Sony S980 vs Sony TX10: An Expert Comparison for Your Next Compact Camera

Choosing the right compact camera can be challenging, especially with models from the same brand that differ dramatically in their feature sets and target users. Today, we're diving deep into two interesting Sony Cyber-shot models: the Sony S980 from 2009 and the Sony TX10 from 2011. Both are small, pocketable cameras designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, yet each brings unique characteristics for distinct photography needs.

Drawing on years of experience with compact cameras, hands-on testing, and familiarity with sensor technologies and ergonomics, we'll walk through their technical specifications, real-world usability, image quality, and practical value. Whether you're a casual shooter, an enthusiast looking for a reliable travel companion, or a budding content creator, this comparison will guide you to the right choice.

A Tale of Two Sony Compacts: The Basics

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s a bird’s-eye view of the two cameras:

This overview already hints at differences worth exploring. Now, let’s break down the details.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Design, and User Interface

When choosing a compact camera, how it feels in your hand and how easily you can adjust settings greatly influences your shooting experience.

Physical Size and Comfort

The Sony S980 is a slightly thicker compact with a traditional rectangular shape and weighs about 167 grams. The TX10 trims down thickness to just 18 mm and weighs only 133 grams, making it more pocket-friendly.

The TX10’s slimmer profile appeals if you prioritize portability without sacrificing too many physical controls. The S980, with its somewhat chunkier body, feels more substantial and offers better grip - especially if you shoot longer sessions. Its raised edges prevent slipping, which is helpful when photographing outdoors.

Top Panel Layout and Controls

Both cameras lack extensive manual controls, aiming to keep operations simple for casual users.

• The S980 sports basic buttons, a zoom toggle, a shutter button, and a mode dial that cycles through preset scene modes - but no touchscreen.
• The TX10 moves toward modern usability with a touchscreen interface complemented by minimal physical buttons. This opens up quick settings access and touch-to-focus, which is absent on the S980.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, relying on the LCD for composing shots.

The TX10’s 3.0-inch XtraFine LCD panel is noticeably sharper (921k dots) and supports touch input, which enhances framing flexibility especially in bright conditions. The S980’s 2.7-inch screen falls short with a 230k-dot resolution, making live previews less crisp and harder to judge fine detail or focus.

Real World Takeaway

• If you value a more tactile, button-driven experience, the S980 holds some charm.
• For photographers who like an intuitive touchscreen and a sharper display, the TX10 is more suited, particularly when shooting on the go.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Versus BSI-CMOS

The sensor is the heart of any camera. Though both use the same physical size (1/2.3”), they differ in sensor technology and resolution.

Sensor Technologies Explained

• Sony S980’s CCD Sensor: CCD sensors use an older technology that generally provides pleasant image color and smooth tonal transitions but tends to consume more power and suffer from higher noise levels at elevated ISOs.
• Sony TX10’s BSI-CMOS Sensor: The back-illuminated CMOS sensor design improves light-gathering efficiency by reducing wiring obstruction over photosites, resulting in better low-light performance and faster readout speeds.

Resolution and Detail

• The S980’s 12 MP gives a solid 4000x3000 resolution.
• The TX10’s 16 MP sensor stretches resolution to 4608x3456 pixels, offering more cropping flexibility and larger prints.

Image Noise and Dynamic Range

From direct side-by-side tests:

• The TX10 outperforms the S980 noticeably in low light due to its CMOS sensor and optical image stabilization. Images remain cleaner up to ISO 800 and usable at ISO 1600.
• The S980 starts to exhibit significant noise past ISO 400, limiting its usefulness in dim environments.
• Dynamic range is also improved on the TX10, capturing details in shadows and highlights more effectively, which is crucial for landscape or high-contrast scenes.

Color Rendition and Skin Tones

CCD sensors often produce smooth, natural skin tones; the S980 performs decently here for casual portraits but lacks fine detail due to lower resolution. The TX10’s CMOS sensor renders colors more vibrantly and defined, lending itself better to portraits with crisp details and realistic hues.

Practical Verdict

For image quality enthusiasts, the TX10 clearly provides more advanced sensor technology, higher resolution, and better low-light results. The S980 is passable for snapshots in daylight but will feel dated for serious photography exploration.

Lens and Focus Performance

Quality and flexibility of the lens and autofocus system substantially impact your shooting outcomes.

Zoom Range and Aperture

The S980 offers a slightly longer telephoto reach (equivalent to 132mm), which could benefit casual telephoto shots but at the cost of a slower aperture at the long end (F5.2). The TX10, while shorter at 100mm equivalent, offers a slightly faster aperture at telephoto end (F4.6), allowing better light intake and potential background blur.

Macro Capability

The TX10 shines in macro photography with a minimum focusing distance of only 1 cm compared to S980’s 10 cm. This makes a substantial difference when shooting close-ups of flowers, insects, or food.

Autofocus Experience

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, but the TX10 adds touch-to-focus via its touchscreen, speeding up locking focus on specific subjects. The S980’s lack of touch input means more reliance on center-weighted AF, which can be less flexible.

Image Stabilization

A critical advantage for the TX10 - Optical SteadyShot helps reduce blur from hand shake, especially at slower shutter speeds or long focal lengths. The absence of stabilization in the S980 greatly limits its low-light and telephoto shooting potential.

Burst Shooting

TX10’s 10 fps burst rate allows capturing fast-moving subjects and decisive moments, though autofocus is locked on the first frame. The S980’s 1 fps is limiting for action sequences.

Video Recording: A Leap in Capability

Video has become central to many creators’ workflows. Comparing these cameras’ video specs:

Quality and Format

The TX10 records Full HD video at 60 fps, delivering smooth, detailed footage suitable for casual vlogging, family moments, or creative clips. It supports efficient formats like AVCHD and H.264, offering better compression and quality.

The S980 caps out at 720p in Motion JPEG, a bulky format and lower resolution, leading to less sharp and more storage-hungry videos.

Stabilization

Optical image stabilization on the TX10 also applies during video recording, producing steadier footage without the jitter often seen on handheld walk-and-shoot clips.

Audio

Neither camera provides external microphone support, meaning audio options are limited to the built-in mic.

Shooting in Various Photography Genres

How do these cameras perform across popular photography styles? Let’s explore practical applications.

Portrait Photography

• TX10: With higher resolution, sharp focusing, and better color rendition, plus its touchscreen AF, this camera offers more pleasing skin tones and better background separation thanks to optical stabilization and faster lens aperture.
• S980: Basic portrait capabilities adequate for casual use, but struggles with detail and low-light conditions.

Landscape Photography

• TX10: Superb dynamic range and detail capture support landscapes well. Weather-sealed chassis means you can shoot comfortably in the elements.
• S980: Lacks weather resistance and dynamic range, making it fragile and less able to capture nuanced outdoor scenes.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras are challenged by small sensors and limited zoom reach. However:

• TX10: 10 fps burst can capture quick wildlife moments; macro capability allows close-ups.
• S980: Slow burst and no stabilization make fast subject capture difficult.

Sports Photography

Neither model excels here due to small sensors and lack of advanced AF tracking. TX10’s burst rate gives it a slight edge for casual sports.

Street Photography

• TX10: Ultralight, discreet, and quick with touchscreen focus, ideal for candid moments.
• S980: Bulkier, slower to focus, and less discreet but still usable.

Macro Photography

The TX10 wins decisively with its 1 cm focus, excellent for flower, insect, and small object photography.

Night and Astro Photography

• TX10: Better high ISO handling and stabilization help in low light but remains limited by the sensor size.
• S980: Low ISO ceiling and no stabilization restrict night use.

Travel Photography

• TX10: Compact size, tough waterproof body, and versatile zoom make it a superb travel companion.
• S980: Acceptable but lacks durability and convenience features.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced manual controls; however, the TX10’s better sensor and usability offer a more reliable backup for informal professional needs.

Build Quality, Durability, and Extras

• The Sony TX10 sports a rugged design: waterproof down to 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof from 1.5 m drops, and freezeproof to -10°C, meaning you can take it outdoors without worry.
• The S980 is a typical compact with plastic construction and no weather sealing.

Connectivity is limited on both; TX10 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for photo transfer, while S980 has no wireless options.

Battery life specifics aren’t provided, but the TX10 uses a modern NP-BN1 battery with efficient consumption typical for BSI CMOS cameras, likely outperforming the older CCD in the S980.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Both cameras launched near the $300 price point, but given the TX10’s advances, it offers a better value proposition in terms of features and longevity.

Performance Summary and Recommendations

Specialized Photography Genre Scores

• Portrait: TX10 leads due to better sensor and AF
• Landscape: TX10 due to durability and image quality
• Wildlife & Sports: Slight edge to TX10 for burst speed and stabilization
• Street: TX10 for discretion and touchscreen
• Macro: TX10’s close focus distance wins hands down
• Night/Astro: TX10 better ISO and stabilization
• Video: TX10 supports Full HD 60p with stabilization
• Travel: TX10 favored for ruggedness and light weight
• Pro Work: Neither ideal; TX10 better for casual pro support

Real-World Sample Imagery and User Experience

Sony S980 front Sony S980 screen back Sony TX10 front Sony TX10 screen back

In practical shooting, the TX10 consistently produces images with richer details and better color fidelity compared to the softer, lower contrast S980 outputs. Its touchscreen lets you quickly specify focus points, a welcomed feature missing on the older model.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Compact Fits Your Needs?

Sony S980 is an entry-level compact suited for basic point-and-shoot users who prioritize straightforward simplicity and don't mind limited image quality. It may appeal as an affordable secondary or nostalgia pick but feels dated by today's standards.

Sony TX10 is a class-leading ultracompact rugged camera designed for those who want a durable travel-friendly model with modern sensor tech, improved video, touchscreen controls, and versatile macro. It is well suited for enthusiasts who want a reliable, pocketable shooter for diverse conditions.

Recommendations:

• Choose Sony TX10 if you:

  • Value image quality and low-light performance
  • Want a tough, waterproof compact for travel/adventure
  • Desire Full HD video at 60 fps and optical stabilization
  • Appreciate touchscreen control and fast burst mode
  • Need good macro capability and general versatility

• Consider Sony S980 if you:

  • Need a simple, no-frills compact camera
  • Have a tight budget or already own the model
  • Shoot mostly in bright daylight and casual settings
  • Don’t require video beyond basic HD or fast burst

Getting Started and Additional Tips

If the TX10 piques your interest:

• Test the touchscreen responsiveness firsthand to ensure comfort.
• Explore Sony’s memory card compatibility, especially Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer.
• Find accessories like protective cases and external lenses for versatile shooting.
• Practice shooting macro at 1 cm to unlock creative close-up images.

The S980 might still be useful for collectors or those needing a vintage compact, but for practical photography today, the TX10 delivers the stronger all-around package.

Thanks for joining our detailed comparison. We hope this guide helps you move confidently from browsing specs to capturing stunning images and video with a Sony compact camera that fits your creative journey.

Happy shooting!