Canon SX620 HS vs Sony W610: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact camera that suits your photography style and needs can be a surprisingly demanding task - even more so when considering models from respected brands like Canon and Sony. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two budget-friendly, small-sensor compacts launched several years apart but still relevant choices for enthusiasts seeking straightforward point-and-shoot utility combined with some manual control. Meet the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS (2016) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 (2012).

Over the next several thousand words, I’ll unpack their technical architecture, image quality, user experience, and suitability across different photography genres, sprinkled with insights from my hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras. Whether you prioritize zoom reach, portability, or reliable autofocus, this comparison brings the data and nuanced opinions necessary to make an informed pick.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Sometimes, the camera you enjoy holding and firing is the one that ends up in your bag most often. Despite their compact classification, these two cameras differ notably in size and weight, which impacts how comfortable they feel during longer shooting sessions.

The Canon SX620 HS measures 97 x 57 x 28 mm and weighs 182 grams, while the Sony W610 is smaller at 93 x 52 x 19 mm and lighter at 113 grams. That 12-gram difference and roughly 9 mm thickness margin translate to a firmer grip in the Canon, thanks to its slightly beefier body.

Its controls feel a tad more thoughtfully laid out compared to Sony’s minimalist approach. For example, the top panel and button arrangements reveal the Canon’s focus on quick access and a bit more tactile feedback during operation.

I prefer a camera where I don’t have to navigate menus just to change flash modes or zoom speed - and here, Canon scores. Sony’s W610, on the other hand, lives up to its super-sleek design by prioritizing pocketability over extended comfort. So if you crave ultra-lightweight and minimalism, Sony wins points, but for sustained shoots and more versatility, the Canon feels better suited ergonomically.

Sensor and Image Quality: Raw Potential and Real-World Output

Let’s get into what really matters for photographic results - the sensor and processing.

Both cameras share the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm, around 28 mm² sensor area), which is standard for this category, but with a key difference: Canon’s uses a BSI-CMOS sensor, while Sony W610 integrates a CCD sensor. This matters because modern BSI (Backside Illuminated) sensors generally perform better in low light and deliver higher dynamic range.

The Canon SX620 HS sports a resolution of 20 Megapixels, whereas the Sony W610 tops out at 14 Megapixels. While pixel count alone doesn’t guarantee image quality, the Canon’s higher resolution, combined with a newer DIGIC 4+ image processor, translates to sharper images with better detail retention, especially noticeable when you crop or enlarge photos.

Sony’s CCD sensor has a classic reputation for producing pleasant, less digital-look images, but at this point, it shows its age, especially in higher ISO settings, with more noise and lower high-ISO usability.

In my tests shooting colorful landscapes and portrait sessions under diffused daylight, Canon’s imagery showcased cleaner textures and more vibrant colors with less post-processing needed.

LCD and User Interface: Live View and Review Experience

Compact cameras are all about the rear screen; no viewfinders here, so the display is your window to composition and review.

Canon’s SX620 HS offers a fixed 3-inch screen with 922k dots, a respectable resolution that delivers crisp previews. Sony’s W610 is equipped with a slightly smaller 2.7-inch display with just 230k dots - this lower pixel density means less detail in preview images, which can be frustrating for critical focusing or exposure checks on the go.

Neither camera features touchscreen capability, so menu navigation depends on button-based controls, where Canon’s layout again feels more intuitive to me, especially for adjusting ISO, zoom options, and flash settings quickly.

If reviewing your shots in the field is a priority - say for travel or event coverage - the Canon’s vibrant screen makes the experience more enjoyable and reliable.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Real Use

Autofocus is a vital factor, especially if you’re into wildlife, sports, or candid street photography.

Canon’s SX620 HS employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and supports continuous AF, face detection, and tracking. Sony W610’s system is more basic with contrast AF but no continuous focus or face detection support.

In low-light and moving subject tests, Canon’s AF was noticeably more responsive and accurate. Tracking moving subjects was a bit smoother, though both models are no match for modern mirrorless or DSLR cameras in this department. Still, if you plan on snapping kids at play, or pets running around, the SX620 HS is the safer bet.

Lens and Zoom: Reach vs. Brightness Trade-offs

The Canon has an impressive 25-625 mm equivalent focal length (25x optical zoom), extending from wide-angle to super-telephoto reach. Sony’s lens range is modest by comparison, at 26-105 mm equivalent (4x optical zoom).

That zoom factor in the Canon opens up many shooting possibilities without swapping lenses - from sweeping landscapes to detailed distant wildlife shots.

However, this reach comes with an aperture trade-off: the maximum aperture narrows from f/3.2 at wide to f/6.6 at telephoto. Zooming to the far end will require good lighting or increases in ISO to maintain shutter speed.

Sony’s lens starts brighter at f/2.8 wide-angle, which helps in low light or shallow depth-of-field shooting, with an aperture closing to f/5.9 telephoto - still relatively wide compared to Canon's telephoto.

When it comes to macro capabilities, Canon’s minimum focusing distance is 1 cm, enabling impressive close-ups; Sony needs about 4 cm to focus, limiting extreme macro shots.

For folks wanting zoom flexibility and potential wildlife reach in a pocketable camera, Canon’s SX620 HS is clearly aimed at that market, but if you prefer faster lenses for bright environments or casual shots, Sony’s offering can be more forgiving.

Burst Rate and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Action

For dynamic subjects and sports photography, frame rate and shutter speed are key.

Canon offers a continuous shooting speed of 2.5 fps, whereas Sony manages just 1 fps. Neither option is ideal for professional action photography, but Canon’s faster burst is noticeably more capable for casual sports or kids’ play sessions.

Shutter speed range also varies: Canon’s shutter spans from 15 s minimum to 1/2000 s maximum, while Sony covers a wider range from 1 s to 1/1600 s.

The longer exposure times on the Canon enable night or astro shooting flexibility, assuming you pair it with a tripod.

Video Features: How Do They Stack Up?

Videographers looking for full HD will favor Canon, which provides 1080p at 30 fps, along with HD and standard definition options. Sony lags with only 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps video capture, a major limitation in today’s content creation landscape.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, so audio quality depends on the built-in microphones, which is typical in cameras at this price point. The Canon's support for H.264 encoding is also preferable for better compression and editing efficiency, compared to Sony’s older Motion JPEG format.

If casual video recording is on your agenda, Canon is the better-equipped choice.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Canon’s SX620 HS estimates around 295 shots per charge, while the Sony W610 pulls about 250 shots. Not a huge difference, but the Canon's slightly higher capacity and newer battery chemistry yield more reliability during longer excursions.

Sony supports various storage media including SD, microSD, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility for existing accessory owners. Canon relies on the standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which are broadly available and faster in modern variants.

Connectivity is another area where the Canon shines: it features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps. The Sony W610 has no wireless options and relies solely on USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model offers weather sealing or rugged construction, so both need basic care in adverse conditions. The Canon carries a slightly more substantial body that feels sturdier in the hand, but neither will survive rain showers or dust without protection.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Time to break down how these cameras perform for different photography genres. Remember, these are compact superzoom/fixed lens cameras primarily targeting enthusiasts or casual shooters, so expectations should be set accordingly.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX620 HS: Its face detection and 9-point AF system helps capture sharp portraits with decent background separation, though shallow depth-of-field is limited by sensor size and lens aperture. The longer zoom lets you create flattering framing from a distance, producing pleasing bokeh at longer focal lengths.
• Sony W610: Limited AF system without face priority and slower focusing hurts portrait work, and its shorter zoom and smaller aperture range restrain framing and subject isolation.

Verdict: Canon clearly takes the lead for portraits due to superior focusing and zoom range.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras have a wide-angle equivalent focal length of about 25-26 mm, suitable for landscapes.

• Canon’s higher 20-megapixel sensor resolution provides better detail rendering.
• The DIGIC 4+ processor in Canon yields improved dynamic range and noise handling.
• Sony’s screen resolution hampers accurate exposure checking on location.

Neither camera has weather sealing, which is a consideration in rugged landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

This category demands fast autofocus, long telephoto reach, and rapid burst shooting.

• Canon SX620 HS wins hands down with 25x zoom (25-625 mm equivalent), 2.5 fps continuous shooting, and tracking AF.
• Sony's 4x zoom and 1 fps limit outdoor wildlife shooting severely.

If you mostly photograph birds or distant animals casually, Canon is the more effective and enjoyable tool.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, but with more focus on fast action and frame rates.

• Canon’s autofocus tracking and burst rate marginally help capture unpredictable moments.
• Sony’s slower AF and 1 fps frame rate fall short.

Neither are ideal for serious sports photography but Canon makes casual shots more achievable.

Street Photography

A lighter, more discreet camera tends to serve street shooters best.

• Sony W610’s compact size and flat design could be less conspicuous.
• Canon’s bulkier, superzoom style may draw more attention but yields more framing flexibility.

Both lack viewfinders, so composing with LCD screen is necessary, which might be challenging in bright sunlight.

Macro Photography

Close focusing capabilities are key:

• Canon’s 1 cm minimum focus distance lets you get very close for detailed macro shots.
• Sony's minimum focus at 4 cm means less magnification.

For flower or product photography, Canon offers far better macro utility.

Night and Astro Photography

Long exposures, low noise, and high ISO performance define success here.

• Canon’s sensor and longer shutter speed range (up to 15s) enable more night creative freedom.
• Sony’s CCD sensor exhibits more noise at ISO 800+ and limited shutter speeds restrict flexibility.

Canon wins again, though compact sensor size is a limiting factor compared to interchangeable-lens cameras for night photography.

Video Capabilities

Canon’s 1080p video feature and better codec support trump Sony’s VGA-only recording. Neither camera has in-body stabilization beyond Canon’s optical image stabilization for stills, so hand-holding video can be shaky.

For simple home videos or casual vlogging, Canon is again preferable.

Travel Photography

For travel, size, weight, versatility, and battery life matter.

• Sony’s extremely compact dimensions and lighter weight make it a great grab-and-go camera.
• Canon’s longer zoom and better battery life offer versatility for diverse scenes and longer days.

If you prioritize carry comfort, Sony W610 edges out. But if you value zoom and image quality, Canon SX620 HS is more versatile.

Professional and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - Canon and Sony’s CCD and DIGIC processors produce JPEG-only files.

For professional workflows needing high-fidelity files and tethered shooting options, neither model fits. They are best viewed as advanced point-and-shoot options.

Analyzing Technical Metrics and Performance Scores

To provide a quantified perspective, here’s an overview of subjective scores derived from practical testing and community feedback.

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Sony W610 front Sony W610 screen back

From the above charts, you can see Canon leads overall in image quality, zoom, and performance metrics, with Sony earning decent scores for portability and ease-of-use but lagging elsewhere.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lenses with no mount options, limiting versatility compared to mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Canon’s superzoom lens offers tremendous framing flexibility, whereas Sony trades zoom reach for size and simplicity.

Connectivity and Workflow Features

Canon’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enable remote shooting and wireless transfer, adding convenience on location or at home - a significant plus missing in the Sony W610.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Canon SX620 HS was priced at around $279, with the Sony W610 retailing near $200 - a price difference reflecting newer tech and features.

Given current second-hand or discount prices, Canon’s improved specs and performance justify the higher cost for users wanting more photographic capability.

Summing Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

After putting these cameras through their paces, here’s my take based on user needs:

• Choose the Canon SX620 HS if:

  • You need long zoom reach for wildlife, travel, or event photography.
  • You want better autofocus, image quality, and full HD video.
  • You value Wi-Fi connectivity and a larger, sharper screen.
  • You want macro photo capabilities.
  • You don’t mind sacrificing a little portability for better specs.

• Choose the Sony W610 if:

  • You prioritize an ultra-compact, lightweight camera strictly for snapshots.
  • You want a budget-friendly option for casual everyday photography.
  • Zoom range and video resolution are not your priorities.
  • You prefer simplicity over extra features or manual control.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In the compact superzoom segment, Canon’s SX620 HS shows how a camera launched in 2016 can still outperform an earlier model like the Sony W610 from 2012 in nearly every practical category: sensor tech, zoom, AF, video, and usability.

That said, if you’re brand-new to photography or want a tiny camera for simple family snapshots without bells and whistles, Sony’s W610 may suffice.

Dear Canon, a touchscreen and viewfinder option in this line would push quality even further (hint, hint). But in the current landscape, SX620 HS remains an excellent budget superzoom in a compact form.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you pinpoint which camera better aligns with your photographic ambitions. From my experience, investing in the SX620 HS delivers a more satisfying shooting experience and image quality, especially for enthusiasts looking beyond simple photography.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, and happy shooting!