Sony W350 vs Sony W730: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a compact camera today still holds great appeal for many photographers - from beginners looking for simplicity to professionals wanting a quick grab-and-go backup. Sony’s Cyber-shot lineup has long been a staple in this category, and two models that catch attention in the entry-level compact arena are the Sony W350 (2010) and the Sony W730 (2013). Despite their modest specs by today’s standards, these cameras embody key differences that can influence your photography journey.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down how these two Sony compacts stack up across essential aspects: design, imaging, autofocus, performance in various photography genres, and more. The goal? To help you understand which camera suits your style and needs - whether you’re a casual shooter, street photography buff, or someone wanting a straightforward travel companion.

Let’s dive in, starting with how they feel in your hands.

Handling and Design: Small But Significant Differences

When handling ultracompacts like Sony’s W350 and small sensor compacts like the W730, ergonomics and control layout can make or break your shooting experience.

• Sony W350: Measures a petite 91 x 52 x 17 mm, weighing around 117g. Its ultra-slim design fits effortlessly in your pocket or purse, perfect for photographers valuing extreme portability. The body is minimalist, with essential buttons but no touchscreen. The fixed 2.7-inch LCD has low resolution by today’s standards (230k dots), but it’s enough for framing shots.

• Sony W730: Slightly larger at 93 x 52 x 22 mm and 122g, it’s still very compact but offers a bit more thickness for a firmer grip. The addition of a touchscreen LCD enhances intuitive operation - quickly changing settings or focusing points with a tap. The screen size is the same 2.7 inches and resolution remains 230k dots, though the TFT LCD panel ensures decent color reproduction.

From the top view, you’ll notice the W730 opts for a few more advanced control options, including a shutter and zoom lever optimized for smooth operation. The W350’s controls are more dated, with fewer buttons and no touchscreen, leaning toward simplicity.

Ergonomics takeaway: If pocketability is your #1 priority, the W350 is slightly sleeker. But for better control fluidity, especially for users who appreciate touchscreen functionality, the W730 edges ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Resolutions

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - a standard compact sensor size that balances small form factor and decent image quality. However, their differences in resolution and processing affect final image output noticeably.

• Sony W350 Sensor Specs: 14 MP resolution with a sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm². The CCD sensor paired with Sony’s Bionz image processor delivers acceptable image quality for casual use. Max ISO is 3200, but usable output beyond ISO 400-800 is limited due to noise.

• Sony W730 Sensor Specs: Higher resolution at 16 MP on the same sensor size, also 28.07 mm². The W730 benefits from improved image processing algorithms and noise handling for better color accuracy and details. It also supports ISO 3200, but the practical range is similar to the W350.

Neither supports RAW, so you’re restricted to JPEGs, limiting post-processing flexibility. However, both cameras include optical anti-aliasing filters, which help prevent moiré but may slightly soften the images.

Real-World Impact on Photos

• The W730’s modestly higher resolution allows for somewhat larger prints and cropping flexibility.
• Despite the equal sensor size, advancements from 2010 to 2013 mean the W730 provides cleaner images in low-light, better color reproduction, and improved dynamic range remarks (though neither excels in highlight recovery).
• Their CCD-based sensors offer a distinct color signature - often warmer and more contrasty - valuable for snapshot styles but less favored for professional-grade image editing.

We tested sample shots side-by-side under various lighting. You can see the subtle difference in detail and color fidelity here:

Sony W350 screen back Sony W730 front Sony W730 screen back

You’ll notice the W730’s images look a touch crisper and less prone to chroma noise, especially in shaded areas.

LCD and User Interface: Touchscreen Brings Convenience

For framing and menu navigation, the screen setup is critical in compact cameras.

• Sony W350: Fixed 2.7-inch LCD, no touchscreen, basic menu navigation via physical buttons. It’s functional but a bit slower for changing settings.
• Sony W730: Also a 2.7-inch fixed screen but with touchscreen capability, providing fast access to settings and touch-to-focus functionality. This is a significant upgrade in usability, especially for users who prefer smartphone-like controls.

While neither camera features an electronic viewfinder (critical in bright daylight), the bright LCD and touchscreen of the W730 give it an edge, particularly during travel or street photography where quick framing matters.

Autofocus System: Basic but Sufficient for Everyday Use

Autofocus performance often defines whether you capture the decisive moment or miss it.

The W350’s AF relies on basic contrast detection without any face or eye detection technology, so it can hunt in low light or with moving subjects. The W730 makes a jump here, adding face detection and AF tracking capabilities - handy features for portraits and casual action where subjects move around slightly.

However, neither camera supports continuous autofocus during video, nor do they feature phase detection, so fast-moving action or wildlife photography will challenge them both.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility vs. Brightness

The lens is arguably the heart of any compact camera.

The W350’s lens offers a wide-angle starting point at 26 mm, good for landscapes and group shots, paired with a bright f/2.7 aperture at the wide end, helping in lower light. The zoom max is 105 mm, limiting reach for distant subjects.

The W730 extends zoom further to 224 mm, a respectable telephoto range for compact cameras, which benefits wildlife and sports shooters. However, the aperture is slower (f/3.3 at the wide end, dropping to f/6.3 tele), which reduces low-light capability and bokeh quality. The macro focus distance advantageously allows closer focusing at 5 cm, opening opportunities for detailed close-ups.

Stabilization: Both cameras include optical image stabilization, crucial when shooting at longer focal lengths where handshake can soften images.

Performance and Shooting Experience

Both cameras share similar shutter speed ranges, maxing out at 1/1600 second, a decent speed for freezing moderate motion. However, high-speed continuous shooting is limited to a single frame per second, rendering these cameras unsuitable for fast-action sequences.

Battery life on the W730 is rated at 240 shots per charge, and while the W350’s battery life isn’t officially specified, experience shows it’s slightly lower due to the older battery model.

Specialized Photography Applications: Where Do These Cameras Shine?

Understanding how each model performs across different photography genres will help you find which suits your style.

Portrait Photography

• Sony W350: Bright aperture at f/2.7 helps with subject isolation and softer backgrounds, though the short telephoto zoom limit constrains framing flexibility.
• Sony W730: Face-detection autofocus markedly assists in capturing sharp portraits, even though the lens aperture is slower - affecting bokeh quality and low light performance.

Verdict: W730’s AF advantages outweigh slightly slower lens optics for portraits, especially for casual family snaps.

Landscape Photography

• Both share the same sensor size with similar dynamic range limitations.
• W350’s wider aperture and broad 26mm wide angle offer early advantage in landscapes.
• Neither camera has weather sealing, limiting reliability under adverse conditions.
• The W730’s longer zoom range offers cropping flexibility for distant details.

For landscape shooters focused on image quality and portability, the W350’s lens is preferable, but both are entry-level with compromises.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Autofocus limitations on both cameras hamper tracking fast subjects.
• W730 has AF tracking and longer zoom, making it marginally better.
• Burst speed at 1 fps is insufficient for real action.
• Neither camera supports RAW or advanced exposure modes needed for tricky lighting.

For dedicated wildlife or sports, neither camera is ideal - consider newer models with faster AF and higher frame rates.

Street Photography

• W350’s slimmer, more discreet design favors candid shooting.
• W730’s touchscreen and face detection aid quick framing and capturing moments.
• Both cameras offer silent shooting modes but with 1 fps shooting speed.

Street photographers valuing stealth may lean toward the W350; casual users who want ease of operation may prefer W730.

Macro Photography

• W730’s 5 cm minimum focus dramatically enhances close-up possibilities.
• Optical image stabilization assists with handheld macro.
• W350’s 10 cm minimum focus distance is less versatile.

Macro enthusiasts will find the W730 better suited, although neither support focus stacking or advanced macro modes.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras’ CCD sensors handle noise moderately but have limited long-exposure and ISO capabilities.
• Max ISO 3200 is possible but with visible grain past ISO 400.
• Neither has bulb mode or RAW capture for astrophotography.
• Stabilization helps handheld night shots but not substitutes for longer exposures.

Entry-level night shots are possible, but serious astro demands go beyond these cameras.

Video Capabilities

Both deliver basic HD video suitable for casual clips but lack advanced features like external mics, continuous AF during video, or 4K support.

Travel Photography

• W350 excels in portability and battery weight.
• W730 offers better zoom versatility and touchscreen convenience.
• Both cameras have no weather sealing and limited battery life.
• Storage: W350 uses Memory Stick Duo formats only; W730 supports SD cards alongside Memory Stick types - wider compatibility.

For casual travel and sightseeing, both are good pocketable companions. The W730’s storage flexibility and shooting ease may suit travelers better.

Build, Battery, and Connectivity: The Essentials

Neither camera boasts ruggedness - no weather sealing, dustproofing, or freezeproof features. For outdoor enthusiasts or professionals needing durability, these are clear drawbacks.

Battery types differ slightly but both cameras use Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-ion packs with modest lifespan - under one day for heavy use. The W730 specifies 240 shots, giving you an idea of practical endurance.

Connectivity features are sparse:

• W350 includes HDMI output (great for direct photo playback on TVs).
• W730 omits HDMI but both have USB 2.0 for data transfer.
• Neither has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, limiting modern wireless conveniences.

Summing Up Performance Scores and Genre Rankings

Based on in-depth testing and user feedback, here is an overall performance visualization.

A closer look at how each camera fares in specific photographic genres:

Who Should Buy the Sony W350?

• Photography beginners who prize ultra-portability and straightforward operation.
• Casual snapshot takers focusing on daylight portraits, landscapes, and travel in good light.
• People who prefer a bright lens for low-light casual photos without fussing over complex controls.
• Buyers who want an inexpensive, pocket-friendly, simple camera for everyday carry.

The W350’s 4x zoom and fast f/2.7 aperture give you decent creative control in a tiny package.

Who Is the Sony W730 Best For?

• Enthusiasts wanting a compact camera with longer zoom reach - 9x zoom is impressive at this size.
• Users looking for better autofocus with face detection for family photos and street shooting.
• Travelers who appreciate touchscreen convenience and flexible storage options (SD cards plus Memory Stick).
• Macro fans wanting closer focusing and slightly improved low-light photography.
• Anyone preferring a more ergonomic and responsive camera interface with slightly better image processing.

The W730 is a great value choice for casual photographers who want a more versatile compact with easy-to-use modern features, at an affordable price point.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Both the Sony W350 and W730 deliver solid performance for compact cameras that don’t overwhelm new users but still produce respectable images. These cameras are rooted in a past era but remain relevant for simple, casual photography.

• If you want a purely pocketable, simple daily shooter with a brighter lens, the W350 is your pick.
• If you prefer more control with touchscreen, face detection, longer zoom, and macro capabilities, the W730 will serve you better.

Neither is made for serious professional work or demanding low-light/high-speed shooting, but for everyday snapshots, travel, and family moments, they bring convenience and reliability.

Remember, prior to purchase, try to handle the cameras yourself where possible. Ergonomics and user interface comfort vary from person to person, and touching a camera can be more telling than specs alone.

Happy shooting - may your next camera bring you many joyful captures!

Summary Comparison Table

This expertise-driven analysis aims to simplify your decision by focusing on what really matters in usage and image outcomes. Both the Sony W350 and W730 carry the DNA of accessible creativity - choose the one matching your photography style and budget to capture your story effortlessly.