Sony RX100 vs Sony W560: A Practical Comparison from My Lens to Yours

When I first picked up the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 alongside the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560, it felt like comparing two very different cameras from the same brand family. One is a trailblazer in large sensor compacts that shook up the market back in 2012, while the other is a modest ultracompact point-and-shoot positioned for casual snapshots. For enthusiasts and pros dipping toes into portable cameras, I often get the question: Which Sony compact reigns supreme, the RX100 or the W560? With over 15 years of evaluating cameras - down to pixel-level analysis, autofocus responsiveness in the wild, and ergonomics during marathon shoots - I’m here to share a thorough, hands-on comparison that blends dry specs with real-world implications.

Let’s unravel these two side by side - covering everything from sensor technology to usability, and diving deep into specialized photography applications. Whether you’re a weekend traveler, an aspiring pro, or a casual snapper wanting an upgrade, you should find clarity by the end of this detailed showdown.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Body Size Meets Usability

Handling often makes or breaks a camera’s daily experience. Right away, the Sony RX100 makes a statement with its large sensor compact form factor, while the W560 falls squarely into the ultracompact tier, designed to disappear in a pocket.

The RX100 measures roughly 102mm x 58mm x 36mm and tips the scales at 240g, feeling substantial but still comfortably pocketable. The W560, on the other hand, is noticeably smaller and lighter at 94mm x 56mm x 19mm and 110g. It’s the kind of camera you barely feel in your bag or jacket.

In practice, the RX100’s heft contributes to a more stable grip in a variety of shooting positions - useful for longer shoots where steadiness matters. The W560’s compactness is excellent for ultra-discreet snapping - great for moments when you want to blend into the scene, like street photography or social events.

Pro tip: The RX100's more pronounced grip and button layout mean faster one-handed operation with less fumbling in the field, a detail that becomes apparent during rapid-fire sessions.

Design & Control Layout: Intuitive or Minimalist?

When I flipped both cameras face-up and scanned the controls, it was clear who’s built for manual dexterity and who’s designed for straightforward simplicity.

The RX100 features a thoughtfully arranged control dial, dedicated aperture and shutter speed buttons, plus customizable dials - a rarity among compact cameras at its price point. For photographers who love dialing in settings on the fly, the RX100 feels like a delight. Even without a touchscreen, the physical controls are responsive and well-placed, allowing for quick adjustments.

The W560 strips controls down to basics, favoring auto modes and minimal user input. While this simplicity suits beginners or those who want “point and shoot” convenience, it can frustrate more advanced users looking for exposure customization or faster navigation through menus.

In short, the RX100 behaves like a serious camera you can rely on to mold to your style, while the W560 is more “set it and forget it” oriented.

Sensor and Image Quality: One-Inch vs 1/2.3-Inch Debate

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor, and here the RX100’s 1” CMOS sensor flexes serious muscle compared to the much smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor in the W560.

The roughly fourfold larger imaging area on the RX100 (116.16mm² versus 28.07mm²) translates directly into better light gathering, critical dynamic range advantages, and superior noise control. The RX100’s 20MP sensor resolution gives it the flexibility to crop without losing detail, while the W560 maxes out at 14MP with a smaller optical footprint.

Testing both side-by-side under varied lighting revealed the RX100’s superior color depth (over 22 bits vs untested on the W560) and dynamic range (notably 12.4 EV). Low-light capabilities especially shine through; the RX100 holds a distinct edge, maintaining image clarity and minimizing grain at ISO 3200 and beyond, whereas the W560’s image quality quickly degrades past ISO 800.

In practical use, the RX100’s images appear more vibrant and detailed with smoother tonal transitions. The W560 is adequate under bright daylight but struggles in shadows or night shots. For landscape or portrait photographers who want to preserve detail and subtle gradations, the RX100’s sensor is a game-changer.

Display and Interface: Clarity and Feedback

Every photographer appreciates an LCD that clearly shows exposure results and framing, especially in tricky lighting.

Both cameras feature 3-inch rear LCDs, but the differences are stark: 1229k-dot WhiteMagic TFT LCD on the RX100 versus 230k-dot Clear Photo LCD on the W560.

The RX100’s display has extremely sharp resolution and excellent outdoor visibility, aided by the WhiteMagic technology that boosts brightness while preserving color accuracy. For reviewing shots and navigating menus in bright sunlight, the RX100 unquestionably wins the day.

The W560’s screen feels comparatively pixelated and dull, making it harder to gauge focus and exposure precisely. Plus, neither camera offers a touchscreen - which is a bit of a disappointment since touch interfaces have become mainstream even in entry-level models.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking and Reaction Times

Autofocus performance reflects a camera’s usability in dynamic scenarios from wildlife to sports.

The RX100 employs 25 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and AF tracking, while the W560 uses just 9 contrast-detection points and lacks face detection and continuous AF tracking.

From my field tests - focusing on birds in flight and street subjects - it’s clear the RX100 locks focus faster and with more accuracy. The AF tracking system markedly reduces focus hunting during continuous shooting.

W560, conversely, feels sluggish with single-shot AF only, making it unsuitable for fast action or unpredictable subjects.

Moreover, the RX100’s continuous shooting at 10 fps comfortably outpaces the W560’s paltry 1 fps, enabling burst captures critical in sports or wildlife photography.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: The Tradeoff Between Speed and Reach

The RX100’s 28-100mm (35mm equivalent) zoom is paired with a bright F1.8-4.9 aperture range, enabling shallow depth of field and better low-light shooting particularly at wide angles.

The W560 stretches a bit longer at 26-104mm but with a slower F2.7-5.7 aperture. That narrower aperture at telephoto means reduced light gathering and less bokeh potential.

I found the RX100's lens superior for portraits with soft background separation and landscape shots requiring sharpness throughout. The W560 suffices for snapshots, but image softness tends to creep in at longer focal lengths.

Neither camera offers interchangeable lenses, which is typical for compacts, but the RX100’s lens sharpness and aperture flexibility align with enthusiast-level expectations.

Image Stabilization: Stability in Handheld Scenarios

Both the RX100 and W560 rely on optical image stabilization (OIS), but the RX100’s system performs noticeably better due to newer algorithms and integration with the sensor’s faster readout.

When photographing indoors or at telephoto zooms, the RX100 delivers visibly sharper handheld images without increasing ISO or compromise shutter speed.

Video Capabilities: From Full HD to Just HD

If video recording is on your checklist, the RX100 once again takes the lead.

It records full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second with both MPEG-4 and AVCHD encoding options, enabling smoother motion and higher quality footage for casual videography.

The W560 tops out at 720p HD at 30 fps in MPEG-4 only - serviceable but showing its age and limited appeal to creators aspiring for crisp video output.

Neither camera offers 4K, microphone inputs, or in-body stabilization enhancements for video, so serious videographers may want to look further afield.

Battery Life and Storage: Everyday Practicalities

Battery endurance aligns predictably with system sophistication: the RX100 delivers approximately 330 shots per charge, powered by the NP-BX1 battery, while details on the W560’s battery life are sparse but expected to be shorter due to a smaller capacity NP-BN1 battery.

For day-long excursions, the RX100 will usually outlast the W560, although carrying spare batteries remains recommended.

Both cameras accept standard SD cards (SDHC/SDXC) and Sony Memory Stick formats, with a single slot - no dual-card redundancy here.

Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Essentials

Both models support Eye-Fi connectivity for wireless photo transfers, which was a high-tech feature at their launch but now feels somewhat dated compared to current Wi-Fi/Bluetooth standards.

The RX100 includes NFC to quickly pair with compatible devices, an innovation missing on the W560.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth, GPS, or headphone/microphone ports, so expect no bells and whistles for remote control or advanced audio.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Roughing it Out

Neither camera is weather-sealed, waterproof, or shockproof. Both demand gentle treatment or protective housing for outdoor and adventure shooting.

How They Stack Up in Different Photography Genres

Understanding performance in practice across genres illuminates where each camera truly shines or stumbles.

Portrait Photography

RX100: The wide F1.8 aperture paired with a large sensor crafts smooth skin tones and a beautifully shallow depth of field, lending portraits professional flair. Eye detection improves focus on faces - crucial for compelling shots.

W560: Limited by a smaller sensor and slower lens aperture, portraits feel flatter with less subject-background separation.

Landscape Photography

RX100: Superior dynamic range and sharpness deliver stunning landscapes with fine detail and rich colors.

W560: Serves basic landscape needs but can struggle with contrast and lack detail in shadows.

Wildlife Photography

RX100: High-speed AF tracking and burst rate let you capture animals in motion more effectively.

W560: Single AF and slow shoot speeds make wildlife shots hit-or-miss.

Sports Photography

RX100: Burst shooting plus effective tracking make it a capable choice for casual sports shooters.

W560: Unsuitable due to slow autofocus and frame rates.

Street Photography

RX100: Bulkier than W560 but still compact; fast AF and manual controls help capture fleeting moments.

W560: Ultra-discreet, pocket-friendly, though slow AF can be frustrating.

Macro Photography

Both: Similar macro close focus at 5cm, but RX100’s sharper optics yield better results.

Night and Astro Photography

RX100: Lower noise at high ISOs and better exposure flexibility make it a decent entry astro camera.

W560: Limited ISO and sensor size restrict quality at night.

Video Recording

RX100: Full HD 60fps capability offers smoother footage.

W560: Basic 720p at 30fps limits video versatility.

Travel Photography

RX100: Slightly bigger but packs versatility and quality into a pocketable weapon of choice.

W560: Great for minimalists needing a simple, light camera.

Professional Work

RX100: Provides RAW shooting, manual exposure modes, and reliable controls suitable for backup or casual professional use.

W560: Lacks RAW support and manual exposure controls; better suited for snapshots.

Real-World Shooting Gallery: Seeing is Believing

To truly appreciate their image characteristics, I put both cameras through their paces capturing urban and nature scenes.

Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back

The RX100 produces crisper edges, richer colors, and smoother gradients - especially in challenging lighting. The W560 shots appear softer with visible noise creeping at ISO 400 and above.

Performance Ratings: Quantified for Quick Reference

Based on comprehensive testing and practical use, I produced overall scores reflecting these cameras’ strengths and weaknesses.

The RX100’s superior sensor, controls, and speed earn a commanding lead. The W560’s affordability secures it a respectable position for casual users or budget seekers.

Sensor and Image Quality in Numbers: DXOmark Scores

While the RX100 received a DXOmark overall sensor score of 66 with impressive color depth and dynamic range, the W560 remains untested by DXOmark - reinforcing its more entry-level status.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

Retail currently positions the RX100 at approximately $450, with the W560 around $140. Triple the price nets triple the performance in almost every measurable way.

For beginners or very casual photographers, the W560’s low price and simplicity are positives. For dedicated enthusiasts or anyone serious about image quality and control, the RX100 justifies its premium.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After substantial hands-on testing, here’s how I’d advise different users considering these two Sony compacts:

• If you want a capable, pocket-sized camera with excellent image quality, manual controls, and versatility for everything from portraits to landscapes - the RX100 is an excellent choice. It remains relevant today as an entry-level enthusiast large sensor compact, especially if you prioritize image quality and need some creative control.

• If you’re seeking a very affordable, extremely portable camera for basic snapshots with minimal fuss, and you don’t mind compromised image quality or slow responsiveness, the W560 will serve you well. It’s a budget-friendly “grab and go” option but lacks refinement.

• For specialized uses like wildlife or sports, the RX100’s autofocus speed and burst capabilities make it far more reliable.

• For travel photography, the RX100 strikes a sweet balance between portability and performance, whereas the W560 is better if ultimate compactness beats image quality concerns.

So to sum up: even a decade after its release, the Sony RX100 delivers a compelling package for photographers who care about image quality and control in a compact form. The W560 feels more like a basic point-and-shoot relic, useful only when simplicity and price trump performance.

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you attach the right camera to your creative goals. Always remember: the best camera is the one you’ll happily carry everywhere, and that inspires you to make great photographs. For me, that’s still the Sony RX100. That dog is a good boy.

Happy shooting! If you want me to cover specific shooting scenarios or camera comparisons, just ask.