Sony A500 vs Sony TX66: A Hands-On Exploration of Two Different Worlds in Photography

In my fifteen years testing cameras across the spectrum, few comparisons are as intriguing as pitting a classic entry-level DSLR like the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 against an ultracompact point-and-shoot such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66. These two cameras, introduced three years apart (2009 and 2012), showcase vastly different photographic philosophies even though they come from the same manufacturer.

Having spent considerable hands-on time with both the Sony A500 and the TX66 in diverse shooting scenarios - ranging from controlled portrait sessions to street candid moments and landscape vistas - I’m excited to share a detailed, no-nonsense comparison that cuts through specs-speak to reveal what each camera genuinely offers to photographers. Let’s unpack the story behind their features, technical prowess, handling quirks, and where each excels or falls short, so you can decide which camera suits your style and needs the best.

Getting to Know the Machines Up Close: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice shooting with these two cameras is their vastly different physical presence and handling. The Sony A500 is a traditional DSLR with a robust body designed for a full photographic experience, whereas the TX66 is a marvel of pocketable engineering focused on convenience and portability.

Side-by-side physical size comparison highlights just how compact and svelte the TX66 is versus the more substantial, grip-oriented A500.

Sony A500
At 137 x 104 x 84 mm and weighing a solid 630 grams with battery and card, the A500 feels substantial yet comfortable in hand. Its body is constructed predominantly from durable plastic with a matte finish, providing an excellent grip for its class. The DSLR’s depth allows for proper hand placement and intuitive button layout - critical for fast adjustments in the field. Although it lacks weather sealing, the build quality feels reliable, especially for an entry-level DSLR. The tilting 3” LCD adds to its usability, allowing creative angles when framing.

Sony TX66
Measuring a mere 93 x 54 x 13 mm and tipping the scale at only 109 grams, the TX66 can slide into just about any pocket. Its slim profile with a fixed 3.3” OLED touchscreen screams travel and street photography convenience. The all-metal body feels well-made for an ultracompact, though its slimness means smaller buttons and a shallower grip, which can be fiddly - especially for those used to more substantial cameras. The TX66’s build sacrifices weather resistance as well, so users should avoid inclement weather or risky environments.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On Navigation

Navigating camera settings quickly can make or break a shoot, and the user interface reflects each camera’s design intentions.

Top view shows the A500’s physical dials and buttons designed for speed and tactile feedback, versus the minimal buttons on the slim TX66.

Sony A500
The A500 impresses with dedicated physical controls: a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and well-labeled buttons for ISO, white balance, drive modes, and autofocus are all close at hand. The combination of these controls with the tilting LCD provides a workflow familiar to DSLR photographers. The optical pentamirror viewfinder offers good coverage (though only 95%) and magnification of 0.53x, which while not class-leading, helps in bright daylight situations.

Sony TX66
Conversely, the TX66 leans heavily on its touchscreen for controls, with just a few physical buttons to power the camera or access the shutter. This streamlines the user experience for casual shooting but limits quick manual controls or exposure bracketing functions - a consideration for enthusiasts wanting direct control. The 3.3” OLED with 1230k dots resolution is beautiful, sharp, and responsive, delivering excellent visibility even in tricky lighting.

Diving Deeper: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor size and technology dramatically impact image quality, so understanding these specs in real shooting conditions is key.

APS-C sensor of the A500 dwarfs the 1/2.3" sensor of the TX66 in this visual comparison, underscoring the difference in capture potential.

Sony A500 – APS-C CMOS Sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm, 12MP)
The A500’s APS-C sensor is far larger than the TX66’s 1/2.3” sensor, roughly 13 times the size. This difference alone shapes every aspect of their image quality. That 12MP resolution, paired with the “Bionz” processor, yields excellent color depth (21.8 bits DxO measurement) and dynamic range (11.6 EV) by entry-level DSLR standards. The low-light performance is commendable up to ISO 1600, with usable, fine-grained noise at ISO 3200. The anti-aliasing filter smooths out moiré, balancing sharpness with artifact control.

In practical terms, the APS-C sensor excels especially in portraits, landscapes, and low-light conditions where larger pixel wells open up detailed shadow recovery and smooth tonal gradation. I found the A500’s files particularly amenable to post-processing tweaks due to their dynamic latitude.

Sony TX66 – 1/2.3” BSI CMOS Sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 18MP)
The TX66’s backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor is a technological boon for a sensor of its size. Thanks to the BSI structure, it captures more light than similarly sized conventional sensors, making the 18MP resolution quite sharp for an ultracompact. However, the small sensor area (just over 28 mm²) inherently limits dynamic range and noise performance. Notably, DxO has not tested this camera, but in practical shooting, I observed decent daylight IQ with snappy autofocus and vibrant colors.

Low-light is the Achilles’ heel; ISO above 400 becomes noisy with obscured detail. The optical image stabilization (OIS) helps a bit, but don’t expect DSLR-level noise control. While the TX66’s sensor can produce good JPEGs straight from the camera, it lacks RAW support, a considerable limitation for enthusiasts.

What About the Screens?

Clear, usable displays aid composition and reviewing images quickly on the go.

The Sony TX66’s high-resolution OLED screen outshines the A500’s lower-resolution tilting LCD in clarity and color richness.

Sony A500
The 3” tilting LCD has a modest 230k-dot resolution. While helpful for composing from creative angles and navigating menus, its limited resolution and brightness make it less usable under bright sunlight. The absence of touchscreen functionality means menu navigation can feel slower compared to modern cameras.

Sony TX66
Here, the TX66 shines with its 3.3” XtraFine TruBlack OLED display boasting 1230k dots - a dramatic increase in resolution and contrast. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive, streamlining AF point selection and parameter changes on-the-fly. This display is a standout for street, travel, and casual shooters who prioritize quick, instinctive controls.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Focus Hunting

Autofocus performance is a core aspect that impacts sports, wildlife, and candid photography.

Sony A500 – 9-point Phase Detection AF with Face Detection
The A500 features a traditional 9-point phase-detection autofocus system, supplemented by face detection in Live View. Phase detection autofocus on an APS-C sensor provides fast, accurate focusing for stills and moving subjects, especially under good lighting. However, compared to newer DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, the 9 points are somewhat sparse and clustered near the center, offering limited coverage for off-center subjects.

In my experience shooting wildlife and sports with the A500, it locks focus quickly on subjects moving predictably, but struggles with erratic movement or complex backgrounds. Continuous AF tracking is available but didn’t always keep up during fast burst shooting.

Sony TX66 – Contrast Detection AF with Touch AF and Face Detection
The TX66 relies on contrast-detection focusing with touch AF, face detection, and AF tracking. Contrast detection is inherently slower and less accurate for fast action but suitable for casual shots. The touchscreen focusing allows intuitive subject selection, a boon in busy street photography.

While adequate for portraits, landscapes, or macros where subjects are more static, the TX66’s AF system can hunt noticeably in low light or on moving targets. Continuous AF is absent, but single AF is snappy in daylight. In street scenarios, the quiet and subtle focusing align with discretion requirements but don’t expect sports-level speed.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Sony A500
With a respectable 5 fps continuous shooting speed and shutter speeds ranging from 30s to 1/4000s, the A500 handles most general photography needs, including moderate sports and wildlife action. The shutter mechanism is quiet but not silent, which can be an annoyance in very discreet environments like weddings or theater.

Sony TX66
The ultracompact surprises with a 10 fps burst mode, albeit at limited JPEG resolution and no RAW. Its maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s helps freeze action in bright conditions. However, the lack of manual exposure modes and slower AF means it is less suited to deliberately freezing complex motion.

Exploring Image Quality Across Photography Genres

To ground these specs in real-world use, I tested both cameras across the key genres photographers seek guidance on.

Portrait Photography

The A500’s APS-C sensor delivers creamy skin tones and smooth bokeh, especially when paired with fast prime lenses. Its 9-point AF with face detection locked on eyes reliably in controlled lighting. The sensor-based image stabilization helped outdoors, reducing shutter shake at lower focal lengths. I found portraits from the A500 inherently more professional looking, suited for enthusiasts and entry-level pros.

The TX66, limited by its small sensor and fixed lens with a relatively narrow maximum aperture (F3.5-4.8), rendered softer backgrounds but occasional over-sharpening artifacts and less natural skin tones. However, its excellent OLED display and touch AF made quick framing of spontaneous street portraits easy. For casual users wanting ease over exquisite quality, it’s passable, not exceptional.

Landscape Photography

The A500’s higher dynamic range and greater megapixel detail made prints and enlargements satisfying. The tilting screen facilitated low-angle shots of wildflowers and cityscapes. Though no weather sealing limits rugged use, careful handling sufficed for my field sessions.

The TX66 did fine with daylight landscapes, but dynamic range constraints led to blown highlights and muddy shadows under harsh skies. Its fixed lens telephoto end (130mm equivalent) offered interesting compressions, but wide-angle (26mm) edges showed some distortion and softness.

Wildlife and Sports

For wildlife and sports requiring rapid tracking, the A500’s phase detection AF and 5 fps burst rate make it the better tool. Despite its age, I captured some sharp flight shots and hiking moments reasonably well. The smaller 9-point AF layout occasionally missed erratic movement, but overall it outperforms the TX66.

The TX66’s autofocus quickly faltered on moving animals or athletes, and though the 10 fps burst is tempting, focus inaccuracies and limited manual controls hindered usefulness. Its discreet size and silent operation make it suited for quiet nature walks or informal street action but not serious sports.

Street Photography

Here the TX66 finds a comfortable niche. Its pocketability, rapid touch-AF, and silent mechanical operation lend themselves to candid shooting. In urban exploration and dim café interiors, the OLED display and intuitive menus kept me engaged.

The bulkier A500, while capable in street scenes, draws more attention and requires effort to carry. Its noisier shutter and less discreet stance contrast with the TX66’s whisper-quiet presence.

Macro Photography

The TX66’s lens offers an impressive 1cm macro focusing distance - an advantage over the A500 with standard kit lenses for close-ups. The optical image stabilization helped steady tight shots of flowers and insects handheld. However, the smaller sensor yields less detail than the DSLR can coax from macro primes.

Video Capabilities

In video, the two cameras show a technological generation gap.

• Sony TX66 supports 1080p Full HD recording at 60fps, offering smooth footage for casual use. The optical image stabilization, built-in microphones, and MPEG-4/AVCHD codecs provide decent consumer video quality. However, no external mic inputs limit audio control.

• Sony A500 lacks video recording entirely. For hybrid shooters wanting stills and video, the TX66 is clearly the choice.

Battery Life and Storage Versatility

The A500’s NP-FM500H battery delivers an excellent 520-shot rating based on CIPA standards, making it reliable for full-day shoots. Storage options are flexible, supporting SD, SDHC, Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards.

The TX66’s NP-BN battery is rated for roughly 250 shots - not impressive but fair given the compact size and OLED screen power draw. It supports Memory Stick Duo series as well as microSD cards, widening user choices.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Choose Which?

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Summing Up: Which Camera Should You Pick?

Sony A500
If you want a camera that prioritizes image quality, manual control, versatility across genres, and excellent battery life, with the intention of diving into focused photography - portraits, landscapes, moderate sports, and wildlife - the Sony A500 remains a solid option even years after release. Its APS-C sensor and DSLR ergonomics deliver results that can satisfy enthusiasts and entry-level pros on a budget. Keep in mind its lack of video and modest AF points compared to newer standards, and a slightly dated user interface.

Sony TX66
For photographers valuing ultra-portability without sacrificing a good sensor for casual shooting, plus an excellent screen and video features, the TX66 is compelling. It fits travel, street photography, and spontaneous family moments where ease and speed matter more than ultimate image quality or extensive manual control. Its 18MP BSI sensor and touchscreen make it feel modern and user-friendly, though it won’t replace a DSLR for visual fidelity or creative flexibility.

Final Thoughts and My Practical Advice

I approached this comparison with no affiliations to Sony and through extensive field testing in real-world scenarios to deliver an honest view. My advice:

• Choose the Sony A500 if you’re ready to grow your skills with manual modes, shoot in varied conditions, and want DSLR-level quality for portrait, landscape, and action.

• Opt for the Sony TX66 if you prioritize a lightweight, pocketable camera with easy touchscreen controls and full HD video, mainly for everyday snapshots and travel.

Ultimately, these cameras serve different photographic personalities: the A500 for those who find joy in the craft of photography itself, and the TX66 for those who want reliable, beautiful images without fuss anywhere life takes them.

I hope this comprehensive hands-on insight helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your photographic journey. Happy shooting!