Sony Cybershot DSC W380 vs Canon IXUS 130 Comparison
Sony Cybershot DSC W380
Canon IXUS 130
The Sony Cybershot DSC W380 and the Canon IXUS 130 are two pocket cameras that are priced just below the top end of this particular category. They are both capable of taking good quality snapshots. On the whole the two cameras have very few weaknesses. If you are in the market for a good quality pocket camera both the Sony Cybershot DSC W380 and the Canon IXUS 130 will do a good job.
Basic Specification
Sony Cybershot DSC W380
14 megapixels
5x Optical Zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus: 5cm
Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 91.7 x 51.9 x 19.7mm
Weight: 124g
Canon IXUS 130
14 megapixels
4x optical zoom
2.7 inch LCD screen
Macro Focus 3cm
Wide Angle Lens
High Definition Movies
Dimensions: 92.2 x 56.1 x 17.8mm
Weight: 133g
Features
Looking at the standard features outlined above there is not a great deal of difference between the two cameras. The Cybershot DSC W380 offers a little extra zoom, while the IXUS 130 allows you to get in closer for macro shots.
The Cybershot DSC W380 also offers a sweep panorama mode for taking panoramic type shots. It also has a large maximum aperture of f/2.4. This can come in handy in lowlight situations.
The IXUS 130 has a more mainstream set of features although as with other Canon digital cameras there are one or two options that allow some extra fine tuning, for example when using flash.
Design
There is something about the styling of the Canon IXUS range that I really like. In my opinion these cameras have an extra ingredient that nudges them ahead of most other digital cameras when it comes to looks. They also appear to be very well made and have an extra touch of quality about them. There is nothing wrong with the Cybershot DSC W380. It has a fairly standard look. This makes it harder for the camera to stand out from the crowd.
Both cameras are less than 20mm wide and will slip easily into a pocket.
Start Up and Shutter Lag
When it comes to shutter lag and the time taken to turn on the camera and take the first picture I would suggest the Cybershot DSC W380 has a slight advantage. On the whole this camera produced a set of fast response times. The difference between the cameras is more marked when flash is used as this tends to noticeably slow down the IXUS 130.
Power Supply
As you would expect with small pocket cameras both cameras are powered by lithium ion batteries. Canon and Sony supplies batteries and chargers with the cameras as standard.
Picture Quality
There is not a great deal to choose between the two cameras when it comes to picture quality. Looking back at my reviews I awarded the Cybershot DSC W380 an extra point for outdoor work. The main reason for this is a felt the pictures I took with the IXUS 130 lacked a bit of brightness. This took the edge of the outdoor scenic photos. In other areas the IXUS 130 came more to the fore and outperformed the Cybershot 380 when flash was used, when lighting levels were starting to fall and with macro shots.
Ease of Use
This is an area where I feel the advantage is with the Sony model. All the features can be found in one place. The fact that there are a few less features overall to look through helps to make the Cybershot DSC W380 that bit easier to use.
Verdict
I like both of these cameras. In many areas there is little to choose between them. That includes when it comes to price. As you can see from my comments above there are some subtle differences between the two cameras. These should help you to decide which of the two best suits your own requirements.
Where to Buy - Canon IXUS 130
Product Shots
Front View
Sony Cybershot DSC W380
Canon IXUS 130
Back View
Sony Cybershot DSC W380
Canon IXUS 130
Top View
Sony Cybershot DSC W380
Canon IXUS 130
