Sony Cybershot DSC TX7 vs Canon IXUS 210 Comparison
Sony Cybershot DSC TX7
Canon IXUS 210
The Sony Cybershot DSC TX7 and the Canon IXUS 210 are pocket sized digital cameras controlled through touch sensitive LCD screens. These are two of the leading models in this category. In most of the areas I will be discussing the Cybershot DSC TX7 has a slight edge, apart from when it comes to picture quality. Here the IXUS 210 comes out on top.
Basic Specification
Sony Cybershot DSC TX7
10 megapixels
4x Optical Zoom
3.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 1cm
Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 97.8 x 59.5 x 17.5mm
Weight: 149g
Canon IXUS 210
14 megapixels
5x optical zoom
3.5 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 5cm
Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 99.3 x 55.7 x 22mm
Weight: 160g
Features
When it comes to more standard features the Canon IXUS 210 has a small edge with extra megapixels and greater zoom power.
By incorporating a more flexible sensor Sony has been able to add some additional, impressive features to the Cybershot DSC TX7. These include the ability to fire off shots at a rate of 10 frames per second. There is also a setting to help improve the quality of hand held shots in lower light, plus the ability to take sweep panorama photos. In this mode you swing the camera round in an arc and it automatically creates a seamless panoramic shot for you.
So all in all it is the Cybershot DSC TX7 that offers something extra here.
Design
As you may have noticed when looking at the dimensions of the cameras the Cybershot DSC TX7 is one of the slimmest digital cameras around. This part of the Sony series of cameras has its own unique style. The front of the camera has a sliding lens cover. Canon have given the IXUS 210 a more traditional look. Both cameras feel well made and are among the more stylish digital cameras on the market.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
This is an area where the Cybershot DSC TX7 has a clear advantage. It is one of the fastest smaller compacts when it comes to firing off a single shot or turning the camera on and taking the first shot. In this instance the IXUS 210 is really up against it. It is not especially slow and posted a set of average times in my test apart from when flash is used. When flash is used the IXUS is on the slow side.
Power Supply
Both cameras are powered by lithium ion batteries. Chargers are supplied by Canon and Sony as standard.
Picture Quality
By now you are probably thinking the Cybershot DSC TX7 has a number of clear advantages over the IXUS 210. When it comes to picture quality the tables are turned a little. There is not a massive amount of difference in picture quality, but the IXUS 210 does have the edge here. This will be increasingly noticeable if you plan to make larger prints.
Ease of Use
In my view touch control LCD screens offer a different way of selecting features and do not necessarily make a camera easier to use. Some people are likely to find this method easier to use while others may be more comfortable with a more traditional set of buttons.
Looking at the merits of the two cameras here I found the layout of the Cybershot DSC TX7 a little easier to use.
The large 3.5 inch screens that both cameras have make life easier for anyone with larger fingers.
Verdict
For me the Sony Cybershot DSC TX7 just edges ahead of the Canon IXUS 210. I like the look of the camera and the speed at which it can capture scenes. It is more expensive at the time of writing this comparison, but taking all the different factors into account I would be prepared to pay the premium.
At the time of writing this comparison (June 2010) the Sony Cybershot DSC TX7 is my favourite touch controlled pocket camera.
Where to Buy - Canon IXUS 210
Product Shots
Front View
Sony Cybershot DSC TX7
Canon IXUS 210
Back View
Sony Cybershot DSC TX7
Canon IXUS 210
Top View
Sony Cybershot DSC TX7
Canon IXUS 210
