  • Higher resolution and smoother images at higher ISOs
  • HD video recording capability

• Choose Sony DSC-S930 if you want:

  • Ultra-light, pocket-friendly compact for street or travel photography
  • Simple point-and-shoot usability without complicating menus
  • Slightly faster autofocus for casual snapshots in good light
  • Lower price and very basic zoom range

Technical Takeaways Only a Veteran Tester Can Provide

Having worked through thousands of cameras in similar classes, I can say these two mark very different philosophies from Canon and Sony circa 2010. Canon aims to give beginners a step-up tool with manual features and optical flexibility, albeit at the cost of size. Sony opts for pure compact convenience with somewhat compromised core capabilities.

Both cameras’ CCD sensors, while superseded now by CMOS tech, deliver a nostalgic charm and respectable image quality - especially Canon’s 12MP variant that holds up better in shadows and color consistency. Their modest burst rates and lack of raw support firmly place them as casual shooters, which should temper expectations.

If you’re digging for value, the SX130’s price difference is justified by its broader capability. If you want the lightest load in your pocket for quick snaps, Sony offers a neat alternative.

Dear Canon, please consider updating this superzoom series with Wi-Fi and raw capture someday!

If you want to see more detailed sample photos and my testing methodology, feel free to check my recent video walkthroughs and field tests linked above.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be exactly the right fit!