Sony WX10 vs. WX30: Compact Camera Showdown for the Smart Shopper

When small sensor compacts come up for discussion, it’s easy to overlook just how nuanced the differences between models can be - even when they come from the same brand and share a nameplate heritage. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 and its successor, the WX30, are perfect examples. On paper, they look fairly similar, but after spending hours shooting with both, ripping them apart for specs and field performance, I can tell you that these cameras serve quite different niches, despite their close release dates.

In this in-depth comparison, I’ll walk you through everything from sensor performance and autofocus magic to ergonomics and video chops. I’ll also highlight where each camera shines or falters across various photography styles and what types of shooters will get the most bang for their buck. Whether you’re a cheapskate hobbyist looking for a no-fuss travel buddy or an enthusiast seeking a backup pocket camera, this hands-on exploration will save you considerable research time.

Let’s start by popping the hood and addressing the basics.

Size, Feel & Ergonomics: How These Cubs Fit in Your Hands and Pockets

Compact cameras live and die by how comfortable they feel when shooting. Handling issues can plague even the most technically sound shooter.

Physically, both the WX10 and WX30 are petite but not pocket demons.

• Sony WX10: At 95 x 54 x 23mm and 161g, the WX10 is noticeably chunkier and heavier. Its more substantial body lends a reassuring grip, especially if you have larger hands or plan to shoot extensively. The fixed lens does push out a fair bit upfront, but the index finger finds a natural club-like perch for the shutter release.
• Sony WX30: Svelte and light at 92 x 52 x 19mm and just 117g, it’s the model you stash in a large pocket or purse with minimal fuss. The WX30’s slimmer frame and curved contours make it comfier for quick snaps, although the reduced mass means it can feel a little toy-like in hand.

Both cameras lack a viewfinder, pushing you to rely on their rear LCDs, but we’ll get into the screen differences a bit later.

In terms of layout and button footprint, here’s where subtle but meaningful improvements come into play.

The WX30 introduces touchscreen capabilities - a feature absent on the WX10 - which dramatically alters how you interact with focusing and menu navigation. Sony wisely kept the traditional control dials and buttons on the WX10, which might appeal to those who prefer tactile feedback or finger haptics rather than poking glass.

Quick Take on Ergonomics:

• For grab-and-go shooting with minimal fuss, the WX30 is the likely winner.
• For more deliberate, single-handed use over extended shoots, the WX10’s chunkier body and physical controls offer an advantage.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heartbeat of the Camera

Both Sony compacts are built around the same size 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution, so you might be tempted to call it a tie.

But sensor specs tell only part of the story. Image quality depends on processor tuning, lens sharpness, and noise reduction strategies.

The BIONZ processor powers both models, but firmware updates and newer iterations in the WX30 improve noise handling and detail retention notably.

From my lab tests and real-world shooting:

• The WX10 produces images with decent resolution but tends to show more noise at ISO levels above 800. Under harsh lighting, highlight roll-off can be aggressive, and shadow recovery options are limited.
• The WX30 fares better with cleaner high ISO performance to about ISO 1600, with fewer distortions and improved dynamic range. Colors pop a bit more naturally without going overboard on saturation.

Neither camera offers RAW capture, which caps post-processing flexibility. So you’re stuck with JPEGs that rely on Sony’s in-camera algorithms.

If image quality is your top consideration, especially for landscape and portrait with nuanced skin tones, the WX30’s improvements are meaningful but not groundbreaking. Still, for social media or everyday prints, both will do the job well.

LCD & Viewfinder: Are You Seeing it All?

With no electronic viewfinder (EVF) on either model, the LCD becomes the window to your shots.

• The WX30 has a 3-inch XtraFine TFT LCD with 922k dots resolution, delivering brighter, sharper preview images with better viewing angles.
• The WX10’s 2.8-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus panel is serviceable but exhibits noticeable reflections outdoors and lower resolution (460k dots).

The touchscreen on the WX30 also facilitates touch-to-focus and menu browsing, a joy compared to the button-only interface of the WX10, which can feel clunky to navigate, especially in a hurry.

If you’re often shooting in bright conditions or want quick access to focus points and settings, the WX30’s screen is a winner.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Can They Keep Up?

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus with nine focus points. There’s no phase-detection AF or advanced tracking, so don’t expect sportscar-level speed or precision.

• The WX10 supports single autofocus only, with no continuous tracking or face detection.
• The WX30 enhances AF by enabling center-weighted AF and a touch AF function, which helps for faster focusing on subjects.

Burst shooting rates match: approximately 10 frames per second under optimal conditions for both models.

However, real-life bursts often bottleneck due to buffer limits and slower write speeds on older memory cards.

In practical wildlife or sports scenarios, neither camera shines; they lack the advanced AF tracking and buffer capabilities required.

For casual action shots of kids or pets, the WX30’s autofocus is marginally faster and more user-friendly.

Lens & Zoom Range: Flexibility for Framing Your Shot

The WX10 boasts a 24-168mm equivalent lens with a relatively bright constant aperture at the wide end (F2.4) that narrows to F5.9 telephoto. The WX30’s lens spans 25-125mm equivalent with a max aperture of F2.6-6.3.

So you get more telephoto reach on the WX10, which is interesting because it’s the bigger, older model.

Lens advantage summary:

• WX10: Longer zoom range handy for casual wildlife or sports snippets.
• WX30: Slightly brighter wide aperture good for low-light street snaps but shorter zoom.

Neither lens supports manual focus via rings; you’re stuck with autofocus or preset macro focusing starting at 5cm, which is pretty respectable for close-ups.

Battery Life & Storage: Can They Keep Shooting All Day?

Battery life is a critical but often overlooked factor.

The WX30 lists a rated battery life of approximately 250 shots per charge with the included NP-BN1 battery.

The WX10 uses a slightly older NP-BG1 battery. Official battery life isn't specified, but independent testing reveals around 210 shots per charge - less than the WX30’s stamina.

Charging options are similar, and both cameras use SD and Sony Memory Stick formats with a single slot.

If you crave longer shooting sessions without charging breaks, the WX30’s modest gain is welcome.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills?

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video at 60fps - respectable for compacts of the era.

Video formats include MPEG-4 and AVCHD, offering decent quality for casual video.

Neither supports high-end video features like microphone input, headphone jack, or log gamma profiles. The lack of manual exposure control during video shooting also limits creative options.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps smooth handheld footage on both models, although the WX30’s improved processor and higher frame rate help provide relatively better results.

Bottom line: Neither camera is a videographer’s dream machine but do well for casual home movies and occasional vlogging.

User Interface & Connectivity: How Smart Are These Smalls?

Connectivity options are minimal on both models, reflecting their 2011 heritage.

• The WX10 supports Eye-Fi card-based wireless transfers, a nice bonus for quick offloads without cables.
• The WX30 skips Wi-Fi but has a touchscreen that makes on-camera navigation snappier.

Both cameras use USB 2.0 for direct connection and micro HDMI for external viewing.

Neither model features Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS tagging - no surprises here, given their launch dates and price points.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Suits Your Style?

Let’s put these two through the paces across popular photography types.

Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back Sony WX30 front Sony WX30 screen back

Portraits

• WX10: The longer zoom helps frame faces nicely, but limited autofocus varieties and no face detection hinder fast, accurate focus on eyes.
• WX30: Touch AF and center-weighted AF help lock focus better. Slightly improved sensor processing captures skin tones with more natural warmth.

Landscapes

• Both perform adequately for daylight landscape shots; modest dynamic range limits shadow detail but the WX30's sensor tuning steals a narrow victory.
• The WX10’s longer zoom is less useful here. Neither is weather sealed.

Wildlife

• Neither camera exudes prowess here - slow AF and limited burst shooting restrict action capture.
• The WX10’s extended zoom might tempt casual wildlife shooters.

Sports

• Lack of AF tracking and relatively small sensors mean you won’t freeze fast action easily on either camera.
• WX30’s faster AF responsiveness offers a slight edge.

Street Photography

• Compact size and tactile controls make the WX30 a quiet, quick companion.
• The WX10’s slightly larger frame and slower interface are less ideal for candid moments.

Macro

• Both cameras support 5cm macro focus, enabling decent close-ups.
• WX30’s touchscreen facilitates easier precise focusing, an underrated plus.

Night and Astrophotography

• Small sensors limit low-light performance on both, but the WX30’s cleaner ISO 1600 shots provide marginally better results.
• No raw capture means you’re reliant on in-camera noise reduction, which can soften fine detail.

Video

• Full HD at 60fps, stabilized - both cameras are usable for casual video.
• WX30’s touchscreen autofocus aids in quick subject shifts during filming.

Travel

• The WX30 ticks more boxes - small, light, touchscreen ease, better battery life.
• WX10’s longer zoom could be helpful on trips requiring more reach, but it’s less agile overall.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW or offers rugged build qualities expected in pro tools.
• These compacts serve best as secondary or casual cameras.

Build Quality & Durability: Ready for the Real World?

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof. Both rely on sturdy plastic bodies with glass lenses.

For rough outdoor shooting, they require care or protection, but typical desk or urban use will have no issues.

Pricing & Value: What Will You Get for Your Money?

At launch, the WX10 was around $200, with the WX30 retailing higher at $260.

Currently, in used markets or clearance sales, prices often overlap.

Reviewing scores and user reports, the WX30 generally rates higher for image quality, screen usability, and battery life.

However, if budget is tight and zoom reach is a priority, the WX10 provides a compelling case.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

Using a scoring breakdown by photographic styles clarifies the best buyer profiles:

Summary: Which Small Sony Compact Wins the Day?

If you want longer zoom reach and don’t mind a chunkier body and older interface, the WX10 is still a decent little performer for budget shooters.

But if you value better image quality, touchscreen convenience, lighter weight, and improved battery life, the WX30 is the wiser choice for everyday photography across genres.

Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Clutched Both Cameras

I’ve spent years evaluating compact cameras that people either pick up as their first camera or stash in a bag for spur-of-the-moment shooting. Neither the WX10 nor WX30 is a powerhouse, but each fills a specific niche well.

The WX10 leans on versatility with its tougher zoom but feels dated today - some may find its slower interface frustrating.

The WX30, while not perfect, embraces modern conveniences like touch controls and nicer displays, improving the shooting experience without a price spike that would scare away penny pinchers.

For casual shooters or travel enthusiasts craving simplicity in a package that won’t weigh you down, the WX30 hits a sweet spot.

For someone stretching dollars or prioritizing reach over user interface, the WX10 holds its ground.

Either way, you can’t go wildly wrong with these compact Sonys if your expectations align with their class.

Got questions or want to share your own experience with these cameras? Drop a comment below - I’m always happy to chat compact cams!