From Pocketable Snapshotter to Full-Frame Pro: A Hands-On Showdown Between Sony A7 II and Sony WX80

When Sony released the A7 II in 2014, it helped redefine the mirrorless full-frame camera category - with its 5-axis sensor stabilization, excellent image quality, and manageable size. Meanwhile, the WX80, launched about a year earlier, caters to completely different needs: it’s a tiny, pocket-friendly compact camera with an 8x zoom - a classic point-and-shoot setup for casual photography.

So, why compare these two seemingly worlds-apart models? Because they bookend the spectrum of photographic priorities - versatility versus portability, advanced control versus straightforward convenience. I’ve put both through their paces extensively to help you understand where each camera shines, and for whom one might be the smarter buy. Spoiler alert: The differences are huge, but there’s a place for both in the camera bag, depending on your photography style and budget.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this Sony showdown.

When Size Matters: The Physical Feel and Ergonomics Battle

First impressions count, especially in a camera. The A7 II confidently says, “I’m professional-grade,” with an SLR-style mirrorless body that’s thoughtfully engineered for balance and control. The WX80, in contrast, is like that reliable friend who fits in your pocket without complaint.

Take a look below at how these two compare side-by-side:

The A7 II measures a substantial 127 x 96 x 60 mm and weighs about 599 grams without a lens - a solid, reassuring heft that’s welcome during extended shooting sessions. Its deep hand grip and intuitive button placement feel like Sony has been listening to professional photographers’ feedback. This camera doesn’t tire your hands quickly, nor does it feel like playing pass-the-parcel with your gear.

On the flipside, the WX80’s 92 x 52 x 22 mm compact shell knives easily into even the tightest jacket pocket. Weighing a mere 124 grams, it’s a no-brainer for shooting on the fly, spontaneous street snaps, or as an emergency backup when you can’t haul heavy gear.

Ergonomically, you don’t get physical controls with the WX80, which is understandable given its size, but it does lack the tactile autofocus and exposure adjustment buttons you find on the A7 II’s top deck. If you’re craving direct manual control or rapid setting tweaks, the WX80 might frustrate after a while.

Layout and Top-Deck Controls: The Photographer’s Command Center

Having a top view of the cameras reveals just how differently Sony prioritizes controls for these two machines:

The A7 II gives you dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation - features that seasoned shooters rely on for quick exposure tweaking. Add to that customizable function buttons and a mode dial, and you can keep your eyes on the scene rather than fumbling through menus.

The WX80 is restrained, with most settings controlled through menus and a few basic buttons here and there. This approach - while limiting for enthusiasts - fits its goal as a grab-and-go casual camera. For beginners or travelers wanting no-hassle snapping, the simplicity is reassuring.

Personally, I’ve found the A7 II’s control layout strikes a sweet spot between complexity and usability. It lends itself to a workflow where you can make split-second adjustments while keeping the creative juices flowing. The WX80’s lean control scheme, however, is a friendly invitation to just point and shoot - no commitment or steep learning curve involved.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Technology and Visual Output

Here’s where the chasm opens wide - and no surprise that the A7 II’s full-frame 24MP sensor towers over the WX80’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor.

The A7 II’s 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor is a game-changer in its class. Coupled with the powerful Bionz X processor, it offers exceptional dynamic range (DxO score of 13.6 EV) and rich color depth (24.9 bits). The native ISO tops out at 25600 with expansion up to 51200, and its low-light capabilities remain impressive even when pushing sensible limits.

In contrast, the WX80’s sensor is a modest 6.17 x 4.55 mm unit with 16MP resolution. While adequate for snapshots, its small pixel size limits dynamic range and noise performance, particularly in low-light or high-contrast scenarios.

Having spent hours shooting both cameras across multiple lighting conditions, the difference is glaring. The A7 II produces images with detailed fine texture, clean shadows, and smooth highlight roll-off - ideal for large prints or intensive post-processing. The WX80, flattering for casual sharing, struggles outside well-lit environments and shows visible noise and artifacting when you push ISO beyond 800.

Looking at the World: The Rear LCD and Interface Experience

Bright, clear viewing makes or breaks your shooting experience, especially when composing off-eye-level shots or reviewing results.

The A7 II features a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots of resolution. It’s not touchscreen, which might feel a bit old-school today, but the tilt function adds flexibility for shooting at awkward angles - perfect for macro or low-angle landscape shots. The interface - though packed with options - feels clean and responsive, pairing well with the camera’s extensive hardware controls.

In comparison, the WX80 sports a smaller 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with just 230K dots. Visually, this screen feels dated and less sharp. It’s fine for quick framing, but sunlight readability is limited, and the lack of touch or articulation makes creative angles more challenging.

For me, the A7 II’s superior screen adds an important layer to its versatility and operational comfort. The WX80’s screen encourages a more straightforward, no-frills approach - adequate for quick memories but not for critical image assessment in the field.

Crafting the Look: Autofocus System and Real-World Performance

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break photo shoots, especially in fast-moving or complex conditions. The A7 II carries a hybrid AF system with 117 phase-detection points and improved contrast detection, a leap from its predecessor.

The WX80, with its compact sensor and lens design, relies on a simpler contrast detection AF system with fewer focus points (exact count undisclosed).

In practice, the A7 II locks focus swiftly and reliably - even when tracking moving subjects like athletes or wildlife - thanks to its broad AF coverage and eye detection for human faces. This makes it a dependable tool for portraits and sports photography alike.

The WX80 shines in well-lit, static scenarios, offering quick enough autofocus for casual snapshots. However, it occasionally hunts in lower light or with subjects lacking contrast. There’s no continuous AF tracking, which limits capturing unpredictable motion.

If I were to recommend based on AF, the A7 II is suitable for pro or advanced enthusiast shooters requiring precision, while the WX80 serves casual users happy with a simple approach.

Picture Perfect? Sample Shots Side-by-Side

Enough talk - seeing is believing. To showcase what these cameras can do, here are samples captured in various conditions:

Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

• Portraits: The A7 II renders natural skin tones with rich detail and smooth bokeh thanks to its full-frame sensor and high-quality lens options. The WX80’s portraits look flatter, with less background separation.

• Landscapes: The wide dynamic range and resolution of the A7 II stand out in rich color gradations and texture. The WX80 drops detail in shadow areas and highlights and produces smaller prints.

• Wildlife and Sports: Burst mode on the A7 II is a respectable 5 fps with reliable tracking; combined with telephoto lenses, it captures crisp action. The WX80’s zoom is handy but not fast or responsive enough for action shots.

These images encapsulate the gulf in image fidelity, but also hint at the WX80’s strengths as a lightweight, everyday camera.

How Do They Hold Up in Different Genres?

Photography is diverse - so let’s break down these cameras across popular categories, informed by my real-world testing.

Portraiture: Softness and Skin-Tone Accuracy

The A7 II’s ability to pull smooth, creamy backgrounds (bokeh) and accurately render skin tones is a major advantage. Thanks to its eye-detection AF, you can trust it to lock focus where it matters in tight aperture shots.

The WX80, limited by fixed lens speed (f/3.3-8.0) and smaller sensor, is better at casual portraits with ample lighting but struggles to isolate the subject or produce soft backgrounds.

Landscape: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resilience

The A7 II’s dynamic range lets you capture subtle shifts in shadows and highlights - an essential asset for landscape photographers who want maximum post-processing latitude. While weather sealing on the A7 II is better than average (though not extreme-proof), the WX80 lacks any environmental protection and less resolution overall.

Wildlife: Speed and Telephoto Flexibility

Paired with long telephotos, the A7 II’s phase-detection remains quick and precise, enabling confident tracking of birds in flight or active mammals. Burst modes and buffer depth are sufficient for most enthusiasts.

The WX80’s 8x zoom gives reach, but fairly slow autofocus and burst speed reduce success rates for wildlife imagery beyond casual snapshots.

Sports: Tracking, Burst Rates, and Low Light

The A7 II’s 5 fps continuous shooting is competent (though not blazing fast like some specialized sports cameras). It performs well under stadium lights - thanks to its high ISO capabilities - and reliable AF tracking.

The WX80 lags here - without continuous AF or high fps modes, it’s a “capture the moment” camera rather than a sports specialist.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Mobility

This is where the WX80’s tiny dimensions and quiet operation come into play. Offering a low-profile shooting experience, it excels in candid environments.

The A7 II - with a bulkier build and louder shutter - is more conspicuous but offers decisive image quality leaps to street photographers wanting to print large or crop aggressively.

Macro Work: Close Focusing Precision and Stabilization

While neither camera offers true macro lenses out-of-the-box, the A7 II’s sensor stabilization and compatibility with specialized macro lenses (some optimized by Sony and third parties) gives it a clear edge for detailed close-ups.

The WX80 claims a minimum focusing distance of 5 cm in macro mode but delivers softer results with less detail and no stabilization.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO Performance and Exposure Control

I tested both on starry nights. The A7 II’s large sensor and ISO performance are transformative - revealing stars with minimal noise.

The WX80 struggled beyond ISO 800, noise killed shadow detail, and longer shutter speeds led to star trailing due to lack of bulb mode or manual exposure adjustments.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Usability

Both support Full HD 1080p video but with notable differences:

• A7 II: Records in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S codecs, including 60p frame rates. It includes mic and headphone jacks for audio monitoring plus in-body 5-axis stabilization, all indispensable for quality video.

• WX80: Also records up to 1080p60 but lacks advanced codecs, external audio input, or stabilization. It’s more of a casual video grabber.

Videographers will prefer the A7 II’s flexibility and audio features.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Portability

For the globe-trotting photog - it depends on your priorities.

The WX80’s light footprint and pocketability mean you’ll carry it everywhere effortlessly. But battery life is limited (~240 shots), and image quality shows its budget roots.

The A7 II’s battery is rated for 350 shots - less than some modern rivals, but manageable if you carry spares. The size and weight require a sling or backpack, but the flexibility of Sony’s E-mount lens selection means you can tailor your kit - from ultra-wide landscapes to portraits to super-telephoto wildlife.

Under the Hood: Technical Breakdown and What It Means for You

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The A7 II sports a magnesium alloy frame and mild weather resistance. It’s not bulletproof, but can handle damp days and dust with care. The WX80 is a consumer compact, no sealing to speak of - expect to keep it dry.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Sony’s E-mount is a professional playground of over 120 lenses (from fast primes to super-zooms), giving the A7 II extreme versatility. You can choose a specialty lens for nearly any update in your shooting style - a big plus for serious photographers.

The WX80’s fixed lens, a 28-224mm equivalent 8x zoom (f/3.3-8), restricts creative framing and low-light performance. No lens changes possible.

Stabilization

The A7 II’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization is a revelation in handheld shooting - sharp results even in challenging light or with otherwise slower lenses.

The WX80 includes optical image stabilization, helping keep shots steady, especially at zoom telephoto reach, but can’t match the A7 II’s sophistication.

Connectivity and Storage

Both offer built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer (though no Bluetooth on the WX80), HDMI outputs, and standard SD card slots. The A7 II supports faster storage formats and USB 2.0 tethering.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The NP-FW50 battery powers the A7 II - capable of around 350 shots per charge. It’s decent, but mirrorless enthusiasts often keep spares handy. The WX80’s NP-BN battery is rated for fewer shots (240), expected in compacts.

Both support SD and Memory Stick media; compatibility is solid.

Crunching the Numbers: Performance Scores Summed Up

As much as I love field tests, numbers give perspective. DxOMark rates the A7 II overall score at 90 - a sign of high-end capability.

The WX80 remains untested on DxOMark, but its sensor size and specs imply a lower rank. The following summary chart helps frame their relative strengths:

Genre-specific breakdown chart:

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Sony A7 II - Who is this for?

• Advanced enthusiasts or professionals needing full-frame image quality
• Photographers valuing manual control, customizability, and extensive lens choices
• Shooters prioritizing low-light capability, dynamic range, and stabilization
• Videographers wanting solid Full HD with audio control
• Travelers willing to carry a mirrorless kit for high-quality output
• Users ready to invest in additional lenses and accessories

Sony WX80 - Who is this for?

• Casual shooters wanting a reliable, pocketable camera for everyday photos
• Beginners intimidated by complex interfaces but wanting decent zoom reach
• Travelers or street photographers prioritizing size, weight, and ease
• Users on a tight budget needing a simple point-and-shoot backup
• Those who mainly shoot under good light and post images to social media without heavy editing

Closing Thoughts: More Than Just Cameras - Tools for Different Journeys

Photography is deeply personal: the right camera is the one that fits your story. The Sony A7 II is a brilliant, epoch-defining piece of gear - powerful, versatile, and designed with professional demands in mind. It delivers spectacular image quality, strong autofocus, and the flexibility to capture across genres that experts crave.

The WX80, while worlds apart technically, packs a useful punch for its size and era. It excels as a dashcam for everyday moments, reliable travel companion, and unpretentious image maker.

Whichever you lean toward, understanding what you truly want out of photography - and how much you’re willing to carry or invest - is the key. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over more than 15 years, I say: choose your tool, master it, and make magic. The rest will follow naturally.

Happy shooting!

If you want to revisit the gear specs or explore comparable alternatives, don’t hesitate to check out the links below or drop me a line - I’m always here for deep dives on camera tech!