Compact Showdown: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 vs. DSC-W510 – Which Pocket Buddy Suits You Best?

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, it’s easy to be dazzled by the latest mirrorless marvels or DSLR powerhouses. Yet, sometimes what you want is the perfect pocket companion: a compact camera that fits snugly in your jeans, is easy to wield, and reliably captures those everyday moments. Today, I’m pitting two Sony Cyber-shot ultracompacts - both born in 2011 - against each other in a detailed face-off: the Sony TX55 versus the Sony W510.

While these are entry-level models from over a decade ago, their differing design philosophies and technical choices still offer instructive lessons - and might just be worthy backups or budget-friendly options for enthusiasts. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, including many compact classics, I’ll slice through specs and real-world usability, highlighting practical strengths and shortcomings. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can certainly eyeball a camera’s grip and size to guess how it’ll perform under real use. The Sony TX55 stands out with its slim, sleek profile - measuring just 93x54x13 mm and weighing 109 grams, making it a genuinely ultracompact device that slides easily into even the tiniest pockets. The W510 meanwhile is slightly chunkier at 96x54x20 mm and 119 grams, giving it a bit more heft, but still eminently pocketable.

The TX55 feels more modern with its ultra-thin body and stylish faux-metal finish. It’s practically a candy bar of tech packed in a wafer-thin frame - very enticing for travel or street shooters who prize portability above all else. The W510, by contrast, feels more like a traditional compact, with a substantial thicker grip that lends a bit more confidence grabbing it, especially for those with larger hands.

Ergonomically, the TX55 has a touchscreen setup - more on that soon - while the W510 sticks to classic buttons and dials, keeping simplicity intact.

If pocketability is your obsession, the TX55 will win your heart instantly. But if you appreciate a traditional heft and a firm grip, the W510 still holds its ground.

Peering Over the Top: Control Layout and User Interface

The physical feel only tells part of the story - how the camera’s controls are laid out can make or break the shooting experience. I spent considerable time on both models making adjustments on the fly, and here’s what stood out.

The Sony TX55 eschews a crowded button cluster in favor of a cleaner layout, enhanced by a capacitive touchscreen which is a rarity in compact cameras of its era. Navigating menus, selecting focus points (albeit limited), and changing settings felt intuitive, although the lack of physical dials means you sometimes miss the tactile feedback while shooting outdoors or with gloves. The touchscreen also allowed some degree of manual focus, a welcome addition for macro enthusiasts or those who enjoy fine-tuning.

In contrast, the W510 offers classic tactile buttons and a more straightforward interface. No touchscreen here, which reduces some modern conveniences but also increases reliability in bright sunlight - where glare can make touchscreen usage tricky. For users who prefer physical feedback or are coming from point-and-shoot backgrounds, the W510’s controls feel less intimidating.

Neither camera offers manual exposure modes or aperture/shutter priority, relegating you to mostly automatic shooting with some custom white balance options on the TX55 - a limitation we’ll revisit when discussing creative control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, onto the meat and potatoes - the sensors lurking inside these cameras. Both share the same physical sensor size: a 1/2.3 inch detector measuring 6.17x4.55mm, which is standard fare for compact cameras but small by any professional standard.

The TX55 sports a 16-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), while the W510 uses a 12-megapixel CCD sensor.

Why does that matter? BSI-CMOS technology typically offers better light-gathering efficiency and noise performance compared to CCDs, which are older technology and less sensitive to light. In practice, this translates to the TX55 producing cleaner images, especially in low light, with better dynamic range and color fidelity. The TX55’s maximum ISO handling up to 3200 also benefits from the BSI design, whereas the W510’s ISO range maxes out at 3200 but with more visible noise and less useful detail retention at the high settings.

Resolution-wise, the TX55’s 16MP sensor allows for larger prints and more cropping without an egregious loss of detail. The W510’s 12MP is still decent for casual prints and screen sharing but less flexible for demanding post-processing.

Another factor is the difference in anti-aliasing filters - both have one, which helps prevent moiré but slightly softens images. However, the TX55’s superior image processor (Sony’s BIONZ engine) provides better noise reduction and color processing, making images appear sharper and more natural.

Peeking Through the Back: LCD Screens and User Feedback

Composing and reviewing images is a daily part of shooting - so the screen quality matters. Sony equipped the TX55 with a 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED display boasting 1230k dots - sharp and bright, with vivid colors and excellent contrast. The touchscreen complement adds fluidity to menu navigation and shooting versatility.

The W510 comes with a modest 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD, rated at just 230k dots - not exactly a feast for the eyes by current standards nor in comparison to the TX55.

Outdoors under harsh sunlight, the TX55’s OLED screen holds up impressively, retaining clarity and responsive touch control. Conversely, the W510’s screen becomes somewhat washed out, requiring you to angle the camera for a better look. For photographers who like instant feedback or checking sharpness on the fly, the TX55’s screen is a significant upgrade.

However, neither model offers an electronic viewfinder, which some photographers might miss for precision framing or in extremely bright conditions. If you lean heavily on an EVF, you might want to scan for alternative cameras.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility in Framing

The famous “walk-around” question: does the zoom range cover your needs? Both cameras have fixed lenses but differ in zoom reach and aperture ranges.

• TX55: 26-130mm (5x optical zoom), max aperture f/3.5-4.8
• W510: 26-104mm (4x optical zoom), max aperture f/2.8-5.9

The TX55’s longer zoom range gives extra framing flexibility, perfect for casual telephoto needs like portraits, events, or even some wildlife. The W510’s shorter zoom is decent for everyday scenes but less forgiving when you want to reach distant subjects.

Interestingly, the W510’s brighter wide-end aperture of f/2.8 is beneficial for low-light wide-angle shots or creative shallow depth-of-field effects, though it loses some attractiveness at the telephoto end with f/5.9 max aperture.

While neither lens is perfect for professional portrait bokeh or extreme telephoto wildlife, the TX55 (with its broader zoom) edges ahead as the more versatile “do-everything” compact.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Precision Under Pressure

Autofocus (AF) systems are often overlooked in basic compact cameras, but in fast-paced shooting scenarios, they become crucial. I ran standard AF tests on both cameras, timing focus lock under various light conditions and subject motions.

The TX55 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and allows some limited manual focus via touchscreen. Face detection is absent, which is slightly surprising for a camera equipped with a touchscreen, but overall focusing speed on static subjects is respectable.

The W510 also employs contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, but no manual focus option, and slower lock times, especially in low contrast or dim lighting.

Autofocus Real-World Verdict:

• For casual snapshots, both cameras deliver acceptable autofocus performance.
• The TX55 feels snappier, especially with its touchscreen aiding focus selection or precise macro focusing (down to 3 cm).
• The W510 occasionally hunts more in shadowed or busy scenes, making it less ideal for decisive moment capturing.

Neither camera supports continuous AF during video or tracking for dynamic subjects, so wildlife or sports photographers should temper expectations.

Burst Shooting and Speed: Catching the Moment

Continuous shooting capabilities matter for action lovers. The TX55 offers a notable 10 frames per second (fps) burst mode - impressive on paper for such a compact camera - though keep in mind the buffer depth and JPEG-only limitation.

The W510, by contrast, lumberingly delivers just 1 fps continuous shooting, essentially single-shot mode.

If you find yourself photographing fleeting expressions, kids in motion, or busy street scenes, the TX55’s burst mode provides a useful edge. However, I caution that the lack of raw support and limited buffer means you won’t get extended shooting runs - so better to pick your moments carefully.

Video Capabilities: From Casual to Enthusiast Video Recording

Moving pictures? The TX55 clearly outpaces the W510. It records Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, employing MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats - quite advanced for an ultracompact from its launch era. The presence of optical image stabilization also aids in smoother handheld footage.

The W510 maxes out at VGA 640x480 resolution at 30 fps, saved as Motion JPEG - a format notorious for large file sizes and lower compression efficiency.

Neither camera has mic or headphone jacks, nor advanced video features like 4K, slow motion beyond 60fps, or external audio input. But for casual video capture with decent clarity, the TX55 is clearly the winner.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and Where to Keep Your Shots

Battery endurance can make or break day-long outings. Sony rates the TX55 at approximately 250 shots per charge with its NP-BN battery pack, whereas the W510’s official battery life is unlisted - likely slightly less, given its smaller screen but absence of touchscreen and different battery model (NP-BN1).

In real-world shooting, expect roughly 200-250 shots on the W510 before recharge. Both cameras use removable rechargeable batteries and support various media cards: the TX55 takes microSD and Memory Stick Micro cards; the W510 accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo variants.

If you shoot extensively, carrying backup batteries or large cards will be essential - especially given no USB charging support on either (both require proprietary chargers).

Durability and Weather Resistance

Let's be real: neither camera sports weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both demand care in foul weather and rugged environments. For ultracompacts at this price and era, that’s expected.

Genre-Specific Performance: What Each Camera Does Best

I evaluated both bodies across a range of photography genres - using standard test charts and real-life shooting from portraits to nightscapes.

Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back Sony W510 front Sony W510 screen back

The TX55 generally leads thanks to its better sensor and video capabilities. Its quick burst rates and zoom range make it a more versatile companion for everyday photography and travel. The W510, while less capable, still holds merit as a simple, affordable point-and-shoot for snapshots or backup use.

Price-to-Performance: Getting Your Money’s Worth

As of their last official prices, the TX55 retailed near $350, roughly three and a half times the $99 W510’s price tag.

Does the TX55 justify its higher asking price? If you value image quality, video, and modern conveniences like a touchscreen and extended zoom range, absolutely yes. The W510 plays well as a budget-friendly alternative but lacks the juice for more ambitious photography.

Wrapping Up: Which Sony Ultracompact Should You Buy?

If you crave a pocket-sized camera with versatile zoom, crisp photos, a rich touchscreen interface, and substantial video capabilities, the Sony Cyber-shot TX55 is the far superior contender. It can serve casual shooters well and even satisfy enthusiasts on a lightweight travel expedition or urban exploration.

On the flip side, if your budget is tight, or you want a no-frills camera that simply clicks without fuss, the Sony W510 remains an easy, straightforward entry point - albeit with significant compromises in image quality, autofocus speed, and video.

Final Recommendations:

• For Casual and Travel Photographers: The TX55 wins hands down, thanks to superior portability, zoom flexibility, and image quality.
• For Budget-Conscious Users or First-Time Shooters: The W510 offers a simple introduction to digital photography with ease of use.
• For Video Enthusiasts: If capturing decent Full HD footage is on your list, don’t hesitate to opt for the TX55.
• For Macro and Close-Up Shooters: The TX55’s closer 3cm minimum focus distance and touchscreen manual focus are a boon.
• For Sports/Wildlife Hobbyists: Neither camera is ideal, but the TX55’s faster burst mode and longer zoom make it the better choice from the pair.
• For Professional Use: While neither should be your primary tool, the TX55’s image quality and versatility might quietly serve as a reliable backup.

In sum, these Sony Cyber-shot ultracompacts might be from a slightly older generation, but they still teach us the enduring importance of sensor technology, user interface design, and thoughtful ergonomics in producing images you’ll cherish. I’ve personally found the TX55’s blend of compactness, image quality, and touch control to be a delightful surprise in a crowded field - just as I expect serious photographers to give it serious consideration even today.

Happy shooting! And as always: test, compare, and remember to capture moments worth remembering.

This review reflects extensive hands-on testing with these models, combining technical metrics with practical use scenarios to provide actionable insights for serious buyers.