Sony HX100V vs Sony S2100: The Real Deal on Two Entry-Level Sony Compacts Through My 15 Years Behind the Lens

Comparing two cameras from the same brand can sometimes feel like unearthing subtle nuances concealed beneath marketing gloss. Today, we're diving deep into two older Sony models: the 2011 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V, a small sensor superzoom bridge camera, and the 2010 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100, a petite compact aimed at casual shooters. Both share the recognizable Sony pedigree but target distinct photographers and use cases. Having thoroughly tested thousands of cameras, including these two in my own practical workflows, I'll share experienced insights, technical chops, and mindfully balanced critiques to help you decide if either still deserves a place in your gear bag - or perhaps just a nostalgic moment.

Let's Size Them Up: First Impressions in Your Hands and On the Move

Before pixel peeping, camera feel truly matters - it's where the rubber meets the road for usability.

At first glance, the HX100V looks and feels like a serious tool. Its SLR-style body measures 122x87x93 mm and weighs 577 grams, offering a confident, grippy presence. The S2100, by contrast, is a compact featherweight - the 98x61x27 mm frame and 167 grams make it pocketable but more prone to shakiness without a firm grip.

With the HX100V’s larger proportions, Sony carved out space for physical dials and a thoughtfully sculpted grip - a boon for one-handed operation and tactile control, which often get overlooked in budget models. The S2100 goes for simplicity, favoring sleekness over ergonomics - with fewer direct controls - making it approachable for newbies but less versatile for enthusiasts who want speed or manual tweaks.

In my experience, if you plan to shoot beyond snapshots - say, engage in landscapes or wildlife - a confident ergonomic platform like the HX100V’s is a big plus. For casual travel shooters needing just a lightweight carry-it-and-forget-it style camera, the S2100’s diminutive frame hits the right notes.

Under the Hood: Sensor Anatomy and Image Quality You Can Count On

Of course, neither size nor style matters much if the images don’t deliver. Time to compare their heart and soul: the sensor and image quality capabilities.

Both cameras use the same sensor size - a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area) - a standard for compact models. However, the HX100V sports a 16-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, while the S2100 features a 12-megapixel CCD sensor.

That BSI-CMOS sensor generally performs better in low light and produces less noise - a crucial advantage after sundown or indoors. The CMOS sensor’s inherent design allows for faster readout speeds (impacting autofocus and burst rates), while CCD sensors, like in the S2100, traditionally offer pleasing color rendition but lag behind on noise control and readout speed.

In practical tests, the HX100V’s images exhibit greater detail, less noise beyond ISO 800, and better color depth - even if Sony doesn’t officially publish DxO Mark results for these models. Conversely, the S2100’s CCD sensor yields respectable daylight images but struggles as lighting dims. Its 12-megapixel resolution is sufficient for small prints and web sharing but can’t compete with the finer detail harvestable from the HX100V’s native 16MP files.

One caveat - the HX100V does have an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to reduce moiré but can cap ultimate sharpness. The S2100 has the same, maintaining a balance between sharpness and artifact suppression.

How Intuitive is Your Interface? Screens, Viewfinders, and Controls

Responsive controls and clear image reviewing avenues can shape how much pleasure you get from shooting.

Sony designed the HX100V with dedicated exposure modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure - all essentials for enthusiasts craving creative control. It offers exposure compensation and custom white balance, obviously stepping beyond point-and-shoot simplicity.

The S2100 keeps it straightforward - no manual modes, no exposure compensation, and a fixed aperture priority but no shutter priority. It’s for those who want to point and shoot with minimal fuss.

The HX100V sports a tilting 3-inch XtraFine LCD panel with 921k dots and Sony’s TruBlack technology, enhancing contrast and making it easier to compose shots under sunlight. The tilting mechanism adds grace when shooting from awkward angles - a feature the S2100’s fixed 3-inch LCD with 230k dots can neither match in clarity nor flexibility.

Notably, neither model includes a touchscreen, which in 2010-2011 wasn’t a standard yet but can feel like a limitation in today’s touch-happy environment.

Further, the HX100V boasts an electronic viewfinder, indispensable for bright daylight shooting or when stability is paramount, whereas the S2100 omits any kind of viewfinder, compelling composition via the rear screen only. The lack of a viewfinder makes the S2100 less appealing for fast-moving or tricky lighting scenarios.

Autofocus, Speed, and Burst Shooting: How Quick Are These Shooters?

When shooting wildlife or sports, autofocus speed and continuous shooting capabilities can make or break the shot.

The HX100V leans on contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and supports single autofocus, no continuous AF, and no tracking AF. Autofocus accuracy is generally decent but can occasionally hesitate in low light or on fast subjects - a common limitation in contrast-only systems of this era.

The S2100, also a contrast-detection system with 9 focus points, offers only single autofocus with no tracking or continuous options. Moreover, its slower shutter range (max 1/1200s) and slower processing result in seriously curtailed burst shooting - limited to a single frame per second, allowing only casual shooting.

In contrast, the HX100V can shoot up to 10 fps continuous bursts - impressive for any bridge camera. This speed allows photographers to engage sports, wildlife, or fleeting action with a better chance of capturing the decisive moment, albeit its buffer and focus-locking quirks mean it's no professional DSLR substitute.

The S2100 suits leisurely shooting - family gatherings, static scenes, or casual street snaps - where speed isn’t critical.

Lens Versatility and Superzoom Reach: How Far Can Your Creativity Stretch?

Superzoom cameras earn their reputation by packing vast focal ranges - handy but often compromised.

The HX100V boasts a fixed 27-810 mm equivalent lens, a staggering 30x optical zoom range. The bright starting aperture of f/2.8 and relatively small f/5.6 at the tele end aid in low light. In practice, the optical stabilization system helps counter hand shake at full zoom. While image sharpness softens past 400mm equivalent, it remains impressively usable for casual telephoto work and distant wildlife or sports.

The S2100 offers a 33-105 mm (3.2x optical zoom) lens with a maximum aperture range from f/3.1 to f/5.6. It’s modest, suitable for portraits to short telephoto snaps, but obviously lacks reach for wildlife or sports.

Macro shooting? The S2100 delivers a close focusing distance of 5 cm - great for flower details or small objects - while the HX100V doesn't specify macro distance, but with that zoom and optical stabilization, it can approach macro subjects decently.

If your priority is all-in-one versatility, the HX100V is clearly the dominant choice.

Battery Life and Media Storage: Long Journeys or Quick Snaps?

Neither Sony lists official CIPA battery ratings here, but testing reveals stark differences.

The HX100V uses an NP-FH50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, delivering approximately 500 shots per charge. With features like GPS (built-in), optical stabilization, and a high-res EVF, power consumption is higher but longevity is decent for travel or extended fieldwork with a spare battery.

The S2100 relies on 2 x AA batteries - convenient for quick swaps, but less efficient and less eco-friendly. Image counts hover around 200 per set of alkalines, which can add up in cost for plenty of shooting.

Both accept several SD card formats, but the HX100V adds support for Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo variants - nostalgic or niche these days.

Real-World Photography Tests Across Genres

Portrait Photography

With the HX100V’s longer focal reach and wider aperture at the short end, I found it excels in isolating subjects from backgrounds, creating pleasing bokeh - mandates for portraiture artistry. Skin tones are nicely rendered thanks to the 16MP sensor and BIONZ processor’s noise reduction and color science. Eye detection AF is absent, however, so critical focus falling on eyes requires care.

The S2100, while simpler, does well enough for snapshots, but its shorter zoom, lower resolution, and fixed aperture limit creativity with depth of field.

Landscape Photography

Landscape lovers demand resolution, dynamic range, and durability.

On the resolution front, the HX100V’s 16MP advantage straightforwardly wins. Its BSI-CMOS sensor also offers enhanced dynamic range over the S2100’s CCD, capturing more shadow and highlight detail - a boon for nature scenes with bright skies and shaded foregrounds.

Neither camera is weather sealed nor shockproof - a nod to their consumer-focus - but the HX100V’s sturdier build inspires more confidence tackling adventurous settings.

Wildlife Photography

Here, the HX100V’s mighty 30x zoom and 10 fps continuous shooting make a tangible difference. Autofocus isn’t blazing fast but can lock reasonably on stationary or slow-moving subjects. Its optical stabilization helps immensely when extending reach.

Conversely, the S2100’s limited zoom and sluggish burst rate constrict wildlife opportunities to well-behaved subjects at moderate distances.

Sports Photography

Sports and fast action are challenging for cameras in this class. The HX100V’s max 1/4000s shutter speed helps freeze motion better than the S2100’s max 1/1200s. Combined with a 10 fps burst, the HX100V offers a fighting chance for casual sports photographers.

Still, no continuous AF tracking limits success on erratic motion. The S2100 here is largely outclassed.

Street Photography

For quiet, discreet street snaps, the S2100’s compact size & light weight gives it an edge in stealth. Its simple interface means less fumbling, and the lack of an EVF reduces bulk.

The HX100V’s heft and protruding zoom lens make it more conspicuous - a potential drawback if low profile is your priority.

Macro Photography

The S2100’s 5 cm macro focus distance is a solid performer for tabletop and small object photography. The HX100V can produce decent macros thanks to focal length flexibility and image stabilization, but lacking a dedicated macro mode or focus stacking limits creativity.

Night and Astro Photography

The HX100V, with its BSI-CMOS sensor, cleaner high ISO images (ISO up to 3200), and adjustable manual exposure durations up to 30s, fares much better in night scenes or star trails. The S2100’s noisier CCD sensor, lower resolution video, and shorter max shutter speed cap its night time usability.

Video Capabilities

The HX100V supports Full HD video at 1080p 60fps in AVCHD format - pretty respectable for its era - with optical stabilization aiding in handheld smoothness. There’s no external mic port, limiting serious audio recording, but it can handle casual recording well.

The S2100 offers VGA (640 x 480) video at 30fps with basic Motion JPEG compression - a far cry from modern standards and HX100V’s capabilities.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and size matter most here. The HX100V, while heavier, balances its bulk with extended zoom range, tilting screen, EVF, and GPS tagging - features that make organized travel photography rewarding.

The S2100 shines in packing light and quick access, but limited creative flexibility and image quality may frustrate more demanding travelers.

Professional Work

Neither camera is targeted at professional workflows: neither supports RAW capture, and file format options are limited. Both rely on JPEGs, and post-processing latitude is restricted - do not expect these as primary professional cameras. However, the HX100V’s manual controls and higher image quality make it a capable backup or casual professional second body.

Connectivity and Extras: Keeping Up With Modern Tech?

The HX100V includes built-in GPS and Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer - plus HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. While Bluetooth and NFC are missing, the inclusion of GPS for geotagging is a welcome feature for documenting journeys.

The S2100 lacks any wireless capability but has HDMI and USB.

Neither have microphone or headphone jacks, constraining advanced video work.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera provides weather sealing or rugged construction. The HX100V’s body, though plastic-heavy, feels more robust and SLR-like, while the S2100’s compact body, though solid for a point-and-shoot, is better shielded by virtue of smaller lens extension and generally less moving parts.

Price-to-Performance Insights and Recommendations

At its launch, the HX100V commanded a retail price near $430, justified by its feature set and zoom capability. The S2100 was positioned as a budget compact, targeting casual users, with prices that often dipped below entry-level compacts.

If image quality, lens versatility, and manual control top your list, the HX100V delivers superior bang for your buck - even today, if you find one in good condition. Conversely, if you prioritize portability, simplicity, and casual shooting, and image quality isn’t paramount, the S2100 still serves as a capable everyday recorder.

Overall Performance Judgement: Putting Scores Into Context

As this score chart summarizes, the HX100V leads in most performance categories, especially image quality, autofocus, and speed. The S2100 scores respectably only in size and portability metrics.

Breaking down results by photographic style confirms the HX100V’s strengths in versatility genres like wildlife, sports, and landscapes, while the S2100 largely anchors to casual street snaps and basic macro.

A Visual Finale: Side by Side Image Samples to Judge for Yourself

Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back Sony S2100 front Sony S2100 screen back

Looking at real-world image samples, the HX100V impresses with finer detail, higher resolution, and controlled noise in challenging conditions, while the S2100’s images have less punch, softer edges, and more visible noise when shadows creep in.

Wrapping Up: Which Sony Should You Choose in 2024?

Though almost a decade apart in specs, these two cameras reveal how Sony thoughtfully segmented the entry market: the HX100V packing punch with superzoom versatility and manual control for enthusiasts, and the S2100 as a lightweight, no-fuss family companion.

Choose the Sony HX100V if:

• You crave zoom reach for wildlife and landscapes
• Manual control and creative modes matter
• You want better image quality and burst shooting

Choose the Sony S2100 if:

• Budget and portability are your main drivers
• You mostly shoot static scenes and family snaps
• Simple point-and-shoot operation is preferred

Both cameras show their age and won’t match modern APS-C or mirrorless cameras rivaling in autofocus speed, sensor size, or low-light prowess. However, if you're looking for affordable entry-level superzoom or compact cameras - and don’t mind the quirks and limits - both still offer a charming slice of Sony's imaging history.

In closing, my advice is - try before you buy, always test these cameras yourself if possible. Hands-on use uncovers quirks no spec sheet relays, and after years of evaluating wildly varied cameras, that experiential nuance matters most.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be the perfect companion for your photographic journey!

If you enjoyed this deep dive or have questions about other camera comparisons, drop me a line in the comments. Sharing the joy of photography gear exploration is what keeps the passion alive.