Sony S980 vs Sony W310

Let's look more closely at the Sony S980 versus Sony W310, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact and they are both built by Sony. The resolution of the S980 (12MP) and the W310 (12MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S980 was released 10 months prior to the W310 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony S980 being a Compact camera and the Sony W310 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the S980 matches up vs the W310 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony S980 Gallery and Sony W310 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Sony S980 offers exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony W310 has sizing of 95mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check out the Sony S980 versus Sony W310 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the S980 versus the W310.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S980 and W310 is 94 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reading specifications. The visual here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S980 and W310.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical resolution so you should expect similar quality of images though you might want to take the production date of the products into consideration. The older S980 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.