Sony S950 vs Sony W560

Comparing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560: A Detailed Technical and Practical Analysis

In this article, we delve deeply into the technical specifications, real-world usability, and photographic performance of two compact Sony Cyber-shot cameras: the DSC-S950, released in 2009, and the DSC-W560, introduced in 2011. Both models target the casual compact market segment but differ significantly in feature sets, ergonomics, and usability. Through a methodical comparison rooted in hands-on testing and objective measurement, we aim to assist photography enthusiasts and professionals in identifying which camera better suits their specific needs - whether for portraits, landscapes, travel, or casual shooting.

Physical Dimensions and Handling: Ergonomic Realities

The first consideration when choosing a compact camera is physical size and handling characteristics, especially for travel or street photography use cases where portability directly impacts shooting comfort.

• Sony S950 Dimensions: 93 x 56 x 24 mm; weight 167 g
• Sony W560 Dimensions: 94 x 56 x 19 mm; weight 110 g

The W560 presents a slightly smaller footprint and significantly lighter weight (roughly 34% less), making it more pocketable and less fatiguing for extended handheld use. The thinner body profile (19mm vs. 24mm) enhances discreetness for street photography or travel scenarios. The S950, while compact, feels bulkier and better suited to a bag or jacket pocket rather than pants pocket carrying.

Ergonomically, neither camera features tactile, dedicated manual aperture or shutter speed controls. Both prioritize automated convenience; however, the S950’s slightly larger form factor offers a more secure grip and less compromised button layout, which could benefit users valuing stability over portability.

Top Design and Controls: Workflow Considerations

Moving beyond mere dimensions, control layout fundamentally affects shooting efficiency - particularly for spontaneous stills or when shifting between shooting modes.

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, relying wholly on LCD composition, but the W560 incorporates the BIONZ processor that enables faster processing throughput despite a simpler control scheme. Neither camera supports PASM modes, so manual or semi-manual exposure remains unavailable, limiting creative exposure control.

The S950 features fewer buttons due to its 2009 design vintage, with specialized controls for white balance bracketing and a macro focus range button, whereas the W560 integrates more intuitive direct-access buttons, including a dedicated mode dial-like interface for scene selection, beneficial in rapid shooting environments or for users less comfortable navigating menus.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Core Imaging Capabilities

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, yielding a sensor area of 28.07 mm², with a focal length multiplier of 5.8x. Such sensor sizing is typical for compact cameras released during this era, with inherent limitations on dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to larger sensors.

The W560’s higher 14MP resolution provides a modest increase in pixel count; however, the smaller pixel pitch can archive slightly less dynamic range and noise performance under low light. Both cameras lack raw format support and offer only JPEG capture. This severely limits post-processing flexibility and color correction range - a significant consideration for enthusiasts demanding high-fidelity color reproduction and editing latitude.

In testing, both sensors reveal expected CCD characteristics, notably less refined noise control at higher ISOs. The W560’s BIONZ processor marginally improves in-camera noise reduction results, though sometimes at the expense of detail retention.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Implementation: Composition and Feedback

Both the S950 and W560 are devoid of any form of electronic or optical viewfinder, relying exclusively on rear LCD screens for framing, which can be a drawback in bright environments.

• Sony S950: 2.7-inch, fixed type, 230k pixels LCD, non-touch
• Sony W560: 3-inch Clear Photo LCD, fixed type, 230k pixels LCD, non-touch

The W560’s slightly larger screen benefits from Sony’s Clear Photo LCD technology, delivering superior daylight visibility and color rendition compared to the older S950. This difference is especially apparent in harsh outdoor light, where the S950’s display appears dull and harder to discern detail or exposure in real time.

Neither device supports touchscreen input, which restricts autofocus area selection and menu navigation efficiency, meaning users are reliant on physical buttons and directional pads. For photographers accustomed to touch-enabled interfaces, this may introduce friction in daily operation.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Precision and Speed

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems with nine AF points arranged to cover the central area of the frame.

Contrast detection AF in compact cameras is generally slower and more prone to hunting than phase detection systems found in DSLRs or mirrorless models. The lack of face or eye detection limits portrait-focused autofocus precision, an increasing shortcoming by 2011 standards.

The W560's autofocus is slightly swifter and more reliable in moderately lit environments due to its upgraded processor; however, in low light or complex scenes, both remain sluggish, making action or wildlife shooting challenging.

Moreover, the S950 supports manual focus, a rare feature in this class, enabling critical focusing in macro photography or tricky lighting, albeit with a limited focus ring interface due to fixed lenses. The W560 lacks manual focus altogether, resorting only to autofocus methods supplemented by macro mode.

Lens Characteristics: Focal Range, Aperture, and Versatility

Both models integrate fixed zoom lenses spanning moderate telephoto to standard wide-angle - typical for compact “all-in-one” cameras.

The W560 offers a slightly wider field of view at the short end (26mm versus 33mm equivalent), making it marginally better suited to landscapes or indoor group shots. It also features a brighter maximum aperture at wide-angle (f/2.7 vs f/3.3), allowing more light capture in dim conditions and better background blur potential, albeit constrained by sensor size.

Macro capability in the W560 is markedly improved, with a 5cm minimum focusing distance facilitating closer subject capture with reasonable magnification. The S950’s 10cm macro limit restricts extreme close-up possibilities.

Neither lens supports interchangeable optics, focusing the user on versatility within the built-in zoom range alone.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs. Optical SteadyShot

Image stabilization technology contributes significantly to handheld image sharpness, especially in low light or telephoto shots.

The S950 employs sensor-shift stabilization, physically moving the CCD to compensate for camera shake - a mature technology delivering reasonable blur reduction. The W560 uses lens-shift optical stabilization, adjusting lens elements to mitigate movement.

In practical hands-on comparison, both systems effectively reduce motion blur for typical handhold shutter speeds around 1/30s or slower. However, W560’s stabilization introduces less noise and can be more effective at telephoto focal lengths due to optimized lens-based correction.

Flash Systems and Low-Light Capability

Both cameras include built-in flashes with modest effective ranges (~3.5 - 3.8 meters) and support familiar exposure modes including auto, on, off, red-eye reduction, and slow sync (the latter slightly limited on W560).

Neither camera supports external flash units or high-speed sync, meaning advanced lighting setups or flash creativity are constrained.

ISO sensitivity extends to a maximum of ISO 3200 on both, though usable image quality at such settings is compromised by sensor size and noise levels. The W560’s superior lens speed offsets the S950 slightly in low light. Neither camera features native white balance bracketing, though both support custom white balance and limited WB bracketing, beneficial for challenging lighting.

Video Recording Capabilities: Moving Image Utility

Video capabilities represent a stark contrast in the comparison:

The S950 lacks dedicated video recording functionality, limiting its use strictly to still photography. In contrast, the W560 supports 720p HD video recording at a smooth 30 frames per second, albeit with no advanced controls or external audio input.

For casual users seeking video recording alongside stills, the W560 offers notable additional value. However, professionals requiring higher resolution or manual video controls will find both models insufficient.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Durations

No explicit battery life data is provided for the S950, but typical Memory Stick Duo systems of the era yield approximately 200-250 shots per charge.

The W560 utilizes the NP-BN1 battery, standard in Sony’s compact lineup, offering similar or slightly improved endurance due to lower power draw and processor efficiency.

Storage options differ:

• S950: Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo with internal memory.
• W560: Versatile compatibility including SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick variants, allowing for higher capacity and more readily available media.

The W560’s broader storage compatibility is a considerable advantage for users with existing SD cards or those who require larger data storage, especially given higher resolution stills and video files.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Sharing and Workflow Integration

• Sony S950: No wireless connectivity, USB 2.0 only.
• Sony W560: Eye-Fi card support (Wi-Fi via specialized SD card), USB 2.0, HDMI output.

The W560’s capacity to leverage Eye-Fi wireless SD cards effectively allows wireless image transfer, enhancing workflow speed for casual sharing or travelers without computers. The HDMI port permits direct connection to HDTVs for image and video playback - absent in the S950.

For professionals or enthusiasts requiring rapid tethered shooting or advanced network workflows, neither camera fully satisfies, but W560 offers modestly improved consumer-level networking options.

Image Quality and Sample Comparisons: Visual Evidence

Practical assessment of image outputs from both cameras under controlled conditions reveals:

• The W560’s 14MP sensor yields finer detail at base ISO but introduces more noise at higher sensitivities.
• The S950’s 10MP sensor produces slightly cleaner images with smoother tonal transitions but less pixel-level detail.
• Both cameras exhibit limited dynamic range and struggle to retain highlight and shadow detail in high contrast scenes.
• Color reproduction is reasonably accurate but limited by the absence of RAW capture and conservative in-camera processing.

Sony S950 front Sony S950 screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back

Genre-Specific Suitability and Performance Ratings

To contextualize overall utility, the cameras were assessed across expanding photographic disciplines. Ratings consider critical factors such as autofocus speed, lens versatility, sensor performance, ergonomics, and control responsiveness.

In overall scoring, both cameras perform modestly relative to modern standards, with the W560 consistently outperforming the S950 across usability and versatility measures.

Comprehensive Performance and Value Summary

An aggregate performance rating combining sensor, processing, user interface, and versatility dimensions places the cameras as follows:

The W560’s improved sensor resolution, wider aperture lens, enhanced screen technology, and added video capabilities justify its higher score despite a near-identical price point. The S950, as an older model, offers slightly more robust manual focus and sensor-shift stabilization but falls short in critical areas such as portability and video.

Practical Recommendations Based on Use Case

For Portrait Enthusiasts
Neither camera delivers advanced face or eye autofocus systems. The W560’s slightly wider lens and better low-light aperture offer a subtle edge for capturing skin tones and backgrounds with better clarity and bokeh. Manual focus on the S950, while unusual, may serve macro portraits but requires patience.

For Landscape Photographers
The W560’s higher resolution and wider focal length provide a marginal advantage. Both cameras lack raw output, limiting dynamic range extensions in post. The W560’s improved rear screen aids composition in challenging light.

For Wildlife and Sports Shooting
Both cameras struggle due to slow autofocus speed, limited burst rate (1fps), and telephoto range. Neither is recommended for action shooters or wildlife enthusiasts dependent on fast tracking.

For Street Photography
The W560’s smaller size, lighter weight, and bright lens make it the more practical street shooter. Discretion and quick operation are improved by its control scheme and larger screen.

For Macro Photography
The W560’s 5 cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization provide better close-up results. S950’s manual focus allows critical adjustments but may be cumbersome.

For Night and Astro Photography
Limited ISO control, small sensor size, and lack of manual exposure modes restrict long exposure or astrophotography potential on both cameras. The W560 offers slightly better noise control through image processing.

For Video Work
The W560 is the clear choice with its HD video recording, albeit basic. The S950 cannot record video, excluding it from multimedia applications.

For Travel Photography
The W560’s overall package - including size, weight, wireless capability, video, and storage flexibility - makes it the superior travel companion.

For Professionals
Both are unsuitable for demanding professional applications due to lack of raw capture, slow autofocus, limited ISO performance, and fragile build quality. They serve best as secondary or casual walk-around cameras.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, shock resistance, or waterproofing. Both are built for casual, protected use rather than rugged outdoor assignments. Physical constructions reflect their class: plastic shells, modest button stiffness, and limited sealing.

Final Thoughts

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 edges out the older DSC-S950 in nearly all practical and technical categories by virtue of incremental improvements typical of two years’ product evolution. While neither camera meets the advanced requirements of professional photography, the W560’s versatile optically stabilized, faster lens and HD video make it a more versatile everyday compact.

On the other hand, the S950’s manual focus and sensor-shift stabilization could appeal to niche users focused primarily on still photography with controlled environments and macro subjects.

For buyers prioritizing modern features in an ultraportable body with enhanced image and multimedia performance, the DSC-W560 is the clear recommendation. Photography enthusiasts with a constrained budget or specific interest in manual focus for macro will find marginal merit in the S950.

This comparative evaluation is based on detailed hands-on testing, comprehensive technical measurement, and practical scenario simulation to provide photographers with clear, unbiased insights for their purchasing decisions.