Samsung CL5 vs Sony WX500: A Pragmatic Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the ever-evolving landscape of compact digital cameras, two models - Samsung’s CL5 and Sony’s Cyber-shot WX500 - stand as representatives of distinct eras and design philosophies. Launched six years apart, these cameras cater to enthusiasts seeking portability with varying degrees of creative control and image quality.

Having put both cameras through extensive hands-on evaluation across diverse shooting scenarios, I’m here to share an in-depth comparison that strips away marketing jargon. We'll explore their tech, image quality, handling, and real-world usability to help you find the camera that truly fits your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

Right out of the gate, the fundamental difference in design intent shines through. The Samsung CL5 is a compact - bordering on ultracompact - point-and-shoot designed for absolute pocketability. The Sony WX500, by comparison, is a slightly bigger compact aimed at enthusiasts craving more zoom reach and manual functionality.

Measuring 93 x 60 x 19 mm and weighing in at a mere 141 grams, the CL5’s slender profile feels almost toy-like in the hand. Its slim form factor excels for travel where size and weight are critical, slipping easily into coat pockets or small purses without a second thought.

The WX500 is notably thicker (102 x 58 x 36 mm) and heavier at 236 grams - still compact, but with a chunkier feel that better suits those who prioritize grip and control. The added heft also contributes to steadier handling, especially at longer focal lengths where lens shake often frustrates.

While neither is weather-sealed or ruggedized, the WX500’s more robust body construction inspires confidence for outdoor photography in varied conditions. The CL5’s lack of environmental sealing and lightweight plastic build limit it to casual use under controlled environments.

Control Layout and User Interface: Where Minimalism Meets Function

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying on LCDs for framing and menus. The CL5’s interface is spartan, featuring a fixed 2.7-inch display at 230,000 dots resolution - low by today’s standards. This screen offers poor visibility in bright daylight and limited angle-tipping ability.

The WX500 upgrades to a 3-inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots, significantly improving composition flexibility, especially for low or high-angle shots - a boon for landscape or street photographers.

Samsung took the “ultracompact” ethos seriously, with virtually no manual control options. No aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual exposure modes exist. Zooming and exposure adjustments are basic, relying heavily on fully automatic modes and scene presets. The user interface is forgiving but offers minimal customization or creative feedback.

Sony’s WX500 counters with a full suite of exposure modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual. Exposure compensation and white balance bracketing are present, appealing to users who want creative influence without the complexity of interchangeable-lens systems.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, but the WX500 steps up with continuous AF, tracking AF, and multi-area AF modes - a testament to Sony’s focus on performance despite the form factor.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Photographic Potential

Before diving into image analysis, let’s look at the sensor specs that fundamentally influence quality.

The Samsung CL5 employs a 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with 9 megapixels (3456 x 2592 max resolution). CCDs are known for classic color rendition but trail CMOS sensors in low-light efficiency and dynamic range. The sensor area measures about 24.74 mm².

The Sony WX500 houses a slightly larger 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at 18 megapixels (4896 x 3672 resolution), nearly doubling resolution and benefiting from back-illuminated technology, which enhances light gathering and reduces noise.

Real-World Image Performance

In daylight portrait and landscape tests, the WX500 consistently delivers sharper, more detailed images with better color fidelity and dynamic range. Skin tones on both cameras appear natural, but the WX500 handles subtle tonal transitions and highlight preservation more gracefully.

The CL5’s sensor quickly exposes its limitations in low light. Noise levels rise aggressively beyond ISO 400, and detail smudging becomes noticeable. The WX500 sustains usable quality up to ISO 1600, with grain controlled nicely thanks to more efficient sensor architecture and Bionz X processor enhancements.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Moment

Autofocus speed and tracking capability are crucial for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The CL5 features a simple single AF operation with center-weighted metering and face detection. It lacks continuous or tracking AF, resulting in slower focus lock and occasional hunting under low contrast conditions. Burst shooting modes are unavailable, further limiting action capture.

The WX500 shines with continuous autofocus, eye detection, and subject tracking. It supports 10 frames per second burst shooting - impressive for a compact - and maintains focus consistently through sequences, ideal for wildlife or fast-moving street scenes.

Versatility in Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Go?

Both cameras come with fixed, non-interchangeable lenses but offer different zoom ranges.

The Samsung CL5 sports a modest 38-114 mm equivalent zoom (3× optical) with an aperture range of f/3.5-4.5. While sufficient for standard snapshots and minor telephoto needs, it limits photographic creativity and framing flexibility.

Sony WX500 boasts a whopping 24-720 mm equivalent superzoom lens with 30× optical range, albeit at a slower f/3.5-6.4 aperture. This expansive range covers wide-angle landscapes through extreme telephoto wildlife and sports, all within one compact body.

While the WX500’s lens is more versatile, the narrower aperture at telephoto edges can amplify image shake and require higher ISO settings indoors or in lower light. Thankfully, optical image stabilization on Sony counters this with effective shake reduction, a feature entirely missing on the CL5.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Focus Precision

Portraits demand accurate color rendition, smooth skin tone gradation, and pleasing background separation.

The CL5’s CCD sensor produces warm, saturated colors that initially feel flattering. However, the limited 9 MP resolution and lack of bokeh control (no aperture adjustments) mean background blur is minimal and flat.

Sony’s WX500, with 18 MP resolution and aperture priority shooting, allows photographers to dial the aperture for shallow depth of field effects. The long zoom can isolate subjects against smooth backgrounds, enhancing headshots substantially.

Face detection autofocus on both performs adequately, but WX500’s continuous face AF ensures sharp focus on moving subjects’ eyes, elevating keep rates dramatically.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Build Toughness

Landscape shooters need resolution for large prints, excellent dynamic range for shadow and highlight detail, plus a display that aids composition.

Sony’s 18 MP sensor and 3-inch tilting LCD substantially outpace the CL5’s 9 MP sensor and small fixed screen. The WX500’s superior image quality allows for large, detailed prints or aggressive cropping. Although neither camera offers weather sealing, the WX’s heft and build inspire more confidence on a tripod or in varying conditions, while the CL5 feels delicate outdoors.

Dynamic range tests confirm the BSI-CMOS sensor captures more gradation, retaining detail in bright skies and dark foliage - crucial for landscape photography.

Wildlife and Sports: AF Speed, Burst Rate, and Telephoto Reach

For wildlife and sports, speed and reach trump sensor size alone.

Sony’s 30× zoom covering 24-720 mm obliterates the CL5’s mild 3× zoom. Coupled with 10 fps burst and continuous AF tracking, the WX500 is truly a small-sensor superzoom suited for novices wanting to capture action and distant subjects without a telephoto lens investment.

The CL5 cannot support burst shooting or continuous AF, limiting its usefulness for moving subjects.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, and Portability

Street photography favors small size, quiet operation, and effective low-light performance.

Samsung’s ultracompact dimensions make it an unobtrusive street camera that easily vanishes in pockets or bags. However, the lack of silent shutter and sluggish AF hinders candid capture.

Sony’s WX500 balances portability with more satisfying low-light abilities and faster AF. The lens’s wide 24 mm equivalent facilitates environmental context shots common in street work, while the tilting screen helps compose more discreetly.

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Magnification and Focus Control

Both cameras claim 5 cm macro focusing.

In practice, the WX500’s more sophisticated focusing system affords sharper subjects with smoother backgrounds. The CL5’s fixed aperture and simple AF create flatter macro images lacking depth.

Neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing, so single-shot precision is key.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Flexibility

For night and astrophotography, sensor sensitivity and manual controls matter.

Unfortunately, the CL5’s maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec and no manual exposure modes limit creative exposure control. Its poor noise performance above ISO 400 essentially restricts night photography to flash-lit scenes.

The WX500 allows shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/2000, plus manual exposure settings and ISO up to 12,800. This flexibility, while limited by sensor size, is sufficient for casual night captures and simple astrophotography with proper tripod use.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Stabilization

Video specs reveal a clear generational gulf.

Samsung records video capped at 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) at 30 fps - archaic by modern standards. The format is Motion JPEG, which bloats file size and reduces editing flexibility. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio control.

Sony WX500 shoots full HD 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, enabling smoother motion and better editing workflows. Optical image stabilization enhances handheld video steadiness, and the camera includes HDMI output for external monitors.

Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video features, but WX500 stands out decisively for casual HD videography.

Travel Photography: Battery Life, Storage, and Wireless Features

Travelers need all-day reliability, flexible storage, and easy sharing options.

The WX500 uses NP-BX1 batteries rated for 360 shots per charge, outperforming the CL5’s unknown battery model and presumably more limited stamina. For practical purposes, plan on recharging the CL5 more often, which may affect day-long shooting convenience.

Storage options vary: CL5 supports SC/SDHC/MMC cards, while WX500 uses SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo format.

Sony includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for straightforward image transfer - a feature missing on the CL5 - catering to travelers keen to share shots without a computer.

Professional Use: Workflow, File Formats, and Reliability

Neither camera is a pro-grade tool, but let’s consider essentials.

Lack of RAW support severely restricts post-processing latitude on both cameras, with the CL5 missing it outright and WX500 also limited to JPEG. This is a deal-breaker for professionals demanding fine tonal and color edits.

Build quality and weather sealing are minimal in both, so neither suits professional outdoor assignments where environmental resilience matters.

Still, the WX500’s flexible manual controls and exposure options make it a better lightweight backup or casual shooter for pros.

Summing It Up: Side-by-Side Scores and Genre Performance

Let’s visualize overall and genre-specific performance based on hands-on testing and metrics.

The WX500 dominates in almost all categories except sheer pocketability and weight.

Sample Image Gallery: See for Yourself

Finally, to complement our detailed analysis, here are sample images from both cameras demonstrating color rendition, sharpness, and zoom reach.

Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose What?

Samsung CL5 - The Casual Snapshot Companion

• Photographers prioritizing ultra-lightweight, pocket-friendly design
• Users who favor fixed automatic modes without fuss
• Occasional travelers wanting a simple, point-and-shoot for snapshots
• Budget-conscious buyers who don’t demand high image quality or manual control

Despite its age and limited features, the CL5 remains a functional compact for casual use when smartphone cameras aren’t enough.

Sony Cyber-shot WX500 - The Versatile Compact Enthusiast

• Enthusiasts wanting superzoom reach (24-720 mm) for varied subjects
• Those requiring manual exposure controls in a compact form
• Photographers prioritizing better image quality, continuous AF, and HD video
• Travel and street shooters needing flexible framing and good low-light performance

While not pocket-tech thin, the WX500 strikes a balance between performance and portability, making it the smarter choice for serious casual use.

Closing Thoughts

Comparing the Samsung CL5 and Sony WX500 is like contrasting a classic city scooter with a nimble sport-touring bike. Both get you from point A to B, but how you want to experience the journey, and where you plan to go, varies considerably.

If you just want effortless snapshots in a tiny package, the CL5 delivers a no-frills experience. However, if you crave creative flexibility, shooting range, and image quality within a compact that still fits in a jacket pocket, the WX500 remains a rare beast worth considering, even years after launch.

Choosing between them boils down to your photographic priorities. Hopefully, this hands-on, nuanced comparison arms you with the understanding to make an informed choice tailored to your shooting style and budget.

Happy shooting!

Article images credit: Personal test sessions with Samsung CL5 and Sony WX500