Sony RX10 II vs Sony W730

When looking at the landscape of Sony’s compact and bridge cameras, two very different models stand out: the 2015-era Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II, a large-sensor superzoom powerhouse geared toward serious enthusiasts and professionals needing one versatile camera; and the 2013 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730, a no-frills, pocketable compact aimed at casual users who prioritize simplicity and portability. Having extensively tested both over many shooting scenarios over the years, I’m excited to share a deep dive comparison that breaks down what each truly offers - strengths, limitations, and who each camera suits best.

From sensor technology and lens versatility to autofocus performance and real-world usability, this insider perspective reflects hands-on experience and lab-style testing protocols I’ve refined after reviewing thousands of cameras. By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear view on which Sony might deserve a place in your camera bag.

The Physical Feel: Size and Ergonomics Under the Lens

First impressions matter - and size and handling often dictate whether a camera becomes your enthusiastic companion or stays shelved.

The RX10 II is a classic bridge camera with an SLR-like body, weighing a substantial 813 grams and measuring roughly 129 x 88 x 102 mm. It sits solidly in the hand with a well-contoured grip, tactile buttons, and a commanding presence. This heft translates into stability when shooting telephoto or at slow shutter speeds, making handheld shooting more comfortable and steady. Its tilting 3-inch screen and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots provide multiple framing options. The RX10 II’s well-laid controls invite quick access to manual modes, perfect for precise settings adjustments in real time.

In contrast, the W730 is ultra-compact at just 122 grams and only 93 x 52 x 22 mm - about the size of a smartphone from that period. Its minimalist design fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small purse, perfect for effortless grab-and-go imaging. However, the fixed 2.7-inch screen at just 230k dots and complete lack of viewfinder mean composing in bright sunlight or tricky angles can be challenging.

My takeaway from numerous outings is that the RX10 II feels much more serious and professional, demanding deliberate handling and rewarding control. The W730, by contrast, is a casual shooter’s delight, geared toward snapshots and quick shares.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

Here the divide becomes pronounced. The RX10 II boasts a 1-inch-type BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm, delivering 20 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor is roughly four times larger in area than the 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 16MP) stuffed into the W730.

In practical terms, the RX10 II’s bigger sensor captures light more efficiently, producing noticeably sharper, cleaner images - especially in low-light or high-contrast scenes. The BSI (back-illuminated) design also yields better high-ISO performance. Sony’s inclusion of the Bionz X processor provides advanced noise reduction and dynamic range optimization that preserves detail in shadows and highlights.

The W730’s CCD sensor, while respectable in bright light, lacks the dynamic range and low-light sensitivity found in the RX10 II. It starts to degrade above ISO 400, with increased noise and softness. Plus, the 3.3-6.3 variable aperture lens doesn’t help gathering light when zoomed telephoto.

Detailed side-by-side lab tests and shooting in various settings confirm the RX10 II’s images possess superior tonal depth, color richness, and resolution - translating into large prints or professional use without hesitation.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility for All Occasions

The RX10 II’s built-in ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm F2.8 lens is a standout. The true constant aperture F2.8 across the 8.3x zoom range is exceptionally rare, facilitating shallow depth-of-field portraits and low-light situations alike. This versatility means it can handle wide-angle landscapes and telephoto wildlife or sports with the same sharpness and speed.

In comparison, the W730 offers a 25-224mm equivalent zoom with a 9x range but a variable aperture that dims significantly at longer focal lengths (F3.3-6.3). This results in restricted capabilities for subject isolation or low-light shooting, often requiring higher ISOs and darkened exposures.

From my fieldwork, the RX10 II lens maintains remarkable edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast, even wide open at F2.8. It’s a joy for portraits, yielding creamy bokeh, and its minimum focus distance of 3 cm supports semi-macro possibilities. Meanwhile, the W730 struggles to isolate subjects or achieve the same crispness, better suited to general snapshots.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Speed and focus accuracy can’t be underestimated, especially in wildlife, sports, or street environments.

The RX10 II uses a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points and face detection, supporting continuous AF and tracking. While it does not feature hybrid phase-detection AF, its autofocus is quick and reliable, locking focus impressively under various lighting conditions. Its 14 frames-per-second (fps) burst mode with continuous AF tracking helped me nail action shots where split-second timing is crucial.

Conversely, the W730 relies on a simpler contrast-detection AF system without continuous or manual mode, and max burst rate is a sluggish 1 fps - suitable for leisurely shots but unsuitable for fast-moving subjects. Touch AF on the screen helps for casual focus but offers limited responsiveness.

If you need precise focus for dynamic scenes or complex subjects, the RX10 II’s system more than delivers.

User Interface, Controls, and Display

The RX10 II sports a tilting 3-inch LCD with 1.23 million dots - large and detailed - accompanied by an EVF covering 100% with 0.7x magnification. Its physical dials and buttons support full manual control: shutter and aperture priority, manual exposure, ISO adjustments, bracketing, and custom buttons. This rich interface means less fumbling and faster operation once you get familiar with its ergonomics.

The W730 cannot compete here. It has a fixed 2.7-inch screen at only 230k dots, no EVF, and operates primarily in auto or scene modes with no manual exposure options. Controls are pared down to basics, focusing on ease over precision.

I appreciate the RX10 II’s illuminated buttons that facilitate work in low light, something absent on the W730, which feels dated in the control department. Nonetheless, for casual users or beginners, this simplicity may appeal as less intimidating.

Build Quality and Durability

For outdoor photographers, build quality is paramount.

The RX10 II boasts a robust magnesium alloy body with weather sealing that resists dust and moisture. This makes it a trustworthy companion in variable conditions - wet trails, dusty fields, or humid environments - without hesitation. Its sizeable grip and eye-level EVF also enhance shooting comfort during long sessions.

The W730, on the other hand, is a relatively fragile plastic compact without any weather sealing, vulnerable to rough handling and the elements.

If your photography takes you off the beaten path or into changeable climates, the RX10 II’s build integrity offers peace of mind - something I’ve personally come to highly value.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

Despite its power, the RX10 II manages a respectable battery life of around 400 shots per charge, thanks to the NP-FW50 battery, with USB charging options available. The W730, smaller and less demanding, manages about 240 shots with the NP-BN battery.

Both utilize a single card slot supporting SD and Memory Stick formats. The RX10 II supports faster SDXC UHS-I cards, beneficial for high-res continuous shooting and 4K video recording.

Long shooting trips without reliable charging favor the RX10 II, but the W730’s compact size may prompt carrying extra small batteries easily.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Videographers will find a clear winner.

The RX10 II supports 4K UHD video (3840x2160) at 30p, 25p, and 24p, along with Full HD at 60p and 24p. Its video encoding includes XAVC S, which enables higher bitrates and better quality. It also offers microphone and headphone ports for professional audio input/output and optical image stabilization for smooth handheld footage.

In comparison, the W730 only handles HD video up to 720p at 30 fps, without audio input or output options, and no advanced stabilization for video.

In my real-world usage, the RX10 II has proved a versatile hybrid for high-quality video and stills, ideal for event videography, travel filmmaking, or nature documentaries. The W730’s video is limited to casual home movies.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The RX10 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for instant wireless image transfer and remote triggering via Sony’s mobile app. Unfortunately, it lacks Bluetooth, but the included wireless features remain valuable for workflow efficiency during travel or the studio.

The W730 has no wireless or NFC capabilities; transferring images must be done by cable or card reader.

For photographers who rely on smartphone integration or fast sharing, the RX10 II provides more flexibility.

Image Samples: Real-World Quality in Perspective

From portraits to landscapes, wildlife to street scenes, the RX10 II consistently delivers images with crisp textures, natural skin tones, and excellent dynamic range. Its ability to isolate subjects with smooth bokeh and maintain sharpness across zoom ranges impressed me during multiple shoots.

The W730 produces bright, colorful shots in daylight, suitable for snapshots and casual documentation but lacks subtle gradations or punch in tougher lighting. High ISO noise and fuzziness become noticeable quickly.

Sony RX10 II front Sony RX10 II screen back Sony W730 front Sony W730 screen back

Performance Scores and Value Analysis

Though the RX10 II is an older model now, its DxOMark overall score of 70 marks it as a strong contender among large sensor bridge cameras, with excellent color depth (23 EV), dynamic range (12.6 stops), and usable low-light ISO performance (ISO 531). The W730 has never been tested by DxOMark but falls into the small-sensor compact category with predictable limitations.

Price-wise, the RX10 II launched around $998 and now can be found used or refurbished near this level. The W730 is priced around $138 new, representing budget convenience.

The drastically different price points reflect their feature disparity. The RX10 II offers professional-grade image quality and versatility at a premium, while the W730 is a fun point-and-shoot for those on a shoestring or uninterested in manual control.

Suitability Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera fares for different photographic pursuits, based on my field tests and technical observations:

Portrait Photography
RX10 II shines with accurate skin tones, natural bokeh from the F2.8 lens, and reliable face/eye detection autofocus - great for expressive, intimate portraits. W730’s fixed small aperture and simpler autofocus deliver flatter, less dimensional images suitable only for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography
Dynamic range and superior resolution give the RX10 II a clear edge for detailed landscapes with high-contrast skies. Weather sealing lets you shoot in moist or dusty environments confidently. The W730’s lower resolution and small sensor limit fine detail capture and exposure flexibility.

Wildlife Photography
Though not a professional telephoto camera, the RX10 II’s fast AF, 14 fps burst, and 200mm reach enabled me to capture birds and mammals with surprising success. The W730’s slow AF and max 224mm zoom at small aperture is inadequate for decisive wildlife action.

Sports Photography
RX10 II’s continuous AF and rapid 14 fps burst make it capable for amateur sports action in good light. The W730 cannot keep pace.

Street Photography
The W730’s ultra-compact size and quiet operation appeal for candid street shooting. The RX10 II is larger and more conspicuous but offers manual controls for creative street portraits.

Macro Photography
RX10 II’s 3 cm minimum focus and sharp optics enable decent close-ups, though not a dedicated macro lens. The W730 focuses no closer than 5 cm with less detail.

Night/Astro Photography
RX10 II’s sensor and ISO performance, paired with manual controls, allow low-light and night sky imaging with long exposures. The W730’s limitations make night shooting noisy and grainy.

Video Capabilities
RX10 II offers professional 4K video modes, advanced codecs, and mic/headphone ports. W730 is limited to 720p casual clips.

Travel Photography
Both cameras can serve travel needs, with tradeoffs. The RX10 II covers most bases but is bulky; W730 is tiny and convenient but trades quality.

Professional Workflows
The RX10 II supports RAW capture, structured control layouts, and file management efficiencies required by pros. The W730’s JPEG-only, auto modes exclude it from serious professional use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After carefully weighing hands-on experience and technical specs, here’s my straightforward take:

• The Sony RX10 II is an exceptional all-in-one superzoom bridging the gap between DSLRs and compacts. It caters well to enthusiasts and professionals needing one camera to handle portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, and 4K video - all in a weather-resistant body. It shines especially when image quality, control, and versatility matter most, though it requires investment in cost and bulk.

• The Sony W730 is a budget-friendly, lightweight point-and-shoot for beginners, casual shooters, or those wanting a travel camera as a backup or quick grab. Its image quality and features are limited, but it’s intuitive, tiny, and reliable for straightforward snapshots.

If you prioritize image quality and versatility across demanding genres, and don’t mind carrying a more substantial camera, the RX10 II remains an excellent choice despite its age. Conversely, if your shooting style is casual, you want convenience, and budget is tight, the W730 makes an affordable, pocketable companion.

How I Tested

My evaluations combined lab measurements with extensive real-world shooting over months in diverse environments: studio portrait setups; wildlife preserves; fast-paced sporting events; city streets; low-light interiors; and rugged outdoor adventures. I utilized standardized test charts, real-life scenarios, lens sharpness targets, and video codec analysis. Weather sealing was tested with controlled moisture exposure. Battery life was monitored over sustained usage cycles. Wireless connectivity and app use were field-tested with contemporary smartphones.

These extensive, hands-on methodologies provide the most accurate insight into how each camera performs beyond spec sheets, delivering the reliability and nuance needed for discerning photographers.

To Wrap Up

Choosing between the Sony RX10 II and W730 boils down to your photographic ambitions, budget, and handling preferences. They serve vastly different niches.

The RX10 II remains a versatile and technically impressive powerhouse that, in many ways, transcends its bridge camera classification. Its rich feature set and image quality make it a smart investment for serious photographers craving one camera to do it all.

The W730 is a straightforward point-and-shoot for those who want compact size, ease, and modest capabilities at low cost.

Whichever you pick, knowing their real-world strengths and limits empowers you to make a satisfying, informed choice - that’s the foundation of great photography.

If you have questions about specific genres or usage scenarios, I’m happy to dive deeper or offer personalized advice based on your needs.

Happy shooting!

All opinions are my own based on exhaustive personal testing and are shared without any affiliation or sponsorship by Sony.