Sony S930 vs Sony WX70: An Expert Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Compacts

When diving into Sony’s line of compact cameras, particularly from the early 2010s, the Cyber-shot series offers options that fit different user needs and technological eras. Today, I want to share my hands-on comparative insights between two such models: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70. Although both fall into the “small sensor compact” category, their capabilities, features, and performance levels diverge considerably, reflecting a three-year development gap and shifts in imaging technology.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast seeking a capable pocket camera or a professional needing a lightweight backup, this detailed analysis will guide your decision. Expect careful discussion on image quality, shooting performance, ergonomics, and practical usability across various photography disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, and more. Along the way, I’ve integrated photos, specs, and my professional testing notes to ensure a truly authoritative evaluation.

Let’s start by setting a foundation for their physical differences.

Size and Handling: Ergonomics That Matter in Everyday Use

At a glance, both cameras are pocket-friendly compacts, but size and grip comfort are often underestimated factors affecting your shooting experience, especially when carrying one all day or shooting spontaneously.

Here, you see the Sony S930, measuring roughly 90 x 61 x 26 mm and weighing 167 grams, compared with the slimmer WX70 at 92 x 52 x 19 mm and only 114 grams. The WX70 is notably more streamlined, lending itself well to discreet shooting scenarios such as street photography or travel. Its reduced thickness and lighter weight mean you’re less likely to suffer fatigue on long outings.

However, the S930’s slightly chunkier build actually translates to a more secure grip for users with larger hands. The extra heft also contributes to some degree of steadiness during handheld shooting, complementing its optical image stabilization. But don’t expect a rugged, weather-sealed feel from either model - they are both designed primarily for casual, indoor, or fair-weather use.

Moving beyond dimensions, let’s check how their top controls stack up.

Control Layout and Top-View Design: A Tale of User Interface Evolution

Sony’s approach to button and dial placement significantly improved between these two models. The 2009 S930 was more button-reliant, while the 2012 WX70 steered towards touchscreen interaction.

The S930 offers tactile, physical buttons providing immediate, confident feedback when making quick adjustments - ideal if you dislike touchscreen lag or fingerprint smudges on the LCD. It features a zoom toggle and an accessible shutter release but lacks dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed, thus limiting manual control complexity.

In contrast, the WX70 introduces a 3-inch XtraFine TFT touchscreen with higher resolution (922K vs. 112K dots on S930), catering to today’s touch-savvy users. This touchscreen allows for intuitive focus point selection and menu navigation, speeding up the adjustment process notably. On the downside, reliance on touchscreen can slow down operation in bright light or with gloves. Physically, the WX70 accommodates fewer buttons, streamlining the shooting experience but limiting direct access.

Speaking of screens, the clarity and size difference impact both composition and reviewing shots.

LCD Screen Quality: See What You Shoot

The evolution from a basic 2.4-inch low-res LCD on the S930 to a larger, high-res 3.0-inch touchscreen on the WX70 is a stark generational jump.

The S930’s screen is functional but can feel cramped and pixelated - unpleasant for detailed image review or menu browsing. Its fixed positioning means no articulation, restricting shooting angles.

Meanwhile, the WX70’s LCD delivers crisp, vibrant previews with accurate color representation, thanks to the XtraFine technology. Its touch input adds convenience but remember, no articulating hinge limits flexibility in overhead or low-angle shots - a feature missing in both cameras.

From a practical standpoint, the WX70’s screen greatly improves user experience, especially when combined with liveview autofocus options.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now to the crux - how do these sensors perform in real-world shooting? Both have Sony’s hallmark small 1/2.3-inch sensors but differ in generation and type.

• The S930 uses a 10MP CCD sensor, once common but now largely supplanted. CCD sensors typically offer good color rendition but suffer in noise performance at higher ISOs and slower readout speeds.
• The WX70 steps up with a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, boasting backside illumination technology that enhances low-light sensitivity and reduces noise.

Though both share identical sensor dimensions (approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm), the WX70's newer sensor architecture allows for cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, broader dynamic range, and overall sharper images due to increased resolution.

The absence of RAW support on both cameras limits post-processing flexibility, but the WX70's larger buffer and faster processing mitigate some of this by producing better JPEGs straight out of the camera.

In my real-world tests across multiple lighting conditions, the WX70 consistently outperforms the S930 in image clarity and noise control - critical for landscape and night photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

The autofocus (AF) system’s capabilities influence everything from portrait sharpness to wildlife tracking prowess.

The S930 relies on a 9-point contrast-detection AF system, manual focus capable but no face or eye detection, limited to simple AF single mode with no tracking. Its maximum continuous shooting speed is 2 fps - not exactly rapid.

The WX70 features enhanced AF with unspecified multiple focus points, center-weighted emphasis, and face detection, plus continuous AF tracking - but still lacks phase detection. Importantly, it offers much faster 10 fps burst shooting, empowering action and sports photographers with better chances to catch the decisive moment.

While neither camera is a speed demon by contemporary standards, the WX70’s improvements in autofocus smartness and burst rate provide a practical edge for fast-moving subjects or fleeting expressions.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility Versus Reach

Both cameras offer built-in zoom lenses, standard for compacts but worthwhile to compare:

• Sony S930: 38-108 mm equivalent, constant aperture f/2.9 to f/5.4 (3x zoom).
• Sony WX70: 25-125 mm equivalent, aperture f/2.6 to f/6.3 (5x zoom).

The WX70 presents a noticeably wider angle starting point (25mm vs. 38mm) - a boon for landscapes, interiors, and travel photography. Its longer telephoto reach (125mm vs. 108mm) benefits wildlife and portraits requiring subject isolation from a distance.

However, the WX70's telephoto end narrows to f/6.3, somewhat limiting low-light performance at full zoom compared to the S930’s slightly brighter f/5.4. Both feature optical image stabilization to help minimize shake, especially important given the small sensor base and relatively slow telephoto apertures.

If versatility is your priority, particularly for scenic or wildlife subjects, the WX70’s lens offers a clear advantage.

Performance in Key Photography Genres: Who Suits What Best?

Let’s delve into how each camera performs across typical photographic use cases.

Portrait Photography

The WX70 excels here because of face detection AF and its wider maximum aperture at the short end (f/2.6). These features enable better skin tone rendition and subject separation. Though neither delivers creamy bokeh typical of larger sensors and prime lenses, the WX70's zoom coupled with accurate AF tracking lends more control over framing and focus on eyes.

The S930’s older AF and heavier noise in indoor/low light restrict its portrait quality.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is crucial for landscapes with complex lighting. The WX70’s BSI-CMOS sensor manages wider tonal range and less noise in shadows, enhancing detail retrieval in skies and shadowy areas.

Its wider 25mm focal length is also more natural for sweeping vistas. The S930’s narrower 38mm and noisier images reduce its landscape appeal. None are weather sealed, so take care shooting in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, AF speed, burst rate, and zoom range count most.

The WX70’s 10 fps shooting speed and 5x zoom make it more suited to this genre. Face detection isn’t wildlife-optimized, but continuous AF tracking helps maintain focus on moving animals better than the S930.

The S930’s sluggish 2 fps and shorter zoom limit wildlife shooting to static or slow subjects.

Sports Photography

Sports demands high frame rates and reliable tracking autofocus.

Neither camera offers shutter/aperture priority or manual exposure modes, limiting creative control. The WX70 edges ahead with its burst speed and AF tracking, but both lack phase detection AF and large buffers, so fast panning shots are challenging.

Treat them as casual sports shooters, not professional tools.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion matter most here.

The WX70’s smaller size and slimmer profile facilitate more stealthy shooting. Its silent autofocus via contrast detection reduces noise, but neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, pushing all framing through the LCD.

The WX70’s improved screen and touch AF also speed up shooting in dynamic urban environments.

Macro Photography

Both cameras support macro focusing from 5 cm - about standard for compacts.

Image stabilization assists close-up steadiness, but neither camera supports focus stacking or post-focus features. The WX70’s higher resolution sensor provides more detailed macro captures once you nail focus.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light and night photography expose sensor limits sharply.

The S930’s CCD sensor struggles with noise beyond ISO 800, while the WX70’s ISO reaches 12800 but with usable results mostly below 1600-3200, depending on scene brightness.

Neither camera provides bulb mode or advanced exposure controls, limiting astrophotography potential. For casual night shots, the WX70’s better high ISO and longer exposures give it a clear advantage.

Video Capabilities

This category highlights a major leap between the two models.

The Sony S930 offers only very basic Motion JPEG video at 320x240 px, 30 fps - practically unusable for anything besides tiny quick clips.

The WX70 supports Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, with HDMI output for easy playback. It lacks microphone input but delivers respectable image stabilization in video mode.

If video is an important consideration, the WX70 is unquestionably superior.

Travel Photography

Travel demands a versatile, lightweight camera with fast startup, good zoom, and long battery life.

The WX70’s smaller size, longer zoom range, and rechargeable battery pack (NP-BN) beating out the S930’s AA battery reliance mean fewer spare cells to carry and consistent power delivery.

Storage diversity (SD cards supported in WX70) also helps with compatibility and capacity on the road.

Professional Workflow

Both cameras lack RAW support, limiting post-processing latitude. File formats remain JPEG-only, which is a significant professional drawback.

Also, neither supports high-end control modes necessary for full manual exposure or tethered shooting.

Connectivity is limited - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS in either - so workflow efficiency is minimal.

In sum, these models fit casual or enthusiast use rather than professional workflow integration.

Sony S930 front Sony S930 screen back Sony WX70 front Sony WX70 screen back

Looking carefully at image samples from each model side-by-side reveals the WX70’s sharper detail and less chroma noise, particularly in low light shadows and fine textures. The S930 images tend to show softer edges, more blur, and color shifts under artificial light sources.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or shock resistance - typical for consumer-level compacts from their release periods. Both should be handled carefully around moisture or dust. Durability-wise, the WX70’s unibody plastic construction feels more modern but less robust than the denser S930.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The WX70’s dedicated rechargeable NP-BN battery supports roughly 240 shots per charge, a reasonable figure for compacts though short by DSLR standards.

The S930’s use of two AA batteries offers convenience (easy to find and replace) but typically shorter life and lower reliability, plus extra battery weight and bulk carried as spares.

Storage-wise, WX70 supports a wider array of SD card types along with Memory Stick Duo, whereas S930 is limited to Memory Stick Duo variants, potentially restricting storage options and card availability.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is sparse on both, with no Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth to enable instant sharing or remote control. Only the WX70 offers an HDMI port for connecting to HDTVs, useful for review or casual presentations.

Neither supports external microphones or headphones, limiting video recording quality control.

Price and Value Analysis

Currently priced near $220 for the S930 and $240 for the WX70, neither camera commands a premium.

The WX70’s superior sensor, feature set, and video capabilities justify its slight price increase. For buyers prioritizing up-to-date imaging performance, the WX70 represents better value.

The S930 might appeal if AA battery use and slightly longer zoom aperture are priorities - but for most users, the WX70 should be the camera of choice.

Combining specs and tested performance yields this rough rating:

How They Rank Across Photography Types

• Portrait: WX70 leads thanks to face detection, sharper images.
• Landscape: WX70 favored for resolution and lens.
• Wildlife: WX70 faster continuous shooting.
• Sports: Neither ideal; WX70 better burst rate.
• Street: WX70 better portability, screen.
• Macro: WX70 higher res sensor excels.
• Night: WX70 stronger high ISO handling.
• Video: WX70 offers Full HD; S930 extremely limited.
• Travel: WX70 lighter, longer zoom, better battery.
• Professional: Both limited; neither supports RAW.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Compact Fits Your Needs?

After thoroughly testing and comparing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70, it’s evident the WX70 is the more refined and capable model in nearly every meaningful way. Faster autofocus, higher resolution sensor, longer zoom, touch interface, and proper HD video knock the S930 out of the ring in most practical scenarios.

That said, the S930’s simplicity and AA battery usage might still appeal to hobbyists with niche preferences or those wanting an ultra-basic camera without the touchscreen bells and whistles.

Who should choose the S930?

• Budget-conscious shooters who want a straightforward point-and-shoot experience.
• Users valuing replaceable AA batteries over proprietary rechargeable packs.
• Occasional casual photography needing a compact device.

Who should opt for the WX70?

• Enthusiasts seeking better image quality and resolution in a compact body.
• Travelers wanting versatile focal lengths and lightweight gear.
• Snapshot video creators needing Full HD recording capabilities.
• Street and outdoor photographers needing discreet, responsive performance.

While neither camera matches up to modern compacts with 1-inch or larger sensors and advanced AF systems, the WX70 stands as a solid small sensor option in its generation. The S930, in contrast, feels somewhat dated, limited mainly to basic snapshot use.

If you prioritize image quality and versatility without stepping up to larger-sensor mirrorless cameras, the WX70 remains a pragmatic choice - just keep expectations realistic for any small-sensor compact.

I hope this deep dive clears up the real-world differences between these two Sony Cyber-shot models and helps you take your next compact camera purchase from uncertain to confident! Have you tested either camera yourself - or discovered hidden gems in similar devices? Drop me a line; I’d love to hear your experience.

Happy shooting!