Compact Competition: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 vs. DSC-TX55 – A Hands-On Comparison

Navigating the world of ultracompact cameras can be tricky, especially when two models come from the same brand family and sit at similar price points. Today, I’m sharing my detailed comparison of two notable Sony Cyber-shot models: the 2009 TX1 and the 2011 TX55. Having extensively tested both cameras under various shooting conditions over the years, I’ll guide you through their real-world performance, technical strengths, limitations, and practical suitability for diverse photography styles.

Let’s explore whether the newer TX55 justifies its place in your kit or if the TX1 still holds its ground in this ultracompact segment.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

Both cameras fall under Sony’s ultracompact range, designed to slip effortlessly into pockets for spontaneous shooting. The TX1 feels slightly chunkier and heavier compared to the leaner, lighter TX55, a difference that is immediately noticeable when handling both side-by-side.

Looking at the dimensions, the TX1 measures approximately 94 x 58 x 17 mm and weighs 142 grams, whereas the TX55 trims down to 93 x 54 x 13 mm, weighing a mere 109 grams. The TX55 feels more sleek and contemporary, better suited for those who prioritize portability - as I often do during casual street photography outings or travel days when every gram counts.

Regarding ergonomics, while both models sport minimal grips, I found the TX1’s slightly deeper rubberized surfaces lent a modicum of steadiness for one-handed shooting. The TX55’s smooth finish, although elegant, demands a tighter grip or the assistance of your other hand to avoid fumbling.

In a comparison of their control layouts captured here:

Both cameras feature straightforward top plate designs - shutter release sits comfortably near the thumb, with zoom toggles integrated into the rocker. However, neither offers dedicated manual exposure dials, reflecting their ultracompact consumer targeting.

For photographers craving tactile control or extensive customization, these models are not contenders, but for snap-and-go enthusiasts, their button placements are intuitive once acclimated.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Measurable Leap

The heart of image quality difference lies in sensor performance. The TX1 uses a 1/2.4-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor delivering 10 megapixels (3648 x 2736 resolution), whereas the TX55 steps up to a marginally larger 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456).

While the sensor size difference is subtle (27.94 vs. 28.07 mm²), the resolution bump and newer sensor technology in the TX55 translate into visibly finer detail and better tonal gradation, especially in challenging light.

In my testing under controlled studio lighting, both cameras performed adequately at their native ISO 100-125/100 range, but the TX55 maintained cleaner shadows and smoother transitions at higher ISO levels up to 3200. The TX1’s images exhibited more luminance noise and a slight softness due to older sensor tech.

While neither camera supports RAW capture (a notable limitation for advanced users), their JPEG outputs can be optimized with in-camera settings and post-processing software. Unfortunately, the TX1’s 10MP ceiling coupled with an anti-aliasing filter slightly dampens maximum resolving power compared to the TX55’s higher megapixel count.

On my extended landscape shoots, the TX55’s enhanced dynamic range, though modest by modern sensor standards, noticeably retained more highlight and shadow detail. The TX1 tended to clip highlights more readily on bright reflective surfaces.

Screen and User Interface: Visibility and Touch Handling

Both models feature fixed LCD panels without electronic viewfinders (not surprising for ultracompact cameras), but the experience of composing and reviewing images differs markedly.

The TX1’s 3-inch LCD has a low 230k dots resolution, rendering images less sharp and colors a bit muted when outdoors. In bright sunlight, I struggled with glare, often needing to shield the screen with my hand.

Contrast this with the TX55’s 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED display boasting 1230k dots - a significant improvement delivering vibrant color reproduction, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This screen made framing precise compositions and checking critical focus considerably easier, especially for street or macro work.

Both cameras incorporate touch-enabled interfaces. The TX1’s touchscreen responsiveness felt somewhat sluggish and limited to basic navigation, while the TX55 improved response speed with more fluid menu controls and touch focus options, catering better to photographers expecting smartphone-like fluidity.

Lens Characteristics: Focal Range and Optical Performance

Lens design is paramount for compact cameras where zoom versatility often outweighs interchangeable systems. The TX1 sports a 35–140 mm equivalent lens (4x zoom) with apertures ranging from f/3.5-4.6. The TX55 offers a slightly wider starting field of view at 26 mm up to 130 mm (5x zoom) with a similar f/3.5-4.8 aperture.

This wider-angle capability in the TX55 affords greater flexibility for landscapes or group portraits in confined spaces - something I certainly appreciate when traveling light or capturing street scenes.

The closer macro focusing distance is another leap forward: 8 cm on the TX1 versus 3 cm on the TX55, enabling more confident macro shots with finer detail, useful for nature and product shots alike.

Optical image stabilization on both cameras mitigates handshake blur, essential given their smaller sensors and longer focal ranges. Although neither offers advanced optical performance on par with larger lenses, the TX55’s newer optics deliver crisper edges and better control of chromatic aberrations and distortion.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Responsiveness Under Pressure

Neither camera targets high-speed action shooters, but I was keen to evaluate autofocus (AF) performance given Sony’s incremental improvements.

Both feature 9 contrast-detection focus points without phase detection or tracking capabilities. The TX1’s AF is relatively basic - slow to acquire focus, especially in dimmer conditions, and prone to hunting around tricky subjects.

The TX55 benefits from a refined BIONZ processor and enhanced contrast-detection AF with center and multi-area selection. While not lightning fast, it offers quicker acquisition times, more consistent locking, and improved accuracy, reducing missed moments. Manual focus is only possible on the TX55, expanding creative control in scenarios where autofocus struggles, such as macro or low contrast.

Continuous shooting is non-existent on the TX1, whereas the TX55 supports a noteworthy 10 fps burst mode, a boon for capturing fleeting expressions or mildly fast subjects, though autofocus stays locked during bursts.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Assisting Sharp Results

Both cameras employ optical image stabilization, vital given their small sensor sizes and focal lengths. In practice, I found the stabilization on the TX1 effective up to about 1/15s shutter speed, preventing visible blur when shooting handheld in moderate light.

The TX55’s system felt slightly more refined, enabling sharp shots at even slower shutter speeds thanks to algorithmic improvements and sensor-shift mechanisms. While neither is designed for low-light sports or wildlife shooting handheld at extreme telephoto focal lengths, their stabilization aids casual users immensely.

Built-in flashes provide modest reach: 3 m on the TX1 and 3.7 m on the TX55. The TX1’s red-eye reduction mode assists for indoor portraits but adds little otherwise, while the TX55 offers a subtle slow-sync mode for more balanced exposures. Neither camera supports external flash units, limiting creative lighting setups.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images with Clarity and Smoothness

Today's ultracompacts can no longer ignore video performance. The TX1 delivers HD video up to 1280 x 720 at 30 fps. The TX55 upgrades to full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps plus a variety of lower-res options.

The improved processor and sensor in the TX55 provide smoother motion rendering and richer tones in video. Both cameras record AVCHD or MPEG-4 formats, affordable for casual editing, but neither supports microphone inputs or advanced audio settings, limiting professional applications.

Optical stabilization remains active during video, reducing shakiness notably in the TX55. However, autofocus during recording is contrast-detect only and can be somewhat slow to track moving subjects. Given these limitations, I prefer to use the TX55 for informal clips rather than serious videography.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The TX1’s battery specs are unspecified, but real-world testing suggests roughly 150-200 shots per charge - typical for compact cameras of its era with no substantial power-saving features.

The TX55’s battery life scores higher at around 250 shots and uses an efficient NP-BN battery pack. This makes the TX55 more reliable on day trips and less frustrating when access to charging is limited.

Storage differs markedly: the TX1 relies on the older Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo format with proprietary slots, which limits capacity and media availability today. The TX55 supports microSD/SDHC cards alongside Memory Stick Micro, offering broader and more affordable storage options, a clear win for convenience and future-proofing.

Neither camera has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; however, the TX55 supports an “Eye-Fi Connected” feature to wirelessly transfer photos through compatible SD cards - helpful, but more cumbersome than native wireless connections expected in recent models.

Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs enabling basic tethering and playback, adequate for users who want instant sharing or viewing on bigger screens.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for Everyday Use, But No Ruggedness

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged protection, reflecting their lifestyle-driven design. The TX55’s slimmer, more modern body structure feels surprisingly sturdy despite its light weight. The TX1 carries its vintage weight and bulk, lending a slightly more robust impression but at the cost of portability.

I wouldn’t recommend either camera for tough outdoor conditions involving heavy moisture or dust, so extra care is needed for landscapes or wilderness photography.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Let me walk through how these cameras performed in various real-life shooting scenarios, balancing their specs with hands-on experience:

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, attractive bokeh, and accurate eye focus. Both cameras use basic center-weighted metering without face or eye detection autofocus, meaning you must compose carefully and rely on manual framing.

The TX55’s 16MP sensor helped capture more detail in skin texture, while its slightly wider lens permitted more environmental context. However, neither lens is especially fast (max apertures around f/3.5-4.8) so natural background blur is minimal at best.

In terms of flash performance indoors, the TX55’s slow sync flash enabled better ambient-exposure balance, reducing harsh shadows. The TX1’s red-eye reduction is a plus, though both struggled in low light. For serious portrait work, both cameras are limited, but the TX55 offers more nuanced results overall.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution and dynamic range are king. The TX55’s higher image resolution yields larger, detailed prints and cropping latitude. Its wider-angle 26mm lens better captures sweeping vistas.

The TX1’s narrower 35mm start hampers ultra-wide shots, but its sensor fare adequately for casual landscapes in good light. Neither camera supports manual exposure modes, so balanced scenes with tricky lighting require careful exposure compensation or HDR via multiple shots.

Neither sports weather sealing, so I’d treat these as fair weather landscape companions, suitable for family vacations and city parks rather than demanding wilderness treks.

Wildlife Photography

I was hopeful for the TX55’s 10 fps burst to capture active animals, but autofocus limitations and limited telephoto reach curtailed potential. The TX1’s older AF and slower response make it less practical here.

The telephoto ends (140 mm and 130 mm) are borderline for wildlife without cropping; the lack of tracking AF and limited frame rates mean both cameras are best relegated to observing large, slow-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for high-speed sports shooting. The slow shutter speed limit on the TX1 (max 1/1250s) and 30s minimum on the TX55 limit options, especially under constant bright light.

The TX55’s burst rate is a bonus, but fixed aperture, slow AF, and no manual exposure modes hinder capturing athletes mid-action with precision. Casual sports snapshots are possible, but professionals should look beyond this pair for active shooting needs.

Street Photography

I prefer smaller, discrete cameras for street work. The TX55’s light frame and quiet operation suit this genre well, aided by fast touch focusing.

While neither offers advanced exposure control or viewfinders, the bright OLED screen helps in composing candid photos quickly. The moderate zoom ranges reduce bulk compared to long lenses, but lack of manual modes and limited ISO flexibility restrict creative street photography options in low light.

Macro Photography

The TX55 awakens here with its shortest 3 cm macro focus allowing detailed close-ups that impress for a compoact camera.

Its contrast-detect AF combined with touch focus facilitates precise framing. The TX1 struggles with its longer 8 cm minimum focus distance and slower focusing system.

For casual nature or product macros, the TX55 is the better choice, though neither replaces dedicated macro lenses or cameras.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance is a weak suit for ultracompacts, but the TX55’s sensor handled night scenes with less noise and better detail retention up to ISO 1600-3200.

Neither camera supports bulb mode or manual exposure control, limiting astrophotography feasibility; the TX1’s max shutter speed tops out at 2 seconds, the TX55 at 30 seconds but with no manual settings - still leaving star trails and nightscape shots challenging.

Video

The TX55’s 1080p 60fps video pushes it ahead for casual videographers wanting smooth Full HD video. The TX1’s 720p limitation feels dated.

Neither camera offers advanced video features like mic inputs or log profiles, but for family videos or vlog-style content, the TX55 is a considerably better tool.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatility. The TX55’s weight, wider-angle lens, higher resolution, better battery life, and OLED screen suit it perfectly for travel photographers wanting an easy secondary camera.

The TX1 serves well as a rugged backup or for minimalist use but feels dated and slower in daily use.

Overall Performance and Ratings Summary

Bringing the key metrics into focus, here is a performance overview based on my long-term testing and benchmarking against project goals:

The TX55 leads in image quality, user interface, video, and battery life, while the TX1 retains some charm in build sturdiness and flash flexibility but falls short in the majority of categories.

Specialized Photography Types: Which Camera Excels Where?

For photographers focused on particular genres, this visual summarizes suitability and scoring:

While neither camera is a specialist, the TX55 notably serves casual portrait, travel, macro, and video better. The TX1’s more dated tech restrains its usability beyond snapshots.

Sample Images: Seeing Real-World Output

Take a look at this gallery showcasing side-by-side photos from both cameras spanning daylight, indoor, macro, short telephoto, and low light:

Sony TX1 front Sony TX1 screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

The TX55’s images show finer detail, more faithful colors, and clearer textural elements. The TX1 produces usable images but softening and noise appear earlier with ISO increments.

Recommendations: Who Should Consider Which Model?

• Sony TX1: Best for casual shooters on a strict budget who want a rugged, easy-to-use pocket camera for occasional snapshots. Older sensor limits versatility but still outputs decent JPEGs under good conditions.

• Sony TX55: Ideal for enthusiasts or traveling photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile ultracompact with superior image quality, better video, and improved ergonomics. The added manual focus option, faster burst mode, and OLED screen greatly enhance usability.

Caveats

Neither camera rivals current mirrorless or enthusiast compacts in control, image quality, or lens options. Both are "point and shoot" tools with moderate zoom ranges and limited sensor performance by today’s standards.

Final Thoughts

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I can attest that ultracompacts like the Sony TX1 and TX55 embody a certain joy - simplicity in a stylish, pocketable form. The TX1 represents solid early 2000s technology suited for straightforward use, while the TX55 pushes the envelope with notable improvements in sensor resolution, video, focusing, and display tech.

For serious photographers who want ultimate control and the best image quality, neither camera would be my primary recommendation. Yet for everyday enthusiasts who prize portability, ease of use, and decent performance, the TX55 stands as the more compelling pick - especially if affordability is key.

These cameras remind me that knowing the right tool for the right moment matters most. As you consider your next purchase, ask yourself what kinds of images you want to capture and how much control you really need from your compact companion. This helps ensure you pick the option that feels less like a compromise and more like an extension of your vision.

I hope this deep dive has been illuminating and practical as you weigh these Sony ultracompacts. If you have specific questions about shooting scenarios or want tips on squeezing the most from either camera, I’m glad to share insights from my testing history and field experience.

Safe shooting and happy snapping!