Sony W230 vs Sony W550

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Sony W230 and Sony W550, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact and both are produced by Sony. The image resolution of the W230 (12MP) and the W550 (14MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The W230 was revealed 3 years prior to the W550 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony W230 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the W230 matches up against the W550 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The full galleries are viewable at Sony W230 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony W230 enjoys external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony W550 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Compare the Sony W230 and Sony W550 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the W230 and the W550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the W230 and W550 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The photograph here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the W230 and W550.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Sony W550 to resolve greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The older W230 is going to be behind in sensor tech.