Sony W570 vs Sony W690: An Expert Showdown of Compact Cameras for Everyday Enthusiasts

Choosing between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 and DSC-W690 can feel a little like picking between two old friends. Both hail from Sony’s Cyber-shot family of compact cameras, designed for convenience and quick snapshots - but beneath those similarly humble exteriors lie nuanced differences that profoundly affect your shooting experience. Having put both models through extensive real-world use (and yes, endured the occasional frustrating point-and-shoot moment), I’m here to walk you through the critical facets of each camera and give you a hands-on, no-nonsense comparison. Whether you’re dabbling in travel photography, capturing portraits, or just looking for a reliable walk-around compact, this detailed comparison will help you make the right call.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact with Subtle Differences

At first glance, the W570 and W690 may look like carbon copies, but a closer inspection reveals subtle differences. The W570 is an ultracompact, featherweight at just 116 grams and dimensions of 91x52x19 mm, making it one of the most pocket-friendly cameras I’ve handled. The W690, however, is a bit chunkier (142 grams, 94x56x22 mm), signaling a slightly more substantial grip and presence in hand, albeit at some cost to pocketability.

Handling-wise, both cameras favor simplicity. The top-panel layout is straightforward - no surprises or complicated dials - but the W690 edges ahead in ergonomics with a slightly larger shutter button and thicker grip, which contributes to steadier handling in casual shooting. Neither offers manual controls beyond basic exposure compensation or aperture priority; these cameras are very much aimed at point-and-shoot users, though.

If you prize ultra-lightweight portability for street or travel shooting where you want to minimize bulk, the W570’s slimmer profile wins. But if a comfortable grip with better stability matters more, the W690’s incremental heft could be a welcome tradeoff.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor, Different Lens Sweet Spots

Both the W570 and W690 rely on Sony’s tried-and-true 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16 megapixels of resolution, identical sensor real estate resulting in a 4608x3456 max image resolution. While neither steps into the realm of professional image quality, they fare adequately for casual snapshot needs, producing decent detail in good lighting conditions.

That said, the sensor technology here is “vintage” by today’s standards - CCD sensors tend to underperform in high ISO noise control and dynamic range compared to modern back-illuminated CMOS sensors. Both cameras max out native ISO at 3200, but noise becomes a limiting factor beyond ISO 800 in practice, with the W690’s slightly improved noise handling owing to minor firmware tweaks and its more modern BIONZ processor.

Where these cameras truly diverge is their lenses:

• W570: 25-125mm equivalent focal range (5x zoom) with a slightly brighter max aperture of f/2.6 at wide angle, tapering to f/6.3 at telephoto.

• W690: Much longer 25-250mm equivalent focal length (10x zoom) with an aperture range spanning f/3.3-5.9.

The W570’s lens "fastness" at the wide end results in better low-light ease for indoor portraits or casual landscapes, while the W690’s extended zoom amplifies reach for distant wildlife or urban detail work, although its narrower max aperture can challenge exposure in dimmer situations.

In terms of image processing, both rely on Sony’s BIONZ engine, but the W690 benefits from a slightly more refined iteration, offering marginally better color fidelity and edge sharpness, particularly noticeable when scrutinizing prints or high-resolution displays.

Display and Interface: Clear and Simple, but Not Cutting Edge

Moving to screen and composition aids, both models feature fixed-type LCD screens that do the job without much fuss, but here the W690 pulls ahead again.

The W690 sports a slightly larger 3.0-inch ClearPhoto TFT LCD with 230k pixel resolution - marginally exceeding the W570’s 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD of the same resolution. While neither screen dazzles with high brightness or touchscreen capabilities, the bigger size on the W690 lends itself better to framing and reviewing shots outdoors.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which is a tough omission for anyone shooting in bright sunlight or seeking precise control over composition. That said, the W690 offers face detection autofocus - something the W570 lacks - which eases capturing portraits with correctly exposed skin tones and focused eyes (a boon especially in group shots).

Autofocus and Performance: Spot Focus vs. Face Detection

This is where the W690 makes one of its most compelling arguments. While both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems, the W690 boasts face detection and AF tracking capabilities. In my hands-on testing, this resulted in noticeably quicker and more accurate focus lock on human subjects, particularly faces moving into frame - a key advantage for casual portraits and street photography.

The W570’s AF system is more rudimentary, with 9 fixed focus points but no face detection, meaning you have to be a bit more deliberate when shooting people to avoid soft focus on eyes or unintended parts of the frame. Both cameras lack continuous autofocus or advanced tracking modes, limiting their utility for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

Moreover, continuous shooting is limited to 1 frame per second on both, which further restricts action photography.

Flash Performance and Stabilization: Practical Features for Casual Shooters

Both cameras feature built-in flashes with similar functional modes - Auto, On, Off, and Slow Sync - and respectable flash ranges, with the W570 reaching slightly farther at 3.7 meters compared to the W690’s 3.3 meters. Neither supports external flash units.

In image stabilization, both employ optical stabilization to counter hand-shake during handheld shots - a critical feature at longer focal lengths or low shutter speeds. In field testing under typical indoor lighting, both perform adequately to yield sharp images without excessive blur. Given the W690’s longer 10x zoom lens, its optical stabilization is somewhat more vital and effective, allowing tighter framing without degradation.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD, No Frills

If video shooting is on your agenda, neither camera is designed to impress cinephiles. Both models record HD video at 1280x720 resolution and 30 fps in MPEG-4 format - standard fare for entry-level compacts in their generation.

We find no 4K options or external mic/headphone inputs, which limits audio and image quality control. The W570 includes HDMI output, allowing easier playback on HDTVs, whereas the W690 omits this feature - interesting omission considering it’s the newer model.

Video stabilization is optical, mirroring still image stabilization performance. Neither offers advanced video modes like time-lapse or slow motion.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Usage Considerations

Battery life is a practical aspect often overlooked in grunt camera specs but crucial in the field. The W690 provides official battery life of around 220 shots per charge, while Sony did not specify numbers for the W570, though user reports suggest slightly less endurance due to the older NP-BN1 battery model.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept a wide range of flash memory formats - SD, SDHC, SDXC cards, as well as proprietary Memory Stick Duo variants - offering flexibility for existing Sony users and a good measure of future-proofing.

USB 2.0 data transfer is standard on both, with the W570 having the advantage of an HDMI output port. Wireless connectivity on the W570 includes Eye-Fi card support (Wi-Fi enabled memory cards), whereas the W690 lacks built-in wireless features entirely.

Build Quality and Durability: No Weather Sealing, But Solidly Constructed

These cameras do not offer weather sealing or ruggedized features such as shockproof or freezeproofing, common in higher-tier models. They are best used as everyday cameras under benign conditions.

The plastic bodies feel solidly built but not overly robust - a reasonable design given the targeted casual user who wants pocket portability more than professional reliability.

Handling Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Because these two models represent slightly different tradeoffs in zoom reach, aperture speed, and autofocus capability, their preferred genres within everyday photography diverge somewhat.

Portrait Photography

The W690 holds an edge here thanks to face detection and AF tracking, improving focus reliability on subjects’ eyes and enhancing skin tone rendering. Its longer zoom allows natural-looking portrait framing without intrusive distance. However, its narrower max aperture limits bokeh quality and low-light performance.

The W570 - with its faster f/2.6 aperture on the wide end - produces slightly better background blur and performs better in dim indoor light, but autofocus can be hit-or-miss on faces. Portraits might feel more “snapshot” than polished.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, resolution and dynamic range matter most. Both cameras share the same sensor and minimal dynamic range, so neither delivers breathtaking tonal gradation. The W570’s slightly faster lens aperture helps in low light or golden hour shots, but the W690’s longer zoom offers more framing versatility for distant vistas or architectural details.

Neither camera features environmental sealing essential for rugged outdoor use, so weather conditions limit their deployment.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both cameras struggle here due to slow autofocus, lack of continuous AF, and low burst speed (1 fps). The W690’s longer 250mm reach and AF tracking tips the scales slightly in favor of wild animal photos or distant sports shots but mostly in bright, static situations.

Street and Travel Photography

The ultra-compact W570’s pocketability and lightness shine here. It’s discreet and always at hand - a boon for candid street captures. The W690’s bulk and zoom make it less subtle but more versatile for varied scenes during travel.

Macro Photography

Both support close focusing down to 5 cm with optical stabilization to assist hand-held macro shots, resulting in decent detail on flowers or small objects but are limited by fixed lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels in long exposures due to max shutter speeds and lack of manual exposure modes. High ISO noise hampers low-light quality, with the W690 showing only slight noise advantage.

Video Creators

Basic HD video recording without external audio inputs or 4K support restricts these models to casual video.

Professional Use

Given their fixed lenses, lack of RAW support, and simple automation, both cameras fall well short of pro workflows but serve as handy backup cameras for casual documentation or quick snaps.

Real-World Sample Images Speak Volumes

No review is complete without checking final image output from both cameras.

Sony W570 front Sony W570 screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

In daylight, both produce pleasing colors and crisp snaps with good detail. The W690’s 10x zoom allows framing options the W570 can’t touch - but often at the cost of noise and softness in telephoto shots.

Indoors or low light, the W570’s brighter lens yields cleaner and better exposed photos, though focusing may require patience.

Performance Metrics and Scores: Objective Benchmarks

While these models have not been independently tested by DxOMark for sensor scores, we can look at overall performance ratings based on combined hands-on usage parameters.

Here, the W690 achieves marginally higher scores driven by its enhanced autofocus and zoom capabilities, but the W570 holds its own as a pure casual snapshot camera focusing on portability and low-light lens speed.

Photography Genre-Specific Strengths

A more granular analysis is helpful to map out best-fit use cases:

• Portraits: W690 leads due to AF face detection but loses low light edge to W570
• Landscapes: Tie, with zoom versatility to W690, brightness to W570
• Wildlife: W690’s longer zoom beneficial but limited by 1 fps shooting
• Sports: Neither suitable, though W690’s AF tracking helps slightly
• Street: W570’s compact size preferred for discretion
• Macro: Tie, similar macro distance & stabilization
• Night/Astro: Limited capability, slight noise edge to W690
• Video: Basic HD only, no clear winner
• Travel: W570 for portability, W690 for versatility
• Professional: Neither recommended beyond casual/proxy use

Technical Takeaways From Hands-On Testing

• Sensor: Traditional 1/2.3” CCD with 16 MP offers good resolution but limited dynamic range and noise control compared to modern CMOS.

• Lens: W570’s faster at wide end; W690’s 10x zoom adds flexibility but narrows aperture.

• AF: W690’s face detection and AF tracking are functional advancements improving focus hit rate.

• Build: Lightweight plastic, unsealed; adequate for casual use, avoid extreme conditions.

• Stabilization: Optical IS performs commendably for handheld shots at longer focal lengths.

• Power: W690’s NP-BN battery outlasts W570’s NP-BN1 marginally; plan to carry extras for extensive shooting.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which Sony compact wins your hard-earned money? That depends on how and where you shoot.

• If pocketability, quick casual snaps, and low-light indoor performance are your priorities - and you prefer a lighter, simpler camera - the Sony W570 remains a trustworthy, budget-friendly ultracompact. Its faster wide-angle lens helps in many common scenarios, and while its autofocus is basic, it’s adequate for stationary subjects.

• If you want more versatility from a longer zoom lens, improved autofocus with face detection, and a larger LCD for framing, and you don’t mind a bulkier camera with a slightly higher price tag, the Sony W690 is the better pick. It shines in portrait and street photography where subject tracking brings benefits and gain in zoom reaches distant subjects better.

Neither camera caters to professional-level control or superior image quality, but both serve well as simple, reliable point-and-shoots in the compact segment - especially for beginners or casual users wanting something more flexible than a smartphone.

When compared with modern entry-level compacts or mirrorless models - even budget models from Sony’s Alpha line or Canon’s PowerShot series - both W570 and W690 begin to show their age. But if your heart is set on a straightforward Cyber-shot with proven compactness and easy operation, this comparison clarifies what you gain and lose between these two era-adjacent cousins.

In closing, I recommend auditioning these cameras in-store if possible - nothing beats the tactile feel and focused testing with your style of photography to cement the final decision.

Happy shooting, and may your next compact companion fit your hands and your creative intent perfectly.

End of Review