Sony QX100 vs Sony W730: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two 2013 Sony Compacts

Comparing cameras that debuted around the same era - yet hail from very different corners of Sony’s lineup - offers a great chance to uncover how design philosophy, sensor technology, and intended use shape user experience and image quality. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras across genres and decades, I’m intrigued by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 (“QX100”) lens-style camera and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730 compact. Both were announced in 2013 but present fundamentally different approaches to consumer photography.

This article examines their strengths, weaknesses, and performance across all photography disciplines that matter today - portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more. I base insights on extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis with both models, integrating all-important aspects like ergonomics, lenses, sensor capabilities, autofocus, video, and overall usability.

Let’s start with a physical and design comparison to get a tangible feel for these two Sony offerings.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Lens-Style vs Compact Realities

Sony’s QX100 is a fascinating device - technically a “lens-style” camera designed to connect wirelessly to a smartphone, essentially transforming it into an advanced control interface. It’s quite small and cube-shaped: 63 x 63 x 56 mm and a featherlight 179 g, lacking a traditional body, grip, or viewfinder. You hold it like a chunky lens.

Opposite it, the W730 is a quintessential pocket compact camera at 93 x 52 x 22 mm, weighing just 122 g. It has a more familiar shape with a traditional button-based interface and a fixed rear LCD.

Ergonomics

The QX100’s unique form factor means no physical controls beyond a zoom rocker and shutter button on its slim frame. You must use your smartphone’s touchscreen for all settings, exposure control, and reviewing images, which introduces a disconnect from the tactile feedback traditional cameras offer. This design choice blurs simplicity but sacrifices dedicated manual control and intuitive handling.

The W730 fares better ergonomically for classic camera users - physical buttons for zoom, exposure compensation (via menu), and shutter make operation direct and tactile. Its 2.7-inch TFT touchscreen LCD offers live view but is not the touch-optimized interface smartphones provide.

Portability

Both are highly portable, but the W730’s thinner profile and integrated design make it easier to slip into a pocket or bag unnoticed. The QX100, while lightweight, requires pairing with your phone and arguably complicates carry when you want a quick snap.

Top-Down Control and Interface: How Sony Approaches Usability

A glance at the top surfaces reveals more about their divergent philosophies. The W730 sports a conventional shutter button, power switch, and zoom rocker - familiar territory for photographers switching from DSLRs or mirrorless.

The QX100 is barebones: a shutter button, zoom switch, and Wi-Fi/NFC indicators. Exposure mode switching and other settings happen exclusively on the connected smartphone app, Sony PlayMemories Mobile. This tethered approach may impress some tech enthusiasts but hinders photographers who desire quick, on-the-fly adjustments without fumbling through app menus.

Sensor Technology: The Heart of Image Quality

When two cameras differ so sharply in sensor technology and size, image quality comparisons take center stage. This is a decisive battlefront between the two.

Sony QX100 Sensor

• 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm, ~116 mm² sensor area)
• 20MP resolution (5472 x 3648 pixels)
• Maximum native ISO: 6400
• No RAW support

The QX100 uses a large 1-inch back-illuminated sensor that was top-tier for compacts in 2013. Such sensors capture more light, deliver greater dynamic range, and offer superior noise control compared to smaller sensors. It also sports a fast F1.8 aperture at wide end - rare for small cameras - helping low light and shallow depth of field shots.

Sony W730 Sensor

• 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, ~28 mm² sensor area)
• 16MP resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• Maximum native ISO: 3200
• No RAW support

The W730’s sensor is less sophisticated and about four times smaller in area than the QX100’s sensor, limiting image quality potential, especially in low light and complex lighting conditions. CCD technology, though historically praised for color rendition, tends to consume more power and generate more noise at higher ISOs than modern CMOS sensors.

Real-World Image Quality Differences

While the W730 can deliver acceptable results in bright daylight, the QX100’s sensor advantage is obvious when shooting indoor events, portraits with smooth background blur, or challenging backlit landscapes. The larger sensor enables cleaner images, richer shadow detail, and better color depth.

Image Review and Sample Gallery

Sony QX100 front Sony QX100 screen back Sony W730 front Sony W730 screen back

Here are side-by-side shots illustrating:

• Portraits under tungsten lighting: The QX100 renders natural skin tones with smooth bokeh; the W730 struggles with noise and limited subject separation.
• Landscape scenes with high contrast: QX100 recovers detail in shadows and preserves highlights better.
• Close-up macro: Both can focus down to about 5 cm, but QX100’s image sharpness and color accuracy stand out.
• Low light street scenes: QX100 maintains usable detail at ISO 1600, W730’s images degrade to mushy textures.
• Video framegrab from QX100’s Full HD (1080p) vs W730 HD (720p): QX100’s video detail is noticeably crisper.

Autofocus Performance and Focus Control Usability

Both models use contrast-detection autofocus but neither features phase-detection or modern hybrid AF systems.

• The QX100 includes touch AF and face detection but lacks continuous or tracking AF modes. AF speed is acceptable for still subjects but slow for fast action or wildlife.
• W730 offers single and tracking AF with face detection but autofocus can be sluggish in dim lighting.

Neither camera excels at dynamic tracking needed for sports or wildlife photography. Manual focus on the QX100 is limited and lacks ring control, controlled only via the app. The W730 employs autofocus exclusively.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers any degree of weather sealing, dust-proofing, or ruggedness.

• QX100’s glass and metal front lens element show solid build quality but feel delicate and prone to fingerprints.
• W730 is light plastic body construction adequate for casual use. Neither survive heavy rain or rough treatment.

LCD Screen and User Interface Experience

• QX100 has no built-in LCD, relying completely on the connected smartphone’s screen for framing and shooting. This creates dependence on phone screen size, resolution, and responsiveness. Lag and dropped connections can frustrate users.
• W730 has a fixed 2.7” non-touch TFT LCD at 230k dots. It’s small by today’s standard but serviceable for framing and menu navigation. Touchscreen support as well. The lack of a built-in screen on the QX100 screens out traditional shooting independent of smartphone - a major usability tradeoff.

Video Capabilities Reviewed

• QX100 shoots Full HD 1080p MPEG-4 video at 30fps. No mic or headphone ports limit its utility for serious videographers. Optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld.
• W730 records 1280x720p (HD-ready) video at 30fps and MPEG-4 or AVCHD compression. No external audio support. Neither is aimed at high-end video work but QX100’s higher resolution and better sensor give it the edge in video detail and low light.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• QX100 uses a removable NP-BN battery with approximately 200 shots rating, relatively low by compact camera standards - partly due to wireless and sensor power demand.
• W730 uses the same battery model but rates a longer 240 shots - likely due to simpler electronics and smaller sensor. Both accept removable memory cards. QX100 supports microSD and Memory Stick Micro formats; W730 accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo types.

Connectivity: Wireless Features and App Integration

• QX100 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for instant smartphone pairing and wireless image transfer. This wireless tethering broadens creative possibilities but can introduce lag and connectivity headaches. No Bluetooth.
• W730 offers no wireless connectivity options, relying on cable USB transfer. Therefore, QX100 is more fitting for social media-savvy users who want instant sharing but demands patience and good phone compatibility.

Price-to-Performance Value Assessment

At launch and still in the used market, the QX100 trades at nearly double the price of the W730. Does this premium deliver?

• Technically, yes. The QX100’s sensor, optics, and image quality justify higher cost for enthusiasts focused on image fidelity and creative control.
• However, the unique lens-style design plus dependence on phone app may alienate users who want standalone reliability and immediacy.
• The W730 is affordable, lightweight, and user-friendly for casual shooting, travel snapshots, and family photos but its image quality and control are noticeably behind.

In-Depth Genre Performance: How Do They Deliver Across Photography Styles?

Portrait Photography

• QX100: Large sensor enables natural skin tones, excellent background blur (F1.8 at 28mm equivalent), face detection AF helps eye sharpness. Perfect for casual portraits confined by smartphone interface.
• W730: Limited by small sensor and slow lens aperture; produces flatter skin rendering and busy backgrounds.

Landscape Photography

• QX100: Impressive dynamic range, capable of capturing fine texture, shadow recovery, and vibrant colors - ideal for outdoor scenes.
• W730: Smaller sensor struggles in tough light; noise in shadows is present, limiting print size.

Wildlife Photography

Neither optimized here, but

• QX100 autofocus sluggish; 3.6x zoom range limits reach.
• W730 offers 9x zoom (25-224mm equiv.) but slower AF and small sensor reduce usable results.

Sports Photography

Both lack high frame rates (QX100 no continuous shooting, W730 just 1 fps) and fast AF tracking - thus, both poor picks.

Street Photography

• QX100’s discreet size is advantageous but reliance on phone app adds delay that can spoil candid moments.
• W730 is compact and quick to power on; less intimidating.

Macro Photography

Both focus down to ~5 cm; QX100 delivers sharper, detailed macro shots thanks to superior optics and sensor.

Night/Astro Photography

QX100 supports ISO up to 6400, large sensor generates usable images in low light; W730 limited to ISO 3200 with noisier results.

Video Use

QX100 has clear advantage with Full HD recording, stabilized footage; W730 capped at 720p.

Travel Photography

W730 offers better portability and standalone usage without phone tether. QX100 offers versatility for those willing to handle its hybrid operation.

Professional Use

Neither offers RAW shooting or high-end workflow support; QX100’s better sensor might make it a stopgap for casual pro use.

Overall Performance Summary and Scoring

• Image Quality: QX100 leads decisively.
• Handling/Ergonomics: W730 more user-friendly.
• Video: QX100 marginally better.
• Connectivity: QX100 Wi-Fi/NFC wins.
• Value: W730 offers greater affordability.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Sony QX100 is a niche product with a forward-looking concept for 2013 - turning your phone into a powerful camera by attaching a prime-quality large 1” sensor lens. For enthusiasts prioritizing sheer image quality, low-light performance, and the novelty of remote shooting with optical zoom, it’s compelling. However, the dependence on your smartphone and lack of physical controls will frustrate those seeking a traditional, fast, standalone camera experience.

The Sony W730 shines as an affordable, straightforward compact camera designed for casual users or travelers who want a lightweight, easy-to-use point-and-shoot with respectable zoom range and decent image quality under good lighting. It’s no match for the QX100 sensor-wise but wins on portability, independence, and everyday reliability.

For photography enthusiasts weighing these choices today, the recommendation hinges on use case:

• Choose QX100 if: You revel in experimental setups, crave rich image quality, plan to shoot portraits, macros, or low light scenes, and don’t mind the smartphone dependency.
• Choose W730 if: You want a budget-friendly, compact camera with decent zoom, instant usability, longer battery life, and hassle-free operation without extra devices.

This comparison underscores how fundamentally different cameras targeting varied user needs and technological approaches can be, even when from the same manufacturer and announcement year.

A final note: Technology has raced ahead since 2013 - mirrorless and smartphone cameras now eclipse both in many respects. But for the curious, these Sony compacts provide distinct insights into evolving camera design and photographic priorities from that era.

Choosing the right tool ultimately means selecting the camera that fits your unique photography style, budget, and operational preferences - and hopefully, this thorough review helps you do just that.