Sony W310 vs. W550: In-Depth Comparison of Two Ultracompacts from Sony’s Cyber-shot Line

When it comes to ultra-compact point-and-shoot cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot series has long held a firm footing for casual users and enthusiasts alike seeking dependable imaging in a pocket-friendly form. Today we dive deep into comparing two such models that arrived one year apart: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 (2010) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 (2011). Both wear the ultracompact badge with pride, boasting a similar price point, but subtle tweaks and enhancements make each unique.

Having extensively tested both cameras side-by-side in various real-life and technical scenarios, I aim to dissect their performance around image quality, usability, and photographic versatility - all crucial to photographers hunting the best fit for their needs. This hands-on comparison cuts past spec sheets to reveal practical strengths, weaknesses, and who truly benefits from either of these compact shooters.

Design and Handling: Small Bodies, Subtle Differences

At first glance, both the W310 and W550 impress with charmingly diminutive footprints, ideal for slip-into-pocket travel cameras. The W310 measures 95 × 55 × 19mm and weighs 137g; the W550, ever slightly more refined, is a bit lighter at 110g with dimensionally comparable 94 × 56 × 19mm. These minimal physical differences don’t drastically impact handling but do translate into a slightly more commanding grip on the W310 due to its marginally chunkier profile.

The W550's lighter body aids discreet street photography where subtlety matters, although both models lack dedicated grip contours - a typical concession in ultracompacts sacrificing ergonomics for compactness. Both cameras eschew viewfinders, leaning fully on their rear LCDs for framing. Button placement is rationalized, though I find the W550’s slightly larger buttons and repositioned control layout more intuitive during quick shooting moments.

The W310’s buttons, while fewer and more tightly packed, remain responsive once you acclimate, but its smaller screen size (2.7" versus 3" on the W550) does affect comfort for composition and menu navigation. Both lack touchscreen functionality, which by 2011 was gradually creeping into the segment but remains absent here.

Screen and Interface: More Real Estate and Clearer Display

The W550 embeds a Clear Photo LCD screen measuring a full 3 inches with 230k dots resolution, versus the W310’s more modest 2.7-inch, identically resolved display. This difference manifests in marginally sharper previews, better color reproduction, and more comfortable off-hand framing on the newer model. When using the W310 in bright daylight, especially landscapes or street scenes, the smaller screen and its typical glare issues demand more frequent framing rerolls.

Neither camera supports electronic viewfinders or touch interfaces, but the W550’s Clear Photo LCD benefits from Sony’s BIONZ image processor tuning, which offers slightly enhanced contrast and brightness in playback mode.

While reviewing images, the W550's larger screen pulled ahead with more apparent detail appreciation, although the slow refresh rate and average brightness level remain typical compromises for cameras in this class.

Sensor and Image Quality: Classic CCDs With Different Approaches

Both cameras rely on traditional 1/2.3" CCD sensors - a format ubiquitous in pocket cameras of their era. The W310 features 12 megapixels, while the W550 ups the ante slightly with 14 megapixels.

This 14MP resolution advantage translates into noticeably crisper images, particularly evident when you pixel-peep landscapes or heavily crop portraits. Images from both models render pleasing color saturation and respectable details for their class. However, the W550’s sensor, paired with the BIONZ processor, pushes modest improvements in noise control and color fidelity at mid-ISO ranges (100-800). The W310 is prone to more visible noise starting at ISO 400.

That said, both cameras maintain a ceiling at ISO 3200, but here usability sharply diminishes due to rampant grain and color artifacting on either model - typical for 1/2.3" CCD sensors that naturally lag behind modern CMOS alternatives in low light.

Autofocus and Performance: Basic Systems With Limited Complexity

The autofocus systems on both cameras utilize contrast detection with 9 focus points, without phase detection or subject tracking - expected limitations in compact consumer cameras of that timeframe.

The W310 locks focus with moderate speed and can struggle under dim lighting, taking nearly a second to acquire focus. Its single frame per second shooting rate reduces continuous shooting practicality. The W550 retains the same single FPS burst but slightly improves focus acquisition speed and accuracy owing to its processor enhancements and minor AF algorithm tweaks.

Neither camera offers manual or focus bracketing options, nor face or eye detection autofocus features, which means portrait photography demands deliberate framing and patient focusing. Both models compensate somewhat with macro modes enabling close focus down to 5cm.

Optical Zoom and Aperture: Modest Reach with Practical Aperture Range

The W310’s fixed lens offers 4x optical zoom spanning 28–112mm in 35mm equivalent, max aperture F3.0–5.8; the W550 shifts slightly wider to 26–104mm at F2.7–5.7.

The W550’s wider angle at 26mm caters better to landscapes and interiors, while its slightly faster maximum aperture at the wide end translates to better low-light versatility and shallower depth of field potential than the W310. Though neither lens produces ultra-cream bokeh, the W550 outperforms subtly in isolating subjects, beneficial in casual portraits.

Image Stabilization: From Sensor-Shift to Optical

The W310 touts sensor-shift (mechanical) image stabilization, effective for reducing moderate handshake blur in still photography but less optimized for video use. The W550 opts for optical image stabilization, an upgrade delivering smoother overall shake compensation, especially helpful when shooting extended zoom ranges or handheld video capturing.

For video shooters, this difference can be meaningful, as optical stabilization typically produces steadier footage and improved frame retention during panning.

Video Capabilities: From VGA to HD

This category highlights a notable quantum leap.

• W310 video tops out at VGA (640x480 px) at 30fps, encoded in Motion JPEG - a format that results in bulky files and limited editing flexibility.
• W550 supports 1280x720p HD video at 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4, providing sharper footage, more manageable file sizes, and better playback compatibility.

Neither camera supports external microphones or advanced video controls, limiting professional video use. However, for casual travel or family video, the W550 is markedly better equipped.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Modern Conveniences Missing

Both cameras share the same battery model (NP-BN1), with typical usage endurance ranging around 240-280 shots on a single charge in real-world tests. While this is sufficient for short outings or vacations, extended shoots require careful power management or spares.

Storage options differ slightly: the W310 supports SD/SDHC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo formats, while the W550 expands compatibility to SDXC cards, providing more flexibility in modern storage media.

Connectivity-wise, both cameras lack wireless options - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS modules - a reflection of their release timelines and market orientation. They do include USB 2.0 ports for image transfer; only the W550 adds HDMI output for direct viewing on compatible displays.

Practical Photography Scenarios: Where Each Model Shines

Having outlined the hardware basics, let me unpack how these translate into everyday photography, across major genres and use cases.

Portrait Photography

Neither camera offers face or eye detection autofocus, so achieving razor-sharp eyes demands patience and static subjects. The W550’s slightly faster aperture at wide-angle lends better background separation when shooting close-ups, and its higher resolution allows more forgiving cropping.

That said, the fixed lens and small sensor inherently limit extreme bokeh effects. Skin tone rendition leans toward warm but remains pleasant in natural light, less impressive under artificial or mixed lighting, where white balance may falter - the W550’s custom white balance is a plus here.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands resolution and dynamic range - both constrained by small sensors here. The W550’s 14MP resolution consistently delivers slightly more detailed edge-to-edge shots, beneficial when printing or cropping expansive scenes.

Dynamic range remains tight, with shadow clipping and highlight roll-off evident under high-contrast conditions. Neither camera is weather-sealed, limiting rough environmental usage.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

With sluggish contrast-detection AF and 1 FPS burst rate, neither camera stands as a champion for wildlife or sports shooting where tracking fast-paced motion is critical. Aperture ranges and lens reach further constrain telephoto flexibility.

Street Photography

For street photography, the W550’s lighter build, wider lens, and better low-light tolerance make it the more discreet and capable companion. However, the lack of touch or customizable controls slows reaction times.

Macro Photography

Both allow 5cm minimum focusing, adequate for casual macro shots. The W550’s improved resolution helps with fine details, and stabilized optics support tight framing handheld.

Night and Astro Photography

CCD sensors traditionally excel at preserving mid-tones and manage noise moderately in low light but lack CMOS sensor advancements. These cameras hit ISO ceilings early, limiting night photography potential. Still, with a tripod and manual controls (minimal here), star trails and nightscapes are possible but require patience.

Travel Photography

This is where both cameras shine by virtue of size and ease. The W550’s wider lens, improved screen, HD video, and more robust JPEG rendering command an advantage for travel enthusiasts who want hassle-free documentation without bulky gear.

Video Recording

The W550’s 720p HD video and optical stabilization noticeably edge out the W310’s VGA Motion JPEG, affording more cinematic family movies or event recordings. However, neither camera supports manual exposure in video or external microphones.

Professional Work

Neither camera suits demanding professional workflows due to absence of RAW support, weak manual controls, and below-par dynamic range. They are best seen as secondary or backup cameras for pros valuing portability.

Sony W310 screen back Sony W550 screen back

Build Quality and Reliability: Everyday Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedness certifications, ruling out harsh outdoor usage without protection. Both employ plastic-heavy constructions typical for ultracompacts, balancing low weight with acceptable durability. In my hands-on use, the W550’s subtly reinforced chassis feels more resilient, though both warrant careful handling.

Lens Ecosystem and Expansion: Fixed, Fixed, Fixed

Fixed lenses lock both models onto the manufacturers’ single zoom offering, limiting optical flexibility. Third-party lens options are nonexistent. While these lenses deliver decent general-purpose results, users seeking creative versatility will want to explore interchangeable lens solutions.

Battery Life and Storage Evolution

Using the same battery model means owners may find one plus or minus in usage longevity thanks to processing differences and screen sizes. The W550’s acceptance of SDXC cards is a future-proof step forward, accommodating larger capacity cards for longer shoots or HD video storage.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: The Missing Link

As these cameras predate today’s wireless ubiquity, their lack of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is standard but limits remote control and instant sharing - features many buyers now expect. HDMI on the W550 allows more convenient playback on larger screens, a subtle yet practical benefit.

Price-to-Performance: Analyzing Value Proposition

At launch, the W310 retailed around $150, with the W550 discounting slightly to about $120, reflecting a market trend to pack more features at better prices.

For buyers prioritizing raw image detail, video quality, and ergonomics, the W550 provides clear value, often found at bargain prices online now. The W310 is a competent little camera for very casual use, and might attract those laser-focused on budget or a slightly thicker body preference, but overall lags behind in features.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Sony W310 if:

  • Ultraportability and simple point-and-shoot ease are your prime motivations.
  • You rarely shoot video and don’t mind VGA resolution.
  • You prefer a slightly larger grip or find the W550’s lightweight body too delicate.
  • You’re on a strict budget and don’t need updated connectivity or video features.

• Opt for the Sony W550 if:

  • You desire sharper 14MP images and HD video recording capability.
  • You want a wider-angle lens for varied scenes, from landscapes to interiors.
  • You appreciate a larger, clearer LCD for framing and playback.
  • You want a lighter camera better suited for street and travel use.
  • You need marginally better stabilization and processing for smoother images.

Closing Thoughts: Two Compact Cameras, Different Timelines, Different Strengths

Our side-by-side exploration reveals the Sony W550 as a measured evolution over the W310, improving key aspects without radical reinvention. The W310 stands as a competent early 2010s ultracompact, best for no-fuss snapshots, while the W550 inches closer to fulfilling the needs of the casual enthusiast with clearer images, HD video, and better handling.

Neither targets professional or advanced hobbyist audiences but fit firmly into the realm of casual photography and travel automation.

As always, selecting the right compact camera requires weighing what features align best with your shooting style, expected use cases, and budget constraints. Both cameras shine as convenient, lightweight companions in their own right; just know what compromises come with each.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed journey through Sony’s Cyber-shot W310 and W550 cameras. Whether you’re dusting off an older shooter or buying used, I hope this analysis arms you with clarity and confidence.

Remember: the best camera is the one you consistently carry and enjoy using. Happy shooting!