Panasonic S2 vs Sony W690: Hands-On Comparison of Two 2012 Compact Cameras

In the rapidly evolving world of compact digital cameras, choices abound but the subtle differences often matter most. Today, I’ll be putting two small-sensor compacts from early 2012 head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. Although both sit firmly in the budget-friendly, fixed-lens compact segment with modest feature sets, they diverge in ways that will influence what kind of photographer you are - or want to become.

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’ll shed light on these two models through a thorough, practical lens. We’ll dissect how each camera handles sensor technology, autofocus, build quality, handling ergonomics, and image quality - across a wide range of photographic genres and real-world usage.

So let’s dive in.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Compactness vs Control

When it comes to small sensor compacts like these, the form factor often drives portability and comfort for travel, street shooting, or casual use. Comparing the Panasonic S2 and Sony W690 physical build immediately shows their design philosophies.

The Panasonic S2, measuring 98x57x21mm and weighing just 112g, is delightfully lightweight, almost pocketable in a larger jacket pocket. Its slim profile leans heavily towards grab-and-go leisure photography. However, the smaller size compromises in grip security and button spacing, which may frustrate prolonged shooting sessions or users with larger hands.

On the other hand, the Sony W690 is a bit thicker (22mm) and heavier at 142g. That extra heft translates to a slightly more assured grip, contributing to steadier handholding especially with longer focal lengths. Its dimensions may not seem like much but feel tangible in practice, especially when balancing zoom-heavy shots.

While neither camera boasts a high-end weather sealing nor ruggedized build, the Sony feels fractionally more robust, with a matte textured finish providing subtle tactile reassurance.

Top-Layout and Control Scheme: Intuition Meets Simplicity

Shooting ease hinges heavily on how instinctively your hands find controls and dials. Especially when you want to react quickly, button ergonomics matter. Here’s a side-by-side of their top plate designs.

The S2 offers a minimalist button set complemented by a mode dial, although limited to auto-centric options - no manual or aperture/shutter priority modes here. Its shutter release is well positioned yet the lack of customizable buttons or direct access to exposure compensation may irk more demanding photographers.

Sony’s W690 follows suit with a similarly simple layout. It introduces a traditional zoom rocker on the shutter button - very responsive but sometimes a bit too sensitive. The absence of aperture or shutter control stands out, making both cameras somewhat limited to automatic exposures.

Neither supports RAW capture or manual exposure controls, so enthusiasts will need to temper expectations accordingly. But for snapshots and casual use, the layout is functional if unspectacular.

Sensor Technology and Imaging Performance: Early 2010s Compact Realities

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and for these two, it means a battle of small 1/2.3" CCDs capturing 14 vs 16 megapixels.

The Panasonic S2 uses a 14MP sensor with a somewhat conservative max ISO of 6400 native. The CCD architecture here yields natural color reproduction and pleasing skin tones at base ISO, which is great for portraits under good lighting. However, it shows its age in low light - noise emerges aggressively past ISO 400, limiting practical night shooting.

Meanwhile, the Sony W690 pushes 16MP, squeezing extra resolution into a nearly identical sensor size. Its ISO range maxes out at 3200 native. It delivers slightly sharper images with more detail in daylight, thanks to its BIONZ processor’s noise reduction algorithms. But do expect softness creeping in with higher ISO shots. Color reproduction trends slightly cooler than Panasonic’s warmer tones but remains faithful for general use.

Neither sensor supports RAW capture, which limits advanced post-processing workflows. But for JPEG shooters dependent on quick image sharing, both hold their own with daylight snappiness.

In essence, if you primarily shoot portraits or landscapes in daylight, Sony’s sensor nudges ahead in resolution - while Panasonic provides a slightly warmer, skin-tone friendly rendering.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Size and Usability Matter

In a compact, a decent rear LCD screen forms your primary image preview and menu interaction hub. Comparing these two:

Sony’s W690 sports a 3.0-inch 230k dot ClearPhoto TFT screen. Its larger size and crisp color delivery make composition, playback, and menu navigation easier. You’ll find menus logical, with decent contrast. However, no touchscreen means navigation relies on directional buttons - nothing fancy but perfectly serviceable.

Panasonic’s S2 provides a slightly smaller 2.7-inch, 230k dot TFT screen. Color rendering is good, but viewing angles are narrower, and the smaller size means you lose some detail during composition. The menu system is straightforward, but button navigation can feel sluggish compared to more modern ergonomics.

Neither feature touchscreens, electronic viewfinders, or articulated displays, keeping them firmly rooted in basic usability. For framing or reviewing shots on the go, I prefer the Sony’s larger and clearer screen - a subtle but meaningful advantage during outdoor shooting.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

One of the more disappointing aspects common to both cameras is their reliance on contrast-detection AF, typical of budget compacts from 2012.

The Panasonic S2 offers a 23-point AF system, including face detection. However, in practice, its focus acquisition is slow, especially in low contrast or low light. The lack of AF tracking means moving subjects are difficult to capture sharply, limiting its utility for sports or wildlife snaps.

The Sony W690, though lacking full focus point disclosure, includes face detection and active AF tracking. That’s a rare feature in this class that does improve subject lock-on somewhat. Still, the continuous autofocus mode is absent, and shooting fast-moving scenes is a challenge.

Both cameras perform adequately for stationary subjects and general daylight scenarios. But if your photography leans toward dynamic compositions or wildlife, neither will fully satisfy.

Optical Zoom and Lens Performance: Versatility in Focal Range

If you like versatility in a pocket camera, focal range matters - how far can you zoom? How is image quality at the extremes?

The Panasonic S2’s 28-112mm (35mm equivalent) 4x zoom is on the shorter side, limiting reach but offering moderately bright apertures (F3.1-6.5). It excels slightly in wide-angle shots but quickly loses speed at telephoto where image softness and chromatic aberration become visible.

Sony’s W690 leaps out ahead with an impressive 25-250mm 10x zoom range - substantial telephoto grunt for capturing distant subjects, landscapes, or even casual wildlife. Aperture ranges from F3.3 to a respectable F5.9 at full zoom. Lens distortion is well-controlled at the wide end with subtle softness and chromatic aberrations creeping in at long focal lengths.

For travel and everyday photography, Sony’s extended zoom offers meaningful framing flexibility - plus its optical image stabilization aids sharpness across the zoom range.

Shooting Dynamics: Burst Rates and Shutter Speed Ranges

Let’s talk shooting speed and timing control - more important than many realize for action and sports.

The Panasonic S2 offers a maximum continuous shooting rate of 2 frames per second, with shutter speeds from 8s to 1/1600s.

The Sony W690 tops out at a slower 1 frame per second, shutter speed from 30s to 1/1600s - its notably longer maximum exposure suggests some potential for night photography or creative effects.

Neither offers silent shutter modes or faster burst shooting to really chase fast action. For sports photographers, these limitations are a drawback.

Video Capabilities: HD Basics but Limited

Both cameras offer video capture with basic HD resolutions:

• Panasonic S2: 1280×720 (30 fps), Motion JPEG format
• Sony W690: 1280×720 (30 fps), MPEG-4 format

Neither supports 4K recording, high bitrate, or extended recording times - typical of budget compacts from this era. Neither has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control.

For casual video use - family gatherings or short travel clips - both suffice but won’t satisfy videographers.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery longevity often gets overlooked but governs how long your camera lasts on trips or photo days.

The Panasonic S2 uses a proprietary battery pack, rated for around 280 shots per charge.

The Sony W690 uses its NP-BN battery, rated closer to 220 shots.

Neither camera supports USB charging, a modern convenience sorely missed here.

Regarding storage, the Panasonic supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal storage, while the Sony extends compatibility to Sony’s own Memory Stick formats as well - a plus for users entrenched in Sony ecosystems.

Image Samples: Daylight and Zoom Comparisons

Nothing beats seeing what a camera delivers straight out of the box.

Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Looking at daylight shots, both cameras handle color saturation and contrast well. Sony’s images show slightly more crisp detail, especially at longer zoom distances, thanks to its 16MP sensor and extended lens range. Panasonic’s images appear marginally warmer - a subtle but pleasing tone for portraiture.

Noise levels spike faster on the Panasonic at ISO 400, while Sony maintains usable noise control up to ISO 800 before artifacting becomes obvious.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Scores: Where Each Excels

To contextualize performance holistically, I compiled scoring across multiple key categories based on hands-on testing experience and industry benchmarks.

Portraits: Panasonic edges ahead with warmer skin tones and face detection, but Sony’s better resolution can yield sharper eyes and details.

Landscapes: Sony’s higher resolution and 10x zoom trump Panasonic’s more limited reach; dynamic range is in the same ballpark thanks to sensor similarity.

Wildlife: Both struggle with AF speed, but Sony’s longer focal length wins for framing distant critters.

Sports: Neither is ideal; Panasonic’s higher burst rate is a mild plus.

Street Photography: Panasonic’s smaller body favors discreet shooting, but Sony’s improved zoom flexibility has appeal.

Macro: Both have similar 5cm close focus; Panasonic’s optical stabilization might help here.

Night/Astro: Neither excels; Panasonic’s ISO ceiling higher but noisier. Long shutter limits on Sony helpful but no manual controls hamper astrophotography.

Video: Both equal basics; Sony’s MPEG-4 slightly more efficient.

Travel: Sony, despite heavier weight, is more versatile with its zoom range and screen size.

Professional Use: Neither meets pro reliability or workflow standards (no RAW, minimal controls).

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Here’s my close, real-world advice based on your needs.

• Go Panasonic S2 if: You want the lightest, simplest compact for snapshots, portraits with flattering colors, and easy casual use indoors and outdoors. Its smaller size and slightly faster continuous shooting help for general family and street photography.

• Choose Sony W690 if: You desire more framing versatility from a longer zoom lens, a larger display for composition, and slightly better daylight resolution. It’s better suited for travel, landscapes, or lazy wildlife shoots despite a heavier body.

Neither offers advanced manual controls or RAW shooting, so enthusiasts aiming to grow in creative control should look elsewhere. On budget compacts from 2012, these two fill similar but subtly distinct user profiles.

Final Thoughts and Personal Recommendations

Having spent extended time behind both cameras, I’m reminded why compact cameras are still beloved for straightforward photography - pocketable ease, instant gratification, and no technical fuss.

While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 leans towards livelier colors and greater portability, the Sony DSC-W690 wins by a hair for zoom versatility and screen usability.

But here’s the catch - as of 2024, both cameras have been superseded several times over. So if you can, consider newer compacts with bigger sensors and more refined autofocus. If your budget strictly caps at under $300 (the current price range of these used), these two remain viable options for casual users or collectors embracing 2010s budget tech nostalgia.

Dear camera manufacturers, please put back easy manual exposure control and RAW capture in entry-level compacts, will you? That’s what we enthusiasts crave for creative growth!

I hope this thorough, hands-on comparison helps you decide between these two cameras or guides you toward the right entry-level compact for your style.

Happy shooting!

• • Your Experienced Camera Reviewer, with over 15 years spent testing thousands of cameras across all photography genres.*