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Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Comparison

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Nikon S02

13 MP | 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon S02
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Sony TX20

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Sony TX20
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Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing S02 and TX20, two Ultracompact cameras from Nikon and Sony. Nikon S02 was introduced to market in September 2013 and Sony TX20 was launched in February 2012. There is 18 months difference between S02 and TX20 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger S02, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon S02 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-09-05
  • 13MP - 1/3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 1600
  • 30-90 mm F3.3-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Digital only Image Stabilization
  • 2.70" Fixed Type Screen
  • fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 100g. 77 x 51 x 18 mm

Sony TX20 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-02-28
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • 25-100 mm F3.5-4.6 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 133g. 96 x 56 x 18 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S02 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Weight
100 g vs 133 g 33 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
3.30 vs 3.50 faster lens at wide
CHECK S02 PRICE


Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 over Nikon Coolpix S02
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs Digital only Sharper images especially at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 13 MP 23% more pixels
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
922k dots vs 230k dots 300% higher resolution screen
Battery Life
250 shots vs 210 shots 40 more frames with a single charge
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 30mm 5 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
100mm vs 90mm 10 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
4× vs 3× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.60 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
3.7m vs 1.4m 2.3m longer range
CHECK TX20 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix S02 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Image Stabilization
Digital only vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Touch Screen
Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Continuous Shooting
fps vs 10.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix S02 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
New4
Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S02 has external dimensions of 77 x 51 x 18 mm (3.03 x 2.01 x 0.69″) and weighs 100 g (0.22 lb / 3.53 oz) (including batteries). Sony TX20 has external dimensions of 96 x 56 x 18 mm (3.78 x 2.2 x 0.71″) and weighs 133 g (0.29 lb / 4.69 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20.

Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20.

Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20.
Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S02 is significantly lighter (33g ) than the Sony TX20 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of TX20, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to S02.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Sony TX20's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Nikon S02's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20: Sensor Comparison

Nikon S02 has a 13.0MP 1/3-inch (4.8 x 3.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Sony TX20 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features BIONZ processor.

Below you can see the S02 and TX20 sensor size comparison.

Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 Cameras


As seen above, Sony TX20 has a 1.6x Larger sensor area than Nikon S02. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20 Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon S02 features a 30-90 mm F3.3-5.9 3× zoom lens whereas Sony TX20 features a 25-100 mm F3.5-4.6 4× zoom lens.

Sony TX20 has 5mm wider coverage than the Nikon S02. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.30, Nikon S02 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Sony TX20 has 10mm longer reach than the Nikon S02. At f4.60, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

S02
TX20
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon S02 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Sony TX20 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 13.0MP
Small 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon S02 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Sony TX20 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
30 mm - Not so Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Nikon S02 for Sports Photography

POOR

Sony TX20 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/s
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 210 shots
90 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Environmental Sealings
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Nikon S02 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Sony TX20 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
100g
Body Thickness 18mm
Small 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
3.0X Optical Zoom
Read the details
Compact Body
133g
Body Thickness 18mm
Environmental Sealings
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Nikon S02 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Sony TX20 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Average Resolution Sensor: 13.0MP
30 mm - Not so Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Nikon S02 vs Sony TX20: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon S02 and Sony TX20, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon S02 and Sony TX20 scores compare:

Nikon S02
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #27 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #842 out of 1243 in all Cameras
Sony TX20
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #14 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #728 out of 1243 in all Cameras

Sony TX20 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Nikon S02 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Nikon S02. Otherwise, Sony TX20 is the better camera overall.

Nikon S02
Nikon S02
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Sony TX20
Sony TX20
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Sony TX20 vs Nikon S02 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix S02 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Brand Nikon Sony
Announced 2013-09-05 2012-02-28
Body Type Ultracompact Ultracompact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Size 1/3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 4.8 x 3.6 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 17.28mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 13 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4160 x 3120 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 125 ISO 125 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points n/a n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 30-90 mm (3×) 25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.3-5.9 F3.5-4.6
Macro Focus Range 5cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.70" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter n/a 1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Digital only Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 1.40 m 3.70 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 10.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 100g 133g
Dimensions 77 x 51 x 18mm 96 x 56 x 18mm
Battery Life 210 shots 250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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