In-Depth Comparison: Sony HX90V vs Sony S2100 – Which Compact Suits Your Photography?

Choosing a compact digital camera today is more nuanced than ever, particularly between models launched years apart but sharing Sony’s trusted engineering. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V and the older Sony DSC-S2100 represent two distinct entry points in Sony’s compact lineup. While both aim at casual to enthusiast photographers seeking portability, their differences in technology, features, and performance merit a thorough side-by-side.

Having physically handled and rigorously tested both, I’ll walk you through detailed analyses across all relevant photography disciplines. From sensor technology to ergonomics, image quality to video capabilities, we’ll see where each camera shines - and at what cost.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions and Physical Handling: Size and Ergonomics

At a glance, the Sony HX90V (announced 2015) clearly sits in a more modern category, sporting a compact superzoom design versus the older, simpler S2100 (from 2010). But is the extra bulk justified?

The HX90V measures 102mm x 58mm x 36mm and weighs 245g with its NP-BX1 battery, while the S2100 is slightly smaller at 98mm x 61mm x 27mm and lighter at 167g, powered by 2 AA batteries. In the hand, the HX90V feels more substantial and solid, with better grip contours and a slight heft that lends a confident shooting stance. The S2100 is thinner and lighter, but also more plasticky - less comfortable for extended handheld shooting.

Ergonomics-wise, the HX90V benefits from a deeper grip, a tilting 3-inch rear screen with 921k-dot resolution, and a bright 638k-dot built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.5x magnification. Compare that to the S2100’s fixed 3-inch 230k-dot screen, no EVF, and a thinner overall design. The HX90V’s controls are better spaced and more refined, while the S2100 has a more stripped-down layout.

This makes the HX90V more suited to serious travel and everyday photography, especially where framing through an EVF or tilted display is important - for street photography or bright outdoor conditions.

Despite being a small sensor compact, HX90V’s more advanced control cluster and zoom/focus rings lend superior manual handling over the simpler S2100, whose relatively basic interface limits manual exposure adjustments.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality Fundamentals

Both cameras share the typical 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area around 28 mm²) typical for compact superzooms of their era. However, their sensor types and resolutions diverge significantly:

The BSI-CMOS sensor in the HX90V delivers a notable boost in light sensitivity, noise control, and dynamic range compared to the older S2100’s CCD sensor. The higher 18MP pixel count also allows for larger prints and more cropping flexibility.

In real-world shooting, the HX90V’s images present cleaner shadows and finer detail retention at ISO up to 1600 and acceptable noise levels up to 3200 - significantly better than the S2100, whose ISO beyond 400 quickly becomes grainy and muddied. The Bionz X processor in the HX90V further enhances image quality with improved color rendering and noise reduction.

Both cameras unfortunately lack RAW output, restricting advanced post-processing workflows. Users looking to extract maximum image fidelity will be somewhat limited in editing latitude - but the HX90V’s superior JPEG engine and sensor help bridge that gap.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Interface

Viewing and image composition constitute core shooting experiences. The HX90V’s tilting 3-inch screen with 921k dots offers sharp, bright previews that aid accurate focusing and framing - crucial for macro or low-light scenes. Its 180-degree tilt also opens doors to creative angles and selfies, a boon for travel vloggers or portrait shooters aiming for quick social content.

The S2100's fixed 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD is a compromise - noticeably lower resolution with less visibility under bright daylight, limiting usability outdoors.

The presence of a built-in EVF on the HX90V is a significant advantage. It provides an eye-level shooting option with zero lag and stable framing, valuable when light conditions challenge the LCD. In contrast, the S2100 offers no viewfinder, forcing reliance on the LCD - an experience that can become frustrating for prolonged use or in direct sunlight.

Interface-wise, HX90V’s menu system benefits from years of Sony refinement, offering manual modes, exposure bracketing, and semi-manual controls. The S2100's simpler interface suits beginners but frustrates enthusiasts with limited exposure and shooting settings.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility in Focal Length

Sony designed these cameras for different shooting styles, reflected in their zoom ranges:

The HX90V sports an extensive 30x optical zoom, from 24mm ultra-wide to a telephoto 720mm equivalent - an exceptional all-in-one travel and wildlife tool. The broad range supports wide landscapes, portraits, and distant wildlife subjects without changing lenses (fixed lens camera, after all).

The S2100’s 3.2x zoom is modest by comparison, limited to 33-105mm equivalent. It’s ideal for casual snapshots but lacks telephoto reach. The aperture range is slightly brighter at the wide end by a fraction compared to HX90V, but the difference is marginal.

For macro work, both cameras allow focusing down to 5cm, yet the HX90V’s image stabilization and better focusing system ensure more consistent results.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Accuracy Matters

The HX90V incorporates a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection, multi-area AF, and tracking capabilities. It can shoot at up to 10 continuous frames per second (fps), a notable speed for a compact.

The S2100 offers a simpler contrast-detection AF without face detection or tracking, and only single shot capture with no continuous mode.

The difference is readily apparent in fast-paced shooting scenarios like street, wildlife, or sports:

• The HX90V’s eye and face detection help lock focus quickly on portraits and candid street shots, making it a more trustworthy tool when subjects move unpredictably.
• Its burst shooting at 10 fps enables brief continuous captures useful for capturing peak action moments.
• The S2100 struggles with quick focus acquisition and only offers single frame shooting, reducing versatility.

Image Stabilization and Exposure Control

Image stabilization (IS) is crucial for handheld shooting, especially at telephoto focal lengths and low-light conditions:

• HX90V features optical image stabilization, enabling slower shutter speeds with less blur - a decisive advantage for travel, wildlife, and general shooting.
• The S2100 lacks any form of image stabilization, making it harder to get sharp shots without a tripod, especially towards the long end of its zoom range.

Exposure modes on the HX90V include manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program; exposure compensation and custom white balance are available. The S2100 offers no manual exposure modes or compensation - a sign of its beginner-focused design.

Together with faster shutter speeds (max 1/2000 sec vs 1/1200 sec on the S2100), the HX90V offers greater creative flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Modern Standards vs Legacy

Video remains a vital consideration for many buyers even beyond stills:

The HX90V clearly wins here by a mile - delivering smooth 1080p video at 60 frames per second, with effective optical stabilization that keeps handheld footage steady. This opens doors to casual videography or travel filmmaking.

The S2100’s video is limited to VGA resolution at 30 fps, a rather outdated specification even when it launched. Its lack of stabilization and low resolution make it suitable only for the most basic clips.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life affects usability, especially on travel or extended outings:

• HX90V uses a rechargeable NP-BX1 battery with rated life around 360 shots per charge - moderate but manageable.
• The S2100 uses 2 AA batteries, which while replaceable worldwide, deliver fewer shots per set and add bulk.

On storage, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (S2100 optionally supports Memory Stick Duo), giving wide compatibility and affordability.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity options illustrate the HX90V’s more modern DNA:

• HX90V supports built-in WiFi and NFC for straightforward wireless sharing and remote control via Sony’s PlayMemories app.
• The S2100 lacks any wireless features, relying solely on USB or SD card transfer.

Interestingly, the HX90V features built-in GPS for geotagging - useful for marking travel photos without a separate GPS logger.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional video use.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera offers environmental sealing; both are vulnerable to dust and moisture. The HX90V’s more robust build and solid grip give a feeling of durability compared to the lightweight, plasticky S2100. Neither is designed for rough outdoor adventures but the HX90V will better survive everyday bumps.

Real-World Image Samples and Performance Verdict

Seeing is believing. Let’s briefly consider image samples shot under typical scenarios:

Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back Sony S2100 front Sony S2100 screen back

• The HX90V images show sharper detail on textured surfaces, better color saturation, and more stable exposure in mixed lighting. Its extended zoom lets you isolate subjects effectively.
• The S2100 images are softer with less vibrant colors and lose shadow detail quickly at higher ISO.

How They Stack Up Overall

A snapshot of performance grades according to our testing metrics illustrates the contrast:

Strengths by Photography Genre

Breaking down usage across photographic disciplines clarifies their best use cases:

• Portraits: The HX90V’s face detection and better sensor outpace the S2100 in rendering skin tones and sharp eyes.
• Landscape: HX90V’s 24mm wide angle and higher resolution yield superior landscape shots with richer details.
• Wildlife: The HX90V’s 720mm zoom and burst mode provide useful reach and speed to capture animals - the S2100’s short zoom and single shot limit its utility.
• Sports: Burst mode and AF tracking on the HX90V give it an edge, while S2100’s slow, single shot limits dynamic coverage.
• Street: Here, the S2100’s size and discreteness help, but HX90V’s EVF and tilt screen give compositional advantage.
• Macro: Both focus to 5cm, but HX90V’s stabilization and manual control support sharper macro shots.
• Night/Astro: HX90V’s higher max ISO and longer exposure capacities enable better low-light captures.
• Video: HX90V’s Full HD at 60fps definitively beats S2100’s VGA video.
• Travel: HX90V’s zoom range, GPS, wireless sharing, and tilt screen make it excellent for travel.
• Professional work: Neither replace a professional DSLR or mirrorless, but HX90V offers the best balance for casual backup or discreet shooting.

Where Each Camera Finds Its Ideal User

Sony HX90V
If you desire a highly portable compact with excellent zoom versatility, respectable image quality, modern connectivity, and video, the HX90V is the smarter choice. Its 2015-era BSI CMOS sensor, advanced autofocus, and feature set suit enthusiasts and travelers who want a lightweight all-in-one camera without sacrificing creative control.

Who Should Consider It:

• Travel photographers craving wide zoom and compact size
• Enthusiasts needing manual modes but unwilling to carry bulkier gear
• Casual wildlife and street shooters wanting reliable autofocus and face detection
• Users requiring decent Full HD video with stabilization

Sony S2100
The S2100 is a very basic, entry-level compact, more suited to absolute beginners or casual snapshotters on a budget who prioritize simplicity and ultra-light weight. Its much more limited zoom and dated image tech mean image quality and versatility lag far behind.

Who Should Consider It:

• Those with very basic point-and-shoot needs
• Budget shoppers prioritizing lowest cost over performance
• Users favoring ultra-light devices for quick grab shots under ideal lighting

Final Thoughts: Beyond Specifications, What Matters in the Field?

Having spent days alternating between these two cameras during real shoots, I can confirm the evolution between 2010 and 2015 in compact camera engineering is palpable. The HX90V is a versatile, thoughtfully designed pocket superzoom that remains a practical choice even years after launch, thanks largely to its sensor, zoom range, and interface improvement.

The S2100, in contrast, now feels very dated - a relic of simpler smartphone times when low-res video and middling autofocus were acceptable compromises.

If you want a compact that goes beyond ‘snap and point,’ with better image quality, zoom reach, and more control, the HX90V is well worth its modest price premium.

Summary Table

Thank you for reading my detailed comparison of Sony’s HX90V and S2100 compacts. I hope the insights and practical observations empower you to select the camera best suited for your photography ambitions and shooting styles. If you have questions or want advice on similar compacts or mirrorless options, drop me a line!

Happy shooting!