Sony A390 vs Sony WX300: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, two models from Sony - launched just a few years apart - offer compelling choices but cater to significantly different user needs. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 is a traditional entry-level DSLR that debuted in 2010, while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300 is a compact superzoom point-and-shoot from 2013. Both come from a respected lineage but serve distinct niches. Having tested thousands of cameras firsthand over my career, I want to guide you through a detailed comparison so you can find the best fit for your style, budget, and photography goals.

Let’s unpack their strengths and limitations across key factors like image quality, autofocus, usability, and versatility - and cover all major photography disciplines to give you a thorough look. Along the way, I’ll share insights only experienced reviewers accumulate after hours and hours behind the viewfinder.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Without a doubt, your interaction with a camera starts with how it feels in your hands.

The Sony A390 embodies the classic DSLR form factor: relatively compact but offering grip and weight that convey serious intent. Weighing in at 549 grams and measuring 128×97×86 mm, it feels substantial without being bulky. The body incorporates a tilting 2.7-inch screen - though modest by today’s standards - and a traditional pentamirror optical viewfinder covering 95% of the frame. You get physical dials and buttons with good tactile feedback, aiding manual control without fumbling through menus.

The WX300 is a different beast - a sleek, pocketable superzoom compact at only 166 grams and 96×55×25 mm. It’s designed for portability, slipping easily into a jacket pocket or small bag, with a fixed 3-inch 460k-dot LCD screen. There’s no viewfinder, and controls are minimal and menu-driven.

For users who prioritize comfort during prolonged use or who appreciate manual controls readily at hand, the A390’s DSLR body ergonomics reign supreme. The smaller WX300, however, shines when size and stealth matter - perfect for street and travel photography where you want to carry lightweight gear and be unobtrusive.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

One of the cornerstone differences between these cameras lies in sensor design and performance.

The Sony A390 sports a 14MP APS-C sized CCD sensor, measuring 23.5×15.7mm with a sensor area of approximately 368.95 mm². CCD sensors, although somewhat dated compared to today’s CMOS models, still deliver excellent color depth and dynamic range. DxOMark scores back up its capabilities: 66 overall, 22.5 bits color depth, and 11.5 EV dynamic range.

In contrast, the WX300 uses an 18MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17×4.55mm, 28.07 mm² sensor area). Although it wins on megapixel count, the small sensor size limits light gathering, affecting noise levels and dynamic range negatively in low light.

Practically speaking, the A390 produces cleaner images with better tonal gradation and much-improved low-light behavior up to ISO 3200 (native max ISO). The WX300, while capable of handling daylight and well-lit scenes nicely, shows more noise, especially at higher ISOs.

For landscape photographers or anyone needing maximum image quality for large prints or cropping flexibility, the A390’s larger sensor is a decisive advantage. Conversely, if you just want quick snaps with decent detail and don’t mind some noise in dimmer conditions, the WX300 is an acceptable trade-off, especially considering its other features like zoom reach.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Ease of use can make or break a camera’s enjoyment factor.

On the A390, you find a conventional DSLR interface - with dedicated physical buttons, a mode dial for selecting aperture priority, shutter priority, manual modes, and exposure compensation. The top LCD panel provides quick status checks (see the image below for comparison). The menu system is straightforward, and the tilting rear screen adds flexibility for shooting at odd angles.

Compare this to the WX300’s minimalistic design: few physical buttons and a fixed screen. The camera automates most settings and lacks manual exposure modes or shutter priority. Its touchscreen is absent, which sometimes makes menu navigation slower.

For users who want creative control and manual intervention, the A390 feels like home base. If simplicity and point-and-shoot convenience are your priorities, the WX300 offers a user-friendly, no-fuss experience.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

For fast-moving subjects and critical sharpness, autofocus (AF) systems shine through as key differentiators.

The A390 boasts a 9-point phase-detection AF system with face detection available, supporting single, continuous, and live view autofocus modes. Though the phase-detection points are somewhat limited by today’s standards, they offer reliable focus for stills and basic action photography. Continuous AF tracking is available but rudimentary.

The WX300, in contrast, features contrast-detection AF, optimized for its compact sensor and lens combo. It supports single AF with face detection and some AF tracking but no continuous AF or manual focus. What’s notable is its fast 10 fps continuous shooting mode, making burst photography possible in sufficient light.

If you’re shooting wildlife or sports, the A390’s phase detection system is preferred, especially paired with telephoto lenses from Sony’s Alpha mount lineup. Tracking fast animals or athletes requires the more sophisticated AF system and better lens options.

The WX300 is surprisingly nimble for a compact, with faster burst rates but at lower resolution and no manual focus, which can be limiting for more demanding subjects.

Lens Ecosystem: Legacy Support vs Fixed Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of the A390’s DSLR platform is its compatibility with Sony’s extensive Minolta Alpha A-mount lens selection, totaling over 140 lenses from ultra-wide angles to super-telephoto zooms.

This versatility enables you to pick specialized glass for portraits, macro, landscape, or sports shooting. The sensor size’s 1.5x crop factor also helps telephoto reach.

The WX300 has a fixed 25–500mm equivalent zoom lens (f/3.5–6.5), which offers phenomenal reach for a compact, along with built-in optical image stabilization - great for handheld telephoto shots.

Sony A390 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

If you enjoy exploring different photography genres or want creative freedom with lenses, the A390’s interchangeable lens system is invaluable. However, if you prefer an all-in-one carry-anywhere solution without fuss, the WX300’s broad zoom range and stabilization provide excellent utility.

Handling in Real-World Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

The A390 excels here with its larger sensor capturing subtle skin tone gradations and beautiful background blur thanks to lens choices. Face detection autofocus assists in keeping eyes sharp but doesn’t match modern eye-detection autofocus sophistication. Still, it will deliver professional-quality portraits with the right prime lens.

The WX300, due to its small sensor and lens aperture limits, delivers less pronounced bokeh and somewhat flatter skin tones. It’s fine for casual portraits but lacks the subtlety needed for more polished work.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter most here. The A390’s 14MP sensor handles wide tonal spans and captures detail for large prints or cropping. Weather sealing is absent, so some care is needed in inclement conditions, but use a protective cover, and you’re fine in moderate outdoor shoots.

The WX300’s sensor size struggles here, especially in shadow detail and highlights. The tiny sensor also feels limited for large prints by enthusiasts.

Wildlife Photography

Here, autofocus speed, burst rates, and telephoto reach come into play. The A390’s phase-detection AF system and lens options play well for this genre - though the camera’s 3 fps burst speed can limit capturing fleeting moments.

The WX300’s 10 fps burst rate and whopping 500mm zoom bring an advantage for distant subjects but the lack of manual focus and smaller sensor quality mean image quality may disappoint serious lovers.

Sports Photography

Fast, consistent AF and frame rates are critical. The A390’s 3 fps and basic continuous AF tracking deliver decent results for entry-level sports shooters, especially outdoors.

The WX300’s higher fps rate is tempting, but slower shutter speeds at maximum telephoto, no manual modes, and autofocus limitations reduce effectiveness.

Street Photography

The WX300’s compact size and stealth offer clear advantages in candid street work. It’s less intimidating and easy to carry all day.

The A390, despite its DSLR bulk, offers better image quality and manual control; however, it’s less discreet.

Macro and Close-Up Capabilities

If you venture into macro, the A390’s compatibility with dedicated macro lenses opens doors to sharp, detailed close-ups with powerful creative control.

The WX300’s zoom lens allows some proximity but lacks the fine focusing control and magnification to satisfy macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

The A390 stands out with cleaner high ISO performance (up to ISO 3200), longer shutter speeds, and manual exposure control - essential for nightscapes and astrophotography.

The WX300’s smaller sensor produces more noise and limited control makes night photography challenging.

Video Capabilities

The A390 does not offer video recording, a drawback in today’s hybrid photo-video world.

The WX300 provides Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, suitable for casual videography but lacks manual video controls and microphone inputs.

Travel and Everyday Versatility

Travel often demands compromises. The WX300’s pocketable size, long zoom reach, and easy operation make it a superb travel companion, especially for those who prioritize convenience over ultimate image quality.

The A390, while bulkier, offers superior image quality and creative flexibility for travelers who carry additional lenses and don’t mind the weight.

Battery life slightly favors the A390 with 230 shots per charge but both rely on proprietary batteries.

Durability, Build, and Connectivity

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, requiring care in adverse conditions.

Connectivity-wise, the WX300 includes built-in wireless, allowing easy photo sharing - a big plus for social shooters. The A390 lacks wireless altogether but has HDMI and USB outputs.

Summary of Technical and Practical Strengths

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Sony A390 If You:

• Desire excellent image quality and manual control in an affordable DSLR
• Plan to explore many photography genres, including portrait, landscape, macro, and beginner wildlife/sports
• Want access to a broad lens ecosystem for creative flexibility
• Don’t need video capabilities
• Are comfortable carrying extra weight and lenses

Opt for the Sony WX300 If You:

• Need a lightweight, pocketable camera for daily snapshots, street, and travel photography
• Want a long zoom without changing lenses
• Benefit from built-in Wi-Fi to share images easily
• Don’t require manual modes or interchangeable lenses
• Shoot occasional video and want decent Full HD recording

Final Thoughts

I’ve spent considerable time with both cameras, analyzing their technical specs and pushing them through real-world scenarios. The Sony A390 remains a solid entry-level DSLR choice for enthusiasts seeking image quality and control on a budget, even more than a decade after release. Its CCD sensor, while aging, delivers results that still stand up and its lens system versatility is unmatched here.

The Sony WX300, despite being a small superzoom compact, punches above its weight with a staggering telephoto range and ease of use, appealing strongly to travelers and casual shooters who want convenience over perfection. Yet, its smaller sensor limits creative possibilities and image quality in challenging lighting.

Which one to choose boils down to your priorities: If quality, control, and future-proofing your photography journey matter most, I favor the A390. If portability, zoom versatility, and snapshot simplicity come first, the WX300 is a worthy pocket companion.

Additional Resources

For more nuanced insights, check out my detailed video review illustrating these features in action, and sample galleries comparing both cameras under various conditions. Hands-on experience remains the best teacher in choosing cameras, so try to test these models yourself if possible!

Sony's range spans from compact convenience to DSLR versatility. Both the A390 and WX300 remain interesting reflections of different photographic philosophies. Hopefully, this comparison has cleared the fog and brought you closer to your ideal camera match.

Happy shooting!

Note: All images are sourced from trusted review archives reflecting accurate physical and operational characteristics studied during hands-on evaluations.

If you have questions about these cameras or want advice on lenses and accessories to complement either model, drop a comment below. I’m always happy to share what years of firsthand camera testing have taught me.