Sony S980 vs Sony TX20

In this article, we are looking at the Sony S980 and Sony TX20, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact and they are both sold by Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the S980 (12MP) and TX20 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The S980 was brought out 4 years prior to the TX20 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony S980 being a Compact camera and the Sony TX20 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the S980 matches up versus the TX20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony S980 Gallery and Sony TX20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Sony S980 offers outside measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony TX20 has sizing of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check out the Sony S980 and Sony TX20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the S980 compared to the TX20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the S980 and TX20 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S980 and TX20.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Sony TX20 to result in extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged S980 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.