Comparing Sony’s Compact Contenders: Cyber-shot DSC-W810 vs. DSC-WX5

When navigating the world of compact cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot line stands out with a rich history of solid performers that cater to casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. Today we’re diving deep into an extensive comparison between two accessible, budget-friendly models: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W810, announced in early 2014, and the older but still well-regarded Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, released mid-2010.

While both cameras are fixed-lens compacts aimed at everyday photographers, their feature sets and capabilities differ enough to make a detailed analysis worthwhile. I’ve spent hours testing, scrutinizing, and analyzing these two cameras across multiple photography genres, focusing on real-world performance rather than just spec sheets. My goal is to provide you with practical insights to help you decide which one, if either, deserves a place in your camera bag today.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

Let’s start with how these two cameras feel in the hand - a crucial factor that often determines how much you’ll enjoy using them day to day.

The Sony W810 is categorized as an ultracompact, sporting dimensions of 97x56x21 mm and weighing a featherlight 111 grams including battery and card. In contrast, the WX5 is slightly more substantial at 92x52x22 mm (a bit narrower but thicker) and weighs 146 grams. This subtle difference is perceptible but not dramatic.

Between the two, the WX5 feels more robust, with a more traditional compact camera grip, while the W810’s form factor leans toward pocketability. Its minimalist design means fewer tactile controls.

On top, the two cameras diverge notably in control layout and usability.

The WX5 offers a more conventional layout with well-placed zoom rocker and shutter button, plus a dedicated power switch. The W810’s controls are simplified to appeal to entry-level users, with a single zoom toggle and simplified power button.

While neither sports an electronic viewfinder, both rely on their rear LCDs for composition - a factor we’ll examine more closely later.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

Image quality is, of course, the heart of any camera review. Sensor performance impacts every style of photography from portraits to landscapes. Here, the DSC-W810 and DSC-WX5 utilize similar-sized 1/2.3” sensors but with fundamentally different technologies. The W810 has a 20 MP CCD sensor, while the WX5 sports a 12 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.

Knowing that CCD sensors typically excel in color fidelity but struggle with noise at higher ISOs whereas BSI-CMOS sensors are better optimized for low light and speed, I tested both cameras in controlled and real-world scenarios.

• Dynamic range: The WX5’s BSI-CMOS sensor produced noticeably better dynamic range, preserving highlight and shadow detail more effectively in challenging lighting. Landscapes with bright skies and shaded foregrounds were more pleasing with the WX5.
• High ISO noise: Above ISO 800, the W810’s CCD noise became prominent, yielding blotchy textures and color degradation. The WX5, although older, held noise in check through ISO 1600 reasonably well.
• Resolution and detail: The W810’s 20 MP pixel count provides higher resolution images, but the smaller photosites combined with the CCD sensor’s limitations negate some of this theoretical advantage. The WX5’s 12 MP output was clean and crisp, balancing detail vs. noise intelligently.
• Color reproduction: Both cameras produced accurate colors under natural light, but the W810 leaned towards cooler tones, while the WX5 had warmer skin tones, making it slightly superior for portraits.

Rear LCD and User Interface: Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

Without viewfinders, the user interface and LCD quality become paramount. Neither model features touchscreens or articulating displays, so screen size, resolution, and visibility are critical.

The WX5 has a larger, 2.8” screen with 461k dots, rendering images far more crisply compared to the W810’s smaller 2.7” 230k dot Clear Photo LCD.

From my hours shooting outdoors, the WX5’s screen easily outperforms in bright light readability, allowing precise framing and quick image checks. The W810 struggles significantly under sunlight, limiting usability for travel and street photography.

Furthermore, menu navigation on the WX5 felt snappier and better organized, while the W810’s interface was simpler but somewhat sluggish. Neither camera offers manual exposure or aperture priority modes, however, so you’ll rely heavily on automatic settings and scene modes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Snapping the Moment

Autofocus (AF) accuracy and speed can make or break a candid or wildlife shot. Here, Sony implemented contrast-detection AF in both cameras, but the systems’ capabilities differ.

• W810 autofocus: Single AF point with face detection and contrast detection only. AF is generally slow and occasional hunting is noticeable in low contrast scenes.
• WX5 autofocus: Uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF array with center-weighted focus. Face detection is absent but AF is faster and more reliable in variable lighting.

Continuous shooting speed heavily favors the WX5. With 10 fps continuous burst (albeit in limited buffer) versus 1 fps on the W810, the WX5 is more capable for action photography such as sports or wildlife.

“Tracking AF” modes implemented on both are rudimentary and unreliable compared to modern standards, but the WX5 still benefits from hardware improved responsiveness.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility vs. Brightness

Both cameras use fixed lenses with different focal ranges and maximum apertures:

• W810: 27-162 mm equivalent (6x zoom), f/3.5-6.5
• WX5: 24-120 mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/2.4-5.9

While the W810 offers a longer telephoto reach - which may seem attractive for distant subjects - the WX5 features a significantly larger maximum aperture, especially at the wide end.

This difference matters considerably indoors, low light, or for shallow depth-of-field effects such as portraits. The f/2.4 lens on the WX5 lets in almost double the light compared to W810’s f/3.5, enabling faster shutter speeds and cleaner images.

Additionally, the WX5’s closer macro focusing distance of 5 cm allows for more engaging close-ups and fine detail shots, whereas the W810 does not provide a dedicated macro range.

Flash and Low Light Performance: Pushing Limits

Both cameras supply internal flashes with multiple modes:

• W810: Flash effective range of 3.2 m, with slow sync and advanced flash modes.
• WX5: Extended flash range of 5.1 m, including red-eye reduction and slow sync options.

Given the sensor and lens advantages, the WX5 outperforms in low light shots even with flash, delivering brighter, cleaner photos with less noise.

In my low light testing indoors and at dusk, the W810 sometimes struggled with subject illumination and softness, while the WX5’s larger aperture and flash range provided more usable exposures.

Video Capabilities: From Snapshots to Clips

Video quality is a common dealbreaker in this class, so I tested the cameras’ video capabilities head to head.

• W810: Records HD at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps in H.264 format.
• WX5: Full HD 1920x1080 at 50fps as well as 1440x1080 and 1280x720 options in AVCHD format.

The WX5’s higher resolution video is a substantial advantage for quality-conscious video makers. Smooth 50fps kinetics contribute to natural-looking motion.

Both cameras lack external microphone or headphone jacks and any form of 4K capture, so these models are best suited for casual filmmaking.

Neither model has in-body stabilization for video beyond optical image stabilization on the lens.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Practical Field Use

Connectivity features are sparse on both cameras.

• W810 does not have wireless options - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
• WX5 offers Eye-Fi card wireless support and HDMI output for immediate viewing on external screens.

Storage-wise, the W810 relies on Sony Memory Stick Duo variants plus microSD cards, whereas the WX5 supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick Duo cards, affording more flexibility.

Battery life is modest on both - about 200 shots on W810 (NP-BN battery) and uncertain but roughly comparable on WX5 (NP-BN1 battery) - so carrying spares is advisable for day outings.

Hands-On Results: Sample Imagery and Real-World Performance

Let's look at concrete examples demonstrating differences in output and photographic versatility.

Sony W810 front Sony W810 screen back Sony WX5 front Sony WX5 screen back

Portraits taken with the WX5 show softer, more natural skin tones and less noise in shadow areas, thanks to the larger aperture and sensor design. The W810’s higher megapixel count doesn’t translate to better detail, partly due to noise.

In landscape shots, the WX5’s better dynamic range shines - clouds retain shape and texture without clipping, while the W810’s sensor struggles with flat highlights.

Sports or fast-moving subjects highlight the WX5’s 10 fps burst advantage and more reliable autofocus tracking.

Low light architectural interior shots again favor the WX5’s sensor and lens, producing clearer images with less grain.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so both require care if planning outdoor or travel use under harsh conditions.

The WX5’s body feels firmer and better constructed, with slightly superior physical controls providing a more reassuring grip during extended shoots.

The W810 prioritizes pocketability and weighs less by a comfortable margin but sacrifices some ergonomic refinement.

Technical Summary and Overall Performance Ratings

Our expert review team synthesized detailed testing data into final performance scores, factoring in image quality, autofocus, video, ergonomics, and feature set.

While the WX5 scores higher in general, the W810’s lower price may appeal to budget-restricted buyers seeking the simplest point-and-shoot option.

Specialized Use-Case Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s drill down into specific photographic disciplines. (Note: these reflect real hands-on trial outcomes.)

• Portraits: WX5 wins thanks to better color, aperture, and noise control.
• Landscapes: WX5 superior dynamic range helps preserve scene details.
• Wildlife: WX5 autofocus and burst shooting much better; W810 nearly unusable.
• Sports: WX5 10 fps burst is significant; W810’s single shot mode limits use.
• Street: W810 is more pocketable and discrete but poor low light hurts.
• Macro: WX5’s 5 cm focus distance means better close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Both limited by sensor size; WX5’s BSI sensor edges out.
• Video: WX5 full HD 50fps vs. W810’s modest HD 30fps.
• Travel: W810 light and small, but WX5 offers better image quality overall.
• Professional work: Neither is suitable for demanding pro workflows.

Final Verdict: Which Sony Compact Should You Choose?

Both cameras clearly reflect design philosophies tailored to different users:

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 if:

• You want better image quality and video resolution
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or moderate action subjects
• You need a more versatile zoom lens with larger apertures
• You prioritize a better screen and more refined handling
• You can accept a slightly higher price and weight

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W810 if:

• Your budget is tight (~$100 new or less)
• You want a true grab-and-go ultracompact camera with simple controls
• You mostly shoot in good light and want to avoid complexity
• Video is a secondary consideration
• You value extreme portability over advanced features

Closing Thoughts: Reflecting on Sony’s Compact Camera Evolution

I found it fascinating revisiting models spaced almost four years apart, seeing how incremental sensor improvements and usability tweaks impacted the photographer’s experience.

The W810 embodies the last vestiges of straightforward ultra-budget compacts - light, cheap, and user-friendly, but compromised in many technical respects.

Meanwhile, the WX5, despite its age, holds up well thanks to its BSI CMOS sensor, higher video specs, and more considered ergonomics. This makes it a much better choice as a step-up compact option.

Neither is revolutionary by today's standards where phones and mirrorless cameras have overshadowed ultracompacts, but both serve as useful reminders of the solid engineering behind Sony’s Cyber-shot line.

I hope this in-depth comparison guides your decision - remember, no camera is perfect, and the right choice hinges on your personal shooting style and priorities. Feel free to reach out if you'd like field test details or more insights on choosing compacts or stepping up to mirrorless.

Happy shooting!