Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 vs. DSC-WX10: Two Compact Cameras Go Head to Head

When it comes to compact cameras, Sony's Cyber-shot line has long been a favorite among photography enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Compact enough to slip into a pocket yet packed with features, these cameras promise versatility without the bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems. Today, we're setting out on a detailed exploration of two Sony models separated by a couple of years yet catering primarily to the “small sensor compact” category: the 2009 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 and the 2011 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10.

Both cameras are designed for photographers who want a simple, pocket-friendly setup without fussing over interchangeable lenses or complex controls, but each has unique traits that might sway your choice depending on your photographic ambitions. Having spent extensive time hands-on with both, testing across a range of scenarios, I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, technical makeup, and value propositions.

Buckle up for a thorough dive into everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, image quality to video capabilities - complete with lots of samples, expert insights, and yes, a bit of seasoned sarcasm to keep things lively.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Handling, and What Feels Good in the Hand

Let’s kick off the comparison with the tactile experience because, as seasoned photographers know, a camera that feels awkward or bulky quickly ends up gathering dust.

Physically, both the S930 and WX10 are compact and lightweight, ideal for travel or street photography where discretion counts. The S930 weighs 167 grams and measures 90x61x26mm, while the WX10 is slightly lighter at 161 grams and a tad slimmer at 95x54x23mm. On paper, the WX10 has a narrower profile but is a little longer front-to-back owing to its lens design.

Take a look at this size and shape comparison for a quick grasp:

The S930 sports a somewhat boxier design with an easy-to-grip rubberized front, which gives it surprisingly secure handling for a compact model. The WX10, on the other hand, opts for a sleeker footprint with a smoother exterior that, while elegant, can feel a bit slippery - not ideal if you have sweaty palms or shoot on the fly.

In use, both survive well in a pocket or small bag, though the WX10’s slimmer profile and lighter weight make it slightly less obtrusive - a plus for stealthy street photography or casual snaps during travel.

If you prize an extra bit of grip and a camera that feels a bit more substantial, the S930 edges ahead here; but if ultra-portability is your mantra, the WX10’s slim build is a welcome companion.

Control and Usability: How Sony Improved the Interface

It's often the difference between a frustrating shoot and a joyful shooting spree: how the cameras feel at the operation level.

The S930’s controls are minimalistic but workmanlike. A fixed 2.4-inch LCD with a mere 112K dots is... well, let’s just say it’s serviceable at best. Navigating menus is straightforward but slow, and shutter lag is noticeable. No touchscreen, no fancy customization - just a simple point-and-shoot philosophy. No electronic viewfinder either, meaning the LCD is your sole framing assistant.

Contrast that with the WX10’s refined approach. It boasts a larger 2.8-inch LCD with 460K dots and Sony’s “Clear Photo LCD Plus” technology, making it brighter, sharper, and far easier to compose shots in tricky sunlight.

Take a peek:

Moreover, the WX10’s control layout is better thought out, with a dedicated mode dial giving quick access to manual exposure modes (finally!) and exposure compensation, features the S930 sorely lacks. The WX10 also offers manual focus and switching between auto/manual focus modes - a boon for enthusiasts eager to get creative.

Here’s how their top plates compare:

The continuous shooting speed jump from 2fps on the S930 to 10fps on the WX10 is no joke, either. For anyone who dabbles in action or fleeting expressions - children, pets, or sports - the WX10’s burst mode represents a significant practical advantage.

In sum, the WX10’s interface is more modern, responsive, and enriched with enthusiast-friendly options. If you appreciate more control and a clearer, bigger screen, it’s the winner here.

Sensor Technology: The Heart of Image Quality

Now to the part where nerdy specs meet everyday output - the sensor.

Both cameras sport the ubiquitous small 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area). What’s fascinating is they differ significantly in sensor technology. The S930 uses an older CCD sensor, offering 10 megapixels, while the WX10 embraces a more modern backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels.

Here’s a visual rundown for scale:

I’ve tested many cameras with these sensor types, and while CCDs used to be heralded for excellent color fidelity and lower noise, technology evolution - especially in CMOS and BSI-CMOS variants - has steadily overtaken legacy chips, particularly in speed, noise control, and dynamic range.

In practical terms, the WX10’s sensor delivers:

• Better low-light performance with less noise at ISO 800 and beyond.
• Increased resolution that translates to more detailed landscapes and portraits.
• Improved dynamic range, capturing highlights and shadows with more headroom.
• Faster readout enabling 1080p video at 60fps, compared to the S930’s paltry 320x240 video at 30fps.

The S930’s 10MP CCD may still produce nice images in good lighting but visibly struggles once ISO 400+ is engaged or in high contrast scenes. Its soft-lit images work for snapshots but are less suited to creative or professional workflows.

In essence, the WX10’s sensor puts it firmly ahead in terms of overall image quality and versatility.

Image Processing and Autofocus: When Speed Meets Accuracy

The age gap between these cameras is noticeable in their processors and autofocus engines.

The WX10 runs on Sony’s BIONZ processor, bringing speed and responsiveness, while the S930 has no dedicated processor reported, reflecting its dated internals. This translates into a marked difference when locking focus and shooting in burst mode.

Both use contrast-detection autofocus with nine focus points. However, the WX10’s AF system supports multi-area AF allowing it to better handle complex scenes by automatically choosing focus areas, while the S930 only offers center-weighted AF - less versatile and prone to “focus hunting.”

In my testing, the WX10 won hands down for locking focus quickly under varied lighting conditions, with minimal hunting. The S930’s AF was more sluggish, occasionally missing focus or pausing between shots.

As an example - wildlife and sports photography potential? The WX10 can somewhat keep pace with quick movement, whereas the S930 is more of a laid-back companion for static scenes.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility on the Move

In fixed-lens compacts, the lens often defines what you can and cannot capture.

The S930 features a 38-108mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range with a max aperture of f/2.9-5.4; the WX10 ramps this up to an impressive 24-168mm at f/2.4-5.9.

That wider zoom range on the WX10 makes it notably more flexible:

• The 24mm wide-angle equivalent is fantastic for landscapes, architecture, and tight interiors.
• The 168mm telephoto allows substantial reach for casual wildlife and portraits with compressed background.
• Both cameras support 5 cm macro focusing distance, adequate for flower and small object photography.

Between these focal lengths lies a world of possibility - you’ll find the WX10 more accommodating for a broader range of shooting situations than the more limited S930.

Bringing It All Together: Examining Image Samples

Specs tell part of the story. Let’s see how they perform out in the real world.

Here is a gallery of sample images from both cameras under various conditions: daylight, indoor, low light, and macro.

Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

Observations from the samples:

• Portraits from the WX10 offer smoother skin tones, with better exposure latitude and a more natural bokeh given its wider lens aperture on the wide end.
• Landscape shots showcase improved resolution and dynamic range on the WX10, rendering more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Low-light situations reveal more noise and less clarity from the S930.
• Both exhibit typical small sensor compact softness at edges; however, the WX10’s images remain crisp towards the center.
• Macro shots are surprisingly comparable, with the WX10’s extra reach providing slight framing advantages.

If image quality is paramount, the WX10 leaps ahead, with cleaner images and more usable results under challenging conditions.

Video Capabilities: Enter the Era of HD

Though these cameras are primarily still shooters, modern users expect solid video features.

The S930 tops out at an underwhelming 320x240 resolution at 30fps saved in Motion JPEG format. Frankly, this is a little embarrassing by today's standards - even for a 2009 model - and its video mode offers no manual control, focus tracking, or zoom during recording.

The WX10, meanwhile, supports true HD (1920 x 1080) video at 60fps, plus lower resolutions at 30fps, recorded in efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. This vastly elevates its usefulness as a video tool, producing sharp, fluid footage with relatively good detail. Optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld shots.

No external microphone port on either, so audio quality is basic, but the WX10’s HD video capability makes it a competent entry-level hybrid still+video shooter.

Battery and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

Battery life remains an important concern, especially when on location all day.

The S930 uses a pair of AA batteries, a convenient choice - available worldwide and easy to swap. However, AA batteries, especially alkalines, tend to drain quickly with LCD live view shooting and flash use. Rechargeable NiMH batteries alleviate some pain but are an added cost and inconvenience.

The WX10 employs a proprietary NP-BG1 lithium-ion battery, offering about 210 shots per charge (CIPA rating), noticeably less than many recent compacts but typical for its class at the time. Having a dedicated charger and spare batteries is advisable for longer shoots.

On storage, the S930 uses Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo cards; the WX10 supports a wider range including SD, SDHC, and SDXC in addition to Memory Sticks - a clear advantage given the better availability and pricing of SD cards today.

Connectivity: Sharing and Workflow Integration

For many modern photographers, easy sharing and tethered control are necessities.

The S930 is a barebones contender - it has no USB ports, HDMI, wireless or remote capabilities. Transferring images means popping the memory card or connecting to a card reader.

Thankfully, the WX10 adds modern conveniences: USB 2.0 for fast transfers and an HDMI output for direct viewing on compatible TVs. It also supports Eye-Fi wireless card integration, which back then was cutting edge for wireless image transfer.

No Bluetooth or NFC, and no Wi-Fi built-in, meaning direct smartphone transfers require extra hardware, but the WX10’s support does open more workflow options than the S930.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera claims weather sealing or rugged build features such as dust or splash resistance. Handling them gently and packing in cushioned bags remains best practice.

The S930 and WX10’s plastic bodies and lack of sealing mean neither is suitable for harsh environments or heavy rain without protective housing.

Price-to-Performance Analysis and Who Should Buy Which

While both cameras listed prices hovering around $200 at launch, the WX10 often can be found new or refurbished at bargain prices today, making it an even better value for the money.

Here’s an overall performance rating chart summing up my extensive testing:

Breaking it down by photo genre, this is how each performs across key photography types - note the WX10’s consistent edge (especially in action, landscape, and video):

Portrait Photographers

If rendering skin tones smoothly and capturing a bit of bokeh matters, the WX10’s wider aperture and higher resolution sensor make it the no-brainer choice.

Landscape and Travel

The WX10’s wider zoom, better dynamic range, and ruggedness suit travel and landscape better despite lack of weather sealing; portability-wise, both are fine but WX10 is slimmer.

Wildlife and Sports

Burst rates of 10fps and quicker AF on the WX10 lend it to casual wildlife and sports enthusiasts, but both cameras remain limited for serious fast-action shooting.

Street and Macro

Compact size favors both; WX10’s wider angle zoom offers more framing flexibility for street; macro is comparable although favoring WX10’s focusing ease.

Night and Astro

Small sensors limit astrophotography, but WX10’s better high ISO performance and longer exposures give it a modest advantage.

Video

WX10’s HD 1080p cinema-like capture decisively outperforms S930’s 320p videos.

Professional Use

Limited by small sensor and lack of RAW support in both, neither is recommended for serious pro work but the WX10’s manual modes and improved file quality make it a better backup/compact for pros.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Compact Deserves Your Wallet?

If you are a casual snapshot taker with zero interest in video, shooting mostly in bright light - say family events or the occasional vacation - the Sony S930 offers simple operation and decent image quality in a sturdy little package. Its AA battery convenience is helpful when traveling far from chargers.

However, for everyone else - enthusiasts seeking better image quality, video recording, control, and speed - the Sony WX10 represents a significant upgrade. While still far from a professional tool, it packs enough punch to satisfy varied use cases, from portrait to travel photography.

So, personally, I’d go with the WX10 for versatility, better images, HD video, and improved ergonomics - it gives you much more room to grow and experiment while remaining pocket-friendly.

But hey, if you think this comparison sounds like a sales pitch from the newer model’s fan club, that’s because... well, that’s exactly the conclusion I reached after putting both cameras through their paces.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera inspire both your art and your adventures!

Note: For those interested, the S930 and WX10 might both seem quaint next to today’s smartphone cameras and compact mirrorless systems. But there’s a certain charm in these simple Sony Cyber-shots that’s worth appreciating.

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