Canon PowerShot S100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      59
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      51
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot S100 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot S100 was introduced in December 2011 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 was introduced in July 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot S100 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot S100
      4. Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot S100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot S100

      Canon S100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot S100 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      Canon PowerShot S100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      RAW Support vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 26 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 120 mm vs 104 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 5x vs 4x
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.0 vs f/2.7
      Min Normal Focus Distance 30 cm vs 60 cm
      Min Macro Focus Distance 3 cm vs 5 cm
      Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 230k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 2 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/1600 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.3 fps vs 1.1 fps
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      Built-in GPS vs
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 0

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot S100.

      Canon S110
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon S120
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon S200
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon S95
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon S90
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      1/1.7-inch

      10.0 MP

      Panasonic FP1
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Kodak M200
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      1/3-inch

      10 MP

      Samsung TL350
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      1/2.33-inch

      10.2 MP

      Olympus SZ-30MR
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Canon N100
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Sony W550
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 over Canon PowerShot S100.

      Canon PowerShot S100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4320 x 3240
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.9 vs f/5.7
      Lighter 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) vs 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      Sony W690
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sony W610
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W530
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W800
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.1 MP

      Sony W570
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.2 MP

      Sony W560
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W710
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sony W350
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W320
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Sony W620
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W230
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      1/2.3-inch

      12 MP

      Sony W830
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot S100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO6,4003,200
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type C
        Light198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot S100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel14 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen461k dot230k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/1600 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.3 fps1.1 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot S100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 461k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot S100 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot S100 is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1584, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 360 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4320 x 2432, 3648 x 2736, 2592 x 1944, 1920 x 1080 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon PowerShot S100

      Canon PowerShot S100 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot S100 has an HDMI and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 has a Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot S100 comes with NB-5L battery pack with battery life of 200 shots and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 comes with NP-BN1 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot S100 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo/Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot S100, and up to 1/1600 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. Canon PowerShot S100 can shoot continuously up to 2.3 fps. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot S100 and 3.80 m on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot S100.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot S100 body has dimensions of 99 x 60 x 28 mm (3.9 x 2.36 x 1.1") and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 body has dimensions of 94 x 56 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.2 x 0.75"). Canon PowerShot S100 weighs 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 weighs 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz).

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      99 mm

      60 mm

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      94 mm

      56 mm

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      60 mm

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      56 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot S100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Canon PowerShot S100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      GOOD
      70
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      GOOD
      75
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot S100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 and give them scores of 59 and 51 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      51

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot S100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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