Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980, 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.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 was introduced in January 2010 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 was introduced in February 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980.

      PROS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
      Center Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.1 vs f/3.3
      Min Normal Focus Distance 40 cm vs 50 cm
      Min Macro Focus Distance 5 cm vs 10 cm
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.1 fps vs 1.0 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100.

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100.

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Reachs More Telephoto 105 mm vs 132 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 3.2x vs 4x
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.6 vs f/5.2
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 1 sec vs 2 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/1200 sec vs 1/1600 sec
      Higher Video Resolution 640 x 480 vs 1280 x 720
      Internal Storage 6 MB vs 12 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980.

      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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,2003,200
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        Light167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
        Internal Storage6 MB12 MB
      WEAKNESSES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1200 sec1/1600 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting1.1 fps1.0 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution640 x 4801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 features a 12.1 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 is equipped with Bionz processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 comes with 2 x AA battery pack and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 comes with NP-BK1 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 has a single Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/optional SD card slot. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 has a single Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1200 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100, and up to 1/1600 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.30 m on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and 3.50 m on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980..

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 body has dimensions of 98 x 61 x 27 mm (3.86 x 2.4 x 1.06") and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 body has dimensions of 93 x 56 x 24 mm (3.66 x 2.2 x 0.94") and they both weigh 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz).

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      98 mm

      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      93 mm

      56 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      56 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 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

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      BAD
      37
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      BAD
      37
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 and give them scores of 44 and 41 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.


      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      OVERALL
      44
      OVERALL
      41

      Sensor

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      BAD
      25
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      BAD
      26
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      BAD
      2
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      38
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980

      POOR
      49
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      49
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 167 g (0.37 lb / 5.89 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


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

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.