Head-to-Head Compact Camera Duel: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 vs DSC-WX10

When it comes to compact cameras that fit in your pocket without skimping too much on creative control or image quality, Sony’s Cyber-shot line has often been a go-to for enthusiast photographers on a budget. Today, we’re putting two of their small sensor compacts under the microscope: the 2009 Sony DSC-S980 and the 2011 Sony DSC-WX10. Both sit within the small sensor compact category, but they reflect different technology eras and design philosophies.

Having spent years testing compact cameras from multiple brands, I’ll walk you through how these two models stack up across a variety of photography styles and technical parameters - everything from portrait bokeh to wildlife burst shooting, and yes, even their video chops. By the end, you'll know which Sony suits your style and pocket best (or whether upgrades to newer compacts might make more sense).

Getting a Feel in Hand: Size, Ergonomics & Design

First impressions count, and when shooting handheld all day, physical comfort and handling controls are king.

Both cameras are compact (measuring roughly 93x56x24mm for the S980 and 95x54x23mm for the WX10), weighing in at about 167g and 161g respectively. They slot effortlessly into a jacket pocket or small bag. The S980’s design feels a bit dated - its rubberized grip is modest, and button layout is basic with no illuminated controls for low-light use. On the other hand, the WX10, benefiting from two extra years of refinement, carries a sleeker look with a subtly more contoured silhouette that aids grip despite the small size.

Peeking at the top controls reveals that Sony slightly revamped their ergonomics in the WX10 to accommodate faster shooting and usability:

The WX10 boasts a more responsive zoom toggle and dedicated exposure compensation shortcut - both absent on the S980. The S980’s shutter button feels a bit mushy compared to the more tactile WX10, a subtle but important factor for sports or street photographers who rely on quick reflexes.

Bottom line: For photographers valuing discreet portability, both are winners. For longer sessions, the WX10’s improved ergonomics and button response provide a noticeably better grip and control feel.

Sensor & Image Quality: Technical Heart of the Cameras

While both cameras share the same 1/2.3-inch sensor size (very common in compacts), the details here are crucial to understanding image quality differences.

The S980 employs an older CCD sensor clocking in at 12 megapixels. By contrast, the WX10 features a newer BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, using Sony’s BIONZ image processor. What does that mean practically?

• Resolution: The WX10’s 16MP delivers sharper detail, especially noticeable when cropping.
• Dynamic Range and Noise: BSI-CMOS sensors typically handle low light and high-contrast scenes better than CCDs, translating to cleaner images at higher ISO and superior shadow detail on the WX10.
• ISO Range: Both go up to ISO 3200 max, but the WX10’s sensor and processor combo produce less noise and better color fidelity at these settings.

Despite the same sensor area (~28mm²), technical improvements in sensor tech make the WX10 a notable step-up in imaging quality - especially for enthusiasts who print or crop.

LCD Screen and Live View: Seeing Is Believing

A clear, responsive display is essential for composing shots, reviewing images, and navigating menus.

The S980 features a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution - adequate in bright daylight but far from sharp. Its lack of touchscreen or enhanced display tech means menus can feel clunky. The WX10 improves with a 2.8-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen, doubling the resolution to 460k dots, offering much crisper image previews and smoother menu navigation.

No electronic viewfinder exists on either, but the brighter, higher-res screen on the WX10 aids manual focusing and live view accuracy. Both cameras provide live view via contrast detection AF, but the WX10 offers better responsiveness tied to its enhanced processing engine.

Autofocus, Zoom, and Image Stabilization: How They Capture the Action

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break capturing fleeting moments, particularly in wildlife and sports photography.

Both equipped with contrast detection AF and 9 focus points, neither offers phase detection or hybrid AF systems - no surprise in this class and era. However, the WX10’s autofocus system feels snappier due to the BIONZ processor’s improved algorithm, especially in decent light.

Zoom range also differs:

• S980: 33-132 mm equivalent (4x zoom, max aperture F3.3–5.2)
• WX10: 24-168 mm equivalent (7x zoom, max aperture F2.4–5.9)

The WX10’s broader zoom range and brighter wide aperture make it versatile for landscapes (wide end) and wildlife (telephoto reach). Meanwhile, the S980’s tighter zoom range limits framing options.

Critically, image stabilization is absent in the S980 but present as optical stabilization in the WX10. This feature significantly benefits handheld shots at slower shutter speeds, low light, and when using full zoom.

Those interested in fast-paced or low light shooting will appreciate the WX10’s ability to steady images and focus swiftly.

Speed and Burst Shooting: How Responsive Are They?

For street and sports photography, quick multiple shots can be the difference between a great moment and a missed opportunity.

The S980’s continuous shooting maxes out at a mere 1 frame per second - not exactly setting any speed records, and pretty limiting if you want to track action. By contrast, the WX10 offers a 10 fps burst mode at full resolution. This is a substantial leap in capturing decisive moments, especially for kids running around or pets in motion.

Shutter speeds range from 2 to 1/1600 sec on the S980, versus 30 to 1/1600 sec on the WX10. The S980 offers a slower minimum shutter speed, which may benefit night or intentionally slow exposures, though the WX10’s better ISO performance compensates for saved exposure flexibility.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraiture demands accurate skin tone rendition, attractive background blur, and ideally face or eye-detect autofocus.

Neither compact boasts specialized face or eye detection AF, which is expected for cameras in this price and era bracket. However, the WX10’s contrast detection AF paired with better sensor technology manages reasonably sharp faces in good light.

Both cameras have fixed lenses with relatively small maximum apertures limiting potential for creamy bokeh, but the WX10’s wider F2.4 aperture at the wide end allows for somewhat better subject isolation when shooting close-ups.

Skin tone rendition on both cameras is generally pleasant but tends to be warmer and less neutral than modern cameras - that’s more a quirk of Sony’s color science of the time.

For casual portraiture, the WX10’s improved sharpness and slightly more control over exposure compensation will yield better results.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Durability

Landscape shooters often require high resolution for large prints and excellent dynamic range to retain shadow and highlight detail.

The WX10’s 16MP output offers 4608x3456 pixel images, enabling decent cropping and large prints, whereas the S980’s 12MP (4000x3000) is somewhat less flexible.

Dynamic range is generally limited on small sensor cameras, but the WX10’s newer CMOS sensor edges out with slightly better shadow recovery, and its exposure compensation and custom white balance allow more control to optimize scenes.

Neither camera sports any environmental sealing, dust or waterproofing, so not ideal for rugged shooting. However, their compactness and light weight make them good travel companions for casual landscape snapshots in mild to moderate conditions.

Wildlife & Sports Photography: Burst Rate, Telephoto Reach, and Tracking

Although these models were not designed as professional wildlife cameras, I tested them under quick-moving situations.

The WX10’s 7x 24-168mm zoom and 10 fps burst make it better suited to capturing fast-moving subjects than the S980’s limited 4x zoom and 1 fps rate.

Focus tracking capabilities are limited on both due to lack of AF tracking modes or phase detection. Autofocus can struggle a bit with fast subjects, especially in low light, but the WX10’s quicker focusing algorithm shines here.

I would caution wildlife photographers to temper expectations - these cameras fall short compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models with advanced AF.

Still, the WX10 is the better choice if you want a lightweight wildlife or sports backup in good lighting.

Street Photography & Low-Light Shooting: Discretion & Portability

Street photography demands subtle, portable gear with fast response and decent low light ISO capabilities.

Both cameras are small and discreet - neither draws much attention. The WX10’s faster max aperture wide angle and optical stabilization increase chances of sharp shots in dim conditions.

Only the WX10 offers exposure compensation, improving control in challenging light contrasts on city streets.

Neither is perfect at high ISO: expect noise beyond ISO 800 or so, but the WX10’s newer CMOS sensor handles noise a bit better, retaining usable detail.

Conclusively, the WX10 edges ahead for street use, especially with its faster continuous shooting and more versatile zoom.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Detailing and Focusing

Macro shooters seek precise focusing at very close distances and good magnification.

The S980 allows macro focus down to about 10cm, while the WX10 can focus as close as 5cm – doubling the potential for tight close-ups.

Neither camera has focus stacking or focus bracketing, but the WX10 lets you manually focus which may help in tricky macro scenarios.

The WX10’s optical image stabilization also helps reduce blur during handheld macro shots, a significant practical advantage.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Long Exposure

Low-light and astrophotography demands good high ISO noise performance, long shutter capabilities, and manual exposure control.

The WX10 covers shutter speeds from 30 seconds up to 1/1600s and offers ISO up to 3200, plus manual exposure modes and exposure compensation. This makes it suitable for basic night and limited astro shots.

The S980’s longer max shutter speed is only 2 seconds, and it lacks manual exposure modes or exposure compensation, which will frustrate night shooters looking for control.

Neither camera supports raw capture, so noise reduction in post is limited to JPEG processing.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stabilization

Video functionality is increasingly important, even in compacts.

• The S980 shoots 720p 30fps video in Motion JPEG format with no optical stabilization and no microphone input.
• The WX10 steps up with Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps, using more efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Crucially, it includes optical image stabilization during video to minimize shake.

Neither camera supports external audio or microphone input, limiting professional video work, but the WX10’s superior video specs make it suitable for casual HD filmmaking.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life & Size

Both cameras are travel-friendly due to size and weight, but the WX10’s better zoom range, image stabilization, and improved screen enhance versatility during trips.

Both use proprietary but different battery systems:

• S980’s battery life data isn’t readily available, and the model is older.
• WX10 uses the NP-BG1 battery which is solid for a day’s shooting and widely available.

The WX10 supports multiple storage cards including SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats, whereas the S980 only supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo. This is worth noting if you want flexibility and affordable storage.

Professional Work & Workflow Integration

Neither of these cameras targets professional users directly. They both lack:

• Raw image capture
• High dynamic range modes
• Built-in Wi-Fi (WX10 supports Eye-Fi card wireless)
• Advanced tethering or connection ports

The WX10’s BIONZ processor and better sensor make it useful for entry-level work or as a lightweight travel backup, but pros are likely to find limitations quickly.

Connectivity Features

The WX10 includes Eye-Fi wireless support allowing direct image transfer with compatible SD cards. The S980 offers no wireless connectivity.

Both models feature HDMI output and USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Price-to-Performance and Value Discussion

At launch, the S980 was priced near $300, whereas the WX10 launched around $200. Today, both can be found used or refurbished for under $150.

The WX10 offers better overall performance across the board, making it the better bargain.

Summarizing What They’re Best For

Seeing is Believing – Real World Samples

Sony S980 front Sony S980 screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

(Here, you’d notice the WX10 delivers crisper detail with slightly better dynamic range and reduced noise compared to the S980’s softer, warmer images.)

Overall Performance Scores

The WX10 scores strongly on value, image quality, and versatility, while the S980 lags behind by a clear margin - no surprise given its earlier release and aging tech.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

This chart neatly visualizes the WX10’s advantage across all genres except professional work that demands RAW and advanced features.

The Final Verdict: Which Sony Compact Should You Choose?

If you’re deciding between these two cameras, my hands-on experience says the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 is the smarter pick in almost every scenario. It improves upon the S980 with a superior sensor, faster autofocus, better zoom range, optical image stabilization, expanded video capabilities, and modern convenience features like exposure compensation and wireless image transfer.

The S980’s strength lies mainly in its compactness and simplicity, which might appeal to absolute beginners wanting straightforward point-and-shoot use. However, its dated CCD sensor and limited speed hamper image quality and responsiveness.

In 2024 terms, both models are budget-level compacts with inherent compromises compared to current mirrorless and smartphone cameras, but for enthusiasts on a tight budget or collectors, the WX10 represents better value and more enjoyable shooting.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 Pros:

• Simple, easy-to-use controls
• Lightweight and petite body
• Basic zoom covering common focal lengths
• Affordable for entry-level users

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 Cons:

• Slow continuous shooting and autofocus
• No image stabilization
• Outdated CCD sensor with limited ISO performance
• Low resolution, dim LCD screen
• No manual exposure controls or raw support

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 Pros:

• Higher resolution 16MP CMOS sensor with BIONZ processor
• 7x zoom with wider 24mm wide angle
• Optical image stabilization, improves sharpness handheld
• Faster autofocus and 10 fps burst shooting
• Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps
• Exposure compensation and manual exposure modes
• Brighter, higher-resolution LCD screen
• Supports multiple card formats and wireless Eye-Fi

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 Cons:

• No electronic viewfinder
• Limited low light performance compared to larger sensor cameras
• No RAW capture
• Battery life moderate (typical of small compacts)

Closing Thoughts

Having tested countless compacts over 15 years, I can say that the WX10 marks a meaningful technological upgrade over the S980's era. If you seek an affordable compact for casual travel, street, and family photography - or even some lightweight wildlife attempts - the WX10 delivers solid, punchy value for your dollar.

However, if you are looking for more advanced creative control, raw support, or higher image quality for professional assignments, a mirrorless system or DSLR is the way to go nowadays. Neither of these cameras fully satisfies professional demands, but they both remain nostalgic examples of Sony's compacts that served millions well over the last decade.

Hope this deep dive helps you feel confident choosing the right Sony for your photo adventures!

Happy shooting!