Quick summary
- Both batteries provide decent battery life, but the W830 has a slight edge with a CIPA-rated battery life of 230 shots compared to the Ixus 185’s 210 shots.
- The Ixus 185 is slightly more expensive than the W830, but it offers a higher resolution sensor, wider zoom range, and better image stabilization.
- After carefully examining the Canon Ixus 185 and Sony Cyber-shot W830, it becomes clear that the Ixus 185 emerges as the more compelling choice.
In the realm of compact cameras, the Canon Ixus 185 and Sony Cyber-shot W830 stand out as formidable contenders. Both offer a range of features and capabilities, making them attractive options for photography enthusiasts seeking a portable and versatile device. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two cameras, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Canon Ixus 185: The Ixus 185 boasts a sleek and stylish design with a metallic body. Its compact size (95 x 54 x 22 mm) and lightweight (122 grams) make it highly portable. However, its smooth exterior can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Sony Cyber-shot W830: The W830 features a more traditional camera design with a plastic body. It is slightly larger than the Ixus 185 (93 x 52 x 23 mm) and weighs 123 grams. Despite its plastic construction, the W830 feels sturdy and durable.
Image Quality
Sensor and Resolution: Both the Ixus 185 and W830 utilize a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor. However, the Ixus 185 offers a higher resolution of 20.0 megapixels compared to the W830’s 16.1 megapixels. This translates to sharper images with more detail, especially in low-light conditions.
Lens: The Ixus 185 has a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens, providing a wider range of focal lengths than the W830’s 25-125mm equivalent zoom. This gives the Ixus 185 greater versatility for capturing both wide-angle and telephoto shots.
Image Stabilization: Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization to minimize camera shake and ensure sharper images. However, the Ixus 185’s Hybrid IS system combines optical and digital stabilization, offering better stabilization performance than the W830’s optical-only stabilization.
Features and Functionality
LCD Screen: The Ixus 185 features a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. The W830 has a slightly larger 3.0-inch LCD screen with a higher resolution of 460k dots. Both screens are bright and offer good viewing angles.
Connectivity: The Ixus 185 and W830 both support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy sharing of images and videos to smartphones and social media platforms. The Ixus 185 also supports NFC for faster pairing with compatible devices.
Shooting Modes: The Ixus 185 offers a wide range of shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode. The W830 has a more limited selection of shooting modes, but it includes a Creative Style mode with various preset effects for enhancing your images.
Video Recording: Both cameras can record videos in Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution at 30 frames per second. The Ixus 185 has slightly better video quality, thanks to its higher resolution sensor and Hybrid IS system.
Battery Life
The Ixus 185 is powered by a rechargeable NB-11LH battery, while the W830 uses a rechargeable NP-BN battery. Both batteries provide decent battery life, but the W830 has a slight edge with a CIPA-rated battery life of 230 shots compared to the Ixus 185’s 210 shots.
Price and Availability
The Canon Ixus 185 and Sony Cyber-shot W830 are both available for purchase at a similar price range. The Ixus 185 is slightly more expensive than the W830, but it offers a higher resolution sensor, wider zoom range, and better image stabilization.
Recommendations: The Victor Emerges
After carefully examining the Canon Ixus 185 and Sony Cyber-shot W830, it becomes clear that the Ixus 185 emerges as the more compelling choice. Its higher resolution sensor, wider zoom range, better image stabilization, and more advanced shooting modes make it a more versatile and capable camera overall. While the W830 offers a slightly larger LCD screen and longer battery life, these advantages are outweighed by the Ixus 185’s superior image quality and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which camera has a better low-light performance?
A: The Canon Ixus 185 has a better low-light performance due to its higher resolution sensor and Hybrid IS system.
Q2: Which camera is more compact and portable?
A: The Canon Ixus 185 is more compact and portable than the Sony Cyber-shot W830.
Q3: Which camera offers more shooting modes and customization options?
A: The Canon Ixus 185 offers more shooting modes and customization options, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode.
Q4: Which camera has a better LCD screen?
A: The Sony Cyber-shot W830 has a slightly larger and higher resolution LCD screen than the Canon Ixus 185.
Q5: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Sony Cyber-shot W830 has a slightly longer battery life than the Canon Ixus 185.