Nikon P330 vs Sony WX10: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Compacts

When digging into the world of small sensor compacts, especially if you’re hunting for a pocket-friendly, no-fuss camera, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specsheets that sometimes offer little in real-world performance terms. After wrangling with the Nikon Coolpix P330 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 in my personal testing lab and on actual shoots, I’m here to break down how these two stack up - from sensor performance to handling, all the way to value.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and find out which one could be your best bet.

Size and Ergonomics: Getting a Grip on the Gear

Right off the bat, the physical feel of a camera can make or break your shooting experience, especially when you’re lugging it across a trip or grabbing it for quick street shots.

The Nikon P330 comes in with a slightly chunkier build measuring 103 x 58 x 32 mm and tipping the scales at 200 grams. It feels solid and comfortable to hold, with a well-placed shutter button and zoom rocker that cater well to “clubs for thumbs” like me. The subtle textured grip also provides a reassuring handhold during longer shoots. Despite the size, it’s still compact enough for a jacket pocket or small bag.

By contrast, the Sony WX10 is more diminutive at 95 x 54 x 23 mm and lighter at 161 grams. It’s a slender, sleek little machine that could be sneaked into a jeans pocket if you’re brave enough. However, that slimness comes at the expense of ergonomics - it feels a bit slippery and fragile, especially if you have larger hands or shoot for extended periods. The control layout is minimal, relying heavily on menus, which can slow you down in fast-paced shooting.

Bottom line: If you prioritize comfort and control during shooting sessions, the Nikon P330 wins here. For pure portability and stealth, the Sony WX10 takes the crown.

Control Layout and Body Design: How Do These Cameras Feel in Action?

Design matters more than many realize. Intuitive controls can transform your capture experience from stressful to seamless, especially in manual modes.

Poking around the top deck, the Nikon P330 showcases a more traditional camera layout. You have dedicated dials for exposure compensation, exposure modes (including full manual), and a zoom rocker that feels responsive and precise. No touchscreen here, but the buttons are logically placed and offer tactile feedback.

Sony’s WX10 opts for a simpler approach. The top only houses the shutter release and on/off switch. You’ll spend more time diving into menus for adjustments, which can be a nuisance if you’re in a hurry or shooting dynamic scenes.

In my experience testing similar cameras, having at least aperture or shutter priority on dedicated controls saves you headaches, and Nikon clearly thought this through.

Verdict: Ergonomically friendly Nikon P330 beats the pared-down Sony WX10 for manual control and fewer menu dives.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Fundamentals

At the heart of both cameras sits a BSI-CMOS sensor, but their sizes and specifications differ quite a bit.

• Nikon P330: Packs a 1/1.7” sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm), roughly 41.5 mm² area, shooting 12MP images.
• Sony WX10: Smaller 1/2.3” sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), around 28 mm², delivering 16MP shots.

More sensor real estate usually translates to better image quality, especially in low light and dynamic range, given identical technology.

Running several test shots in daylight and shadow-heavy scenes, the P330 consistently delivers cleaner images with richer colors and less noise creeping in at ISO 800 and above. The larger sensor coupled with a faster maximum aperture of f/1.8 at wide angle helps here.

Sony’s WX10 produces higher resolution files on paper - 16MP vs 12MP - but the tiny sensor struggles more with noise and highlight roll-off. At base ISO 100, both can pull decent results, but push the sensitivity, and the Sony grain becomes distracting.

Another key note: Nikon supports RAW shooting, crucial for post-processing latitude, whereas Sony does not, locking you into JPEGs. This limits editing flexibility, especially for enthusiasts or pros who like to squeeze the most from files.

If your priorities include image quality and editing freedom, Nikon P330 is the standout.

LCD and Viewfinder – What You See Is What You Get?

Neither camera offers a viewfinder - optical or electronic - but their rear screens tell a different story.

The Nikon P330 sports a 3” fixed TFT LCD with 921K dots, sharp and reasonably bright in most lighting conditions. The display renders colors faithfully and offers enough resolution for accurate framing and review. The lack of touchscreen is a minor drawback but expected in this class and era.

Meanwhile, the Sony WX10’s 2.8” screen is smaller and lower resolution at 460 dots, making it harder to discern finer details in images, especially under bright sunlight. That’s unfortunate when you are trying to check focus or exposure quickly.

In practice, during outdoor shooting sessions, I found myself squinting at the WX10’s screen and wishing for a higher-res panel. Nikon’s bigger screen definitely improves the overall user experience.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Nothing kills the mood faster than a slow or inaccurate autofocus system, especially when shooting moving subjects or spontaneous moments.

The Nikon P330 employs contrast-detection autofocus with eye-detection algorithms, occasionally locking on nicely even for portraits. However, it lacks continuous autofocus modes and phasedetection points, which are generally absent in compact cameras this age.

Sony’s WX10 features a 9-point contrast-detection AF system and allows single autofocus mode only. It lacks eye detection. Focus speeds are comparable between the two in daylight but the Nikon's more responsive AF tracking edges out for subjects with subtle motion.

Neither camera is a speed demon for rapid action, but if you want the occasional pet or kid shots with better focus confidence, Nikon’s face/eye detection helps.

Lenses and Zoom Range: Flexibility Versus Aperture Shading

Fixed lenses mean no lens swaps, so what you get out of the box shapes your shoot style.

• Nikon P330: 24-120mm (35mm equivalent) with a bright aperture range of f/1.8-5.6
• Sony WX10: 24-168mm with aperture f/2.4-5.9

The Sony benefits from a longer zoom range, useful if you want to poke at distant objects. However, its telephoto end is slower, leading to dimmer images that require higher ISO or slower shutter speeds.

Nikon’s wider aperture at the wide end favors low-light shooting and portraiture with better background blur (bokeh). That f/1.8 on a compact is a rarity and really aids subject separation when combined with its larger sensor.

For macro focus, Nikon offers closer focus down to 3cm, while Sony’s is 5cm - a slight edge for Nikon fans of close-up exploration.

Overall, if aperture and image quality are more important than reach, Nikon wins. For a longer zoom range within a compact, Sony may appeal.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Action

Both cameras tout 10fps continuous shooting, which on paper is impressive, but the devil’s in the details.

• Nikon offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/60 up to 1/4000 sec.
• Sony’s shutter caps at 1/1600 sec, with a slower minimum speed of 1/30 sec.

In tests, the Nikon performed better at freezing action in bright light, thanks to that faster maximum shutter speed. Sony’s slower top speed limits your ability to capture razor-sharp motion under sunny conditions.

The fast 10fps burst on Nikon can be effective for brief action runs, though buffer depth isn’t massive. Sony feels less responsive in action sequences.

Low-Light, ISO Performance, and Image Stabilization

Low-light photography is a challenge for compacts, but features like optical image stabilization and sensor design can help.

Both cameras use optical image stabilization which helps reduce blur at slower shutter speeds. However, the Nikon P330 again takes the lead with a bigger sensor and lower base ISO noise.

Nikon’s maximum ISO 12800 is generous, but practical use tops out nearer ISO 1600 to avoid too much grain. Sony’s max ISO only hits 3200, but image noise becomes aggressive beyond ISO 800.

If you’re a fan of night scenes or dim interiors, you’ll likely prefer the Nikon’s cleaner images and slightly better stabilization.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

Video on small compacts is usually an add-on rather than a core feature. Both cameras shoot full HD but differ slightly.

• Nikon P330 records 1080p up to 60fps in MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs.
• Sony WX10 shoots 1080p at 60fps as well but supports AVCHD and MPEG-4, adding some versatility.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting audio capture quality. No 4K or high-speed slow-motion capabilities (no 4K/6K photo modes here).

During my field tests, video from Nikon felt sharper with better color fidelity, helped by that f/1.8 aperture letting in more light. The Sony video is adequate but slightly softer.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

For small compacts, battery life and storage flexibility can be critical.

• Nikon P330 uses the EN-EL12 battery, rated for around 200 shots - modest at best. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.
• Sony WX10’s NP-BG1 battery rating isn’t clearly published but generally expected to operate in a similar range. It accepts SD card formats plus Sony’s proprietary Memory Sticks, offering greater flexibility.

Connectivity wise, Nikon’s limited to optional wireless, USB 2.0 (no HDMI), but includes built-in GPS - a bonus for travel photographers who need geotagging.

Sony offers Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfers and HDMI out - handy for quick playback on TVs.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze proofing. Both are basic compacts, intended for casual outdoor use but not harsh conditions.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Bang for Your Bucks?

At launch, the Nikon P330 came in around $500, whereas the Sony WX10 is closer to $200, pretty much half the price.

The Nikon justifies its higher price by providing a more advanced sensor, better image quality, advanced controls, and added features like GPS and raw shooting. The Sony WX10, while more limited, offers a decent performing zoom range at an accessible price point.

For budget-conscious buyers who want entry-level snapshots and zoom reach, Sony may suffice. For enthusiasts wanting more creative control and better image quality, Nikon is worth the premium.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s now see how this pair behaves in different photography disciplines, highlighting pros and cons.

Portraits:
Nikon’s faster lens aperture and face/eye detection boost portrait quality and subject separation. Sony’s smaller sensor and lack of eye detection make portraits softer with less pleasing bokeh.

Landscapes:
Nikon edges out with better dynamic range and detail, essential when shooting wide vistas. Sony’s higher-resolution files help but get penalized by sensor noise in shadows.

Wildlife:
Neither camera excels for serious wildlife - limited autofocus tracking and slower burst. Sony’s longer zoom lends some reach but at slower apertures.

Sports:
Action shooters will find both limited by autofocus and buffer depth. Nikon’s faster shutter speeds help, but ultimately, these are not action cameras.

Street:
Sony’s smaller size and discreet design appeal to street shooters needing a stealthy camera. Nikon is bulkier but has better image quality.

Macro:
Nikon’s closer focusing distance and faster lens help greater detail capture than Sony.

Night/Astro:
Nikon’s larger sensor and wider aperture give better noise control for low-light work.

Video:
Nikon’s video mode is more flexible; Sony adds useful HDMI output.

Travel:
Nikon offers GPS tagging and better image quality. Sony wins on size and weight.

Professional Work:
Neither are pro-level, but Nikon’s RAW support and controls make it more suitable for serious amateurs.

My Verdict: Who Should Pick Which?

Nikon Coolpix P330 - Best For:

• Photography enthusiasts requiring superior image quality
• Portrait and low-light shooters wanting larger sensor benefits
• Users valuing manual exposure modes and control dials
• Travelers who appreciate GPS and raw file flexibility
• Budget allowing for a $500 small-compact investment

Sony Cyber-shot WX10 - Best For:

• Budget-conscious buyers under $200
• Casual shooters needing a pocketable zoom camera
• Street photographers wanting the smallest footprint
• Video users needing HDMI out for external playback
• Users accepting basic autofocus and JPEG-only workflow

Final Thoughts With a Practical Twist

The Nikon P330 stands out as a highly capable small sensor compact that punches above its weight. Its larger sensor, faster lens aperture, full manual controls, and added features like GPS and RAW support provide a versatile package for enthusiasts wanting quality and creativity in a compact form. Downsides? Price and limited battery life.

Sony’s WX10 answers a different call - super lightweight, affordable, and featuring solid zoom reach - ideal for casual shooters or as a secondary, stealthy camera.

If image quality and control matter most, go Nikon. If creeping your budget is the top priority, Sony won’t disappoint.

Sample Image Gallery: See For Yourself

Nothing beats examining direct output. Here are comparative shots under varied scenarios:

Nikon P330 front Nikon P330 screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

Examine sharpness, bokeh, colors, and noise levels closely to confirm which fits your artistic preferences.

Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for quick ‘n ready snaps or a pixel peeper chasing the perfect shot, understanding these nuances will save you disappointment and help you own your next camera choice with confidence.

Happy shooting!