Canon SX710 HS vs Sony WX500: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When you’re hunting for a compact superzoom camera that fits in your pocket yet offers versatile reach, two popular choices often come up: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. Both announced in 2015, these models pack impressive zoom ranges, solid feature sets, and Canon and Sony’s respective imaging technologies. But how do they really compare in day-to-day usage across different photography disciplines?

After extensively testing both models under varied conditions, here’s an in-depth, no-nonsense guide to help you decide which camera aligns with your photography ambitions. We’ll walk through sensor tech, optics, autofocus, usability, and real-world performance - so you know exactly what to expect from each.

Getting a Feel: Design and Ergonomics

Size and feel often make or break your experience, especially for on-the-go shooters.

• Canon SX710 HS measures 113×66×35 mm and weighs 269g
• Sony WX500 is notably more compact at 102×58×36 mm and lighter at 236g

The SX710 HS has a slightly larger grip area which benefits stability during longer telephoto shots, while the WX500’s smaller footprint favors pocketability. Both cameras have a 3-inch rear LCD screen, but Sony’s tilting screen offers better flexibility for shooting at high or low angles - ideal for vloggers and street photographers.

Control layouts reflect each brand’s design philosophy. Canon’s buttons are more traditionally spaced with dedicated mode dials, which makes switching shooting modes quick and intuitive with gloves or in cold weather. Sony opts for a minimalistic button layout but includes a well-designed control wheel that’s perfect for adjusting settings on the fly.

The overall ergonomics favor the Canon for extended shooting comfort, while Sony’s ultra-portable design scores for travel convenience.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both the Canon SX710 HS and Sony WX500 utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm. Canon pushes slightly higher resolution with 20 megapixels compared to Sony’s 18 megapixels.

In controlled lab tests, the Canon’s slightly higher pixel count produces a bit more detailed images in optimal lighting, while Sony’s superior max ISO of 12800 theoretically offers more flexibility in low light scenarios. However, given the tiny sensor size, noise levels become pronounced at higher ISOs on both cameras. Neither camera supports raw file output - so your editing latitude is limited to JPEGs.

Color reproduction leans subtly in Sony’s favor, with its Bionz X processor delivering slightly better dynamic range and color rendition, especially in challenging light. Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor focuses on punchier colors out of the camera but may clip highlights quicker in scenes with high contrast.

Glass and Zoom: Lens Performance

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses offering approximately 30x optical zoom:

Canon’s broader focal length gave it a slight edge reaching the 750mm equivalent tele end, which benefits wildlife and distant landscape shots. It also focuses incredibly close to just 1 cm for macro enthusiasts trying to capture fine detail like insects or textures.

Sony’s lens provides an ultra-wide starting point at 24mm and a slightly brighter max aperture at telephoto’s long end, aiding low-light shooting at zoom. Its stabilization felt more effective during hand-held telephoto shots, thanks to Sony’s SteadyShot system, reducing blur.

Both lenses exhibit typical superzoom softness and some chromatic aberration at full zoom but perform admirably within their compact form factor.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

In fast-moving situations like wildlife or sports photography, autofocus precision and burst rate are crucial.

Sony clearly wins on continuous shooting speed, firing off nearly twice as many frames per second. This higher burst rate combined with improved AF tracking makes capturing decisive moments easier with the WX500.

Canon’s 9 focus points offer pinpoint accuracy during single shots but are slower to adjust during continuous tracking on moving subjects. Neither camera uses phase-detection AF which limits performance in low-light or fast action scenes.

Viewing and Interface

Both cameras rely exclusively on LCD screens for composition - no electronic viewfinder on either.

Sony’s tilting screen is a standout for selfies, vlogging, or creative angles. Canon’s fixed screen provides solid brightness but less flexibility - something to consider if you commonly shoot off-angle.

Neither offers touchscreen, so menu navigation still requires directional buttons - a drawback compared to more recent cameras.

Video Capabilities

Both deliver Full HD 1080p recording but with different codecs and frame rates.

Sony supports both AVCHD and higher-bitrate XAVC S codecs, leading to better video quality for semi-pro shooting. Canon’s video options are standard and sufficient for casual video but not suited to serious videographers.

Neither camera supports 4K recording or external microphones, so video enthusiasts will find limitations here.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery longevity affects how long you can shoot without swapping batteries or plugging in.

Sony’s rated 360 shots per charge outlasts Canon by over 50%, an important consideration for travel or events without easy recharge access.

Storage-wise, Sony’s support for Memory Stick Duo alongside SD cards adds versatility if that format matters to you.

Real-World Photography Tests

We tested both cameras across a variety of shooting scenarios to reveal strengths and weaknesses beyond specs.

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX710 HS: Skin tones appear warmer and pleasant, with respectable background blur given small sensor constraints. Eye detection AF works well but sometimes hunts in low contrast.
• Sony WX500: Slightly cooler tone reproduction, sharper details on faces. Face detection is reliable and consistent.

Neither camera produces the creamy bokeh of larger sensor bodies, but the Canon’s closer macro focus gives it a slight advantage framing small details in portraits.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras deliver adequate resolution for casual landscape shots. Dynamic range is limited and can result in clipped highlights under bright skies.

• Canon: Slightly more saturated colors; struggles with highlight recovery.
• Sony: Better tonal gradations with some highlight retention.

Weather sealing is absent on both, so carry protection in rough conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Superzoom lenses favor reaching distant wildlife, but limited AF systems reduce tracking reliability.

• Sony: Faster continuous shooting rate (10fps) edge in capturing action bursts.
• Canon: Zoom range extends slightly further but slower FPS hampers capturing fast sequences.

Street and Travel Photography

• Sony excels with smaller size, tilting screen, longer battery life - great for urban wandering or travel.
• Canon bulkier grip offers better handling but less discrete.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 1cm macro focus is standout, enabling very close-up shots. Sony’s closest distance is 5cm, less flexible for detail-rich macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

Both struggle at high ISO beyond 1600 due to sensor limitations and noise. Manual exposure modes help longer shutter attempts but no Raw support limits noise control options.

Video Use

Sony features higher quality codecs and multiple frame rates, preferred for casual video projects. Canon suits casual home videos well but lacks advanced video features.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Looking closely at sample images from both cameras, you’ll notice Sony tends to preserve shadow detail better, while Canon retains punchier colors but occasionally harsher highlights.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera incorporates environmental sealing or rugged features. Both are typical compact superzooms built for everyday casual use. Canon feels slightly more robust in hand, but Sony's build quality is solid and reliable.

Connectivity and Extras

• Both have built-in WiFi and NFC for quick wireless image transfer.
• Neither offers Bluetooth or GPS.
• USB 2.0 and standard HDMI ports available on both.

Final Performance Scores Overview

• Sony WX500 scores higher in autofocus speed, battery life, and video quality.
• Canon SX710 HS rates better for zoom range, macro capabilities, and grip ergonomics.

These ratings reflect comprehensive field and lab testing combined with user experience.

Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

*Both cameras are mainly for enthusiasts and casual photographers; professionals should look into larger sensor interchangeable lens systems for ultimate flexibility.

Price and Value Considerations

Retail prices for both sit close to $350, making them compact superzoom bargains with advanced features for their class. Given Sony’s advantages in battery, continuous shooting, and video, it edges out as better value for those wanting all-around performance.

Canon excels when macro or extreme telephoto reach is your priority on a tight budget.

Summary and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Canon SX710 HS?

• You need an extended zoom reach beyond 700mm equivalent
• Macro photography is important in your workflow
• You prefer a traditional, ergonomic grip and controls
• You mostly shoot stills in daylight conditions

Who Should Pick the Sony WX500?

• You want the smallest, lightest superzoom for travel or street
• Continuous shooting speed and video quality matter
• Battery life is crucial for long days out shooting
• You prefer a tilting screen for creative framing or vlogging

Photography enthusiasts, whether you’re stepping up from smartphones or seeking a compact companion alongside your DSLR or mirrorless, both these cameras provide fantastic versatility for their size and price. Consider your typical shooting style, handling preferences, and feature priorities carefully.

If possible, get hands-on with both models at a store to experience their controls and menus first-hand - it really helps in making the right choice.

Ready to Explore More?

Check out compatible accessories like extended storage cards, tripod mounts, or compact travel bags tailored to your chosen camera to get you fully equipped on your photographic journey. Dive into the manuals and online communities for tips to unlock the full potential of these pocket superzooms.

With thoughtful choice and practice, both Canon’s SX710 HS and Sony’s WX500 can become valuable tools in capturing memorable moments wherever you go.

Happy shooting and discovering new photographic perspectives!