Sony TX100V vs. Sony TX20: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, I’m always intrigued by how incremental updates in models can affect the user experience and image quality, especially in the ultracompact segment. Today, I’m diving into a comparison between two Sony Cyber-shot ultracompacts - the Sony TX100V (2011) and its successor the Sony TX20 (2012). Both models target travelers and casual photographers who crave pocketability without sacrificing quality. But how do they really stack up in real-world use? Let’s explore their strengths, weaknesses, and which might best suit your photographic needs.

Feeling the Camera in Hand: Size and Ergonomics

At first glance, both the TX100V and TX20 share similar ultra-slim profiles, with the TX100V measuring 97mm x 59mm x 18mm and the TX20 slightly smaller and lighter at 96mm x 56mm x 18mm, weighing 147g and 133g respectively. These minuscule differences make the TX20 noticeably easier to slip into a jacket pocket or a small purse - a decisive factor for street and travel photographers prioritizing portability.

Handling the TX100V, I noticed a touch more grip due to slightly more surface area. The TX20, though smaller, maintains a coherent control layout, but the reduced size can feel a bit cramped for users with larger hands. Neither camera has a viewfinder, which is typical for pocket compacts but means relying entirely on the rear screen for framing.

Sony’s control schemes are minimalistic, reflecting their ultracompact intentions. Both utilize touchscreen interfaces, but the TX100V comes with a slightly larger, higher resolution 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, offering better color fidelity and contrast. The TX20 has a 3-inch TFT LCD screen, which is still decent but not as vibrant or sharp. For on-the-go photography in bright daylight, the TX100V’s screen made composing easier thanks to Sony’s TruBlack technology reducing reflections noticeably.

The biggest usability difference lies in the TX20’s addition of manual focus control - something the TX100V lacks entirely. For macro and selective focus enthusiasts, that’s a considerable step forward, and I’ll delve more into this later.

A Peek Inside: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, a common size for ultracompacts, with physical dimensions of 6.17x4.55mm and a surface area of 28.07 mm². They share the same 16-megapixel native resolution (4608 x 3456 max), and both have an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré at the potential expense of some sharpness. Sony did not release DxOMark tests for these models, so my experience and comparisons with similar class cameras inform these evaluations.

Despite similar specs, the TX100V’s sensor leverages an older BIONZ processor which, while competent, struggles marginally more in handling noise at higher ISO than the TX20’s later iteration. The TX20’s improved algorithms deliver slightly cleaner images above ISO 800, retaining more detail in shadows - an advantage for indoor, low-light, or night photography.

While both cameras max out at ISO 3200, I found the TX20 usable up to ISO 1600 for casual viewing, whereas ISO 3200 images were heavily degraded by noise reduction artifacts. The TX100V requires more care above ISO 800 to avoid noise puddles and loss of fine detail.

Color rendering is very Sony-like - punchy and vibrant with slightly warm skin tones. However, the TX100V’s OLED screen makes previewing these colors more accurate compared to the TX20’s TFT display, which can sometimes misrepresent brightness and contrast.

Composing Images: LCD Screens and User Interface

Given the lack of a viewfinder, the rear LCDs on these cameras are central to the shooting experience. The TX100V’s 3.5-inch OLED display with XtraFine and TruBlack technologies offers deep blacks, excellent contrast, and the capacity to view images with greater color accuracy - a huge benefit for framing portraits and landscapes alike.

The TX20’s 3.0-inch TFT LCD doesn’t quite match this, with poorer viewing angles and less vibrant color reproduction. In harsh outdoor conditions, I often found the TX20’s display harder to use, sometimes needing to shade the screen to see details.

Touchscreen responsiveness is reliable on both cameras, although the TX100V slightly edges out with a smoother UI flow, perhaps a product of its slightly older but better optimized software. The TX20 adds manual focus control through the touchscreen, adding a level of tactile engagement missing from the TX100V.

Autofocus and Focusing Performance

Autofocus is a critical aspect for a day-to-day point-and-shoot, and here the cameras differ substantially. The TX100V employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and no face or eye detection. It performs adequately in good lighting, but hunting and slower lock times become noticeable in dim or complex scenes. Continuous autofocus tracking is absent.

The TX20 adds a suite of autofocus improvements, including face detection, eye detection, and a continuous AF mode - rare for an ultracompact of this generation. Its AF system can quickly lock onto subjects even when moving and boasts selective and multi-area AF modes, enhancing the experience for portraits and street shooting.

In my testing for portraiture, the TX20’s face and eye detection made a visible difference, capturing sharp focus on eyes with higher frequency. The TX100V, by contrast, required more patience and precise framing to ensure critical focus on the subject.

Close-up and Macro Capabilities

Notably, the TX20 improves macro focusing with a minimum focus distance of just 1 cm, great for flower or product photography - a feature the TX100V omits. I had the chance to photograph small objects in natural light, and the TX20 produced impressively sharp images with creamy bokeh backgrounds despite the compact lens setup.

The TX100V’s macro focusing is more conventional with no dedicated specification, limiting its utility for close-up enthusiasts.

Burst Shooting and Speed

Both models support up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting speeds, quite respectable for ultracompacts from this era. However, neither camera supports electronic shutter or advanced exposure controls like shutter or aperture priority, limiting creative control during fast action capture.

In practice, the cameras' buffer and autofocus system limit prolonged bursts. The TX20's autofocus tracking aids in capturing fleeting moments more reliably.

Video Performance and Usability

Both cameras can record Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, which on paper looks very competitive for compact cameras of their generation. Video formats include MPEG-4 and AVCHD at different resolutions.

In real-world shooting, the video quality is decent but not at the professional level - with some softness and digital noise in shadows under low light. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate handheld shake on both cameras. Unfortunately, neither camera offers microphone input or headphone output, limiting users who wish to record higher quality audio or monitor sound.

The TX20 increases video bitrate options slightly and offers 60 fps recording at 1440 x 1080, providing smoother motion capture in lower resolutions. Neither supports 4K or advanced video features like log profiles or intervalometers.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

The TX20 steps up with weather sealing, as indicated by Sony, bringing mild rain and dust resistance - a feature the TX100V lacks entirely. For outdoor photography, especially in unpredictable weather or travel scenarios, this is a meaningful advantage.

Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof by design, so neither is a rugged choice for extreme environments.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras utilize proprietary battery packs - NP-BN1 for TX100V and NP-BN for TX20 - with the latter rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, a number inline with ultracompacts of this size. The TX100V’s exact battery life is unspecified but likely similar.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s Memory Stick formats, giving flexibility in storage choice. USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity allow offloading files and external display, but no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth exists - only Eye-Fi card support, which is an older wireless memory card standard requiring separate hardware.

Portrait Photography: Who Nails Skin Tones and Bokeh?

When shooting portraits, I rely heavily on autofocus accuracy, skin tone rendition, and background blur capabilities.

The TX20’s face and eye detection give it a distinct edge, bringing sharp eye focus consistently without multiple attempts. Its 25-100mm equivalent lens at f/3.5-4.6 produces respectable subject isolation in close-up, aided further by its precise manual focus capability.

The TX100V’s autofocus occasionally misfires in portrait mode, occasionally focusing on background elements. Its larger 3.5” OLED screen, however, helps preview images with better clarity, assisting in real-time composition - an advantage when adjusting framing and focus distance manually.

Neither camera offers RAW capture, which limits post-processing potential to improve skin tones. Color reproduction is natural but leans warm on both, which most casual photographers will find flattering.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

In capturing landscapes, sensor size and dynamic range are crucial.

Both cameras share identical sensors of modest size, but the TX20’s improved noise handling and slight algorithmic tweaks afford superior shadow recovery and highlight retention. The 16 MP resolution is sufficient for enlarging images for prints or cropping without significant quality loss.

The TX100V’s better rear screen aids in on-site assessment of image contrast and detail, which can be vital when waiting for optimal light.

Neither model has in-camera HDR, bracketing, or raw support, limiting dynamic range extension techniques typically favored by landscape photographers.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

While these ultracompacts are not designed for wildlife or sports, let’s consider their potential.

10 fps burst on both cameras is respectable but limited by small buffer depths. The TX20’s continuous AF tracking and better face detection could yield more sharp frames in sports or wildlife action sequences.

The lens’ 25-100mm range is somewhat limiting; telephoto reach for wildlife is modest at 100mm equivalent and optical zoom only 4x. I’d recommend dedicated superzoom or mirrorless cameras for serious wildlife photography.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability and Discreetness

Sony’s TX series excels in discreetness due to compact profiles. Between the two, the TX20 is smaller and lighter, making it an excellent travel companion.

However, the TX100V’s larger OLED screen simplifies framing in bright outdoor environments, a notable advantage for street photographers who adjust framing quickly.

Both cameras lack viewfinders, meaning framing with the rear screen can be less stable when shooting in crowded situations.

Macro and Close Focus: Precision and Versatility

Here, the TX20 shines with a 1 cm macro focus distance and manual focus capabilities, allowing creative close-up shots with selective focusing. The TX100V’s macro range is unspecified and less capable.

Combined with touchscreen focusing, the TX20 invites experimentation in still life, product shooting, and nature macro photography.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO and Exposure Flexibility

Limited by a maximum ISO 3200 and no manual exposure controls such as shutter or aperture priority, these cameras are not ideal for astrophotography.

The TX20’s marginally better noise control and exposure metering support longer handheld night shots, but expect noise and limited star detail.

The absence of manual exposure modes also restricts night shooting creativity.

Video Recording: Quality and Connectivity

Both cameras provide 1080p video at 60 fps, but lack external audio inputs. The TX20’s additional 60 fps 1440 x 1080 mode gives slightly more filming flexibility.

Optical stabilization aids handheld footage smoothness. However, enthusiasts looking for serious video features will find these options restrictive.

Professional Workflow and File Compatibility

Neither camera offers RAW file capture or advanced tethering options, limiting their utility in professional workflows where post-processing flexibility is essential.

JPEG-only output means photographers need to nail exposure and focus in-camera.

Price and Value Assessment

Pricing at $379.99 for the TX100V and $329.99 for the TX20 at launch, both cameras present affordable ultracompact options.

Given the TX20’s weather sealing, improved autofocus with face detection, macro capabilities, and better video modes at a lower price, it offers arguably better value for emerging enthusiasts and travelers prioritizing versatility.

Sony TX100V screen back Sony TX20 front Sony TX20 screen back

Looking at Sample Images: Real-World Output

Side-by-side image galleries exemplify the subtle improvements made by the TX20. You can see marginal gains in detail retention, color accuracy, and noise reduction in low light. Portraits show sharper subjects, thanks to autofocus innovations, and macro shots reveal impressive clarity close up.

Though not groundbreaking, these improvements accumulate to better user satisfaction for taking spontaneous photos in diverse settings.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Sony TX100V if:

• You prefer a larger, more vivid OLED screen for critical framing.
• Macro photography is secondary.
• You shoot mostly in good lighting and want solid ultracompact portability.
• You want slightly faster touchscreen UI responsiveness.

Choose the Sony TX20 if:

• You value face and eye detection for portraits and street photography.
• Macro photography and manual focus controls are important.
• Weather resistance is needed for outdoor shooting.
• You want better high ISO performance and video flexibility.
• Budget is tight, and value is a priority.

Final Thoughts: Two Strong Ultracompacts on a Gradual Evolution Path

These two Sony Cyber-shot ultracompacts exemplify the incremental progress common in the compact camera market. The TX20 builds thoughtfully on its predecessor’s foundation, delivering practical enhancements in autofocus, macro capability, and durability - features that matter in everyday photography.

If you find manual focusing and face detection appealing, the TX20 is the better buy with improvements well worth the small price difference and compromises to screen size. Conversely, the TX100V remains a solid choice for photographers who value a superior rear OLED display and can work within its autofocus limitations.

Both offer excellent mobility and competent 16 MP image quality, but neither is fitting for advanced photography or professional workflows due to sensor size constraints, lack of RAW support, and manual exposure control.

For enthusiast travelers, casual portraits, and street shooters looking for small, reliable companions with Sony’s signature imaging quality, either camera fits - with the TX20 edging ahead for practicality and features.

Note: This analysis is based on extensive hands-on testing under varied lighting and shooting conditions, comparing performance metrics and real-world image quality. I have no affiliations with Sony and offer this review from an objective, photographic practitioner’s standpoint. Always pair camera choice with the specific needs of your shooting style and environment.

I hope this comparison sheds light on these capable ultracompacts and helps you envision which might best capture your next photographic adventure!