Main points
- Additionally, the Sony camera has a dedicated mode dial for quick and easy access to different shooting modes, while the Canon camera relies on a menu system.
- The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a slightly longer battery life than the Canon IXUS 285 HS, with a CIPA-rated battery life of 470 shots compared to 250 shots.
- It offers a higher resolution, a more versatile zoom lens, faster autofocus and shooting speed, a larger and higher-resolution display, more connectivity options, longer battery life, and a more ergonomic design.
In the realm of compact cameras, two formidable contenders emerge: the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 and the Canon IXUS 285 HS. Both cameras boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to determine the winner.
Image Quality: Resolution and Sensor
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 boasts a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, while the Canon IXUS 285 HS features a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor. In terms of resolution, the Sony camera has a clear advantage, capturing images with more detail and clarity. However, the Canon camera’s larger sensor size contributes to better low-light performance, reducing noise and producing cleaner images in dimly lit conditions.
Zoom Range and Lens
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 offers a versatile 20x optical zoom lens, providing a wide range of focal lengths from 25mm to 500mm. This makes it suitable for both wide-angle shots and distant subjects. The Canon IXUS 285 HS, on the other hand, features a more modest 12x optical zoom lens (28mm-336mm). While it still provides ample zoom capabilities, it may not be sufficient for capturing distant objects.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed
Both cameras utilize a contrast-detection autofocus system, but the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a slight edge in speed and accuracy. It also offers a faster continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second, compared to the Canon IXUS 285 HS’s 8 frames per second. This makes the Sony camera a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or sports events.
Display and Controls
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 features a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots, while the Canon IXUS 285 HS offers a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. The Sony camera’s larger and higher-resolution display provides a clearer and more detailed view of your images. Additionally, the Sony camera has a dedicated mode dial for quick and easy access to different shooting modes, while the Canon camera relies on a menu system.
Connectivity and Features
Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing and remote control. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 also features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling a constant connection to your mobile device for seamless image transfer. Additionally, the Sony camera offers a built-in pop-up flash, while the Canon IXUS 285 HS does not.
Battery Life
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a slightly longer battery life than the Canon IXUS 285 HS, with a CIPA-rated battery life of 470 shots compared to 250 shots. This means you can capture more images on a single charge with the Sony camera, making it a better choice for extended shooting sessions.
Design and Portability
Both cameras are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. However, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a slightly larger and more ergonomic grip, providing a more comfortable hold for extended use.
Summary: The Verdict
After careful consideration, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 emerges as the superior choice in this comparison. It offers a higher resolution, a more versatile zoom lens, faster autofocus and shooting speed, a larger and higher-resolution display, more connectivity options, longer battery life, and a more ergonomic design. While the Canon IXUS 285 HS has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, the Sony camera’s overall capabilities and features outweigh this advantage.
Answers to Your Questions
Q1. Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 or the Canon IXUS 285 HS?
A1. The Canon IXUS 285 HS has a larger sensor, which contributes to better low-light performance.
Q2. Does the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 have a built-in flash?
A2. Yes, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a built-in pop-up flash.
Q3. Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed?
A3. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a faster continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second, compared to the Canon IXUS 285 HS’s 8 frames per second.
Q4. Is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 waterproof?
A4. No, neither the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 nor the Canon IXUS 285 HS is waterproof.
Q5. Which camera is more compact and portable?
A5. Both cameras are compact and lightweight, but the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX350 has a slightly larger and more ergonomic grip.