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Sony WX10

 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.8" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-168mm (F2.4-5.9) lens
  • 161g - 95 x 54 x 23mm
  • Launched January 2011
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
95
Imaging
39
Features
38
Overall
38

Sony WX10 overview

Sony WX10 is Sony's Small Sensor Compact digital camera initially announced on January of 2011. The camera has got a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The WX10 is ranked #55 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all round #799 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to try out our Smart camera finder to see camera rankings based on your custom factors.

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Below is a diagram of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Sony WX10 history

The Sony WX10 comes with a history of related cameras. Here, you can take a look at all older and latest models as well as main features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX500 front thumbnailSony WX500
WX10 vs WX500
24-720mm
F3.5-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2015
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W800 front thumbnailSony W800
WX10 vs W800
26-130mm
F3.2-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2014
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX350 front thumbnailSony WX350
WX10 vs WX350
25-500mm
F3.5-6.5
18MP1/2.3"2014
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX300 front thumbnailSony WX300
WX10 vs WX300
25-500mm
F3.5-6.5
18MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W730 front thumbnailSony W730
WX10 vs W730
25-224mm
F3.3-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W710 front thumbnailSony W710
WX10 vs W710
28-140mm
F3.2-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX80 front thumbnailSony WX80
WX10 vs WX80
28-224mm
F3.3-8.0
16MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX150 front thumbnailSony WX150
WX10 vs WX150
25-250mm
F3.3-5.9
18MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W690 front thumbnailSony W690
WX10 vs W690
25-250mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX50 front thumbnailSony WX50
WX10 vs WX50
25-125mm
F2.6-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX70 front thumbnailSony WX70
WX10 vs WX70
25-125mm
F2.6-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2012
OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W610 front thumbnailSony W610
WX10 vs W610
26-105mm
F2.8-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W620 front thumbnailSony W620
WX10 vs W620
28-140mm
F3.2-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W650 front thumbnailSony W650
WX10 vs W650
25-125mm
F2.6-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX30 front thumbnailSony WX30
WX10 vs WX30
25-125mm
F2.6-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2011
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX10 front thumbnailSony WX1024-168mm
F2.4-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-WX5 front thumbnailSony WX5
WX10 vs WX5
24-120mm
F2.4-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W370 front thumbnailSony W370
WX10 vs W370
34-238mm
F3.6-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W290 front thumbnailSony W290
WX10 vs W290
28-140mm
F3.3-5.2
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W230 front thumbnailSony W230
WX10 vs W230
30-120mm
F2.8-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-W220 front thumbnailSony W220
WX10 vs W220
30-120mm
F2.8-7.1
12MP1/2.3"2009

Sony WX10 Pros and Cons

Here is a collection of pluses and minuses of the Sony WX10 based on features that are typically viewed as crucial in a digital camera.

decent MP (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
good min ISO (100)
good zoom range (24-168mm 7.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
has manual focus
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
includes HDMI support
rather wide (24mm)
screen is a decent size (2.8 inch)
cannot use external flash
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
doesn't have RAW files
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed screen
max zoom aperture not good (f5.9)
no aperture priority
no headphone jack
no mic jack
no shutter priority mode
no Time Lapse function
pixelated screen (460 k dot)
screen is not selfie friendly
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.4)
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Sony WX10 Sensor information

The Sony WX10 is run by the BIONZ processor chip. The size of the sensor on the Sony WX10 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter may lead to cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and provides a standard ISO range of 100 to 3200. Sadly, RAW photos are not saved which means that you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic below shows the WX10's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The WX10 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is shown in green.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 sensor size Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Sony WX10 dimensions

Sony WX10 weighs 0.35 lbs (161g or 5.68 ounces) and features exterior dimensions of 95mm x 54mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Compact camera is 174g and the Sony WX10 is on par as compared with other rivals.

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Below is a pic of the Sony WX10 next to a softdrink so you're able to have a feel for its size.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 dimensions scale

The top view below will highlight the button design on the WX10.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 topview buttons dials

Sony WX10 Lens information

The WX10 is equipped with a built in lens giving a focal range of 24-168mm giving it a 7.0 x zoom which is definitely not great however it will probably be useful in some situations.

At it's widest 24mm, it provides an aperture of f2.4 which is rather sluggish and not great in low light circumstances and you will probably struggle to capture a shallow depth of field. You will likely also have to increase your ISO setting which results in noisy photos. For the long end, 168mm comes at f5.9 making it really sluggish and you will have to use slower shutter speeds.

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Sony WX10 Connectivity

The WX10 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that feature NFC or Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and oftentimes alter settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Many apps also stream a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external screen. A lot of cameras will allow you to charge the battery through the USB port.

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Sony WX10 Video information

The maximum video quality on the Sony WX10 is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD file format. 1080p quality provides a good balance for video quality and file size but FULL HD will not leave you with much room to crop. The body doesn't feature a mic or headphone port which means you have got zero control over your sound. It is probably a better idea to find another camera should you require better sound in your videos.

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Sony WX10 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing on the Sony WX10 so you have to be cautious in rainy and dusty conditions.

Sony WX10 Screen and Viewfinder

The Sony WX10 has got a 2.8" fixed display with a resolution of 460k dots.

Sadly the display isn't a touch screen.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 screen and viewfinder Photographer Triumphs in Lawsuit Over Creative Commons Image Rights

The ViewFinder details regarding Sony WX10 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be pretty beneficial for bright outdoor conditions which will make the camera screen washed out and difficult to view.

Sony WX10 Shutter information

Sony WX10 has the capability to shoot continuously at 10.0 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/1600s.

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Sony WX10 Flash and Hot shoe information

Sony WX10 has got just inbuilt flash with missing external flash ability.

Sony WX10 Autofocus information

Sony WX10 has got only Contrast Based Autofocus and lacks Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot quicker and exact compared to Contrast Based autofocusing.

It has got 9 focus points to choose from. Sony WX10 can use manual focusing in case it is needed for low light occasions or you require more precise focusing control.

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Sony WX10 Battery life

The general Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has the highest possible (470) battery life for this kind of cameras.

Underneath is a collection of Small Sensor Compact cameras that come with the best battery life:

Sony WX10 for specific categories of photography

The following graph shows a overview of the Sony WX10 for specific categories of photography. To find out more, check out the specific section below.

Sony WX10 Portrait photography details

The Sony WX10 has a points tally of 39 which is really bad, and means the camera is not suitable for portrait photos. Photographing portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, support for RAW photos and option to work with external lighting.

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manual focus
megapixel count good (16MP)
no external flash support
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW format

Sony WX10 Street photography advice

Having a decent points tally of 57, the Sony WX10 is fairly suitable to use in street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW format

Sports photography with Sony WX10

A really bad sports photography rating of 39 suggests the Sony WX10 is not suitable for shooting sports. A camera needs to have very good tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (16 megapixels)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF

Sony WX10 as a Travel photography camera

Portability is extremely crucial in buying a camera for travel. Over-all, the Sony WX10 gets a above average 65 for a travelling camera which makes it a very decent option to take on your travels.

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good MP (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
quite wide (24mm)
missing Timelapse function
display is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.4)

Sony WX10 Landscape photography factors

When you're planning to buy a camera for landscape photography, the most important aspect will be image quality. The Sony WX10 at it's moderate grade of 50 for a landscape camera is relatively suitable in the current market.

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focusing manually
fairly wide (24mm)
pretty good screen size (2.8 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (16MP)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.4)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
does not have Time Lapse recording

Sony WX10 Vlogging advice

A camera for vlogging preferably should offer a articulating screen, microphone input and ideally image stabilization. Taking all things in to account, the Sony WX10 is not suitable for vlogging as it gets a really bad score of 32.

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decently wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
high res video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.4)
display is not selfie friendly
no external microphone socket

Sony WX10 Alternatives

If you are interested in alternatives to the WX10, below is a range of the top placed cameras that fall in to the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The line graph underneath shows you a bird's eye view of the WX10 compared to it's top rated competitors shown previously.

These are various other cameras you may view as alternatives. To look at a thorough comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Sony
Model type
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Launched
2011-01-06
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor Chip
BIONZ
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW photos
Max native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
24-168mm (7.0x)
Max aperture
f/2.4-5.9
Macro focusing range
5cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
2.8 inch
Screen resolution
460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen technology
Clear Photo LCD Plus
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30s
Maximum shutter speed
1/1600s
Continuous shooting speed
10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
7.10 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
161g (0.35 pounds)
Physical dimensions
95 x 54 x 23mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9")
Other
Battery ID
NP-BG1
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots
Single
Cost at launch
$200