Sony TX20 vs Sony WX220: Two Ultracompact Cameras Put to the Test

When it comes to compact cameras that pack a punch without weighing you down, Sony’s Cyber-shot line has built a strong reputation for blending portability with respectable image quality. Today, we delve deeply into two of their ultracompacts released a couple of years apart: the Sony Cyber-shot TX20 (2012) and the Sony Cyber-shot WX220 (2014). Both promise simplicity and convenience, but beneath their sleek exteriors lie notable differences in features, performance, and versatility.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast after a compact secondary camera or a beginner looking to step up from a smartphone, this comparison will help you explore the strengths and compromises of each model. We bring over 15 years of camera testing expertise to cut through the specs, real-world performance, and use-case suitability so you can choose with confidence.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Both the TX20 and WX220 are pocket-friendly ultracompacts designed for grab-and-go photography. The Sony TX20 measures 96 x 56 x 18 mm and weighs 133 grams, while the WX220 is slightly smaller and lighter at 92 x 52 x 22 mm and 121 grams.

Ergonomics and Handling Highlights:

• TX20: Featuring a slightly wider grip, the TX20 feels a bit more secure in hand despite being marginally heavier. Its 3-inch touchscreen with the “XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD” panel supports touch-to-focus and touch shutter, enhancing ease of use and compositional flexibility.

• WX220: The WX220 dispenses with a touchscreen but retains a fixed 3-inch screen. Although less interactive, its more compact footprint makes it easier to tuck away and slip into tighter pockets.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, emphasizing their ultra-portability at the expense of a traditional shooting stance. For quick snapshots and casual travel photography, this may be a fair tradeoff.

Regarding button layout, the WX220 features illuminated buttons and a few more manual control options accessible through physical buttons, though neither supports true manual exposure control modes.

Sensor and Image Quality: BSI-CMOS Sensors Face Off

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a ubiquitous size in compact cameras that balances cost, size, and image quality. The sensor area measures approximately 28 mm² for each, which is quite small compared to APS-C or full frame sensors but standard for this class.

Despite the similarity in sensor size, the WX220 offers a slightly higher resolution at 18 megapixels versus TX20’s 16MP. The WX220 also boasts a more advanced image processor - the Bionz X - which Sony uses in its higher-end cameras. This processor promises improved noise reduction, better detail retention, and faster image processing.

However, both cameras unfortunately lack RAW file support, restricting you to JPEGs only. This limits post-processing flexibility for professionals but suits casual shooters prioritizing instant sharing and simplicity.

Real-world image quality

In tested daylight conditions, the WX220’s higher resolution sensor produces marginally sharper images with finer detail in well-lit scenes. The improved noise management at higher ISOs in the WX220 also extends its usability in dimmer environments, such as indoor or evening shots, where its high native ISO ceiling of 12800 offers better noise control than the TX20's max ISO of 3200.

Skin tones on both are generally pleasing, but the WX220’s newer processor renders colors with slightly more accuracy and dynamic contrast. Highlight recovery and shadow detail are both modest given the sensor size but are comparable between the two.

Lens and Zoom: Focal Length Ranges and Aperture Comparison

Here, the WX220 significantly extends the zoom range, offering an impressive 10x optical zoom compared to the TX20’s 4x zoom. This makes the WX220 much better suited for capturing distant subjects - especially helpful in wildlife or travel photography scenarios where carrying long lenses isn’t feasible.

However, the TX20 has the advantage when it comes to macro photography, with its ability to focus as close as 1 cm - a feature missing from the WX220’s spec sheet. For enthusiasts keen on close-up detail shots of flowers, insects, or textures, the TX20’s macro capabilities offer clear benefits.

The WX220 lens is slightly slower at the telephoto end (max aperture f/5.9) compared to the TX20’s relatively brighter f/4.6 aperture, which might affect low light telephoto performance.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensors in these ultracompacts are paired with contrast-detection autofocus systems. Let’s compare specifically:

The TX20’s touchscreen enables touch autofocus, which makes focusing quick and intuitive in still subjects or portrait work. This is a good feature, especially for those who like to tap focus points directly on the display.

Conversely, the WX220 lacks a touchscreen but gains continuous autofocus - beneficial for moving subjects, making it better suited to sports or casual wildlife action photography. Both cameras have face detection but lack more advanced eye or animal eye tracking that modern cameras offer.

In practice, the WX220’s autofocus feels snappier and more reliable for fast-moving scenes, thanks to the enhanced processor and improved AF algorithms, while the TX20 shines more in controlled environments where touch-to-focus can precisely dial in detail.

Display and User Interface: Touchscreen vs Traditional Controls

The TX20’s 3-inch, 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack touchscreen is the standout in this category, offering:

• Touch-to-focus
• Swipe to zoom
• Simple menu navigation

This interface is very efficient for beginners and photographers familiar with smartphones. However, the TX20’s interface lacks deeper manual control options; it’s intended for point-and-shoot simplicity.

The WX220, on the other hand, relies on physical buttons and a joystick-like controller to move through the menu system displayed on its 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD. The lower resolution screen is less sharp and lacks touch functionality, but the controls offer direct access to key functions like ISO, white balance, and zoom, which can be handy for quick adjustments without diving deep into menus.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, limiting usability under bright sunlight or in precise composition workflows, but the WX220’s smaller screen size and less reflective LCD slightly mitigate these issues outdoors.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: What’s in the Frame

Continuous Shooting (Burst Mode)

Both models claim a maximum continuous shooting rate of 10 frames per second (fps), which is impressive on paper for ultracompact cameras.

• TX20: Limited to single autofocus mode, so focus is locked on the first frame.
• WX220: Supports continuous autofocus during burst, increasing chances of sharp subjects in fast action.

In real use, the WX220’s continuous autofocus during bursts gives it a clear edge for sports or wildlife photography where subject movement is unpredictable.

Video Recording

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1920x1080 video at 60 fps, using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, suitable for casual video capture and sharing.

• TX20 supports 1080p at 60 fps, 1440x1080 at 60 or 30 fps.
• WX220 similarly supports 1080p 60p/60i, and 1440x1080 at 30 fps.

Neither camera offers 4K recording or external microphone inputs, so video enthusiasts seeking professional audio will need to look elsewhere. Optical image stabilization helps keep footage smooth on both.

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

Battery life is respectable but not class-leading. The TX20’s slight advantage means a few more shots per charge, but you’ll want a spare battery for all-day excursions either way.

Storage compatibility broadly overlaps, but the WX220 adds support for a wider range of SDXC cards, providing more flexibility with larger capacities.

Connectivity is where the WX220 advances. It supports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making it far more convenient to transfer images wirelessly to smartphones or share online instantly. The TX20 only supports Eye-Fi card compatibility (a now legacy standard), limiting wireless features considerably.

Sony TX20 front Sony TX20 screen back Sony WX220 front Sony WX220 screen back

Image Samples and Color Science

We tested both cameras shooting RAW-converted JPEG equivalents side-by-side in varied lighting - from bright daylight landscapes to indoor portraits and low light evening shots.

TX20 strengths:

• Pleasant skin tones when shooting portraits.
• Natural, neutral color rendering.
• Excellent sharpness in macro shots (thanks to 1 cm minimum focusing distance).

WX220 strengths:

• Enhanced detail resolution due to higher megapixels.
• Richer color saturation and contrast.
• Better control over noise at higher ISOs (useful for low-light scenes).
• More versatile telephoto reach allows for tight framing without cropping.

Both produce usable images for social sharing and family albums but won’t rival mirrorless or DSLR quality, especially regarding depth of field control and noise in extreme conditions.

Build Quality and Durability

While neither camera is ruggedized or weather-sealed for serious outdoor use, the TX20 advertises some environmental sealing, offering modest splash resistance. The WX220 lacks this feature, so if you often shoot in light rain or dusty conditions, the TX20 is slightly safer.

Both models have plastic bodies typical for ultracompacts but remain sturdy enough for casual travel and everyday carry. Their fixed lenses preclude any risk of changing optics in challenging environments.

Photography Genres: Which Model Excels Where?

Now, let's break down their strengths across popular photography styles based on hands-on testing and specs:

Portrait Photography

• TX20: Superior skin tone reproduction and macro focus allow detailed close-ups and shallow depth effects with pleasing bokeh within its focal range.
• WX220: Wider zoom flexibility is less critical, and lack of touch AF may slow focus precision, but continuous AF aids candid moments.

Recommendation: For portrait enthusiasts prioritizing close-up detail and touch interface simplicity, the TX20 edges ahead.

Landscape Photography

• TX20: Limited 4x zoom can constrain framing. Decent dynamic range for sensor size; environmental sealing adds protection.
• WX220: Higher resolution allows larger prints/crops; 10x zoom helps capture distant details.

Recommendation: WX220 is better for versatility and reach; TX20 suits stable, close-range landscapes under modest weather conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• TX20: Limited zoom and single AF during burst restrict capability.
• WX220: Long 10x zoom, continuous AF, and burst shooting with tracking make it far more effective for unpredictable subjects.

Recommendation: WX220 is the clear winner for action and wildlife due to autofocus and zoom advantages.

Street Photography

• TX20: Touchscreen for discreet focus; splash resistance useful in urban weather.
• WX220: Smaller, lighter but louder zoom noise; no splash protection.

Recommendation: TX20 for casual urban shooting with weather protection; WX220 if stealth isn’t a primary concern.

Macro Photography

• TX20: Easily wins for macro capability with its 1 cm focusing distance.
• WX220: No notable macro features.

Recommendation: TX20 for close-up detail lovers.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both cameras suffer from small sensors, limiting ISO noise control and long exposure flexibility. The WX220’s higher max ISO and processor give it a slight edge.

Video Capabilities

• Both support Full HD 1080p at 60 fps with optical stabilization.
• WX220’s continuous AF during video shooting and wireless sharing is useful for casual vloggers.
• No mic input or 4K limits professional use.

Travel Photography

• TX20: Splash resistant, touchscreen, close focusing.
• WX220: Greater zoom versatility, lightweight, built-in Wi-Fi/NFC.

Recommendation: WX220 dominates for diverse scenery and easy sharing; TX20 more for cautious, weather-aware travelers.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither is intended as a professional primary camera due to limited controls, no RAW, small sensor, and constrained manual exposure options. Both can serve as handy backup cameras for journalists or pros needing discreet ultracompacts.

Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?

Choose the Sony TX20 if:

• Macro photography is a key interest.
• You want a splash-resistant ultracompact.
• You prefer a touchscreen interface for focusing and menu navigation.
• You shoot mainly portraits and casual outdoor photography.

Opt for the Sony WX220 if:

• Zoom reach and telephoto flexibility matter - wildlife, sports, or travel.
• You need continuous autofocus during bursts and video shooting.
• Wireless image transfer is important.
• You want better low-light performance and higher resolution.
• A lower price is a priority.

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

Whichever you choose, invest a bit of time exploring settings like white balance bracketing, exposure bracketing (limited on these models), and creative shooting modes if available to enhance your photography. Consider compatible accessories such as spare batteries, SDXC cards with higher write speeds, and compact tripods for steady shooting, especially in low light or macro situations.

Wrapping Up

The Sony TX20 and WX220 remain capable ultracompacts, each with distinct advantages. With nearly two years difference between launches, the WX220’s newer image processor and extended zoom make it appealing for versatility and action shooting. Meanwhile, the TX20 offers a user-friendly touchscreen, impressive macro capabilities, and environmental sealing favorable for cautious shooters.

As always, the best way to find your match is hands-on experience. Check these models in person if you can, and see which interface and shooting feel resonate. These cameras embody Sony’s legacy of compact, innovative designs supporting your creative journey, whether as a beginner or an enthusiast seeking a more pocketable option.

Explore further, experiment boldly, and let your photography adventure flourish.

If you want to dive deeper into Sony’s ultracompacts or compare with mirrorless alternatives, feel free to check out our broader camera reviews and guides.