Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 vs DSC-W620: The Ultimate Compact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s world, especially from the Sony Cyber-shot lineup, can be a bit like walking into a candy store with a pocket full of coins - you want something sweet, affordable, but also packs a punch when it counts. Today, we’ll dig deep into two small-sensor Sony compacts: the 2009 Sony W230 and the 2012 W620. Both are modest cameras on paper but measuring actual use and value from a seasoned photographer's viewpoint unveils a lot more than their spec sheets show.

I’ve spent well over a decade testing compact cameras from every angle - portrait studios, rugged landscapes, fast-moving sports action, and low-light astrophotography - so buckle up as we examine these two rivals, their strengths, limitations, and which niches they fit in best. Spoiler: neither is designed for professionals per se, but every photographer deserves a solid backup or budget-friendly everyday shooter.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: Compact Cameras That Punch Above Their Weight

Let’s start with what you actually hold in your hands. Size, weight, and how the controls feel can make or break your shooting experience, especially on the street or while traveling light.

The Sony W230 measures 95x57x22 mm and weighs about 156 grams. It feels unexpectedly solid in hand, with an optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism adding quiet reassurance for shake reduction. The grip is slightly chunkier, which helps with ergonomics for my medium-to-large hands - no wrestling for clubs to slap thumbs into the right spot here.

Compare that to the W620, which shrinks the footprint just a touch to 98x56x20 mm and cuts weight significantly to 116 grams. It’s slim and sleek, friendly for pockets and spontaneous street shoots. However, smaller size means buttons are compacted, and without optical stabilization in the W620, you might need a steadier grip or tripod support in dimmer conditions.

If you appreciate tactile feedback and a touch more heft that anchors your shots, the W230’s design wins out ergonomics-wise. But if ultra-portability is your thing, especially for travel or street sessions where every gram counts, the W620’s lighter frame will charm you.

Design Details & Control Layout: Where Form Meets Function

Beyond size, the control scheme can shape how instinctive a camera feels.

Sony’s straightforward button placement continues in both models, but the W230 boasts a traditional, tactile mode dial and a clearly arranged command cluster - ideal for quick one-handed changes during spontaneous shooting.

The W620 simplifies things with fewer dedicated controls, relying more on menus and multi-function buttons. This reflects its “point-and-shoot” philosophy leaning more toward casual use. The lack of manual focus control on the W620 makes it less flexible for advanced users who love stepping outside auto modes.

Also important: Neither camera has a viewfinder, so you’re entirely dependent on the LCD - the W230’s fixed 3-inch screen edges out the W620 slightly in size (2.7 inches). Both offer 230k-dot resolution, so fine detail and daylight visibility aren’t great here, but enough for framing and reviewing shots quickly.

More on screens shortly.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Chips in a World of CMOS Giants

Here’s where things get interesting. Both cameras share a 1/2.3” sensor size but with key differences:

• Sony W230: 12-megapixel CCD sensor with a max ISO of 3200.
• Sony W620: 14-megapixel CCD sensor, also max ISO 3200.

CCD sensors tend to have a classic image rendition known for pleasant color gradations but with compromises in low-light noise and dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors common in mirrorless cameras today.

The W620 nudges ahead in resolution, granting extra pixels for larger prints or cropping flexibility. However, that bump often results in more noise under dim conditions since pixel sizes shrink.

In my own side-by-side tests under controlled lighting, the W230's images show marginally smoother noise performance at ISO 800–1600, whereas the W620’s higher resolution is evident in daylight and well-lit scenarios, yielding crisper details but noisier shadows.

Neither camera supports RAW shooting, so we rely heavily on JPEG processing quality. Here, Sony’s aging BIONZ processor inside the W620 offers better in-camera noise reduction and color tweaking compared to the W230’s older processing pipeline.

Bottom line: For casual landscapes and portraits in good light, the W620 delivers finer detail. But for budget-minded users worried about grain, the W230 holds its ground impressively.

LCD Screens and Interface: The Finder You Actually Use

Take a look at the screens:

The W230’s 3” screen is slightly larger, but both cameras max out at the basic 230k-dot resolution, making critical focusing or judging video sharpness tricky in bright outdoor conditions.

The W620’s “Clear Photo TFT LCD” branding suggests Sony improved brightness and color fidelity, but in practice, the difference is subtle. The tradeoff is the smaller size may be less comfortable for framing detailed shots or video.

Both lack touchscreen functionality, which by 2012 standards was not uncommon in budget compacts. Responsiveness of software menus is peppy on the W620 due to its BIONZ engine but both cameras keep user interfaces exceptionally simple - no complex customizations or fine grip toggles.

Shooting Modes and Autofocus Performance: How Smart Are These Cameras?

Photography enthusiasts often demand speedy, accurate autofocus and flexible shooting modes for diverse conditions. Let’s dissect that:

The W230 surprisingly offers manual focus, a rarity in budget compacts. While it can be clunky to use with the fixed 4x zoom lens, for macro or critical focusing it's a nice-to-have.

The W620, more modern, relies fully on autofocus with face detection and tracking, assisting portraitists and casual users in locking onto faces - something the W230 can’t match.

Continuous shooting speeds are slow on both, reflecting their eras and sensor readout limitations. Action or sports photography here is a stretch, better left to more specialized cams.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting: Shaky Hands Meet Shaky Frames

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is a huge plus for handheld shooting, especially in low light or zoomed telephoto.

The W230 includes OIS, an important feature that helps yield sharper shots at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths, useful when the light dips but you still want crisp images without tripods.

However, the W620 lacks any form of image stabilization, meaning you'll be relying on steadier hands or higher ISOs that increase noise.

As for burst shooting, neither camera excels - 2 frames per second on W230 and just 1 fps on W620 won’t keep pace with fast-moving subjects. Wildlife or sports shooters should look elsewhere, but videos or family snaps at a relaxed pace are fine.

Video Recording: Basic but Functional for Occasional Clips

Both cameras record video, but with notable limits:

The W620’s HD video is a clear upgrade, making it at least acceptable for casual vloggers or travel diaries. The W230 is stuck with limited VGA video, which today looks obsolete.

Neither camera offers microphone inputs or headphone monitoring, so audio quality is basic, best suited for memories rather than polished production.

Battery Life and Storage: What Powers Your Day Out?

Battery life data is scarce for the W230 but expect modest performance given the compact form and CCD sensor power draw. The W620, with a dedicated rechargeable battery (NP-BN), achieves roughly 220 shots per charge - better but still limited for intensive outings.

Storage compatibility is straightforward but with differences:

• W230 uses Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo cards, Sony’s proprietary format - less common today and pricier.
• W620 is more versatile, accepting SD, microSD, and Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, expanding compatibility and budget options.

Given prices and availability, the W620 wins on storage flexibility.

Build Quality and Durability: Fragile or Tough Enough?

Both cameras are entry-level compacts with no environmental sealing or ruggedization. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shock-resistant.

Given their lightweight plastic bodies, expect gentle handling. The W230’s slight heft gives it an illusion of sturdiness, but drop it and you’ll regret relying on ‘club for thumbs’ protection alone.

If you want durability for hiking or unpredictable weather, neither model is the answer, but adding a padded case and protective filters can extend life.

Lens Fundamentals: Zoom Range and Aperture Considerations

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with similar multipliers due to identical small sensors (crop factor ~5.8x):

• W230: 30–120 mm (4x zoom), aperture F2.8–5.8
• W620: 28–140 mm (5x zoom), aperture F3.2–6.5

The W620 offers a noticeably longer zoom reach - great if that extra telephoto squeeze is your thing (think casual wildlife or street candids from afar). The tradeoff is a slightly slower lens, meaning less light gathering at telephoto ends.

The W230’s brighter maximum aperture at wide angle (F2.8) helps in low-light portrait and indoor shots, better separating subjects from backgrounds thanks to shallower depth of field on a tiny sensor (though, don’t expect dreamy bokeh here).

Real-World Photography Performance by Genre

To really gauge performance, I tried both cameras in typical shooting situations. Here’s the breakdown:

Portraits: Capturing Skin Tones and Expressions

• W230: Skin tones are warm and somewhat subdued - pleasant but a bit soft. Manual focus aids macro and details. Lack of face detection means more missed focus in fast situations.
• W620: Improved sharpness and face detection make portraits easier for beginners. Skin tones are slightly cooler; less control over focus can frustrate perfectionists.

Neither camera produces creamy bokeh due to sensor size limitations, but backgrounds are acceptably blurred when shooting close.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

• W230: Dynamic range is modest; shadow detail clipped under harsh contrast. 12 MP resolution satisfactory for web use, not large prints.
• W620: Slightly better resolution helps cityscapes and nature scenes with more detail - but skies can clip harshly without HDR tricks.

Neither has weather sealing, so watch the weather!

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Autofocus Critical

Both struggle here. Low continuous shooting rates and slow AF make fast action frustrating. The W620’s face tracking is a plus in capturing kids and pets. Image stabilization on the W230 helps freeze movement a bit.

Street Photography: Stealth, Discretion, Portability

• W620: Wins here with slim body, quick AF, and silent operation.
• W230: Bulkier and noisier shutter reveal its presence.

Macro Shots: Tiny Details, So Close Yet So Far

Both cameras offer close focus distances (~4–5 cm) but only the W230’s manual focus mode helps nail precise focusing, a real boon for macro shooters.

Night and Astro: Can They Handle Darkness?

CCD sensors on small compacts are noise prone at high ISO. Neither camera is ideal here, but if you’re patient and stabilize the W230’s OIS helps slightly. W620 struggles noisier and less forgiving.

Connectivity: Sharing Your Shots Made Simple or Difficult?

The W620 offers “Eye-Fi” wireless card compatibility, enabling some wireless transfers geographically ahead of its time. The W230 has none.

Neither camera includes Bluetooth, NFC, or full Wi-Fi, so transferring files involves cables or card readers.

Pricing and Value: Are These Cameras Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

As of their last pricing states:

• Sony W230: ~$180 (new old stock or used)
• Sony W620: ~$102 (budget steals abound)

The W620’s price advantage combined with higher megapixels, better video, and wireless transfer capability makes it the value champ - but you're paying for fewer features like image stabilization and manual control.

Summary: Where Each Camera Shines and Who Should Buy Which?

Sony W230 front Sony W230 screen back Sony W620 front Sony W620 screen back

Final Verdict: Expert Recommendations by Use Case

For Enthusiasts Seeking Control
If you want manual focus and optical stabilization for occasional creative shots, and value better handheld low-light shooting, the Sony W230 remains a charming option - especially if you find it at a good price.

For Budget-Conscious Everyday Shooters
The Sony W620 offers more modern conveniences, HD video, versatile zoom, and wireless transfers, nailing casual travel, street photography, and family snapshots for dirt-cheap.

For Wildlife, Sports, or Professional Use
Neither camera is ultimately suited due to slow burst speeds and limited focus capabilities. Professionals should look to entry-level mirrorless or DSLR offerings with APS-C or larger sensors.

Closing Thoughts

The Sony W230 and W620 are relics of an era when smartphones had not yet conquered compact photography entirely. Each has unique quirks and modest improvements in the newer W620 reflect evolving user expectations.

If you want a no-frills, inexpensive point-and-shooter with a slight edge in image stabilization and manual control, go for the W230. But if you want a tiny, light, budget-friendly camera with better video, wireless features, and smarter autofocus for everyday use, the W620 punches above its weight and price.

At the end of the day, both cameras are limited by their sensor sizes and aging tech, but with realistic expectations they serve admirably as lightweight travel companions or simple family cameras. Their value lies in simplicity, portability, and Sony’s reliable imaging pedigree.

Feel free to ask me how these hold up compared to today’s mirrorless options, or for lens advice if you upgrade from these compacts next.

Happy Shooting!