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Nikon S230 vs Sony W380

Portability
96
Imaging
32
Features
21
Overall
27
Nikon Coolpix S230 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 front
Portability
96
Imaging
36
Features
25
Overall
31

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Key Specs

Nikon S230
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 2000
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 35-105mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 115g - 91 x 57 x 20mm
  • Launched February 2009
Sony W380
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-120mm (F2.4-5.9) lens
  • 117g - 91 x 52 x 20mm
  • Released January 2010
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Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Overview

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Nikon S230 and Sony W380, both Ultracompact digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the S230 (10MP) and W380 (14MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S230 was announced 11 months prior to the W380 so they are of a similar age. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the S230 scores vs the W380 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S230 over the Sony W380

 S230 W380 
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Reasons to pick Sony W380 over the Nikon S230

 W380 S230 
ReleasedJanuary 2010February 2009Newer by 11 months

Common features in the Nikon S230 and Sony W380

 S230 W380 
Focus manually No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kEqual screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Physical Comparison

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon S230 features physical dimensions of 91mm x 57mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 115 grams (0.25 lbs) and the Sony W380 has proportions of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S230 and Sony W380 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the S230 vs the W380.

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S230 and W380 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the S230 and W380.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Sony W380 to give you extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged S230 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 sensor size comparison

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon S230
Portrait photography with Sony W380
19
lack of manual focus
no manual control
cannot use external flash
megapixel count low (10 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
28
MP count good (14 megapixels)
no manual focus
no manual mode
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Street Comparison

Nikon S230 Street photography features
Sony W380 Street photography features
56
has image stabilization (Digital)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
57
has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S230 Sports photography info
Sony W380 Sports photography info
26
has image stabilization (Digital)
no shutter priority mode
megapixel count low (10MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus
34
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (14MP)
max frames per second very slow (2.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S230 Travel photography information
Sony W380 Travel photography information
51
flash built-in
no Timelapse recording
megapixel count low (10 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
65
MP count good (14MP)
has built in flash
quite wide (24mm)
missing Timelapse recording
does not feature selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.4)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S230 Landscape photography factors
Sony W380 Landscape photography factors
31
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Digital)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual control
megapixel count low (10MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
no Timelapse recording
37
quite wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (14MP)
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.4)
small screen (2.7 inches)
no manual mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format
missing Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon S230
Vlogging with Sony W380
28
touchscreen enabled
has image stabilization (Digital)
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low quality video (640 x 480 resolution)
no microphone socket
29
quite wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.4)
does not feature selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
missing microphone port
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Nikon S230 vs Sony W380 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S230 and Sony W380
 Nikon Coolpix S230Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380
General Information
Company Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon Coolpix S230 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380
Type Ultracompact Ultracompact
Launched 2009-02-03 2010-01-07
Body design Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 10MP 14MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 3648 x 2736 4320 x 3240
Maximum native ISO 2000 3200
Lowest native ISO 80 80
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points - 9
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 35-105mm (3.0x) 24-120mm (5.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.1-5.9 f/2.4-5.9
Macro focusing range 10cm 5cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inch 2.7 inch
Resolution of display 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 8s 2s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1600s
Continuous shutter speed 11.0fps 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - 4.80 m
Flash modes Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync Auto, On, Off, Slow syncro
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 640x480 1280x720
Video data format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 115 gr (0.25 lb) 117 gr (0.26 lb)
Dimensions 91 x 57 x 20mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") 91 x 52 x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery ID EN-EL10 NP-BN1
Self timer Yes (3 or 10 sec) Yes (2 sec or 10 sec, portrait1/portrait2)
Time lapse recording
Storage media SD/SDHC, Internal SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro HG-Duo, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Price at release $150 $44