The Sony A900 vs Sony W690: Two Cameras from Worlds Apart

When you pick up the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and the Cyber-shot DSC-W690 side-by-side, you’re essentially holding two completely different animals in your hands - one a beastly, full-frame advanced DSLR from 2008 built to rival the likes of Nikon and Canon’s best, the other a modest, compact point-and-shoot from 2012 designed for casual snaps and convenience. Yet both come from Sony and carry the same brand ethos: delivering photographic tools for varying needs and budgets.

As someone who has spent well over a decade testing cameras from professional-grade DSLRs to pocket compacts, I’m here to tell you: knowing which tool to pick is critical. In this article, we’ll dig beyond the spec sheet (still included in full!) and focus on what really matters - the real-world performance, ergonomic nuances, image quality differences, and why one might be a solemn workhorse while the other a friendly companion on your next trip.

Ah, and before we get lost in the tech labyrinth, you might appreciate this handy size comparison to put things in perspective:

First Impressions: A Mid-Size SLR Meets a Petite Pocket Friend

Right off the bat, these cameras couldn’t be more different in terms of physical design and user intent. The A900 is a mid-size DSLR with a sturdy, professional feel - weighing nearly 900 grams and boasting a solid 156 x 117 x 82 mm frame that practically begs for serious manual control and lens swapping.

The W690, on the other hand, is an ultra-compact marvel, barely tipping the scales at 142 grams and with dimensions reminiscent of a deck of cards - 94 x 56 x 22 mm. It’s designed to slip seamlessly into a pocket or purse, fully automatic, with no lens changes, just a fixed 25-250mm zoom.

I love showing their top controls side by side because it paints the clearest picture of their intended user experience. Have a look:

The A900 features dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, drive mode, and more - perfect for tweaking on the fly when shooting portraits or landscapes. The W690, conversely, is pared down with minimal buttons and relies heavily on auto modes and scene selections.

If you’re the kind of photographer who loves twisting knobs and dialing in settings yourself, the A900 welcomes you warmly. If you just want a grab-and-go camera for family outings or casual travel shots without fumbling through menus, the W690 is your buddy.

Sensor Showdown: The Heart of the Image

You can’t discuss image quality without facing the heart of each camera - the sensor.

The A900 rocks a full-frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor with a resolution of 25 megapixels (6048 x 4032 pixels). This sensor size is the gold standard in photography, letting in loads of light and delivering superb dynamic range, color depth, and low-light chops (ISO up to 6400 native).

The W690 has a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, just 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with 16 megapixels. This sensor has a horrendous crop factor of about 5.8x and a much smaller physical area - which translates to noisier images in low light and limited ability to capture fine detail compared to the A900’s robust full-frame sensor.

Feast your eyes on this sensor size and quality comparison for clarity:

A little-known tidbit from my years on the test bench: CCD sensors like the one inside the W690 used to be prized for their color consistency but have largely fallen out of favor in favor of CMOS sensors due to readout speed and image quality advances. The W690 is a good example of the final wave of consumer CCD compacts.

In practical terms, the full-frame A900 delivers images with richer gradients in skin tones and landscapes, far less noise in shadows at ISO 800 or above, and more latitude for post-processing. The W690’s small sensor works well in bright daylight scenarios but struggles as the sun dips or when shadows deepen.

User Interface and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

The Sony A900 features a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder with approximately 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification - a delight to use for anyone who has ever preferred the immediacy and clarity of an optical viewfinder over digital alternatives.

The W690 dispenses with the viewfinder altogether - relying solely on its 3-inch fixed LCD screen with a modest 230k resolution (compared to the A900’s much more detailed 922k screen). The W690’s screen uses Sony’s ClearPhoto TFT LCD, optimized for sunny outdoor use but still easily outclassed by the fine detail and viewing angle flexibility found on the A900.

Here’s a side-by-side view of their LCDs:

The A900’s screen is sharp and color-accurate, perfect for reviewing high-resolution images in the field. Meanwhile, the W690’s screen serves well for quick framing but lacks detail for meaningful image evaluation.

I also want to highlight that the A900 is missing live view entirely - which may feel archaic now but in 2008 was standard among professional DSLRs. The W690 supports live view since it has no optical viewfinder, naturally.

Autofocus, Speed & Burst Performance: Chasing the Moment

If you want to capture action - whether it’s a sports event, wildlife, or a child’s antics - autofocus and burst shooting are critical.

The Sony A900 employs a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system (built into the camera’s mirror box), including a central cross-type sensor. Though it may sound modest by today’s 50-100 point autofocus symphonies, it was still respectable for its time and delivers fast, reliable focus in good light. Continuous AF tracking is available, helping maintain focus on moving subjects.

The W690, with its basic CCD sensor and fixed lens, relies on contrast-detection autofocus - slower and more prone to hunting, especially in low light. It has face detection but offers no continuous AF or high frame-rate burst modes to freeze fast action.

Speaking of burst modes, the A900 can shoot at a respectable 5 frames per second, making it suitable for moderate sports or wildlife sequences. The W690 offers a sluggish 1 frame per second - more than adequate for leisurely shooting but insufficient for anything requiring speed.

Because of this technological gulf, the A900 is the clear winner for sports and wildlife shooters who depend on locking focus on erratic subjects and capturing decisive moments. The W690 is better suited for portraits or snapshots where subjects generally hold still.

Image Stabilization and Lens Ecosystem

Image stabilization is one of those features that can make or break handheld shooting, especially at longer focal lengths or low shutter speeds.

The A900 uses sensor-based image stabilization - meaning the sensor physically moves to counteract camera shake regardless of lens used. This system works universally across its wide array of compatible Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses (over 140 lenses available, mind you, ranging from fast primes to pro-grade telephotos). Sensor-shift stabilization is a gift to landscape and macro shooters alike.

The W690 features optical image stabilization embedded in its fixed lens, helping to counteract shake up to moderate zoom lengths (25-250mm equivalent). While effective for indoor or handheld shots, the limited maximum aperture (f/3.3-5.9) and smaller sensor mean stabilization only goes so far.

Lens options differ immeasurably. The A900 unlocks the richness of dedicated glass - from portrait-optimized 85mm f/1.4 lenses with beautiful bokeh to ultra-sharp Zeiss optics for landscapes. The W690, by contrast, is entirely fixed-lens - no upgrades possible.

Durability and Build: Making It Through the Day (and Weather)

The A900 features environmental sealing - a rarity in 2008 and a definite marker of professional intent. It’s engineered to resist dust and moisture, partially shielding you from the weather’s whims during outdoor shoots.

The W690 offers no weather sealing whatsoever, aligning with its consumer-friendly, casual use design.

Ergonomics wise, the A900's shape, large grip, and sturdy buttons are designed for extended use with gloves or in challenging conditions. The W690’s minimalist controls, while less precise, aid portability and ease.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Longer and Safer

One of the A900’s strongest points is its impressive battery life - rated at roughly 880 shots per charge, which aligns well with professional demands. It uses the NP-FM500H battery, known for robustness and widespread availability.

The W690, with a smaller NP-BN battery, is rated for about 220 shots per charge, plenty for casual shooting but likely pushing your patience on extended trips or events without spare power.

On storage fronts, the A900 supports dual card slots - CompactFlash (Type I or II) and Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo - allowing overflow and backup for professional workflows. The W690 relies on a single slot compatible with SD cards and Memory Stick variants.

Video Capabilities: A Tale of Two Eras

Video was still a nascent feature in 2008 DSLRs, and the A900 does not offer any video recording capabilities.

By 2012, the W690 provides basic video capture at 720p HD (1280x720) at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format - sufficient for casual video but lacking advanced controls like manual focus or higher frame rate options. No microphone or headphone ports mean limited audio quality and flexibility.

If video is a consideration for you, the W690 is a modest entry - good enough for home movies but far from the creative possibilities of modern mirrorless or DSLR video systems.

Practical Applications Across Photo Genres

Let's bring this down to what matters most: how does each camera fit into popular photography styles? (Also check out the following genre-specific performance chart:)

Portrait Photography

Sony A900: The full-frame sensor combined with the vast lens ecosystem allows exquisite skin tone rendition, shallow depth of field, and smooth bokeh. Eye detection isn’t built-in (remember, 2008 tech), but the 9-point AF is accurate enough when composed carefully. Manual focus aids creativity.

Sony W690: Face detection helps but small sensor and tiny lens apertures deliver less subject isolation. Images tend to be softer with more noise in shadows. Great for casual snapshots but limited if you want professional-quality portraits.

Landscape Photography

A900: The dynamic range (12.3 EV) and color depth are excellent, capturing details in highlights and shadows beautifully. Weather sealing and sensor-shift stabilization let you shoot in diverse environments. High resolution means you can crop or print big with confidence.

W690: Tiny sensor and modest dynamic range limit detail in high contrast scenes. No weatherproofing or specialized lenses. Fine for travel landscapes under good light but don’t expect stunning fine art results.

Wildlife Photography

A900: Reasonably fast AF tracking and 5 fps burst rate are entry-level by today’s standards but suffice for many wildlife scenarios - especially paired with a telephoto lens. Sensor-shift IS helps handholding tricky lenses.

W690: Autofocus lag and single FPS burst make this lens unsuitable for action wildlife shots. Zoom is nice for casual snaps but nowhere near professional wildlife photography requirements.

Sports Photography

A900: Decent tracking AF and burst rates help capture fast moments, though newer cameras surpass it. Low-light ISO performance allows indoor gym or arena shooting under modest lighting.

W690: Not designed for sports; focus lag and frame rate prevent meaningful action capture.

Street Photography

A900: Bulky size and noise of shutter might draw attention - less discreet. However, exceptional control over settings and focus accuracy make it perfect for deliberate street shoots.

W690: Ultra-compact size, quick startup, and silent operation make it ideal for casual street photography and travel snapshots.

Macro Photography

A900: Wide lens selection and sensor-shift IS facilitate precision and sharpness. Manual focus aids pinpoint control.

W690: Limited by fixed lens and lack of manual focus, though 5cm macro focus range is handy for spontaneous close-ups.

Night / Astro Photography

A900: Full-frame sensor shines with excellent low-light ISO and long shutter support (up to 30 seconds). The ability to shoot in RAW unlocks creative exposure blending.

W690: Small sensor and maximum 1/1600s shutter limit astrophotography severely.

Video

W690 - Only this camera offers video, although in basic 720p.

Travel Photography

A900: Wonderful image quality and versatility but bulkier and heavier - potentially cumbersome for minimalist travelers.

W690: Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry; great for casual travelers wanting decent pictures without fuss.

Professional Workflows

A900: Supports RAW files, offers stable file management with dual card slots, and integrates cleanly into professional workflows.

W690: JPEG only and limited manual controls constrain professional applications.

Image Quality in Action: Sample Images and Real-World Output

Having tested both extensively, I’ve included some side-by-side images illustrating these points:

Sony A900 front Sony A900 screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Notice the A900’s superior detail, dynamic range, and cleaner shadows versus the W690’s generally noisier, flatter images - especially when zoomed in or shot in challenging light conditions.

Performance and Scores: A Snapshot of Capability

Industry-standard DXO Mark scores highlight the stark performance gap:

• Sony A900 scores 79 overall with strong color depth (23.7 bits) and dynamic range (12.3 EV).
• Sony W690 isn’t tested by DXO but given sensor size and technology, its performance would be expectedly much lower.

These scores map well onto real-world outcomes in color richness, tonal gradation, and ISO noise management.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Money

As of their launches (and still roughly today on the used market), the two cameras vary wildly in cost:

• Sony A900: Approximately $2735 - a serious investment for dedicated enthusiasts or professionals. The price reflects the full-frame sensor, advanced controls, and professional build.

• Sony W690: Around $297 - affordable and approachable for casual photographers seeking easy snapshots.

Considering this, the A900 is a strong option if you require high-quality images and lens flexibility, while the W690 delivers value for travelers, beginners, or those wanting a simple daily shooter.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

If you crave ultimate image quality, control over your photographic journey, and plan to delve into diverse genres - portraits, landscapes, even moderate sports or wildlife - the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 is the clear winner. It’s a full-frame powerhouse that still impresses over a decade later. Its durability, professional handling, extensive lens support, and image excellence make it a camera worth owning if you’re ready to invest.

Conversely, if your emphasis is portability, ease of use, and casual photography without fuss - like family gatherings, vacations, or street shooting - and if your budget is limited, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 serves admirably. It’s compact, lightweight, and effortless, with a decent zoom range and basic video for everyday moments.

Each excels - in its own way - at satisfying vastly different photography needs. And honestly, having spent years juggling pro DSLRs and tiny compacts, I can say that both types of cameras deserve a place in the right photographer’s bag.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

I hope this deep dive helps you choose smartly between a serious professional tool and a nifty casual camera. Remember: the best camera is the one you’ll actually use and enjoy - even if it’s just capturing a smile on a sunny afternoon.

Happy shooting!