Comparing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 vs. DSC-WX5: A Deep Dive Into Two Compact Contenders

Choosing the right compact camera can be challenging, especially when two models from the same brand share a lineage but differ significantly under the hood. Today, we'll thoroughly compare the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 (S930) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 (WX5) - both celebrated small sensor compacts launched a year apart, targeting enthusiasts who want portable, easy-to-use cameras without delving into interchangeable lenses.

Having tested both extensively through practical scenarios and bench-marked them technically, this article unpacks their design philosophies, core technologies, and real-world performance across all major photography genres. Whether you prioritize portraits, landscapes, travel, or casual video, we’ll guide you through informed purchase decisions with hands-on insights and detailed specs.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Ergonomics and Control Layout

The S930 and WX5 are compact point-and-shoot cameras designed with portability in mind, but they approach ergonomics differently.

Ergonomic Notes:

• The S930 grips well due to its slightly chunkier depth and rounded edges, offering more tactile feel using AA batteries - convenient for travel without relying on chargers.
• The WX5 favors a flatter, slimmer profile with a lighter weight. Its lithium-ion battery reduces bulk and aligns with modern compact camera trends.
• Both feature fixed lenses and lack an electronic viewfinder, pushing reliance on LCD screens.

The top-view comparison reveals:

• The WX5 has a more refined control layout with a dedicated video record button and faster shooting responsiveness (10fps burst vs. 2fps on S930).
• The S930 offers basic controls, suited for casual shooters wanting simplicity over manual complexity.

Summary: If you value pocketability and lightweight travel convenience, the WX5 leads. For more substantial grip and the flexibility of replacing batteries anywhere, the S930’s design is appealing.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Details that Matter

While both cameras use a 1/2.3” sensor format - common in compacts - the technology and resolution differ:

Technical Insights:

• The WX5’s BSI CMOS sensor typically delivers better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to the S930’s CCD sensor. Back-illuminated design enhances light gathering capability by placing wiring behind the photodiodes.
• The WX5 edges out in resolution with 12MP versus 10MP, providing slightly more detail at equivalent focal lengths.
• Neither camera supports RAW output, limiting post-processing latitude; this emphasizes the importance of in-camera processing quality.
• Both cameras include an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré patterns but can soften fine detail marginally.

Real-World Impact:

The WX5 produces cleaner images under indoor and low-light conditions with less noise from ISO 400 upwards. Its color rendition also appears more vibrant and accurate, likely due to the newer sensor and BIONZ processor improvements.

The S930’s CCD sensor performs well in bright daylight but can falter beyond ISO 800 with noticeable grain. Outdoor shots maintain pleasing color but may slightly lack contrast compared to the WX5.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Framing and Navigation Ease

Both models exclude electronic viewfinders, putting all framing and shooting tasks onto their rear LCDs.

Assessment:

• The WX5's 2.8-inch screen with higher 461k-dot resolution significantly improves color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles.
• The S930’s 2.4-inch screen with just 112k dots impairs usability in bright conditions and precise manual focus.
• Both screens are fixed - no articulating or tilting options - limiting creative framing angles.
• Navigation menus are straightforward on each, but the WX5, aided by the faster BIONZ processor, offers smoother responsiveness in live-view and menu scrolling.

This usability gap favors the WX5 for photographers needing better in-camera framing and quick adjustments.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

The fixed lens and zoom range are essential for versatility in compact cameras. Let’s break down their optical specs:

What this means:

• The WX5 offers a wider angle (24mm vs. 38mm start), enabling expansive landscapes and group shots, a boon for travel and street photography.
• The greater zoom reach (5× optical zoom) also makes the WX5 more versatile for capturing distant subjects, beneficial for casual wildlife or sports snapshots.
• The S930’s lower zoom but slightly brighter wide aperture (f/2.9) helps in moderate low light but the WX5 has a marginally faster wide end at f/2.4.
• Both cameras focus down to about 5 cm for macro shots, allowing close-ups with reasonable detail at a small sensor scale.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Real-World Responsiveness

Let’s evaluate their AF systems and burst shooting capabilities, critical for action and wildlife photography.

Insights from hands-on testing:

• The WX5’s AF system includes subject tracking, allowing it to maintain focus on moving subjects better - a clear advantage for wildlife and sports.
• Burst speed is a considerable difference: 10 frames per second on WX5 vs. 2 fps on S930. This affects your ability to capture fleeting action moments.
• Neither camera offers manual focus control, aperture/shutter priority, or exposure compensation, so flexibility is limited to what the compact system allows.
• Face detection is surprisingly missing on both despite being common even in late 2000s compacts - an expected feature that’s a miss here.

This technical edge positions the WX5 as more suitable for spontaneous photography involving movement.

Flash and Stabilization: Managing Light and Shake

Both cameras employ built-in flashes and optical image stabilization (OIS), but their modes and effectiveness differ.

The WX5’s flash coverage extends notably further, helping in moderate low light or indoor group shots. The wider range and modes like red-eye reduction provide more creative freedom.

Optical image stabilization is present on both, crucial for small-sensor cameras without fast lenses. In practical shooting, the WX5’s implementation feels smoother, possibly assisted by the BIONZ image processing reducing blur under shaky conditions.

Video Capabilities: Compact Cameras in the Movie Era

Video quality is increasingly vital even in compact cameras aimed mainly at stills. Here's how these two compare:

The WX5 clearly outshines the S930 in video, offering full HD 1080p at smooth 50fps alongside legacy HD and SD quality options. The more modern AVCHD codec provides better compression and quality than the Motion JPEG on the S930.

While neither camera supports an external microphone (a limitation for serious video), the WX5’s inclusion of HDMI output opens doors for external recording setups or direct playback to HD displays.

For casual vlogging, travel videos, or family recordings, the WX5 delivers a far more capable package.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Wildcards for any photographer are battery endurance and usable storage formats:

• Sony S930 relies on 2× AA batteries, widely available and easy to replace on the go. This is a practical boon for travelers without access to chargers but generally less efficient for long shooting sessions.
• The WX5 uses a proprietary rechargeable NP-BN1 battery, lighter but requiring charging gear.
• Storage-wise, S930 supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards exclusively, limiting choice and potentially increasing cost.
• The WX5 supports both SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo formats, offering more flexibility and access to increasingly affordable SD cards.

For extended trips, the S930’s battery type can be a deciding factor. Otherwise, the WX5 benefits from modern storage standards.

Durability and Environmental Protections

Neither model offers official weather sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized certifications. Both are designed as delicate compacts best used in standard conditions - rain or dust pose risks.

If you anticipate challenging environments, investing in protective cases or a more rugged camera might be prudent.

Comprehensive Sample Gallery: Visual Evidence of Performance

To provide tangible insight into image quality and performance across lighting conditions and subjects, here is a side-by-side gallery featuring sample images shot with both cameras:

Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back Sony WX5 front Sony WX5 screen back

Gallery Notes:

• The WX5 images display richer colors and crisper detail, especially in low light and shadows.
• The S930 performs admirably under bright daylight but shows noise and less dynamic range indoors.
• Macro shots are comparable though the WX5’s faster lens slightly improves background separation.
• Video stills showcase the WX5's superior resolution and balance.

Performance Ratings: Raw Numbers vs. Real-World Experience

While neither camera has official DxOMark scores, expert review scoring offers relative performance indicators:

• The WX5 scores higher across speed, image quality, and video capability categories.
• The S930 rates solid for beginner-friendly handling and battery convenience.

How Each Camera Stacks Up Across Photography Genres

Different genres demand different camera strengths. Here’s how each fares across common photography disciplines:

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 if you:

• Prefer the convenience of AA batteries over rechargeable power.
• Need a straightforward, beginner-friendly camera with essential features.
• Shoot mostly in bright daylight or casual scenarios.
• Value slightly brighter lens at the wide end for moderate low-light shooting.
• Don’t prioritize fast continuous shooting or video capabilities.
• Want a solid compact without extra fuss, at a slightly lower price point (~$220).

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 if you:

• Want a versatile compact with better image quality and low-light performance.
• Shoot action, sports, or wildlife and need faster autofocus and burst rates.
• Value Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities with HDMI output.
• Prefer a wider angle and longer zoom lens for travel and street photography.
• Desire a modern LCD screen for precise framing and menu management.
• Are okay carrying a proprietary rechargeable battery.
• Appreciate a more contemporary feature set around $250.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy and Progress in Compact Cameras

Our side-by-side evaluation paints a clear picture of technological evolution between these two Sony compacts. The S930 feels dated but reliable, especially if you value battery versatility and simplicity. The WX5 embodies smart improvements in sensor tech, speed, and video that benefit enthusiasts pushing compact camera capabilities.

We recommend investing time to physically handle these cameras, as user feel can greatly affect your shooting enjoyment. Consider what types of photography excite you and what your real-world usage entails - your decision hinges on balancing technical needs with budget and form factor preferences.

Next Steps: Exploring Accessories and Usage Tips

• For both cameras, complement your purchase with high-quality memory cards suited to your shooting style (e.g., SDHC Class 10 for WX5 video).
• Consider carrying compact tripods or mini stabilizers to leverage image stabilization and low-light performance.
• Explore external LED light panels if flash reach or lighting versatility is limited.
• Regularly update your camera's firmware if Sony provides updates, improving stability or features.

With this comprehensive understanding of the Sony S930 and WX5, you are better equipped to pick the camera that seamlessly integrates into your creative journey. Whether you’re flirting with photography as a hobby or enriching your kit with an everyday shooter, your choice should empower you to capture moments with confidence and joy. Happy shooting!