Sony RX100 VA vs Sony S980

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Sony RX100 VA and Sony S980, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the RX100 VA (20MP) and S980 (12MP) and the RX100 VA (1") and S980 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The RX100 VA was brought out 9 years after the S980 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the RX100 VA matches up vs the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A) & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony RX100 VA Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 VA features outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony RX100 VA and Sony S980 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the RX100 VA versus the S980.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the RX100 VA and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking specs. The image here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the RX100 VA and S980.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The RX100 VA because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony RX100 VA will give you more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern RX100 VA is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.