• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 7.2 megapixels
  • 32.00mm - 128.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-W120 advantages over Nikon 170

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.88 vs 1.61 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    128 mm vs 15 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 42 mm
    Thinner
  • Longer exposure
    1 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Sony DSC-W120

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    8 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    345k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    8.3 vs 7.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    15 mm vs 32 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-S780

Sony DSC-W120
Sony DSC-S780
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Sony DSC-S780

Nikon 170
Sony DSC-S780
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon 170 vs Sony DSC-S780

Compared to Fujifilm J10

Sony DSC-W120
Fujifilm J10
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Fujifilm J10

Nikon 170
Fujifilm J10
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $150
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon 170 vs Fujifilm J10

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS3

Sony DSC-W120
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Nikon 170
Panasonic DMC-FS3
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon 170 vs Panasonic DMC-FS3

Compared to Nokia N8

Sony DSC-W120
Nokia N8
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Nokia N8

Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nokia N8

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Sony DSC-W120
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Sony DSC-W120 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

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