Sony TX9 vs YI M1

Sony TX9 vs. YI M1: A Deep Dive into Two Cameras From Different Worlds

Selecting a camera that fits your style, shooting needs, and budget can sometimes be a bewildering process - especially when the contenders come from very different eras and categories. Today, I'll guide you through an extensive comparison between two cameras that, at first glance, might not seem like natural rivals but that each offer unique strengths for specific types of photographers.

In my experience testing thousands of cameras across genres, I’ve found that understanding the technical nuances blended with hands-on usability is key. Here, we’re putting head-to-head the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9, an ultracompact fixed-lens camera launched in 2010, and the YI M1, a 2016 entry-level mirrorless with a Micro Four Thirds system. They represent very different approaches: pocket portability versus interchangeable lenses and larger sensor capability.

Let’s unpack the details, explore their real-world performance, and see which is the better pick depending on what you want to shoot.

Let’s Talk Size, Design, and Handling First

When handling these two, you feel their core philosophies immediately - the TX9 is ‘grab and go’ ultra-portable simplicity, while the YI M1 aims to serve budding enthusiasts craving manual control and lens versatility.

The Sony TX9 measures a mere 98 x 60 x 18 mm and weighs just 149 grams. It slips effortlessly into a pocket or small bag. The fixed lens means there’s nothing to fiddle with, and its clam-shell design with a large 3.5” touchscreen (922K-dot, oddly high resolution for that time) is intuitive. It’s a truly compact companion for casual snapshots or travel days where size and speed trump everything else.

The YI M1, meanwhile, is bigger and heavier - 114 x 64 x 34 mm and 350 grams. It’s still pocketable for larger coat pockets or bags but is unmistakably a more serious camera with handhold comfort and a grip. This rangefinder-style mirrorless’s form factor echoes classic manual cameras, appealing to those who want that ‘camera in hand’ feel while carrying a versatile Micro Four Thirds system.

Ergonomically, the TX9 keeps controls minimal, which may frustrate those who want full manual exposure modes or faster access to settings. The YI M1 sports dedicated dials and buttons for shutter/aperture priority and full manual control - a big plus if you enjoy controlling depth of field and exposure precisely.

Overall, if pocketability is king for you, the Sony TX9’s slim and light chassis wins. For those who want a camera that feels like a proper tool and offers a more traditional tactile interface, the YI M1’s size and layout are welcome.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Elephant in the Room

Ah, sensors - the foundation of image quality, right? Here’s where these two cameras differ dramatically.

The Sony TX9 inherits a 12MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of just 6.17 x 4.55 mm. This is a typical compact camera sensor size that, while adequate for casual shooting, naturally suffers in low light and dynamic range compared to larger sensors.

The YI M1, however, packs a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm - nearly eight times the sensor area. Larger sensor size lets in way more light, improving noise performance and dynamic range significantly. At ISO settings of 100-25600, the YI M1 will deliver cleaner images, better color depth, and more detail retention, especially in shadows and highlights.

If you’re after better image quality for portraits, landscapes, or any serious photography, the YI M1’s sensor advantage is decisive. The Sony TX9’s sensor can deliver decent color and resolution in bright light but will struggle once lighting gets tricky.

Focusing Systems and Speed: Who Locks On Faster?

The TX9 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points and can track AF targets - fairly standard for compacts from 2010. Its focus system works well for close to mid distances and fixed focal lengths mostly around 25-100mm equivalent (that’s a 4x zoom with f/3.5-4.6 aperture), but speed and precision will be limited, especially for moving subjects.

The YI M1, despite being an entry-level mirrorless, offers an 81-point contrast-detection AF system with touchscreen AF selection. It also has face detection, a big deal for portraits. Continuous autofocus is supported here for smoother tracking during video or burst shooting, though it lacks phase detection.

In practice, I found the YI M1’s autofocus more accurate and consistent, albeit a bit slower than advanced hybrid AF systems seen on higher-end cameras, but still more reliable than the Sony’s dated compact system. For wildlife or sports, neither camera is ideal, but the YI M1’s AF is more versatile for casual action.

Display and User Interface: Touch, Size, and Usability

Both cameras have touchscreens and their respective charm here depends on your familiarity and expectations.

The Sony TX9 features a fixed 3.5" screen, one of the larger displays on a compact from its time, with decent resolution. However, there is no viewfinder, forcing you to compose exclusively on the LCD. The touchscreen allows focus-by-touch, useful for casual framing.

The YI M1 has a smaller 3" 1040K-dot display, also fixed and touch-sensitive, supporting autofocus point selection and menu navigation. The interface on the YI M1 is more complex yet user-friendly, especially for photographers wanting exposure and focusing controls at their fingertips.

Neither camera has an EVF, so shooting in bright sunlight can be tricky on both. This is a place where the M1 could have closed the gap by including one, but keeping the cost down came with such compromises.

Exploring Photography Genres and Practical Use Cases

Let’s now examine where each camera truly shines or struggles across various photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

Skin tones are central here. The YI M1’s larger Four Thirds sensor and RAW support allow richer skin tone gradations and selective depth of field with interchangeable lenses - see my video portrait tests - making it far more capable than the Sony TX9's fixed f/3.5-4.6 zoom lens. The TX9 lacks face or eye detection AF, so capturing razor-sharp portraits demands steady hands and patience.

If portraits are your main thing and you want flexibility, the YI M1 is the winner.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers crave dynamic range and resolution. The YI M1’s 20MP sensor far outpaces the Sony’s 12MP compact sensor in detail and tonal range. It also supports RAW files, invaluable for post-processing landscapes.

Neither camera has weather sealing, but the YI M1 accepts a wide array of rugged lenses from Olympus and Panasonic if paired with protective filters.

The Sony TX9 is fine for casual scenic snaps but don’t expect stunning horizon details or expansive shadow recovery.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst speed and autofocus accuracy matter here. The Sony TX9 offers a fast 10fps continuous shooting speed, which looks impressive spec-wise, yet buffer limitations and slower AF mean it’s better suited for casual sequences.

The YI M1 shoots slower at 5fps but has better AF accuracy and lens options like telephoto zooms. However, no dedicated tracking AF means it’s no pro sports champ.

Neither camera is optimized for high-speed wildlife or sports action; serious shooters should look elsewhere.

Street Photography

For inconspicuous, quick shots, size and autofocus come into play. The TX9’s compactness and silent operation make it less noticeable - huge perks on the street.

The YI M1’s larger size adds presence but the lens choice can help keep a low profile.

Low-light performance favors the YI M1 here, combining sensor size and better ISO tolerance.

Macro Photography

The Sony TX9 claims a macro focus range down to 1cm, great for close-up shots without extra gear. Its optical stabilization helps keep images sharp when working close in tricky hand-held scenarios.

The YI M1’s capability depends on lens choice. With compatible macro lenses, it easily outperforms the TX9 for magnification and detail - plus manual focus aids precise work.

Night and Astro Photography

The YI M1 is the clear choice here. Its native ISO up to 25600, support for long exposures, and RAW capture allow serious low-light experimentation and astrophotography. The Sony's ISO maxes at 3200 and fixed lens plus limited manual control constrains its night potential.

Video Capabilities

Sony TX9 records 1080p at 50fps using AVCHD - surprisingly smooth for a camera of its era but limited by no mic input or 4K options.

The YI M1 captures true 4K (4096x2160) video at 30fps in MPEG-4/H.264 with decent bitrates, a big plus for quality video work, though it lacks an external mic port which is a notable omission for pros.

Both rely on in-body but no optical stabilization on the M1 (optical on TX9), affecting handheld video quality.

Travel Photography

For globetrotters who prioritize weight and size, the Sony TX9 shines with its pocketability, optical image stabilization, and quick auto modes. Battery life details are missing but compact cameras generally allow swapping batteries or charging via USB.

The YI M1 weighs more and requires lens switching, extra accessories, and careful packing, but rewards with image quality and creative versatility.

Battery life on the YI M1 is rated at around 450 shots per charge - longer than many mirrorless but less than compacts.

Build, Durability, and Battery Life: Everyday Use Considerations

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dust or shock proofing, or freezeproof features. Both demand cautious handling in harsh conditions.

Battery-wise, the Sony TX9 uses the NP-BN1 battery and weighs less, presumably designed for shorter outings. The YI M1’s battery lasts well for mirrorless standards (450 shots per charge). Neither camera is designed for marathon shooting days without spare batteries.

Storage uses common SD cards, with the Sony uniquely also supporting Memory Stick Duo formats.

Connectivity and Expandability: Staying Current

Sony’s TX9 introduced Eye-Fi connectivity for wireless image transfer - novel for 2010 but outdated now.

The YI M1 has built-in wireless and Bluetooth, allowing easier remote control and transfer. Both provide HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, but none have microphone or headphone jacks - a limitation for video creators.

Lens expandability is another distinct advantage for the YI M1’s Micro Four Thirds mount supporting over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. Sony’s TX9 being a fixed-lens compact offers no upgrade path.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

With the Sony TX9’s launch price near $799 in 2010, it targeted users looking for premium compact features. Now, in the used market, prices dip much lower but you’ll find it showing its age quickly.

The YI M1 launched at a modest $320, offering excellent sensor performance and lens interchangeability. It’s no longer manufactured but remains a rare bargain for beginners stepping into mirrorless cameras with larger sensors.

If you want advanced control, better image quality, and room to grow, the YI M1 delivers tremendous bang for your buck, provided you’re comfortable with added bulk and lens management.

Summary Ratings at a Glance

How do these cameras stack up across core categories?

• Image Quality: YI M1 takes it clearly - larger sensor and RAW support dominate.
• Portability: Sony TX9 is tiny and lightweight.
• Autofocus: YI M1 wins for flexibility and accuracy.
• Video: YI M1 with 4K capability and higher bitrate.
• User Controls: YI M1 has manual exposure modes; TX9 misses.
• Lens System: YI M1 supports lenses, Sony’s fixed.
• Connectivity: YI M1 more modern wireless.

Which Camera Fits Your Photography Depends on Your Genre

Breaking down performance across photography categories:

My Take: Which One Should You Choose?

If your priority is ease of use, true pocket portability, occasional travel memories, or street photography with minimal fuss, the Sony TX9 remains a charming little camera, despite its dated specs. Optical stabilization and decent touchscreen ease casual shooting, and compactness is unmatched.

If you want serious image quality, manual controls, and plan to grow into interchangeable-lens photography with better low light and video, the YI M1 is a remarkable entry-level mirrorless - especially at its price point. It’s a rewarding camera for enthusiasts and those exploring advanced photography.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Past and Present in Camera Design

The Sony TX9 and YI M1, although released six years apart in very different categories, both reflect thoughtful design tailored to their time’s photography trends. The TX9 aimed at travelers and casual snappers longing for compact convenience, while the YI M1 opened doors for beginners eager to embrace mirrorless technologies and more creative control.

As someone who’s put these cameras through their paces - testing autofocus accuracy, image quality under various lighting, burst shooting endurance, and connectivity options - my recommendation hinges on your shooting goals: portability or image quality and creative flexibility.

So, which camera will you pick for your photography journey? I hope my detailed walk-through has helped you see beyond specs to the real-world strengths and compromises these models offer.

Happy shooting!

Sony TX9 screen back YI M1 front YI M1 screen back