Sony TX55 vs Sony W650: A Hands-On Showdown of Compact Camera Classics

When it comes to compact cameras, the line between convenience and capability often blurs. Two interesting models in Sony’s lineup - the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 - stand out as approachable yet distinct options for photographers who want pocketable gear without diving full tilt into smartphones alone. Released within months of each other, with the TX55 arriving in mid-2011 and the W650 debuting early 2012, these cameras share similarities but also carve out different niches.

Having spent a decent chunk of time testing, comparing, and shooting with both, I want to bring a thoughtful, experience-based perspective on which of these two might suit your photographic adventures - whether you’re capturing candid street snaps, exploring landscapes, dabbling in macro, or just wanting a capable travel companion.

For photographers seeking practical insights rather than spec sheet worship, this article dives deeply but accessibly into everything from sensor technology to ergonomics and real-world image quality.

Size, Shape, and Handling: Slim and Light vs. Comfortable Compact

The first impression of any camera is very often its feel in the hand and pocket. Here, the Sony TX55 sports an ultra-slim, candy-bar design, trying to look sleek and stylish more than “professional.” Measuring a mere 93x54x13 mm and tipping the scales at 109 grams, it’s a near-pillowslip device for any jacket pocket or clutch.

The W650, on the other hand, is a slightly chunkier compact - 94x56x19 mm and 124 grams - exuding more the vibe of a traditional point-and-shoot. The extra heft isn’t much, but it yields a more secure grip with a modest hand-hold nook and more tactile control buttons.

For a visual perspective on what that difference means in hand, take a look here:

I find the TX55 fascinatingly pocketable - ideal for street photographers who want to stay under the radar - but the slick finish can be slippery during extended shoots. The W650, by comparison, is less slippery, even if it doesn’t win fashion contests.

In terms of controls, both cameras keep things basic, but the TX55’s use of a touchscreen OLED display gives it a more modern feel despite lacking physical dials or buttons for exposure tweaks. The W650 has a traditional button layout with no touchscreen - making it less futuristic but sometimes faster for quick settings changes if you don’t like tapping screens.

Here’s a side-by-side of their top control layouts:

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: BSI CMOS vs. CCD - A Classic Battle

Under the hood lies where these two cameras diverge substantially. Despite both cameras sporting the same sensor size - a standard 1/2.3-inch measuring 6.17x4.55 mm - they differ in sensor technology, which materially impacts the images you get.

The TX55 boasts a 16MP back-side illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), a technology designed to improve low-light sensitivity and noise characteristics by capturing more light with less interference. Meanwhile, the W650 carries a CCD sensor, also 16MP but the older generation, generally known for having less high ISO performance and slower readout speeds.

Here’s a helpful visual comparison of the sensor specs and area:

In practical terms, this means the TX55 can better handle scenes with tricky lighting, producing cleaner images at higher ISOs - up to ISO 3200 supported on both, but TX55 tends to keep noise at bay better.

Resolution-wise, both cameras can produce 4608x3456 images - plenty for sharing online or even printing moderate-sized photos. But in my testing, the TX55’s BSI-CMOS sensor combined with the BIONZ processor yields crisper images with better dynamic range, richer blacks, and more vibrant colors. Meanwhile, the W650 struggles in shadow details and high contrast scenes, sometimes rendering images a bit flat or muddy.

For a real-world feel, look at some side-by-side shots taken around sunset lighting, where dynamic range matters:

Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back Sony W650 front Sony W650 screen back

The difference is subtle but discernible, especially if you like to tweak images later in Lightroom or Photoshop.

Screens and Interface: OLED Touch vs. LCD Clarity

Your main interaction with a compact camera is often its rear screen. The TX55 ups the ante with a 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED touchscreen boasting 1230k dots resolution - sharp, color-rich, and responsive. This display makes navigating menus, touch focusing, and reviewing images an overall pleasant experience.

The W650 sticks with a more traditional (though serviceable) 3-inch Clear Photo TFT LCD with only 230k dots resolution - not quite retina-level but fine for basic use. It’s not touch-enabled, which can frustrate users accustomed to smartphone-like interfaces.

The difference is such that I’d hesitate to recommend the W650 for anyone who values image review and menu ease, especially in bright daylight where OLED holds up better.

That nuance is clear here:

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: The Real-World Impact of Autofocus Systems

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus - nothing groundbreaking - but their implementations contrast. The TX55 offers 9 focus points and allows manual focus, while the W650 has an unspecified number of AF points and no manual focus option. The TX55 lacks face/eye detection, which the W650 curiously offers face detection but no eye detection. Neither has animal eye AF or phase detection autofocus.

In testing, the TX55’s AF speed is fairly quick, and contrast detection works well in good light but slows in dim situations. The W650’s autofocus is noticeably slower and less consistent, and the lack of manual focus can frustrate those wanting more control.

Burst shooting also highlights differences: the TX55 can shoot 10 frames per second, handy for capturing fleeting moments in street photography or sports. The W650 tops out at one shot per second, better suited for casual snapshots.

Lens Performance and Zoom Versatility: HD to the Rescue?

Both cameras come with a fixed zoom lens with a focal range around 25–130mm (converted to full-frame equivalent), which provides a comfortable 5x optical zoom range - perfect for casual travel and everyday photography.

The TX55 features an aperture range of f/3.5–4.8; the W650 spans a chameleon-like f/2.6–6.3. While the W650’s lens has a very bright wide end, it quickly narrows at telephoto lengths, limiting low-light telephoto shooting.

In practical use, the TX55’s slightly narrower aperture but steadier optical image stabilization results in sharper telephoto shots, especially handheld. I found the W650 more prone to softness at longer zooms and slower shutter speeds.

Neither support interchangeable lenses, of course, but Sony’s fixed zooms generally punch above their weight for what they are. Just don’t expect leaf-bursting macro or extreme telephoto reach here.

Build Quality and Durability: Who Survives the Everyday?

Both cameras share a non-weather-sealed plastic build, which is standard for models at this level and price point. Neither is rugged or designed for abuse - they’re not waterproof or dustproof. The TX55’s sleek profile can feel delicate in hand; I’d be wary if you’re prone to drops, but the W650’s bulk offers a bit more confidence.

Surprisingly, the TX55 weighs less (109g) than the W650 (124g), making it notably portable; however, the TX55’s slim form factor can feel less secure for prolonged shooting sessions.

Neither offers significant environmental sealing, so neither is recommended for rough outdoor conditions - rain, dust, or freezing temperatures.

Battery Life and Storage: Enough Juice for the Journey?

Battery performance is critical for travel and event shooters. Both cameras use Sony’s NP-BN battery pack, with the TX55 offering around 250 shots per charge, slightly edging out the W650’s 220 shots.

While neither battery life is stellar by today’s mirrorless standards, for casual use these numbers are reasonable. However, for prolonged trips, I’d strongly advise carrying spare batteries or packing a power bank for USB charging (though neither supports USB charging).

Storage-wise, the TX55 is a bit more restrictive, accepting microSD/SDHC and Memory Stick Micro, while the W650 supports more formats, including full-size SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick variants. This gives the W650 a flexibility edge if you have existing SD cards lying around.

Connectivity Features: When Wireless Matters

In 2011–2012, wireless connectivity was just gaining traction. Both offer Eye-Fi compatibility for WiFi card-based transfers, but neither sports built-in WiFi, NFC, or Bluetooth, limiting instant sharing on modern apps.

The TX55 features an HDMI port, allowing direct connection to HDTVs for slideshows. The W650 lacks HDMI, relying solely on USB 2.0 data transfer.

If wireless image sharing is a priority, neither camera excels - smartphone tethering or WiFi-enabled memory cards remain necessary workarounds.

Video Capabilities: Full HD vs. HD Lite

Video is often an afterthought for compacts, but here’s how these two stack up:

• TX55 records Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, which is quite respectable for an ultracompact of its day. It uses MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, allowing for decent quality recordings suitable for casual video or family events.

• The W650 offers a maximum of 720p at 30fps in MPEG-4 H.264 format - a notch below in both resolution and smoothness.

Neither has external microphone input, headphone jack, or advanced video features like 4K recording or slow motion. So, video lovers should temper expectations.

Photography Use Case Breakdown: Where Each Camera Shines

To make sense of how these specs play out in your specific photography interests, I scored their relative performance across a broad range of genres:

Portrait Photography

• The TX55, with its precise touch focus and brighter OLED screen, allows you to nail focus on your subject’s eyes fairly well, although lacking eye-detection AF.
• The W650’s face detection can sometimes help with casual portraits but lacks nuanced focus, leading to softer shots.
• Neither has a fast aperture lens capable of dreamy bokeh; both struggle with shallow depth-of-field.

Landscape Photography

• The TX55 outperforms in dynamic range and image clarity, essential for capturing rich, nuanced landscapes.
• The W650’s CCD sensor occasionally crushes shadows and highlights, resulting in flatter results.
• Neither is weather sealed, so carrying protection is advised when hiking or exploring.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Both cameras are frankly outmatched for anything beyond casual animal snapshots or weekend sports, suffering slow autofocus and limited burst capability (except TX55’s 10fps that helps a bit).
• Long telephoto lenses and advanced tracking are missing; serious enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Street and Travel Photography

• The TX55’s slim profile, fast burst mode, and sharp BSI sensor make it a nimble street shooter’s companion.
• The W650’s chunkier build and less responsive focus slow it down but remain easy enough for casual travel.
• Both cameras have sufficient battery life for day trips, though I’d carry extras.

Macro Photography

• Both cover decent macro ranges (TX55 at 3cm, W650 at 5cm), but neither offers focus stacking or advanced macro modes.
• Optical image stabilization helps the TX55 for steady handheld close-ups.

Night & Astro Photography

• Here, the TX55’s low light advantage with its BSI sensor and higher ISO capability gives it a leg up.
• Neither camera allows for manual shutter speed control beyond 1/1600s minimum shutter or bulb exposures required for astrophotography. So their practical use tips toward casual night snaps.

Final Tally: Performance Scores and Value

After careful side-by-side evaluation in lab and real-world shoots, here’s a snapshot of their overall performance:

The Sony TX55 emerges as a clear winner on image quality, autofocus speed, video specs, and modern interface, justifying its higher price tag (around $349 at launch). The W650, retailing at about $140, is firmly a budget-friendly choice weighing convenience over performance.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Sony TX55 if:

• You want a pocketable, stylish camera with superior image quality and Full HD video.
• You value touchscreen operation and faster continuous shooting.
• You’re semi-serious about photography but crave easy portability.
• Your budget accommodates its mid-range price.
• You shoot in mixed lighting and want better low-light performance.

Choose the Sony W650 if:

• You prioritize simplicity and a traditional button-operated compact.
• Budget constraints are tight but you want a decent 16MP sensor and optical zoom.
• You shoot mainly casual photos in well-lit environments.
• You’re okay with 720p video and no touchscreen.
• You want broad card compatibility.

Parting Thoughts: The Compact Camera Landscape - and Where These Models Fit

In today’s landscape dominated by smartphones and mirrorless cameras, both the Sony TX55 and W650 stand as snapshots of a transitional era in compact camera design. Neither is revolutionary, but each has charm and use cases.

The TX55’s blend of modern touchscreen controls, a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and sleek styling still make it competitive for enthusiasts seeking a super portable shooter for daylight, travel, and casual video.

The W650 remains an affordable, no-nonsense option for those who want a straightforward point-and-shoot with modest performance and traditional handling, but don’t expect professional-grade results or sophisticated features.

If you’re deciding between these models, lean heavily on what matters most: ergonomics and operational style (touchscreen or not), image quality expectations, and your budget. I hope my hands-on insights help you cut through marketing talk and find the camera that’s genuinely fun and reliable in your hands.

Happy shooting!

Note: The image filenames inserted in this article correspond to the demonstration of key points and comparisons as described.