Nikon Coolpix S4000 vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Photography

When shopping for an ultracompact camera on a budget - whether for travel, casual shooting, or as a backup to your main rig - understanding the real-world strengths and limitations of your options is essential. Today, I’m diving deep into two budget-friendly contenders from the late 2000s/early 2010s era: Nikon’s Coolpix S4000 and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. Both pack very similar features but cater to slightly different shooting habits and preferences.

Having tested thousands of digital cameras across the spectrum - from compact shooters to professional DSLRs - I’ll break down their real-world usability, image quality, and which one offers better bang for your buck depending on your photography goals. I’m also integrating tech specs, hands-on observations, and practical advice to help you cut through the marketing fluff.

Let’s start by checking out their physical designs side-by-side.

Design, Size, and Ergonomics: Portable Cameras with Attitude

When camera size and comfort matter, every millimeter counts - and these two ultracompacts do compete closely here.

Nikon S4000:

• Dimensions: 95 x 57 x 20 mm
• Weight: 131 g
• Body: Rounded edges with a plastic finish
• Grip: Modest but not the most secure for larger hands
• Controls: Minimal, no dedicated clubs for thumbs or customizable buttons

Sony WX1:

• Dimensions: 91 x 52 x 20 mm - slightly smaller footprint overall
• Weight: 149 g - heavier, primarily due to metal parts in the body
• Body: Solid feel with a more substantial grip step
• Controls: Slightly better button placement but still basic; no manual focus ring

My Take: Though both cameras fit easily in your pocket or purse, the Sony WX1 feels a bit more solid in hand, boasting a better grip edge. If you have larger fingers, shooting for long stretches without hand fatigue may favor the WX1, but the S4000’s lighter weight might appeal more for sheer portability.

Top View and Control Layout: Where the Finger Meets the Camera

User interface truly defines ease of use.

From the top plate:

• Both have a straightforward on/off switch, shutter button, and zoom rocker.
• Neither features a dedicated mode dial, and both rely mostly on fully automatic operation (no PASM modes).
• The Sony wins points here with a slightly faster zoom toggle and a modestly better-placed record button. The Nikon’s zoom ring feels a little stiffer.

If you’re a casual shooter who values simplicity, both will work fine - but the Sony edges out with a more ergonomic top plate when you’re firing off burst photos or videos.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS in Practice

Here’s where the story gets interesting.

• Nikon S4000:

  • Sensor: 1/2.3” CCD, 12 MP
  • Sensor area: 28.07 mm²
  • ISO: 80-3200 (native)
  • Antialiasing filter: Yes
  • Image processor: EXPEED C2

• Sony WX1:

  • Sensor: 1/2.4” back-illuminated CMOS, 10 MP
  • Sensor area: 27.94 mm²
  • ISO: 160-3200 (native)
  • Antialiasing filter: Yes
  • Image processor: BIONZ

From a sensor technology standpoint, the Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor typically offers better low-light sensitivity and less noise at higher ISOs compared to the older CCD sensor in the Nikon. Though the Nikon has a slightly higher megapixel count, real-world sharpness differences are marginal.

During side-by-side testing, I found:

• The Sony WX1 produces cleaner images with less grain at ISO 800 and above.
• The Nikon’s color rendition is a touch warmer, but the Sony provides slightly better contrast and punch.
• Both cameras suffer from limited dynamic range typical of small sensors, making them less ideal for scenes with strong shadows and highlights.

If you prioritize late-afternoon portraits or indoor shots where ISO noise can bite you, the WX1’s sensor and processor combo gives it a clear advantage.

LCD Screens and User Interface

Visibility and framing comfort matter for all sorts of shooting styles.

• Nikon S4000:

  • 3” fixed 460k-dot touchscreen
  • Touchscreen allows limited interactions
  • Brightness adequate but reflection can be an issue outdoors

• Sony WX1:

  • 2.7” fixed 230k-dot non-touch LCD
  • Less resolution and no touchscreen, but favored by some for its simpler menu navigation

Personally, I appreciated the Nikon’s larger, higher-resolution screen and the touchscreen for quicker menu access despite the lack of full manual controls. If you’re shooting on the go and rely on the LCD for composing (no viewfinder here), the S4000’s screen is easier on the eyes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed - Critical for Fast Subjects

Whether snapping street moments or your kids at play, the speed and accuracy here matter.

• Nikon S4000:
  • 1-point contrast-detection AF, no face detection
  • Continuous shooting at 3 fps
  • Shutter lag noticeable, especially in low light
• Sony WX1:
  • 9-point contrast-detection AF with center-weighted focus
  • Continuous shooting up to 10 fps (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter response, slightly better subject tracking for casual use

The WX1 clearly takes the crown here for action and candid capture scenarios. The higher burst rate and multiple AF points mean it's better suited for street photography or kids running around. The Nikon’s autofocus feels more sluggish, making you more prone to missed shots.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

Zoom range can influence camera flexibility.

• Nikon S4000: 27-108 mm equivalent (4x optical zoom), aperture f/3.2-5.9
• Sony WX1: 24-120 mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), aperture f/2.4-5.9

Sony’s base focal length wider by 3 mm and zoom range more generous. The Nikon’s lens is a bit slower at the wide end (f/3.2 vs. f/2.4), which means less light entering for wider shots indoors or in low light.

Wide-angle lovers will prefer Sony’s 24 mm, great for landscapes and interior photography, while Nikon’s zoom range may lean slightly toward casual snapshots.

Real-World Photography Tests: Sample Shots Gallery

To translate specs into pictures, I shot a range of scenes with both cameras.

Nikon S4000 front Nikon S4000 screen back Sony WX1 front Sony WX1 screen back

• Portraits: Nikon produced softer skin tones but slightly less precise focus, while Sony gave crisper details but sometimes colder casts.
• Landscapes: Both cameras struggled under challenging HDR conditions, but Sony’s wider lens packed more into the frame.
• Macro: Sony’s closer focusing range gave sharper close-ups with better background separation.
• Low-light: Images from the WX1 retained more detail with less noise at ISO 800+
• Video: Both offer HD 720p at 30fps; Sony has optical stabilization that improves video smoothness noticeably.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera is ruggedized or weather-sealed; both are plastic-bodied with no shockproofing or dust/water resistance. The Nikon feels a little cheaper in materials, but given their price points, neither should be your go-anywhere workhorse.

Battery Life and Storage

Official ratings are sparse, but user feedback and testing show:

• Nikon uses EN-EL10 battery - about 250-300 shots on a charge.
• Sony uses proprietary NP-BG1 or NP-FG1-like batteries - roughly 300-350 shots per charge.
• Both accept standard SD cards, but Sony also uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo - which may complicate storage management for some.

If you’re shooting a lot, plan for spare batteries with either model.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras are very basic here:

• No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• USB 2.0 ports for image transfer
• Sony adds HDMI out - a plus if you want to review photos on a TV
• Neither supports RAW shooting, limiting post-processing flexibility

Price and Value Considerations

• Nikon S4000: Around $200 new (now likely found cheaper refurbished or used)
• Sony WX1: Around $150 new (similarly inexpensive used)

The Nikon comes in pricier with the marginally newer sensor design, yet the Sony delivers better performance overall for less money.

Breaking It Down: Pros and Cons

Nikon Coolpix S4000
Pros:

• Larger, higher-res touchscreen LCD
• Slightly taller max aperture at wide-angle (f/3.2 vs f/2.4 is close)
• Lightweight and very pocketable
  Cons:
• No image stabilization
• Slow autofocus and burst rate
• No RAW, limited manual controls
• No HDMI out

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1
Pros:

• Faster, more accurate autofocus with multiple points
• Longer zoom range and wider wide-angle lens (24mm)
• Optical image stabilization for sharper shots and smoother video
• HDMI port for convenient playback on TV
• Faster burst shooting (10fps)
  Cons:
• Smaller, lower-res LCD without touch controls
• Slightly heavier and less pocket-friendly
• No RAW support

Which Camera is Best For What?

Overall Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

The Sony WX1 ranks consistently higher in nearly every technical and user experience category I tested.

This graphic confirms the WX1 as the better all-rounder for enthusiasts seeking speed, quality, and versatility - while the S4000 is best suited for simple snapshots and videos where budget and ease reign supreme.

Final Verdict: Practical Insights from My Lab and Field Tests

If you’re a cheapskate with basic snapshot needs, the Nikon Coolpix S4000 is a solid, straightforward choice. It offers decent image quality, a pleasing touchscreen, and light body that you can carry everywhere without feeling bogged down. Just don’t expect blazing speed, raw flexibility, or stabilization.

For those wanting a camera that punches above its ultracompact weight class, with faster autofocus, better low-light performance, and richer zoom versatility, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is the one to grab. Its stabilization and video capabilities alone make it more future proof and versatile, despite the slightly smaller screen and heftier build.

Between the two, the Sony WX1 shines most in every discipline I tested - especially where timing and sharpness matter. Its value-for-money edge seals the deal.

Bonus Tips for Buying or Upgrading

• Look for used or refurbished deals. Both cameras are discontinued, so eBay or camera store refurbishers offer better prices.
• Check battery and charger availability - both cameras require manufacturer-specific batteries that may be outdated or rare.
• Prioritize lens versatility and stabilization if you plan to keep your camera for years to come.
• Remember the size and weight tradeoff: smaller isn’t always better if ergonomics compromise shooting comfort.

I hope this hands-on, down-to-earth comparison has helped clarify how the Nikon S4000 and Sony WX1 stack up in real-world shooting - no marketing fluff, just facts and my field-tested experience. Feel free to ask if you want recommendations for modern alternatives or lenses that best complement your new compact camera!

Happy shooting!

All product images and performance charts sourced from hands-on testing archives and manufacturer specifications to provide you the clearest, most practical camera-buying advice.