Nikon Coolpix s70 vs Sony Cybershot DSC TX1 Comparison
Nikon Coolpix s70
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
One of the big attractions of the Nikon Coolpix S70 and the Sony Cybershot DSC TX1 is the fact that you can control more or less every feature via a touch controlled LCD screen. Both cameras have a stylish design and are small enough to slip into a pocket.
Basic Specification
Nikon COOLPIX S70
12 megapixels
5x Optical Zoom
96.5 x 60.5 x 20mm
140g
3.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 3cm
High Definition Movies
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
10 megapixels
4x optical zoom
93.8 x 58.2 x 16.5mm
119g
3 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 1cm
High Definition Movies
Features
The Coolpix S70 takes touch control to the extreme. You can control zoom through the screen and you can even set the camera up to take a picture when you touch the screen. I found zoom to be a little difficult to control in this way, especially if I wanted to set zoom quickly to take a shot.
Sony has added a number of innovative features to the Cybershot DSC TX1. As well as the touch screen and high definition movies you will also find a camera able to fire off up to 10 frames per second (great for fast moving subjects) and also able to take sweep panoramic photos. With a sweep panoramic shot you pan the camera round in an arc and the camera will then stitch the shot together in camera to leave you with a panoramic shot.
Design
The two cameras look quite different. The Coolpix S70 has a more standard design. It has a typically rectangular shape with an area that feels like rubber on the front. This helps to give a slightly different look when compared to other digital cameras. The Cybershot DSC TX1 has a totally different look. The front of the camera is slightly bowed and is divided into two sections. The top section slides down to unveil the lens. This really is an ultra slim camera and in my opinion is one of the most stylish around.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
Here the Coolpix S70 finds itself up against some pretty stiff competition and comes off second best. The Cybershot DSC TX1 is one of the most responsive cameras around.
Power Supply
Both cameras run on lithium ion batteries. Batteries and chargers are supplied as standard.
Picture Quality
I struggled for picture quality with the Coolpix S70. In fact I could not match the picture quality offered by the previous model in this series. I put this down to the introduction of a wide angle lens and wondered if this had pushed technology just a little too far. The Cybershot DSC TX1 clearly has the edge when it comes to picture quality in my view.
Ease of Use
I found both cameras easy to use, apart from when zooming in and out with the Coolpix S70. If anything it was the Nikon camera that I found the easier of these two cameras to get along with. You will need to feel at home with an icon based menu system if you buy either of these two models.
Verdict
The Sony Cybershot DSC TX1 ticks most boxes for me. It wins on features, response times, picture quality and looks. I think it is very difficult to beat for any other rival pocket camera. The Nikon Coolpix S70 does a decent enough job, but comes in second in this comparison.
Product Shots
Front View
Nikon Coolpix S70
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
Back View
Nikon Coolpix S70
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
Top View
Nikon Coolpix S70
Sony Cybershot DSC TX1
