Sony RX10 vs Sony W320: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Photography

When we set out to compare the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320, we're essentially juxtaposing two very different beasts from Sony’s broad imaging line-up - one a high-performance large sensor superzoom bridge camera, and the other a modest ultracompact point-and-shoot from a slightly earlier era. Both carry the Cyber-shot badge but cater to photographers with markedly different priorities and skill levels. Having spent extensive hands-on time with each, and put them through rigorous testing scenarios across various photography genres, I’m eager to unfold what each offers in terms of image quality, usability, and value.

First Impressions: Size and Handling

Right off the bat, the RX10 makes a commanding presence with its SLR-like form factor. Measuring 129 x 88 x 102mm and weighing in at 813 grams, it feels substantial in hand - a testament to its robust build and weather-resistant design. The W320 is the opposite: compact, pocketable at 93 x 52 x 17mm and just 117 grams. It’s so light and slim you forget you’re carrying a camera at all, making it an ideal travel companion for casual shooters or everyday snapshotters.

Ergonomics is where the RX10 shines. Its grip, button layout, and tactile controls have been crafted with video shooters and serious photographers in mind. The inclusion of a tilting 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD and a detailed electronic viewfinder encourage stabilization and precision framing, especially in challenging light. Conversely, the W320’s 2.7-inch fixed, lower-resolution screen and absence of a viewfinder underscore its role as a straightforward point-and-shoot with minimal manual input.

Controls on the RX10 are crisp and responsive, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - a dream come true if you crave quick adjustments in dynamic shooting environments. The W320 offers basic auto modes with very limited manual options and a simplified menu, which might appeal to beginners, but frustrated seasoned shooters expecting flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The fundamental difference in these two cameras lies in their sensors - a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor on the RX10, and a much smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor in the W320.

The RX10 sports a 20-megapixel sensor with excellent dynamic range (12.6 EV measured in DxO tests) and a respectable color depth of 22.9 bits, ensuring vivid yet natural color reproduction. The backside-illuminated (BSI) design improves low-light capability significantly, offering clean images up to ISO 3200 and usable results even at ISO 12800. For enthusiasts who moderate noise aggressively in post, the RX10 delivers impressive latitude. Its antialiasing filter smooths out moiré while maintaining sharpness.

In contrast, the W320’s 14-megapixel 1/2.3" CCD sensor - common in compact cameras from its release period - offers considerably less dynamic range and struggles in dim conditions. Noise becomes intrusive beyond ISO 400. The maximum aperture varies from f/2.7 at the wide end to f/5.7 fully zoomed, which, combined with the smaller sensor, limits background separation and bokeh quality.

From a practical standpoint: landscape and portrait photographers will find the RX10’s sensor a quantum leap in detail and tonal richness, while the W320 suits casual family snaps or quick street shots in good light.

Optics and Zoom: Versatility vs Simplicity

Zoom range and aperture shape much of a camera’s usability for various types of photography.

The RX10’s 24-200mm equivalent lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture is a workhorse lens - professional grade for a bridge camera. That consistent bright aperture across zoom settings enables excellent low-light performance and creative control over depth of field. The optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake across this focal spread, essential when shooting telephoto handheld. Macro capabilities are limited, but focusing precision is sharp at close range.

By contrast, the W320 features a modest 26-105mm equivalent zoom with a variable aperture of f/2.7 to f/5.7. This lens covers basic wide-angle to mid-telephoto range, good for snapshots but lacking the range and brightness needed for wildlife, sports, or challenging portraiture. There’s a 4cm macro mode which allows occasional close-ups but without remarkable sharpness or background separation.

Both lenses are fixed - no interchangeable lens mount here - but the RX10’s glass is clearly the star in terms of optical quality and range flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs Simplicity

Let’s talk AF systems and continuous shooting, an area that reveals much about a camera’s intended use.

The RX10 features a hybrid autofocus system with 25 contrast-detection points, face detection, and continuous autofocus modes suitable for capturing moving subjects. Although not a full-fledged phase-detection AF found in flagship mirrorless models, the RX10’s focus system is reliable for subjects like wildlife and sports, paired with its 10 fps burst shooting capability. However, the lack of advanced tracking or animal eye AF may be a downside for dedicated action shooters.

The W320, designed for casual users, offers only 9 AF points, no face or eye detection, and contrast-detection autofocus that tends to hunt in lower light or with moving subjects. Its single-frame shooting speed further limits candid or fast-action photography.

For sports and wildlife photographers, the RX10 is clearly the superior choice; for simple, deliberate snapshots, the W320 suffices.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs Semi-Professional

Both cameras offer video modes, but their capabilities vary dramatically.

The RX10 shoots Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 60p, 60i, and 24p, giving smoother motion and cinematic frame rates. It supports AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, external microphone input, headphone monitoring, and optical image stabilization in video - all highly desirable to vloggers and filmmakers on a budget. The tilting LCD and viewfinder assist in steady handheld filming in various orientations.

On the flip side, the W320 records only VGA quality video (640 x 480) at 30 fps in Motion JPEG, providing minimal utility beyond basic home movies. There is no microphone or headphone jack, and stabilization is absent.

If you consider video important - even as a secondary function - the RX10 is leaps ahead.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition Experience

Composition tools matter and influence image-making.

The RX10 has a 3-inch 1,290k-dot WhiteMagic tilting LCD - a technology designed to increase screen brightness in daylight without excessive battery drain. Combined with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (1,440k dots) that covers 100% of the frame and 0.7x magnification, this camera excels in challenging lighting or precise framing conditions.

The W320’s 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots is far less detailed and fixed, making it difficult to judge focus or exposure in bright sunshine. The absence of an optical or electronic viewfinder forces reliance on the screen, which can be awkward at times.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather Resistance vs Budget Build

If you photograph outdoors or travel extensively, ruggedness is a key consideration.

The RX10 impresses with its environmental sealing - offers resistance against dust and moisture, allowing shooting in adverse conditions without worry. Although not waterproof or freezeproof, it handles inclement weather better than most bridge cameras in its class.

The W320 has a plastic body with no sealing and should be treated as a delicate compact. It’s fine for indoor and casual outdoor use but not suited to harsh environments.

Battery Life and Storage

The RX10 uses the NP-FW50 battery pack, rated for approximately 420 shots per charge under CIPA standards. Real world use with extensive video shooting and review may bring shorter times, but it remains respectable, especially with spare batteries for extended sessions.

The W320’s smaller NP-BN1 battery offers limited endurance. Precise shot counts aren’t published but expect under 200 images per charge, which is typical for ultracompacts of its era.

Both cameras utilize single card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and proprietary Memory Stick formats, offering flexibility in storage capacity.

Connectivity: Wireless and Ports

Wireless connectivity in modern cameras enhances workflow and sharing.

The RX10 boasts built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, allowing effortless pairing to smartphones or tablets for remote control or quick image transfer - great for travel and social media-savvy users.

The W320 lacks wireless features altogether, reflecting the 2010 design era.

Both cameras include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports for wired transfer, while the RX10 additionally includes microphone and headphone jacks for video, a rarity in bridge cameras at this price point.

Price and Value Proposition

The two cameras come at vastly different price points. The RX10 is around $700 new (though now superseded by the RX10 II), positioning it as a prosumer device that straddles high image quality and flexibility. The W320, priced below $300, markets to entry-level buyers, families, or casual users who prioritize convenience over image excellence.

Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back Sony W320 front Sony W320 screen back

Performance Across Photography Genres

To ground this comparison, I evaluated both cameras in typical shooting scenarios:

• Portraits: The RX10 produces impressively creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones, thanks to its F2.8 lens and larger sensor. Eye detection AF adds confidence. The W320 struggles with background blur and skin rendering; portraits appear flat.

• Landscapes: The RX10’s wide 24mm start, sharp sensor, and extended dynamic range capture scenes with punch and clarity. The W320 can capture general landscapes but with inferior detail and dynamic range.

• Wildlife: The RX10’s 200mm reach and 10 fps burst rate let you nail animal action from a reasonable distance. The W320’s short 105mm max and slow shooting make wildlife a challenge.

• Sports: Tracking moving subjects is only viable on the RX10, albeit without cutting-edge tracking tech.

• Street Photography: The W320’s quiet operation and pocketability make it unobtrusive but image quality lags behind. The RX10 turned heads with its size but yields superior image quality.

• Macro: Neither camera excels macro-wise, but the RX10’s focusing precision gives a slight edge.

• Night/Astro: The RX10’s low noise at high ISOs and long shutter options offer night shooting possibilities. The W320’s sensor noise and limited shutter speed prevent such work.

• Video: RX10 delivers pro-tier Full HD video, unlike W320’s poor VGA clips.

• Travel: The W320 wins portability and convenience. However, the RX10’s versatility covers more photographic situations.

• Professional Work: While not a full professional tool, the RX10 meets semi-pro standards much more than the W320.

Workflow Integration and File Formats

The RX10 supports RAW files, crucial for serious editing and maximal image quality retention. The W320 lacks RAW, locking users into JPEG compression which limits post-processing flexibility.

Advanced photographers will appreciate the RX10’s portability combined with RAW support, enabling quick transfer and post-production pipeline efficiency. The W320, aimed at casual shooters, suits minimal editing workflows.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Having set them side-by-side, the choice boils down to intended use and budget.

• Choose the Sony RX10 if you are a photography enthusiast or semi-professional who desires one camera to cover versatile shooting scenarios including portraits, landscapes, action, video, and low light. Its large sensor, bright constant aperture lens, weather sealing, and advanced controls make it a genuinely capable all-rounder. Yes, it is bigger and pricier, but the resultant image quality and performance validate this.

• Choose the Sony W320 if your priorities are simplicity, ultimate portability, and affordability for casual snapshots without fuss over manual controls or image fidelity. It can work well as a backup camera or for those who want quick point-and-shoot operation with basic zoom.

Closing Thoughts

Comparing the Sony RX10 and W320 is a study in contrasts: one camera is built for control, quality, and creative ambition; the other, for ease, compactness, and convenience. Understanding these core differences saves time and disappointment in your camera search.

From years of testing thousands of cameras, I can say the RX10 remains a robust choice even years after release, demonstrating how increased sensor size and quality optics lead to lasting photographic value. The W320 is functional but ultimately limited to simple, bright-light scenarios.

Whichever side of the divide you fall on, it’s reassuring to see Sony offering a Cyber-shot tailored either for serious exploration or casual memory-keeping - each meeting its niche in solid, if very different, fashion. Happy shooting, wherever your vision takes you!