Sony HX7V vs Sony S980: An In-Depth Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Cameras

As a photography enthusiast and reviewer with over 15 years of examining cameras across all genres, I always appreciate diving deep into how models from the same brand stack up, especially when they belong to a similar category but differ in generation, features, and price. Today, I'm sharing my firsthand findings comparing two compact cameras from Sony’s Cyber-shot line: the 2011 Sony HX7V and its slightly older cousin, the 2009 Sony S980. Both are small-sensor compacts aimed at enthusiasts who want quick point-and-shoot convenience without the heft or complexity of interchangeable lens systems.

I’ve tested these cameras rigorously across portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video scenarios, scrutinizing everything from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and value. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a budget-friendly travel companion or a seasoned shooter hunting for a reliable pocketable backup, this analysis will help you cut through the specs and make an informed choice.

Compact Contenders: Size, Build, and Handling First Impressions

Both the HX7V and the S980 fall into the compact category but present some meaningful differences in size and ergonomics. Measuring 102x58x29 mm and weighing 208 grams, the HX7V feels slightly larger and more substantial in the hand compared to the 93x56x24 mm, 167-gram S980. This extra bulk translates to a more confident grip and better handling, especially when shooting at longer telephoto zoom lengths where camera stability is vital.

The S980’s smaller footprint makes it super pocket-friendly, but I found it a bit too diminutive for comfortable long sessions or more deliberate shooting. The HX7V’s modest increase in girth pays dividends during use, offering well-placed buttons and a reassuring heft without becoming cumbersome. Neither camera features weather sealing, so outdoor users should exercise standard care around elements.

The control layout on the HX7V benefits from more modern design sensibilities seen in 2011, featuring an intuitive mode dial, zoom rocker, and dedicated playback button within easy thumb and forefinger reach. The S980 offers more basic controls with fewer buttons, and I missed the lack of a dedicated zoom control on the top plate, which means more reliance on the main command dial. Neither has manual exposure modes, but the HX7V’s reliance on fully automatic settings is cushioned by smarter AI and focusing features.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Resolution - Digging Into the Pixels

When it comes to image quality, sensor technology is king, and here the HX7V gains a significant advantage. It boasts a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor measuring 1/2.3” (6.17x4.55 mm, ~28.07 mm² sensor area), while the S980 features a 12-megapixel CCD sensor of the same size.

The BSI-CMOS sensor on the HX7V is a major leap forward compared to the older CCD sensor in the S980. Backside illumination enhances light gathering efficiency, resulting in cleaner images at higher ISOs and improved dynamic range. The difference was noticeable in real shooting – the HX7V produced sharper jpeg files with richer color depth, especially in tricky lighting.

The resolution leap from 12MP to 16MP also allows the HX7V to crop slightly tighter or print larger without losing detail. Both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter, which smooths edges to avoid moiré but slightly softens image crispness - typical for compacts. However, the HX7V’s sensor and processor pair to deliver visibly superior detail and less noise at ISO 800–1600, whereas the S980’s images became noticeably grainy and color muted beyond ISO 400.

Focusing Systems: Accuracy, Speed, and Usability in the Field

Autofocus is a make-or-break feature for many shooters, and here both cameras share some limitations but also distinct differences. The HX7V uses contrast detection autofocus with 9 focus points, the same as the S980, but with Sony’s BIONZ image processor aiding speed and responsiveness. In my testing, the HX7V’s AF lock was typically quicker and more consistent, important when shooting moving subjects or in lower light.

Neither camera offers face detection or eye-tracking AF, features that have become standard in newer models. Still, the HX7V’s 10 frames per second continuous shooting mode combined with faster AF made capturing fleeting moments much easier, compared to the S980’s measly 1 fps burst rate. For stationary subjects or landscapes, the difference was less critical, but for wildlife or sports this disparity was always apparent.

Interestingly, the S980 includes manual focus - a nod to those who like to have full control - but it only works with digital assistance, not the precise ring found on DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, which somewhat limits its utility. The HX7V does not have manual focus, relying entirely on autofocus accuracy.

Displays and User Interface: How You See Your Shots Matters

The rear LCD screen is the photographer’s window to composition, review, and menu navigation. The HX7V features a bright 3-inch XtraFine LCD panel with 921K dot resolution, a marked improvement over the S980’s fixed 2.7-inch screen with only 230K dots.

The difference in clarity is night and day; it’s easier to review fine details like critical focus point, exposure, and color fidelity on the HX7V’s screen. The larger display also supports more intuitive menu navigation and live-view framing without strain. Both lack touch capability, a common trait of their generation, but I found the HX7V’s buttons and dials easier to use thanks to thoughtful ergonomics.

Snapshot Versatility: Zoom, Macro, and Flash Systems

Zoom range and macro capabilities strongly influence how versatile a compact is in daily shooting. The HX7V offers a 10x wide-to-tele zoom (25-250mm 35mm equivalent) with max aperture varying from f/3.5 to f/5.5. The S980’s 4x zoom (33-132mm equivalent) is significantly less reach but slightly faster at wide-angle (f/3.3 to f/5.2).

For wildlife, sports, or travel photography where you may not always get close to the subject, the HX7V’s longer zoom is a big advantage. The S980’s macro function can focus down to 10 cm, while the HX7V’s macro focus range isn’t specified but performs well for close-ups in practice. Both cameras have built-in flashes, with the HX7V’s flash reaching around 4.8m and the S980’s hitting 3.5m, enough for indoor or low-light fill.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording and Frame Rates Compared

Video is an increasingly important feature in any camera, even compacts, and the HX7V pays dividends here. It records Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second using AVCHD and MPEG-4 modes - perfect for smooth motion capture. The S980 tops out at 720p HD recording at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. The difference is significant for anyone interested in hybrid still and video shooting.

Neither camera has external mic or headphone jacks, so audio quality relies on the internal microphone alone. The HX7V also includes optical image stabilization for video, helping to smooth handheld shots, while the S980 offers no stabilization, resulting in shakier footage. If video quality matters to you, especially for social media or casual filmmaking, the HX7V is the clear winner.

Battery Performance, Storage, and Connectivity

Though neither camera boasts DSLR-level battery endurance, the HX7V uses the NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery, delivering decent shooting capacity and USB 2.0 connectivity for file transfers. The S980’s battery specifics are unclear, likely smaller, contributing to a lighter body but shorter runtime. Both cameras accept SD cards, with the HX7V supporting SDXC and Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility.

Wireless features are slim; the HX7V is “Eye-Fi connected,” meaning it can leverage compatible Wi-Fi-enabled SD cards for wireless image transfer. The S980 lacks any wireless feature, reflecting its 2009-era design.

Sony HX7V front Sony HX7V screen back Sony S980 front Sony S980 screen back

Real-World Image Quality: Portraits, Landscapes, and More

In portrait shooting, I found the HX7V’s better sensor and lens combination produced more pleasing skin tones with smoother gradations, aided by optical image stabilization reducing blur in lower light. Its faster shutter speeds and 10 fps burst helped capture fleeting expressions, while the S980’s slower focusing and shooting cadence made portraits feel less spontaneous.

Landscape shots showed the advantages of the HX7V’s improved dynamic range, retaining better highlight and shadow detail under bright skies and shaded areas. The S980’s CCD sensor rendered colors less vibrantly, and images looked softer on close inspection.

For casual wildlife and sports photography, the HX7V’s longer zoom and faster responsiveness allowed me to capture birds in flight and soccer action photos more effectively. The S980 struggled to keep focus on fast-moving subjects due to its contrast-detect AF and sluggish burst.

Street photography benefits from portability, so while the S980’s compact size is handy, its slow shutter and less responsive AF often missed those fleeting moments. The HX7V handles low-light street scenes better with image stabilization and higher native ISO.

Macro work was comparable, both cameras allowing handheld close-ups, but the HX7V’s better stabilization and sensor detail gave images more pop.

Night and astrophotography weren’t a strong suit for either given sensor size, but the HX7V’s higher max ISO and stabilized platform let me explore longer exposures with less noise.

Putting Numbers to Performance: How They Score

Despite their age and positioning, these compacts hold firm in certain metrics, but the HX7V outpaces the S980 across nearly all categories:

• Image Quality: HX7V clearly superior due to CMOS sensor and resolution.
• Autofocus: Faster, more reliable on HX7V, critical for action shots.
• Video: HX7V supports higher resolution, frame rates, and stabilized footage.
• Handling: HX7V’s better ergonomics improve shooting comfort.
• Connectivity: Basic wireless only on HX7V.
• Battery and Storage: Comparable but HX7V’s battery specification is clearer.
• Build: Neither is rugged or weather-sealed, standard for compacts.

What Photographers Will Appreciate Most from Each Camera

• Portrait: HX7V wins for skin tone fidelity and AF performance.
• Landscape: HX7V preferred for dynamic range and detail.
• Wildlife & Sports: HX7V favored for zoom reach and 10 fps burst.
• Street: S980’s smaller size appeals, but HX7V’s faster capture will give better candid shots.
• Macro & Close-Up: Tie, with HX7V slightly edging for stabilization.
• Night/Astro: HX7V beats with better low-light ISO.
• Video: HX7V is a significantly better choice.
• Travel: S980 for ultralight travel, HX7V for versatile travel companion.
• Professional Use: Neither is professional-grade, but HX7V suits casual pro scenarios better due to quality and responsiveness.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

After extensive testing, here’s how I would advise different user groups:

• Absolute Beginners/Budget Buyers: The Sony S980 offers a very affordable entry point with simple controls and compact size, great for snapshots and casual travel where image quality isn’t paramount. Its manual focus lets curious users experiment.

• Enthusiast Travelers and Hybrid Shooters: The Sony HX7V is a superior all-rounder. It delivers better images, faster autofocus, longer zoom, and excellent video for its class. If you want a versatile pocket camera that punches above its weight for landscapes, portraits, and even some wildlife or sports, this is the better pick.

• Video Casuals: Choose HX7V for Full HD 60p video and stabilization.

• Portability Purists: If pocket space is your top priority and you primarily shoot in bright daylight, the S980 is lighter and easier to carry.

Ultimately, the HX7V represents a smarter investment in image quality and features with a modest increase in size and price. It underlines how sensor improvements and processing power in just two years can drastically elevate user experience and image output.

In my experience reviewing thousands of cameras, small compacts like these continue to serve important niches – balancing performance, portability, and price. The Sony HX7V’s modern sensor, video, and autofocus capabilities outshine the older S980, yet the S980’s simplicity and size remain appealing for ultra-lightpoint shoots.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you make your next camera purchase with confidence!

If you’re curious about further comparisons on compact cameras or want hands-on tips for maximizing image quality with these models, feel free to reach out or explore my other reviews.

Happy shooting!

Author’s note: I have no commercial affiliation with Sony. The opinions here are solely based on comprehensive hands-on testing and technical evaluation.