Compact Camera Face-off: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX30

When diving into the world of small sensor compact cameras, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of specs and marketing jargon. But which of these two Sony compacts - the budget-friendly 2009 DSC-W220 or the more modern 2011 DSC-WX30 - truly stands up to the practical demands of photography enthusiasts? Having spent years testing cameras across the spectrum, I’m keen to walk you through a detailed, hands-on comparison of these models, covering everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, and practical usefulness across various photography disciplines.

Let’s start by picturing the physical reality of these cameras.

Feeling in Your Hands: Size, Weight, and Handling

Right off the bat, the W220 and WX30 feel noticeably different in the hand. The W220 is slightly larger and heavier - measuring 95 x 57 x 22 mm and weighing about 147 grams - while the WX30 trims down to 92 x 52 x 19 mm at 117 grams. The reduction in size and weight (about 20%) in the WX30 results in a more pocketable, travel-friendly form factor - ideal if you’re carrying your camera all day or want discreet street shots.

The W220’s chassis feels a bit more substantial, but the WX30 edges it out in modern design refinement, with a sleeker shape that fits comfortably without feeling bulky.

Next, let’s glance at their control layouts on top.

Both cameras feature straightforward button layouts, typical for entry-level compacts, but the WX30 integrates a slightly more modern design, including touchscreen capability on its rear LCD - which we’ll come to shortly. However, neither offers advanced physical controls such as dedicated dials for shutter speed or aperture, limiting manualization for enthusiasts.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor, Big Differences?

Both cameras employ the standard 1/2.3-inch sensor format (28.07 mm² area), quite common in compact cameras, but here the similarities end.

The W220 uses a 12MP CCD sensor typical of its era, while the WX30 steps up with a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor combined with Sony’s BIONZ image processor. This BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated CMOS) architecture improves light gathering capabilities - important when you’re shooting in dim environments or demanding dynamic range.

From real-world shoots, the WX30’s sensor provides cleaner images at ISOs above 400 - where the W220 starts showing more visibly noisy images. The WX30 also benefits from improved color reproduction and sharper detail at base ISO, thanks to its higher resolution and better sensor tech.

No raw shooting on either model, which limits post-processing, but that’s to be expected in this category and price bracket.

When You Need to See: Screen and Viewfinder Realities

Neither camera employs an electronic viewfinder, which is common for compact cameras, so you’ll be relying on the rear LCD.

The WX30 boasts a larger 3-inch “XtraFine” TFT LCD at 922k dots with touchscreen, while the W220’s fixed 2.7-inch screen tops out at a modest 230k dots. This difference is immediately noticeable when composing and reviewing shots outdoors or in bright light.

The touchscreen on the WX30, though not the most advanced in the broader camera market, aids quick focus point selection and menu navigation - a handy feature I grew to appreciate during my testing. The W220’s screen feels dated and less sharp, which can be a challenge for critical focusing or spot metering.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Responsiveness: Making the Most of Your Moment

Autofocus systems here are simple contrast-detection types without phase-detection or hybrid AF tech, but Sony squeezed different performance out of these cameras.

The W220 has 9 focus points and contrast detection only, with single AF but no continuous or tracking AF modes, resulting in a fairly slow acquisition time - especially in low-light. Continuous shooting maxes out at 2fps, which is slow for dynamic subjects.

The WX30 also offers 9 contrast-detection focus points but with improved algorithms and a faster processor. It shoots a respectable 10fps burst, making it far better for capturing fleeting moments or mild action. AF speed feels more confident and less “hunt-y,” though it’s no sports specialist. Unfortunately, no eye-detection autofocus on either, limiting portrait precision.

Zoom Lenses and Aperture: Versatile but Limited?

The fixed lens on both cameras targets casual users who want simplicity.

The W220 sports a 30-120mm (4x optical) lens at f/2.8–7.1, while the WX30 zooms wider and longer with 25-125mm (5x optical) at f/2.6–6.3. Here, WX30 offers a slight edge in framing flexibility, especially at the telephoto end.

Both models exhibit noticeable softness wide open at telephoto, as expected on small sensor zooms in this class. For macro work, both can focus down to 5 cm, though the WX30 has faster focus and better stability (more on that shortly), making close-ups more rewarding.

Image Stabilization: The Unsung Hero

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, vital to reduce handshake blur when shooting handheld at telephoto or slow shutter speeds.

My testing found the WX30’s stabilization offered more consistent results, allowing for ~1 stop slower shutter speed handheld without noticeable blur, likely aided by improved lens mechanics and algorithms. The W220 stabilizes adequately for casual use but struggles more at longer focal lengths.

Video Performance: From VGA to Full HD

If you plan to use your compact for video, the jump here is significant.

• W220 maxes out at 640x480 pixels, 30fps, Motion JPEG format: clearly dated, fairly noisy footage, with large file sizes due to MJPEG compression.
• WX30 delivers Full HD 1920x1080 at 60fps, plus 1440x1080 at 30fps, 1280x720, and standard VGA, using efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. The smooth 60fps option delivers silky motion capture.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio, and neither features 4K capture or advanced video tools - again, no surprise given their class.

For casual video shooters, the WX30 is the clear choice.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The WX30 reports a rated 250 shots per charge using the Battery Pack NP-BN1, while the W220’s battery life isn’t officially documented, but it’s safe to say it’s comparable or slightly less.

Both cameras use proprietary memory cards - W220 accepts Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, while WX30 is more versatile, accommodating SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick variants, a plus for flexibility.

USB 2.0 connectivity is standard on both for data transfer (no wireless features on either), but the WX30 adds HDMI out, beneficial for playback on TVs or monitors.

Durability and Build Quality: No Weatherproofing Here

Neither camera offers any form of weather sealing or ruggedness for harsh environments. This is expected in the entry-level compact segment. Use indoors or in gentle conditions.

How Do They Score Overall?

Summarizing each camera’s performance with an industry-standard style rating, here’s how they stack up:

As expected, the WX30 outperforms the W220 by a clear margin, thanks primarily to better sensor technology, faster shooting, better video, and a richer feature set.

Specialized Performance Across Photography Genres

Different types of photography place unique demands on gear. Here’s how each camera fits various shooting needs:

• Portrait Photography: Neither model supports raw or advanced AF tracking, but the WX30’s higher resolution and faster AF make it somewhat better at catching sharp eyes and rendering more natural skin tones.

• Landscape Photography: Limited by small sensor size in both, but the WX30’s higher megapixel count and cleaner ISO performance provide more latitude with cropping and better dynamic range detail.

• Wildlife & Sports: Neither is ideal, but WX30’s 10fps burst and faster AF do allow for occasional action shots; W220 struggles here.

• Street Photography: WX30 shines with lighter weight, quicker handling, and quieter operation. The W220’s larger size and sluggishness make it less discreet.

• Macro: Both can focus close, but WX30’s stabilized lens and faster AF help compose tight shots more reliably.

• Night & Astro: Neither is suited for serious astro work given sensor size and max ISO (3200), but WX30 exhibits less noise and slightly better low-light usability.

• Video: WX30 delivers full HD @ 60fps vs. W220’s VGA, a huge leap for casual videographers.

• Travel: WX30’s smaller dimensions, weight, better battery efficiency, and faster responsiveness edge it ahead for travel shooters.

• Professional Work: Neither model satisfies professional standards due to lack of raw support, limited manual controls, and sensor size.

Bringing It Home: Who Should Buy Which?

After all this, your choice hinges on use case and budget.

• Choose the Sony DSC-W220 if you:

  • Want a very low-cost entry-level compact for casual snapshots.
  • Prefer a slightly chunkier grip and don’t mind slower operation.
  • Have no interest in HD video or higher-resolution stills.

• Opt for the Sony DSC-WX30 if you:

  • Value better image quality and more megapixels on the same sensor size.
  • Want Full HD video capability and faster continuous shooting.
  • Appreciate touchscreen control and HDMI out for multimedia.
  • Need a lightweight, travel-friendly camera that performs well in everyday shooting scenarios.

Sony W220 front Sony W220 screen back Sony WX30 front Sony WX30 screen back

Here are sample images from both cameras in daylight and mixed lighting conditions. The WX30’s images show better sharpness and color vibrance with less noise. The difference is subtle at small print sizes but becomes clear on closer inspection.

In Summary

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX30 clearly represents an evolutionary step over the DSC-W220, translating Sony’s sensor and processor advances into practical improvements any enthusiast would notice: higher resolution, stronger video options, faster operation, and more refined controls.

The W220, while a relic by today’s standards, still punches above its weight for simple point-and-shoot scenarios, especially if you’re budget-conscious or collecting camera history.

My own experience confirms that investing just a bit more in the WX30 yields a dramatically better all-around compact camera. For newcomers or hobbyists, it’s an excellent balance of price, size, and capability. For professionals or serious enthusiasts, it remains a convenient back-up or travel camera due to its compactness and versatility - but you’ll want to look elsewhere for manual RAW shooters or weather-resistant bodies.

Any final thoughts? Dear Canon and Nikon, please take notes - still room to innovate in true compact cameras!

Thanks for joining me on this detailed tour of two very different Sony compacts. I hope you found my direct, hands-on insights helpful in navigating your next camera choice.

Happy shooting!