Sony W690 vs. Sony A35: A Hands-On Expert’s Deep-Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras

Choosing a camera these days can feel like stepping into a minefield, especially when brands offer models that span wildly different categories under the same roof. Take Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-W690 and the SLT-A35 – both introduced around the same early 2010s era, yet they cater to very different shooters with drastically dissimilar feature sets, performance ceilings, and user experiences. Having handled thousands of cameras through my 15+ years covering this industry, I know the devil’s in the details. So let’s break down these two Sony models head-to-head - not just on paper but from real-world testing and practical use that matters most for your photography goals.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Starting with the physical feel, the Sony W690 is what I call a true “pocket companion” - delightfully compact and featherweight at just 142 grams. Its tiny footprint (94 x 56 x 22 mm) makes it an ultra-portable grab-and-go, fitting easily into any purse or jacket pocket. Ergonomically speaking, don’t expect beefy grips or clubs for thumbs here; the lack of manual controls means a minimalist, almost toy-like experience that’s great for casual snapshots, not heavy-duty shooting sessions.

Contrast this with the Sony A35, a bona fide entry-level DSLR-style camera weighing in at 415 grams and measuring 124 x 92 x 85 mm. Its body feels much chunkier and more substantial in hand, more in line with what you’d want if you like clamping your clubs for thumbs on a proper grip with lots of tactile buttons. The A35 expects you to get hands-on with manual focusing, exposure settings, and a more premium build - albeit without weather sealing. No ruggedness here, which is understandable at its price point.

Looking at the top, the W690 keeps things simple with minimal dials or toggles, ideal for quick point-and-shoot use but little else. The A35’s top view reveals a more elaborate control layout including dedicated mode dials, a pop-up flash, and exposure compensation buttons - essential for enthusiasts wanting creative freedom.

Bottom line: If you want the absolute smallest and simplest camera for casual photography, W690 wins hands down. For anyone serious about learning photography or craving more manual control, don’t blink at the A35's heft and layout.

Sensor Technology: Foundation of Image Quality

Here is where these two could not be more different – image processors aside, the W690 features a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 16-megapixel count. The A35 uses a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5 x 15.6 mm (16MP), which is about twelve times bigger in area. This size difference alone gives the A35 distinct advantages in image quality, noise control, and dynamic range.

CCD sensors, like in the W690, are generally excellent at producing crisp images in bright light but fall short when it comes to handling high ISO performance. They tend to have slower readout speeds, which can limit burst shooting and video capabilities.

In contrast, the A35’s APS-C CMOS sensor leverages better low light performance, wider dynamic range (DxOMark scores of 12.7 EV vs. untested but noticeably limited W690), and greater latitude for post-processing, especially since it shoots RAW files (W690 does not).

When zooming into landscapes or portraits, the A35’s sensor captures finer details with less noise and more natural colors, while the W690’s sensor can struggle to maintain sharpness toward the edges and often produces slightly muted tones due to the smaller sensor and fixed kit lens constraints.

Viewing and Composing: Viewfinder and Screen Comparison

The W690 is a typical compact camera with no viewfinder at all. Instead, you rely solely on its 3-inch ClearPhoto TFT LCD at a modest 230k-dot resolution. This is fine for casual framing but difficult in bright sunshine or for precise manual focus.

Meanwhile, the A35 shines with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1,150k dots, 100% coverage, and decent 0.73x magnification. This EVF provides a bright, live preview of exposure, white balance, and focus with no lag – one of the biggest advantages over traditional DSLRs of that era.

Its 3-inch LCD screen is sharper at 921k dots, making live view focusing and review much easier. Neither camera offers touchscreens, so navigation relies on physical buttons.

For street shooting or video vlogging, having an EVF or bright, high-resolution screen matters for confident composition and reviewing shots on the fly. The W690’s modest screen limits this somewhat, making the A35 superior for serious framing control.

Lens Systems and Optical Performance

The W690 sports a non-interchangeable 25-250 mm equivalent zoom lens (10x optical zoom) with a slow aperture range of f/3.3 to f/5.9. It’s versatile for general purpose shooting but obviously limited in artistic flexibility. Macro focus distance is decent at 5 cm, letting you dabble in close-ups but without the sharpness or bokeh quality seen on larger sensor cameras.

The Sony A35 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount, giving access to over 140 compatible lenses including fast primes, macro optics, and powerful telephotos – a massive ecosystem by any standard. With a 1.5x crop factor, even modest focal lengths can get extended reach, ideal for wildlife or sports.

The ability to swap lenses adds huge creative and technical advantages that a fixed-lens compact like the W690 simply can’t match. Plus, the A35 incorporates sensor-based image stabilization compatible with any lens attached, whereas the W690’s optical stabilization helps reduce blur but only within its single lens limitations.

Autofocus and Speed: Chasing Subjects in Real Life

Autofocus is a critical differentiator. The W690 uses basic contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but no manual focus option. The system is relatively slow and can sometimes hunt in low light or on fast-moving subjects, making it better suited for static, casual photography or daylight shooting.

In contrast, the A35 features an advanced hybrid autofocus system combining 15 phase-detection points and contrast detection for much faster, more accurate focus acquisition. It includes selective, multi-area, and continuous AF modes, making it significantly better for action, sports, and wildlife photography. I found the burst shooting also much improved – 6fps on the A35 versus a snail’s pace 1fps on the W690.

For portraits, the A35’s AF system handled eyes and faces swiftly and precisely, producing reliably sharp images even with moving subjects. The W690’s AF occasionally struggled to lock focus, especially in dimmer environments.

Image Quality in Practice: Portraits, Landscapes, and Beyond

Portraits

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, natural bokeh, and reliable face detection. The Sony A35’s larger sensor delivers creamy backgrounds with shallow depth of field, especially when paired with fast lenses. Skin tones appear more lifelike, with richer gradation and less noise.

The W690, while offering a handy 10x zoom, produces flatter images with limited background separation - its aperture range and sensor size limit bokeh quality and low-light clarity. Face detection is helpful but not always reliable, leading to some missed sharp hits on the eyes.

Landscapes

For capturing sweeping vistas, dynamic range reigns supreme. The A35’s superior sensor can capture subtle shadow details and highlight retention unseen on the W690, giving images a more natural feel straight from the camera with less reliance on post-processing.

The W690’s 16MP resolution is close, but noise kicks in earlier and the small sensor struggles in high-contrast scenarios common in landscapes. Plus, its lack of weather sealing means you’ll think twice before using it in challenging outdoor conditions.

Specialized Uses: Wildlife, Sports, Macro, Night, and Video

Wildlife & Sports

When speed and precision count, A35’s fast AF, 6 fps continuous shooting, and lens variety make it a clear winner. The W690 just can’t keep up, limited by slower AF, minimal buffer, and a narrow zoom range compared to superzooms or telephoto primes.

Macro Photography

The W690’s close focus (5 cm) lets casual macro attempts, but image sharpness and detail resolution fall short of the A35 with a dedicated macro lens. The A35’s lens options combined with stabilized sensor enable highly detailed life-size or greater magnification shots.

Night and Astro

High ISO capabilities (native up to ISO 3200 on W690, 25600 on A35) show their importance here. The A35’s CMOS sensor excels by producing cleaner, less grainy images in dark conditions. The W690 struggles beyond ISO 400 to yield usable shots, so astro or night photography enthusiasts will want to invest in APS-C or full-frame options rather than compacts.

Video Recording

The W690 shoots only 720p HD at 30fps with limited formats and no microphone input - fine for casual video but uninspiring. The A35 offers full 1080p at 60fps, AVCHD and MPEG-4 encoding, and an external microphone port, giving better control and sound fidelity for serious video projects.

Video enthusiasts should look no further than the A35 here.

Practical Considerations: Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is another plus for the A35, rated approximately 440 shots per charge versus the W690’s 220. The larger mirrorless-style system accommodates the bigger NP-FW50 battery, a boon for longer outings.

Storage wise, both cameras support SD cards and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, but USB 2.0 is the sole data transfer option; neither offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS features - by 2012 standards, this is hardly shocking.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Bucks

At current market prices (roughly $300 for W690 and $600 for A35), the W690 presents itself as a budget-friendly “grab and shoot” option with decent image quality for snapshots and travel where downsizing is essential.

The A35, about twice the price, delivers substantially more in terms of image quality potential, manual control, video capabilities, and lens options, making it a solid entry point for those serious about photography learning or requiring a flexible, future-proof tool.

Comprehensive Performance Overview

For the data-driven enthusiast, here are consolidated performance ratings based on layered metrics compiling my hands-on assessments and DxOMark scores where applicable:

How These Cameras Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Breaking down their respective strengths in different photographic niches provides clearer guidance.

Pros and Cons Summary

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Simple, easy-to-use for beginners
• 10x optical zoom lens useful for casual shooting
• Optical image stabilization reduces shake
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Small CCD sensor limits image quality and ISO performance
• Slow autofocus and continuous shooting (1 fps)
• No RAW support
• No viewfinder, low-res screen
• Limited video capabilities (720p max)
• No manual controls for creative shooting

Sony SLT-A35

Pros:

• Large APS-C CMOS sensor with excellent image quality
• Hybrid autofocus with phase detection for speed and accuracy
• 6 fps continuous shooting for action
• Full HD 1080p video with external mic input
• Huge range of compatible lenses
• Electronic viewfinder and high-res LCD
• Supports RAW shooting and full manual modes
• Better battery life

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than compact cameras
• No weather sealing
• Less pocketable - demands a bag
• Lacks Wi-Fi or wireless connectivity
• More expensive than simple compacts

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a casual shooter, travel light, and want a simple, economical point-and-shoot with a decently versatile zoom and optical stabilization, the Sony W690 will serve you well. It’s not a tool for creative exploration but perfect for family snapshots or vacation photos without fuss.

However, if you’re an enthusiast willing to invest effort into honing your craft, desire raw files, fast continuous shooting, interchangeable lenses, and a proper viewfinder, the Sony A35 is a far better long-term companion. It puts creative control and image quality front and center, preparing you for advanced photography whether portraits, landscapes, or sports.

Personal Takeaways From Testing

I remember covering a brisk autumn shoot where the W690’s tiny body was a blessing for spontaneous candid shots, slipping in and out of pockets unnoticed - ideal for casual street photography if you don’t obsess over ultimate image quality. That said, the slow AF made me miss some fleeting moments.

On the flip side, hauling the A35 with a mid-range zoom and prime lenses felt like stepping into a small studio, giving me tools to creatively interpret scenes with precision and speed. Sure, it demanded a larger bag and more time invested per shot, but the results were exponentially richer.

Closing Thoughts for Budget-Savvy Photography Lovers

In a sea of camera options, understanding what each rig fundamentally offers and demands from your skills and shooting style will save frustration and money. Whether it’s the W690’s simplicity or A35’s versatility that appeals, both reflect Sony’s commitment to serve very different slices of the photographic spectrum from casual to serious enthusiasts.

Remember, no camera is perfect, but informed choices improve your chances of capturing that perfect shot - which after all, is what we’re all here for.

Sample Image Gallery: See Them in Action

Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

Here you can see side-by-side real-world output demonstrating the differences in dynamic range, sharpness, and color fidelity under natural lighting conditions.

In summary, choose the Sony W690 if portability and ease-of-use top your list, and the Sony A35 if image quality, speed, and creative flexibility are your priorities. I hope this deep dive helps you make an informed decision tailored to your photography journey. Happy shooting!