A Tale of Two Sonys: An Expert Comparison of the Sony NEX-6 and Cyber-shot W570

When it comes to choosing a camera, the breadth of Sony’s lineup - from ultracompacts to advanced mirrorless - is both a blessing and a curse. On one end, you have pocketable snap-and-go cameras like the Cyber-shot DSC-W570, and on the other, a class-defining mirrorless like the Sony Alpha NEX-6. Both carry the Sony badge but cater to fundamentally different needs.

Having spent years in the trenches testing and comparing cameras, I find it enlightening to pit these two models side-by-side - not just regarding specs on paper but how they perform under different photography disciplines. If you’re weighing between a simple travel companion or a solid step into advanced interchangeable-lens photography, this detailed comparison will hopefully save you some unanswered questions and missteps.

Let’s dive in.

Size Matters: From Gravitas to Pocketability

First impressions are often tactile, and size is a huge factor in day-to-day usability.

The Sony NEX-6 arrives in a rangefinder-style mirrorless body that measures roughly 120x67x43 mm and weighs around 345 grams without a lens. By comparison, the Sony W570 is ultracompact, at a petite 91x52x19 mm and featherweight 116 grams.

That size difference isn’t just about carrying convenience - it directly impacts handling. The NEX-6’s heft and grip afford more secure handling during extended shooting or heavy lens use. Controls are spaced thoughtfully, which I’ll detail shortly. The W570’s slim form factor is perfect for slipping in a pocket or purse without weighing you down, but it’s more prone to feeling like a fragile gadget when shooting quickly or with one hand.

So if portability is your top priority - say, for casual street snaps or vacation souvenirs - the W570 scores easy points. But if you want a camera you can rely on comfortably for intensive shooting sessions, the NEX-6’s body is built for the job.

Snapshots vs. Serious Controls: Design and Interface

The design ethos of these cameras reflects their intended users. The NEX-6 is a step up in complexity and customization, whereas the W570 leans utterly towards simplicity.

Checking the top controls:

The NEX-6 sports dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and modes - with a programmable function button, a sizable shutter release, and a hot shoe for external flash units. This level of control is a godsend for photographers who want quick access to settings without diving into menus. It helps save seconds, which often makes the difference between capturing that fleeting moment or missing it.

On the flip side, the W570 keeps things to essentials, with fewer buttons and no manual exposure compensation or shutter priority modes. It’s basically a point-and-shoot - great for minimal fuss, but limiting when you want creative control.

In practice, using the NEX-6 feels like holding a tool designed for photographic artisans. It responds intuitively, ensuring you stay in the zone. The W570 is more of a camera for those whose foremost concern is “Did I just get the shot?” - and it generally manages to deliver that.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technologies and Image Quality

At the core of any camera lies its sensor, the determining factor for image quality, noise handling, dynamic range, and resolution. Here’s where these two cameras truly part ways.

The Sony NEX-6 packs a 16-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm. In layman’s terms, that’s significantly larger than the 1/2.3” CCD sensor of the W570, which clocks in with approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors collect more light, resulting in better low-light performance, richer color depth, and greater dynamic range. The NEX-6 exhibits a DxO Mark overall score of 78, with impressive color depth (23.7 bits) and dynamic range (13.1 EV) - metrics unattainable for the tiny W570 sensor, which wasn’t even tested by DxOMark (and for good reasons).

Consequently, the NEX-6’s images look crisp and vibrant, with good detail retention in shadows and highlights. The W570, while capable under good lighting, struggles in dimmer environments, with higher noise levels and lesser tonal gradations.

If image quality is paramount - think portraits with lovely skin tones or landscapes with nuanced skies - the NEX-6 is firmly in the lead. The W570’s sensor is geared toward convenience rather than fidelity.

Viewing Your World: Screens and Viewfinders

The user interface includes viewing capability, vital for composing shots and reviewing images.

The NEX-6 features a 3-inch tiltable Xtra Fine LCD with 921k dots, capable of tilting up 90° and down 45°. That tilt flexibility is great for low and high-angle shots - a boon for creative compositions and macro work. It also boasts an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots, providing 100% frame coverage and 0.73x magnification - a rarity for cameras in its class back in its day.

The W570 sticks to a fixed 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution and no viewfinder. For casual shooting, this is acceptable, but screen visibility under bright daylight and composition precision can be challenging.

During real-world use, I found the NEX-6’s EVF indispensable in bright outdoor conditions - you can’t beat looking through a viewfinder for stability and accurate framing. The screen tilt also encourages creative angles without hassle.

If you’re shooting casual vacation snaps on the fly, the W570’s screen is sufficient but hardly inspiring.

Bringing It to Life: Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speeds

A camera’s autofocus system and burst rate directly impact the ability to capture decisive moments, especially in dynamic photography genres like wildlife and sports.

The NEX-6 offers a hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection, with 99 focus points - a big leap up from the W570’s basic 9 contrast-detection points.

This translates to faster, more reliable autofocus with better tracking of moving subjects. The NEX-6 supports continuous autofocus and can shoot at 10 frames per second in continuous mode, which is commendable for its vintage.

The W570’s autofocus is strictly contrast-based, single-shot only, with a slower maximum shutter speed (1/1600s vs. 1/4000s on the NEX-6), making it less adept at freezing fast motion. Burst rate is slower, pegged at just 1 fps.

For wildlife or sports photography, the NEX-6 provides far greater utility. For casual snapshots of kids or pets, the W570’s autofocus suffices but with compromises.

Cameras in Action: Sample Images Speak Volumes

After shooting across scenarios - portraits, landscapes, macro, and low light - it’s evident the sensor and optics define the capability gap.

Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back Sony W570 front Sony W570 screen back

Look closely at skin tones in the portraits: the NEX-6 renders smooth, natural tonal gradations with pleasant bokeh from its interchangeable lenses. The W570’s images are flatter, with less bokeh and somewhat noisier under shadows.

Landscape shots from the NEX-6 reveal wide dynamic range and precise detail - cloud texture, foliage - while the W570’s images tend to clip highlights quicker and lack fine detail in distant elements.

Macro shots on the NEX-6 shine with focusing precision and stabilization (adapter lenses notwithstanding), whereas the W570’s fixed lens has a minimum focus distance of 5 cm but lacks true stabilization, resulting in occasionally soft images.

In low light, the NEX-6’s higher max ISO (25,600 native) produces usable results with manageable noise, while the W570 maxes at ISO 3200 with notably grainier output.

What About Video? The Moving Picture Show

Video capabilities can sway many purchasing decisions these days.

The NEX-6 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 60 and 24 frames per second, supporting AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. However, it lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting audio capture options. No 4K video or electronic stabilization means video shooters might seek newer models, but for 2013 standards, it was solid.

The W570 records HD 720p at 30 fps, only in MPEG-4 format, with no manual exposure control during video and no audio input options. It’s basically a bonus feature rather than a serious video tool.

If video is a priority - say, hybrid photo/videography or occasional cinematic clips - the NEX-6 offers a comfortable baseline but don’t expect professional workflow compatibility.

Built Tough? Durability and Ergonomics Factor In

Neither camera has weather sealing or ruggedized body elements. The NEX-6’s metal chassis lends it a more robust feel than the plastic-centric W570, which is also more vulnerable to scratches and impacts.

The NEX-6’s larger battery pack (NP-FW50) yields about 360 shots per charge, which while average, can be extended with spares or grip accessories. The W570 uses an NP-BN1 battery - smaller capacity and less endurance - although official battery life numbers are sparse.

The Lens Ecosystem: Freedom and Flexibility

Here’s where the NEX-6 flexes a key muscle: its Sony E-mount supports 121 native lenses, plus third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, and others. This opens doors to prime lenses renowned for portrait bokeh, super-zooms for wildlife, macro optics, and ultra-wide landscapes.

The W570 has a fixed 25–125 mm equivalent zoom (F2.6–6.3). It’s versatile for everyday shots but no match for specialized photography.

Lenses matter - particularly if your ambitions include portraits or nature photography requiring creative depth of field or reach.

Connectivity and Storage

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - with the NEX-6 also compatible with Memory Stick Pro Duo types.

Wireless-wise, the NEX-6 includes built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer and remote shooting - a major plus in modern workflows. The W570 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless uploading but no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI output for tethered work and viewing on TVs.

Price vs. Performance: What Are You Getting?

As of current market prices, the NEX-6 hovers around $365 new (likely lower on used markets), while the W570 can be found around $159.

The price premium of the NEX-6 reflects its sensor size, interchangeable lens system, build quality, and advanced features.

For beginners on a shoestring budget who want an ultra-portable camera that beats smartphone quality, the W570 is a no-brainer. But for enthusiasts stepping up from kit lenses and smartphone cameras eager to grow creatively, the NEX-6 offers far better value long-term.

Scoring Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: NEX-6 dominates with large sensor, interchangeable lenses, face detection autofocus, and pleasing bokeh. W570 cannot match.
• Landscape: NEX-6’s dynamic range and resolution take the cake; W570’s limited range and noise hamper quality.
• Wildlife: NEX-6’s fast autofocus and burst shooting outpace W570’s pedestrian capabilities.
• Sports: Only the NEX-6 can truly keep up with fast action photography.
• Street: The W570’s compact size gives it a stealth advantage; NEX-6 is manageable but bulkier.
• Macro: NEX-6 with specialized lenses and focus assist wins by miles.
• Night/Astro: NEX-6’s high ISO and sensor performance enable night photography; W570 limited.
• Video: NEX-6 supports Full HD; W570 capped at 720p.
• Travel: W570 excels in portability; NEX-6 offers versatility at added bulk.
• Professional Work: NEX-6’s raw support, lens options, and control make it feasible for pro use; W570 not suitable.

Overall Performance Breakdown

The NEX-6 scores impressively in image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and versatility. The W570 shines in portability and ease of use but suffers in core photographic capabilities.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Sony NEX-6 if you:

• Are an enthusiast or aspiring professional who prioritizes image quality, control, and creative flexibility
• Want the ability to swap lenses for specialized photography
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, action, macro, or low light regularly
• Desire built-in Wi-Fi and tethered shooting features
• Don’t mind carrying a slightly larger, heavier camera for substantial gains

Choose the Sony W570 if you:

• Need an ultra-compact, pocketable camera for casual snapshots
• Seek simplicity and minimal user input
• Don’t require manual controls or interchangeable lenses
• Are on a tight budget or want a super-light travel companion
• Prefer straightforward, easy-to-use cameras with basic zoom

Final Reflections

I’ve sat with both cameras in my hands - and in my memory cards. The Sony NEX-6 remains, years after release, a remarkable bridge between serious photography and mirrorless convenience. Its image quality, control, and lens adaptability make it a versatile companion for a broad range of genres. The W570, meanwhile, is a friendly point-and-shoot that does exactly what it says on the tin - snap simple photos without fuss.

Your choice ultimately boils down to what kind of photographer you are and what you want this camera to be. Enthusiasts and professionals will naturally gravitate toward the NEX-6's capabilities, while casual shooters will appreciate the W570’s convenience and price.

After over 15 years of field-testing cameras, one truth stands firm: no matter how knowledgeable you get, the most important thing is photography itself - capturing moments that matter. Pick the tool that keeps you going back out shooting.

Happy clicking!

If you want to dig even deeper, feel free to ask for lens recommendations or workflow tips tailored for these cameras!