Sony S980 vs Sony W690

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sony S980 versus Sony W690, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and they are both created by Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the S980 (12MP) and W690 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The S980 was announced 4 years earlier than the W690 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the S980 grades vs the W690 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The whole galleries are available at Sony S980 Gallery & Sony W690 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony S980 features outer measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony W690 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony S980 versus Sony W690 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the S980 versus the W690.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S980 and W690 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The visual below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S980 and W690.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Sony W690 to deliver greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older S980 is going to be behind in sensor technology.