Sony A6600 vs Sony DSC-S930: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Eras

When I first set out to compare Sony’s 2019-era A6600 - a sophisticated APS-C mirrorless powerhouse - with the little vintage compact known as the DSC-S930 from 2009, I expected a David vs. Goliath story. Spoiler alert: it absolutely is, but this comparison also reveals fascinating insights about how camera technology has evolved and how each model’s design philosophy caters to very different photographers.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro wanting an advanced secondary body or someone curious about the leaps in technology over the last decade plus - read on for a deep dive covering everything from sensor chops to ergonomics, and how these beasts behave across photography genres.

Getting Physical: Size, Handling, and Design Ergonomics

Let's start with the obvious: the cameras' physicality. The A6600 is a serious piece of engineering with a snug grip, weather sealing, and a thoughtfully designed control layout. The S930, meanwhile, is a pocket-sized point-and-shoot - lightweight, slim, and built for grab-and-go convenience.

If you’ve handled the A6600, you know it’s built with the enthusiast in mind - solid magnesium alloy body weighing 503 grams, with a deep grip that invites long shoots without hand fatigue. The compact S930, only 167 grams, slips in any pocket but feels toy-like by comparison. Its plastic shell and minimal grip area mark it as a casual shooter’s companion rather than a professional tool.

The size difference (120x67x69mm for the A6600 vs 90x61x26mm for the S930) is dramatic, but so is the impact on handling. The A6600’s robust construction and tactile buttons bring confidence in demanding scenarios, while the S930’s simple layout lets you point and shoot without fuss - perfect for snapshot memories but less so for controlled photography.

Eye Candy: Display and Viewfinder Showdown

A camera’s user interface is your window to composing and reviewing shots, so let's compare these two on screens and viewfinders.

The A6600 sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with a full 922k-dot resolution - responsive, bright, and versatile. This screen flips downwards and upwards, making it a treat for vlogging or shooting at tricky angles. On the back, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 2.36 million dots giving a crisp, clear view with 100% frame coverage and a strong 0.71x magnification - ideal for precise framing, even in bright daylight.

The DSC-S930 is a much simpler affair: a fixed, 2.4-inch, low-res 112k-dot LCD screen - still usable but obviously dated. No EVF at all, so composing in bright sunlight might require some awkward squinting. It’s a reminder how far screen and EVF tech has come.

In practical terms: the A6600’s screen and EVF combo allow confident manual focusing, exposure confirmation, and quick image review. The S930’s display is strictly basic, lacking touch functionality or live zoom aids, making it less suited for meticulous composition.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensors and Image Quality

Here, things get really interesting - and where the two cameras couldn't be more different.

The Sony A6600 houses an APS-C sized 24.2MP CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6mm - offering a generous 366.6mm² of photosensitive surface. This sensor uses back-illuminated design, delivering high dynamic range (~13.4 EV at base ISO), impressive color depth (23.8 bits), and excellent low-light performance (DXO low light ISO ~1497). Paired with the advanced Bionz X processor, this setup powers robust detail retention, clean shadows, and versatile shooting in diverse lighting.

Conversely, the Sony DSC-S930 sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch 10MP CCD sensor - a mere 6.17 x 4.55mm chip with about 28mm² area. This smaller sensor is typical for compacts before smartphones took over. The smaller size limits light-gathering and dynamic range severely, translating to more noise at higher ISOs, reduced sharpness, and washed-out colors in tricky lighting.

The lack of RAW output on the S930 is another limiting factor - forcing you into compressed JPEGs without the flexibility professionals crave during post-processing.

If you prize pristine image fidelity, smooth gradations, and creative control, the A6600’s sensor wins hands down. However, for casual snaps intended for social sharing, the S930’s sensor can suffice in ample daylight.

Autofocus: A World Apart

Here we see a stark contrast - not just in specs but in what these cameras were designed to achieve.

The A6600 features a hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase-detection autofocus points and 425 contrast detection points covering a wide area of the frame. It supports Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, Real-time Tracking with AI-based subject recognition, all making it one of the best AF systems for moving subjects, even in low light. The sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization also aids in keeping autofocus locked and the image sharp.

The S930 is limited to a nine-point contrast-detection AF system - no phase detection, no face or eye detection, no continuous tracking. It can autofocus only in single-shot mode and is slower to lock and less accurate, especially in challenging light or fast-action scenarios.

For wildlife, sports, or street photography where rapid focus acquisition and reliable tracking are critical, the A6600 is the clear winner. The S930, with its sluggish AF, is best suited to static subjects or casual portraits when speed isn’t a factor.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance: Catching the Decisive Moment

Speed matters when capturing fleeting moments - so how do these compare?

Sony rates the A6600 at 11 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus and auto exposure, a solid performance for APS-C cameras. Its max mechanical shutter speed tops out at 1/4000s - a respectable limit for clear images in bright light and fast lenses.

S930’s burst mode is a languid 2 fps, with a max shutter speed of only 1/2000s. This limitation, paired with slower AF and no continuous AF, means sports or action shooting will be frustrating and likely yield blurry or missed shots.

So if you want to photograph kids, pets, or sports, the A6600 is head and shoulders above the older compact.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let's turn to real-world use cases and how these cameras stack up across popular photography types.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Thanks to its large sensor and advanced autofocus, the A6600 delivers precise eye detection, creating sharp portraits with creamy bokeh rendering when paired with quality fast primes. The 425-point AF array hones in on eyes effortlessly, crucial for portrait lighting setups and candid shots alike. Skin tones are rich and natural owing to superior color depth and image processing.

In contrast, the S930’s small sensor and fixed zoom lens yield flatter images with less depth and weak background separation. No eye detection means relying on manual focus accuracy or central AF points, which can be a gamble. The lens’s max aperture of F2.9–5.4 is narrow, limiting bokeh potential.

If portraits are your bread and butter, the A6600 can run circles around the S930.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resistance

Landscape photographers demand high resolution and dynamic range to capture vistas rich in detail and tonal subtleties.

The A6600's 24MP APS-C sensor is a solid tool here, rendering detailed skies, lush greens, and nuanced shadows better than most compacts. Its 13.4 EV dynamic range helps in shooting high contrast scenes such as sunrises without immediately blowing highlights or crushing shadows. Plus, the weather-sealed body stands up well in moist or dusty conditions.

The S930, with a mere 10MP small sensor, results in noticeably lower resolution images and struggles to capture the full tonal range of a landscape. Without weather sealing, it requires more care outdoors - typically limiting use to ideal weather days.

Landscape shooters seeking image quality and durability should favor the A6600 by far.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Shooting

Faster AF and rapid bursts are critical when freeze-framing a swift bird in flight or a soccer goal celebration.

The A6600 shines here with its advanced phase-detection AF, 11fps shooting speed, effective Eye AF for animals, and solid buffer depth that supports short bursts of raw data without slowdown. Paired with a suitable telephoto lens, it becomes a potent tool for wildlife enthusiasts and sports photographers.

By contrast, the S930’s 2fps burst and weak AF make it a no-go for these genres; slow locking leads to missed moments, and the telephoto zoom maxes out at a modest 108mm equivalent, insufficient for serious wildlife work.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Street shooters yearn for light, quiet cameras that don't draw attention but offer quick reaction times.

Here the S930 - small, discreet, and pocketable - scores points. Its quiet operation and the absence of a noisy mirror mechanism mean fewer startled glances, making candid shots easier. That said, its weak ISO performance and slower AF reduce adaptability in varied lighting conditions.

The A6600, though larger and louder (shutter-wise), offers tilt screening for elevated vantage points and faster autofocus, but may feel bulky on the street. Customizable silent shutter mode helps, yet the size could be a drawback for pure stealth.

If ultimate portability and simplicity are your priority, the S930 is tempting, though image quality and AF speed take a hit.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but it’s worth a quick look.

The A6600, when paired with dedicated macro lenses, offers precise manual focusing aided by focus peaking, focus magnification, and stabilization - enabling crisp close-ups with fine control.

The S930’s lens allows a minimum focus distance of 5cm, however, the fixed lens’s optical quality and sensor capabilities limit detail capture and do not offer focus aids or stabilization as effective as the A6600.

For those serious about macro, the A6600 system is unbeatable compared to the S930.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Control

Low light pushes sensors, and here the 10-year tech gap is most glaring.

The A6600's modern sensor supports ISO up to 32,000 natively and 102,400 boosted, with usable noise reduction strategies, yielding clear night shots without murk. Electronic shutter modes, bulb exposure, and interval shooting further equip night photographers.

The S930 maxes out at ISO 3200 with noisy, color-degraded output at high ISO. Limited shutter speeds (max 1/8s minimum exposure) and no exposure bracketing restrict long-exposure astro potential.

For star gazers, night shooters, and long-exposure enthusiasts, the A6600 is miles ahead.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Videographers get a ton here with the A6600’s 4K UHD recording at 30p, 100 Mbps bitrate, and professional codecs (XAVC S, MP4). It offers microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring, real-time autofocus during recording, and 5-axis image stabilization allowing smooth handheld footage.

In stark contrast, the S930 caps video at a paltry 320x240p with Motion JPEG compression - barely usable today except as a novelty. No audio input, minimal stabilization, no 4K or Full HD support.

Pro video creators or serious hobbyists will find the A6600 an indispensable tool whereas the S930 is simply outclassed.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Travelers cherish compactness, battery endurance, and wireless sharing.

The S930 wins in compactness and weighs just 167g - a true pocket companion. But its 2.4-inch display, limited lens range, and lack of wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) hinder modern travel sharing habits.

The A6600, although bulkier, balances portability with power. Weighing around 500g with ample battery life (~810 shots per charge), robust weather sealing, and full Wi-Fi, NFC, and USB-C connectivity, this camera offers travel versatility and integration into mobile workflows for easy sharing or remote shooting.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

Working pros demand reliability, speed, and file quality.

The A6600’s support for uncompressed 14-bit RAW, customizable controls, Eye AF, dual exposure modes, and dual card slots (well, single slot but fast UHS-II support) lend it to professional-level workflows, though higher-tier Sony full-frame models offer even more.

The S930, lacking RAW, limited interface, and slow performance, makes it unsuitable as a pro tool beyond casual snapshots.

Build Quality and Durability

The A6600’s magnesium alloy chassis features dust and moisture resistance - great for shooting outdoors in less-than-perfect conditions. It has no official shockproof or freezeproof rating but is rugged enough for demanding use.

The plastic-bodied S930 lacks environmental sealing and demands careful handling.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The A6600 supports built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB-C connectivity for remote control, fast transfer, and firmware updates.

The S930, dating from 2009, offers no wireless features and no modern ports, limiting connectivity options.

Battery and Storage

The A6600 utilizes the Sony NP-FZ100 battery - larger capacity, supporting roughly 810 shots, impressive for an APS-C mirrorless. Storage is via a single SD card slot supporting SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo.

The S930 runs on easily replaceable AA batteries but with no specified shot counts and uses Memory Stick Duo cards - an outdated proprietary format limiting storage capacity and speed.

Putting Numbers to It: Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Strengths

Seeing the cameras’ diverse profiles side-by-side is revealing.

These charts highlight the A6600’s consistent superiority in image quality, autofocus, video, and versatility. The S930 scores decently for portability but falls behind elsewhere.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images from Both Cameras

A picture is worth a thousand words. Here's a direct comparison of images shot in similar conditions.

Sony A6600 front Sony A6600 screen back Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back

Notice the significant differences in detail, dynamic range, color depth, and noise performance. The A6600 images deliver vibrant, crisp photos across various lighting conditions where the S930 struggles to keep pace.

Price vs. Performance: What Your Money Buys Today

Coming in at approximately $1198 (body only), the Sony A6600 delivers formidable value for an advanced mirrorless APS-C camera packed with features that keep pace with recent rivals like the Fujifilm X-T30 II or Canon EOS M6 Mark II.

The DSC-S930, retailing at ~$220 in its day, was an entry-level compact aimed at casual users. Its price point and performance were reasonable then, but it is vastly outclassed today.

If budget constrains and compact size matter most, and you only need casual snapshot capability, the S930 offers simple, affordable functionality. But for enthusiasts or pros, the investment in the A6600 unlocks a wealth of creative control, image quality, and future-proofing.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Suits Your Needs?

• Choose the Sony A6600 if:

  • You want superior image quality, capable autofocus, and extensive manual controls.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macros, or video seriously.
  • You require reliability, weather sealing, and prolonged battery life.
  • Your budget supports investing in a versatile mirrorless ecosystem with access to excellent Sony E-mount lenses.
  • Connectivity and workflow integration with modern devices matter to you.

• Pick the Sony DSC-S930 if:

  • Your number one priority is ultra-compact camera size for pocket convenience.
  • You only shoot casual photos in well-lit environments.
  • You want a simple point-and-shoot with minimal controls and no fuss.
  • Budget is extremely tight or if you're collecting vintage digicams.

In the end, this comparison is less about which is “better” and more about appreciating the gulf - both in technology and photographer intention - between a decade-old compact and a modern advanced mirrorless. My 15+ years testing cameras has taught me one thing for sure: pairing your gear with your image ambitions defines satisfaction far more than specs alone.

If you want to capture sharply focused, richly detailed images across demanding genres - especially if video is part of your workflow - the Sony A6600 is a standout performer that rewards your investment with creative freedom. If you want an easy, grab-and-go snapper free of learning curves, the S930 remains an amusing flashback to simpler digital capture days.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera bring your vision to life with clarity and joy!

For more detailed technical tests and sample images, feel free to check official reviews and forums where enthusiasts share real-world experiences. Cameras continually evolve, and staying informed is the best way to get value and joy from your photographic journey.