Sony TX20 vs Sony TX66: A Hands-On Ultracompact Shootout for Enthusiasts and Pros Alike

When dipped into the ever-evolving sea of ultracompact cameras, Sony has persistently tossed in some eye-catching options. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66, both launched on the same day in 2012, might appear on the surface as close siblings - sharing the same category, naming lineage, and processor - but they're nuanced in ways that really affect their real-world use. I’ve put both through their paces, blending lab-based tests with on-the-field shooting to give you an honest, comprehensive contrast.

So, if you're a photography enthusiast or even a pro looking for a neat secondary camera, you’re in for a detailed ride. Here’s how these two fare head-to-head - from sensor specs to ergonomics, autofocus performance to video chops. Spoiler: there’s more than meets the eye!

A Tale of Two Ultracompacts: Size, Handling, and Build

Let's kick things off with what’s physically in your hands. Note the size and tactile appeal - these are cameras you'll likely carry palm-sized or slip into your pocket.

The TX20 measures 96x56x18 mm and tips the scales at 133 grams, whereas the TX66 is a bit leaner and slimmer at 93x54x13 mm weighing just 109 grams. This translates into the TX66 feeling notably more pocket-friendly, though not necessarily “featherweight.” For me, the TX66 strikes a balance - sleek and easy to wield for casual walks or travel shoots, yet still substantial enough to handle without feeling like a delicate toy.

Ergonomically, no surprises since both share a minimalist ultracompact design DNA. Sony’s fixed-lens design keeps everything tidy, but be prepared for somewhat limited grip comfort - this is not a camera you’ll want to lug handheld for hours on end. The absence of an electronic viewfinder on either model nudges you toward composing via LCD, a point I’ll revisit shortly.

The Art of Command: Controls and Topside Layout

Delving into operational flow, a camera’s button and dial configuration can make or break your experience - especially if you’re chasing decisive moments.

Both models share a similar top layout: a shutter button surrounded by a zoom rocker and a power button. The TX66 edges the TX20 with slightly better tactile feedback and a more refined finish around its controls. It’s a small victory but meaningful when you’re fumbling for quick zoom adjustments or shooting in cold weather.

Neither camera offers traditional manual exposure modes, nor do they sport dedicated dials for shutter or aperture priority. This is typical of ultracompacts aimed at enthusiasts who want simplicity over complexity. For serious manual shooters, these cameras are clearly not the ultimate choice, though their straightforward interface means less learning curve.

Under the Hood: Sensor Specs and Image Quality

Now let’s talk about what really matters: the sensor - the core of your image quality. Sony packed both cameras with BSI-CMOS sensors of 1/2.3-inch size and 5.8x focal length multiplier fixed lenses, but with interesting differences.

The TX20 sports a 16-megapixel sensor with a resolution cap at 4608x3456 pixels, max native ISO of 3200, and a minimum ISO of 125.

In contrast, the TX66 boasts an 18-megapixel sensor (4896x3672 pixels), with an expanded native ISO range starting from 80, pushing a max ISO up to a fairly aggressive 12,800.

Does the TX66's higher megapixel count and extended ISO register mean it outguns the TX20 across all photo scenarios? In theory, yes - but the proof is in the shooting.

Image Quality and Dynamic Range

My test charts and outdoor shoots revealed the TX66 offers a subtle advantage in detail sharpness at base ISO but at the cost of slightly increased noise at higher ISOs, especially beyond 800. The TX20, with its more modest resolution and ISO ceiling, presented cleaner shadows and less degradation at mid-ISO levels. Neither camera challenges DSLR or mirrorless sensors in dynamic range or low-light prowess, but these nuances matter for keen ultracompact shooters.

Due to both models carrying anti-aliasing filters, images are free from typical moiré issues, but this also slightly softens fine textures - something to keep in mind when shooting intricate patterns or fabrics.

Color Accuracy and White Balance

Sony’s BIONZ processing pipelines shine here: both cameras deliver natural skin tones, vibrant foliage, and decent color saturation without overpowering hues. I appreciated the inclusion of custom white balance and white balance bracketing in both models, a feature often overlooked in compacts. This gave me creative leeway for tricky lighting - say, golden hour portraits or mixed artificial lighting.

Seeing the Image: Screen Technology and Composition Interfaces

Since neither model offers a viewfinder, the rear LCD becomes your eye to the scene.

The TX20’s 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD with 922k dots is respectable but doesn't match the model it shares a release day with. The TX66 ups the ante with a larger - 3.3 inches - and more refined XtraFine TruBlack OLED display, delivering better contrast, richer blacks, and higher resolution (1230k dots).

In bright sunny conditions, the TX66’s OLED screen remains more visible and less washed out - a considerable plus for outdoor photographers. The touchscreen implementation on both cameras is intuitive, responsive, and supports smooth zooming and menu navigation, but the TX66’s more vibrant display makes interaction feel more premium and less like a compromise.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Tackling Fast Action and Precision

Autofocus is a cornerstone of any camera’s usability, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photographers.

Both cameras rely on BSI-CMOS contrast-detection autofocus with “touch AF” and face detection, including center-weighted metering and multiple AF areas selectable via the interface.

Continuous AF and tracking are available, though limited in ultracompact form factors.

Let’s look at burst shooting: Both offer a respectable 10 frames per second continuous shooting speed, which is impressive on paper for cameras in this category.

However, in practice, the buffer depth is shallow, and the focus tends to lock on a single distance in burst mode rather than dynamically track moving subjects. This limitation is critical in fast-moving wildlife or sports scenarios, where predictive AF and robust tracking are vital.

Despite this, for casual sports or street photography, these cameras perform reasonably well, especially in well-lit conditions. The touch AF function is handy for locking focus quickly on a subject off-center - a feature I found useful during candid street portraits and macro flower shots.

Lens Flexibility and Macro Performance: Getting Close and Wide

Fixed lenses often limit versatility, but these cameras provide a respectable zoom range for their size.

The TX20 offers a 25-100mm equivalent zoom (4x optical) with a max aperture ranging from f/3.5 to f/4.6.

The TX66 increases the reach to 26-130mm (5x optical zoom), though with a slightly slower aperture at the telephoto end (f/4.8).

Sony TX20 front Sony TX20 screen back Sony TX66 front Sony TX66 screen back

In practice, the TX66’s extended telephoto range lets you patch wildlife or distant architectural details closer, but beware of image softness and reduced sharpness when zoomed all the way in. The TX20's shorter zoom range means less reach but generally better edge-to-edge clarity within its limits.

Both cameras shine in macro mode, focusing as close as 1 cm, which delivers excellent close-ups with rich detail - great for flora enthusiasts and detail-oriented shooters.

Optical image stabilization in both devices is a gem for reducing blur due to hand shake, allowing longer shutter speeds without a tripod. It’s especially welcome in macro scenarios where even the tiniest movements amplify.

Taking the Show on the Road: Travel and Street Photography

The ultracompact class thrives on discretion, portability, and versatility - attributes especially prized in street and travel photography.

Sony TX20 front Sony TX20 screen back Sony TX66 front Sony TX66 screen back

The TX66’s lighter build and slimmer profile give it a slight edge for travelers who prioritize pack space or walking city streets unnoticed. The lens zoom benefits varied shooting situations on the fly, from sweeping cityscapes to impromptu portraits.

Battery life is similar for both, rated at about 250 shots per charge - a modest figure, though not unexpected given their small size and power constraints. Packing a spare battery is advisable for extended trips. Storage includes compatibility with SD cards (TX20 supports SDHC/SDXC but also Memory Stick formats; TX66 supports Memory Stick and microSD), ensuring ample options.

Wireless connectivity is sparse; the TX20 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer, while the TX66 does not. Neither offers Bluetooth, NFC, or advanced Wi-Fi, limiting on-the-go sharing capabilities by modern standards.

In the Wild and Under Pressure: Sports and Wildlife Performance

While these models don’t target hardcore wildlife or avid sports shooters, the question remains: can they scratch that itch?

The 10 fps burst speed is promising but limited by autofocus tracking and frame buffer capacity, rendering it less useful beyond casual action shooting.

Autofocus speed is typical for ultracompact cameras - not lightning-fast nor particularly reliable in dim or complex backgrounds.

That said, the TX66’s longer zoom helps get closer shots without physically intruding, and together with optical image stabilization, it yields surprisingly stable longer-range shots during wildlife excursions.

The TX20’s shorter zoom is less forgiving in such contexts but offers snappier autofocus in good light, benefiting quick street action or casual sport moments.

Night Owl? Astro and Low-Light Imaging

Shooting at night or capturing stars demands more from sensor sensitivity and noise control.

With max ISOs of 3200 (TX20) and 12,800 (TX66), the latter has promise, but high ISO extrapolation on 1/2.3-inch sensors usually brings noisy results.

In my tests, the TX66 managed moderately brighter shots at higher ISOs but with appreciable noise and reduced detail. The TX20, while more limited in ISO, delivered cleaner images at its ceiling.

The optical image stabilization aids handheld night shooting but there's no built-in intervalometer or long exposure modes, precluding dedicated astro photography workflows.

Consequently, for serious night or astrophotography work, neither camera is ideal. But for casual low-light snapshots, both suffice within their constraints.

Lights, Camera, Action: Video Capability Overview

Video recording is no afterthought here. Both cameras shoot Full HD 1920x1080 at 60fps using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.

The TX66 boasts a slightly larger, sharper LCD which helps framing during playback and live view. Optical image stabilization benefits video, smoothing handheld panning.

Unfortunately, neither model offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control or monitoring options. No 4K or slow-motion modes exist, consistent with 2012-era compact tech.

While autofocus during video is contrast-detection and a bit basic, the “touch AF” feature allows manual focus pulls by tapping on the screen - a fun, intuitive tool for casual videographers.

Overall, these cameras suffice for social media clips and snapshots but won’t replace dedicated video cameras or hybrid mirrorless models for professional video.

Building for the Long Haul: Durability and Reliability

Sony designed the TX20 with some environmental sealing, which is a valuable feature for outdoor photographers regularly braving dust and light moisture. The TX66, however, offers no such sealing, meaning more caution is needed.

Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof - so rugged use requires additional protective measures.

Both employ the NP-BN battery pack, promoting ease of replacement and third-party availability across years - a practical advantage for longevity.

The Ecosystem Factor: Lenses, Accessories, and Workflow Compatibility

With fixed lenses and no interchangeable options, upsizing optical capabilities comes down to cropping or digital zoom extensions, neither ideal.

However, the cameras support a range of compatible Memory Stick and SD card formats for storage flexibility.

Connectivity options include USB 2.0 and HDMI output for transferring and previewing media on larger screens.

Despite their age and modest wireless capabilities, I've found integrating these cameras into a broader workflow manageable using standard file transfers and editing software, although RAW shooting is unsupported.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Price-to-Performance and Recommendations

The Sony TX20 launched at approximately $330, while the TX66 edged slightly higher at around $350.

Both are ultraportables aimed at casual enthusiasts craving better-than-phone image quality without the bulk or complexity of interchangeable lens systems.

Comparing overall performance ratings, the TX66 generally scores a bit higher due to sensor resolution, screen quality, and zoom range.

• Portraits: Both cameras render natural skin tones gracefully, but the TX66’s higher resolution affords slightly richer detail, enhanced by touch AF and face detection.
• Landscapes: The TX66’s longer zoom and OLED LCD win out for framing and reach, though dynamic range is comparable.
• Wildlife & Sports: Neither camera is a star here, but the TX66’s zoom gains it an edge - burst capabilities remain limited.
• Street & Travel: The TX66 feels better suited with smaller dimensions and more flexible focal range.
• Macro: Both excel in close focusing, tying the score.
• Night/astro: Modest performance from both, TX20 has a slight edge in noise control.
• Video: First-rate for casual HD, with minor advantage to the TX66’s screen.
• Professional use: Both have limited appeal; no RAW and limited controls restrict professional workflows.

Wrapping It Up: Which Sony Ultracompact Wins Your Pocket?

Neither the TX20 nor the TX66 will redefine your photography career, but within their ultracompact niche, they offer distinct advantages depending on your needs.

• Choose the Sony TX20 if: You prioritize cleaner images at moderate ISO, want some environmental sealing for outdoor use, and prefer a slightly chunkier but sturdier grip. Perfect for casual photographers who want simplicity without fuss and mostly shoot in daylight or gentle light conditions.

• Choose the Sony TX66 if: You want added resolution, longer telephoto reach, a sharper and more vibrant OLED screen, and a slimmer design for stealthier travel or street shooting. Ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate extra zoom and slightly elevated video perspectives, and who mostly shoot in daylight or well-lit environments.

In the end, like choosing between two siblings with overlapping traits; your call depends on what subtle qualities matter most. Both cameras served as reliable workhorses during my testing, delivering enjoyable experiences with Sony’s hallmark image processing polish.

If you’re looking beyond these alternatives in 2024, consider how ultracompact cameras have evolved, with newer models featuring better sensors, RAW support, and enhanced connectivity. Yet, as budget-friendly secondary shooters or travel companions, these Sony TX-series cameras continue to hold nostalgic charm and practical use.

Happy shooting - and may your next photo adventure be exactly what you hoped for!

All test results and comparisons based on hands-on image and feature analysis conducted over several shooting sessions, indoors and outdoors, under varied lighting and subject conditions.