Nikon Coolpix P340 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX150: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Performance

When searching for a compact camera that balances portability with image quality and versatile features, the Nikon Coolpix P340 and the Sony Cyber-shot WX150 frequently come up as compelling options - especially for enthusiasts looking for capable pocket-sized shooters without breaking the bank. Both models, launched in the early-to-mid 2010s, target users wanting an all-in-one compact for travel, everyday photography, and casual video capture.

Drawing on our extensive hands-on testing of compact cameras over the past decade, we’ll dissect how these two stack up across sensor technology, image quality, handling, and specialized photography uses. Whether you prioritize crisp portraits with natural skin tones, fast autofocus for action, or seamless travel use, this comparison will help you understand which compact suits your needs best.

Let’s jump into the details, starting with how these cams compare in size and ergonomics since a compact’s feel in hand can make or break your shooting experience.

Compact and Ready to Shoot: Handling and Ergonomics Faceoff

Portability is key with small sensor compacts. Both the Nikon P340 and Sony WX150 boast slim, pocket-friendly bodies but differ in weight, grip design, and control layouts, affecting usability over long shoots.

The P340’s slightly bulkier body feels more secure and comfortable in hand, especially if you shoot for extended sessions or in active scenarios. Sony’s WX150 impresses with its featherweight and sleek design but compromises ergonomics slightly due to the lack of a thumb rest or grip extension.

Looking at the top panel layouts further clarifies their target audiences. The Nikon places priority on manual control accessibility, with dedicated exposure compensation and mode dials available - ideal for those who want to experiment with aperture priority and manual settings easily. The Sony opts for simplicity, relegating more functions into menu systems and removing physical dials. If you value quick tactile adjustments, Nikon takes the win here.

Practical takeaway:
If you prioritize a comfortable, thoughtful grip and physical controls for creative shooting, the Nikon P340's handling setup is more advantageous. The Sony WX150 favors ultra-portability with fewer distractions but less ergonomic refinement.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Both cameras use back-illuminated CMOS sensors, which enhance light-gathering capabilities especially in low-light conditions. Yet, differences in sensor size, resolution, and processing engines meaningfully impact image results.

The Nikon P340’s larger 1/1.7" sensor offers a significant edge in image quality potential. Larger sensor area yields better light collection per pixel, promoting cleaner images and improved dynamic range. You’ll notice this advantage particularly in challenging lighting or when printing larger formats.

Contrastingly, while the Sony WX150 packs more megapixels (18MP vs 12MP), this higher resolution is on a smaller sensor, somewhat diminishing the benefits due to smaller pixel sizes. It also lacks RAW file support, limiting your post-processing latitude significantly.

Image Quality in Practice:

• The Nikon handles higher ISOs more gracefully, with less noise starting at ISO 800 and maintaining usability beyond.
• Dynamic range performance favors Nikon, letting you preserve details in highlights and shadows better - invaluable for landscape or high-contrast scenes.
• Sony’s higher resolution can yield detailed images in good light but at the cost of noisier and less flexible files overall.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

In a compact without an electronic viewfinder, the LCD plays a key role in composition and review.

The Nikon's LCD offers nearly double the resolution of the Sony, resulting in crisper, more detailed previews that aid in accurate focusing and image assessment in the field.

Sony’s ClearPhoto display emphasizes brightness and color saturation, making it easier to view in brighter outdoor settings, though it lacks fine detail clarity for pixel-level scrutiny.

If you frequently compose complex scenes or rely heavily on LCD for manual focusing and exposure checks, Nikon’s higher-resolution screen will serve you better.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Catching the Moment Every Time

Speed and accuracy in autofocus (AF) can make or break shots, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, typical for compacts, which performs well in good light but can slow down or hunt in dim or low-contrast environments.

Sony offers 9 AF points versus Nikon’s unspecified, but typically the P340’s AF system appears as responsive or better in real-world use, partly due to its optimized image processor.

The Nikon also supports shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec - helpful when shooting fast action or wide open apertures in bright daylight for shallow depth of field effects. Sony’s 1/1600 max speed is somewhat limiting by comparison.

Burst mode is comparable at 10fps, though buffer depth and autofocus between frames favor the Nikon on sustained shooting.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: What Are You Shooting?

Lens specs are critical in deciding how well the camera matches your shooting habits.

Nikon’s lens opens remarkably wide at f/1.8 on the wide end, a boon for low-light, and ensures attractive background blur (bokeh) for portraits and creative shallow depth shots. Its 5x zoom range is moderate but covers wide angle to short telephoto - a versatile sweet spot for general shooting.

Sony’s 10x zoom covers much longer reach with a 25-250mm equivalent range, better suited to wildlife, street candid shots, or distant subjects. However, its slower apertures hamper low light and depth of field control compared to Nikon.

For macro photography, Nikon’s ability to focus at 2 cm allows you to get much closer detail on flowers or small objects versus Sony’s 5 cm minimum.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Compact cameras double as handy casual video recorders, and here the specs show distinct strengths.

Sony’s WX150 slightly edges Nikon with full HD 1080p at 60fps, suitable for smooth slow-motion video capture directly. Nikon includes slow-motion modes at reduced resolution (640×480 at 120fps), letting you get creative but with lower final quality.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs, limiting serious vlogging or sound control options.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

For extended use and sharing, battery endurance and connection options matter.

Both cameras deliver decent battery life for casual day outings, but you’ll want to carry spares if shooting extensively or outdoors.

Nikon’s built-in WiFi gives you better compatibility for direct smartphone transfers compared to Sony, which relies on Eye-Fi card technology, now largely obsolete and inconvenient.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

Now let’s break down strengths and weaknesses by photography genre - helping you find the best match.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon’s wide f/1.8 lens and larger sensor enable more natural skin tones, creamy bokeh, and better face detection.
• Sony has sharper resolving power in good light but less pleasing background separation and noisier high ISO.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon’s superior dynamic range and wider aperture produce richer details and tonality. Its weather sealing is absent but build quality is solid.
• Sony’s longer zoom can aid composition, but noisier shadows and lower detail give Nikon the edge.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony’s 10x zoom range covers distant subjects better; however, Nikon’s faster AF and higher max shutter speed help capture sharper motion shots.
• Neither excels as a telephoto specialist, but Sony is preferable if you prioritize reach.

Sports Photography

• Nikon leads with 1/4000s max shutter and better AF tracking.
• Burst rates equalize, but Nikon’s responsiveness is more reliable in practice.

Street Photography

• Sony’s lighter, sleeker body offers greater discretion and easier portability.
• Nikon’s brighter lens is beneficial for low-light street scenes.

Macro Photography

• Nikon’s 2cm focusing permits true macro shots with shallow depth of field.
• Sony’s 5cm minimum focussing distance is less flexible.

Night / Astro Photography

• Nikon’s cleaner high ISO and RAW support enable better starscape and long-exposure images.
• Sony’s higher pixel count is less effective due to noise.

Video

• Sony’s 1080p 60fps and stable AVCHD codec suit casual video shooters.
• Nikon’s slow motion feature is nice but limited by max 30fps Full HD.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s lighter weight and longer zoom suit varied conditions and convenience.
• Nikon delivers higher image quality for memorable vacation shots.

Professional Work

• Despite being compacts, Nikon’s RAW files, manual exposure control, and higher image quality make it a more viable backup or casual pro camera.
• Sony aimed mainly at point-and-shoot convenience.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Side-By-Side Sample Images and Performance Ratings

Here are comparative sample photos illustrating the Nikon’s cleaner low-light performance, vibrant portraits, and sharp landscapes, versus Sony's reach advantage and bright daylight results.

Nikon P340 front Nikon P340 screen back Sony WX150 front Sony WX150 screen back

When tested on our standard evaluation criteria, the Nikon P340 outperforms the Sony WX150 in core photographic quality and usability scores.

Breaking scores down by genre clarifies targeted use cases and priorities.

Final Recommendations: Which One Suits You?

• Choose Nikon Coolpix P340 if:
  You prioritize image quality, versatile manual control, superior low-light and portrait performance, and are willing to carry a slightly heavier body. It’s an excellent compact for serious enthusiasts, weekend hobbyists, and anyone who wants a pocket camera capable of RAW images and creative flexibility.

• Choose Sony Cyber-shot WX150 if:
  Ultra-portability, maximum zoom reach, and simple point-and-shoot convenience rank highest on your list. It’s ideal for casual shooters or travelers who want a no-fuss camera that fits in the smallest bag and captures decent images straight out of the camera.

Next Steps: Try, Experiment, and Explore

Both cameras represent smart choices in the compact segment, catering to subtly different photography journeys. We highly recommend visiting a retailer to hold them in your hand, check out live demos, and see their handling fit your style. Pair whichever you choose with trusty accessories like spare batteries, quality SD cards, and a protective case - these small investments help unlock creative freedom and enhance your shooting adventures.

Start exploring today with confidence, knowing you have a detailed understanding of how Nikon’s P340 and Sony’s WX150 deliver performance on the go. With either, you’re equipped to capture the world’s stories - one frame at a time.