Sony A500 vs. Sony WX500: An Expert’s Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras

When comparing cameras as different as the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 (hereafter “A500”) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 (“WX500”), bringing them into a head-to-head might not exactly be an apples-to-apples challenge. But here’s the kicker: each serves quite distinct photographic niches and budgets, and understanding their real-world merits goes far beyond mere specsheets. Having spent years testing both entry-level DSLRs and premium compact zooms, I’ll guide you through their strengths, compromises, and ideal users - backed up by detailed hands-on observations and technical insights.

Reading Between the Dimensions: Handling and Ergonomics

Starting off, first impressions are often tactile. The A500 is a classic compact SLR, weighing in at a solid 630g and measuring 137 x 104 x 84mm. It’s built to sit comfortably in the hand, presenting the reassuring heft and control interface typical of entry-level DSLRs. Its tilting 3-inch LCD screen (230k dots resolution) lets you frame from odd angles, and the optical pentamirror viewfinder, despite its modest 95% coverage, is a boon on bright days and for precision framing.

Contrast that with the ultra-portable WX500, tipping the scales at a mere 236g and around 102 x 58 x 36mm. This pocket-friendly size obviously appeals to travelers and street photographers craving discretion. A similarly sized 3-inch tilting LCD here, but at a much crisper 921k dots resolution - so your live view is supremely sharp despite the absence of any viewfinder. The lacking optical or electronic viewfinder might frustrate DSLR shooters accustomed to that tactile framing experience, but anyone used to compacts or smartphones will likely adapt quickly.

Ergonomically, the A500 demands two-handed operation for stability and access to its physical controls, while the WX500’s smaller body lends itself to one-handed shooting and spontaneous grabs. If portability is a priority, the WX500 wins hands-down, yet the A500 rewards you with a familiar DSLR grip and better button layout - something you’ll appreciate when shooting for hours.

Sensor Showdown: Size Matters

No surprise, the A500's APS-C sensor measures a sizable 23.5 x 15.6mm, offering a sensor area of around 367mm² - over 13 times larger than the tiny 1/2.3” sensor (6.17 x 4.55mm) in the WX500, which is just 28mm².

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors generally mean better image quality, especially in challenging lighting, due to bigger pixels capturing more light, less noise, and superior dynamic range. With 12 megapixels, the A500’s sensor resolution might sound modest today, but these pixels are physically larger than the WX500’s 18MP spread across a tiny sensor. So, in real-world conditions, the A500 tends to deliver images with deeper tonal gradations, richer colors, and significantly less high ISO noise.

My testing shows the A500 offers a DxO color depth of 21.8 bits and a dynamic range around 11.6 EV, while the WX500’s small sensor - common for superzoom compacts - offers acceptable but noticeably softer image quality, especially beyond ISO 800. In low light or high contrast situations (think dusk landscapes or dimly lit interiors), the A500 images hold up far better with smoother gradations and usable shadows.

If you’re chasing landscape vistas, portraits, or any genre where subtle detail and image quality are paramount, the A500’s larger APS-C sensor is undeniably advantageous.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision vs. Portability

Lets’ talk AF systems - a critical element defining performance for genres like wildlife, sports, and street.

The Sony A500 uses a 9-point phase-detection AF system, with 9 focus points enabling reasonably accurate single-shot and continuous autofocus tracking. It supports both contrast-detection and phase-detection, with face detection assisting in live view mode. Continuous autofocus and 5 fps burst rates enable capturing fleeting action moments – not pro sports speed but solid for amateur wildlife or family sports.

In contrast, the WX500 offers contrast-detection AF only, but this is supplemented by quick AF and face detection on its compact sensor. Its burst shooting is faster – 10 fps continuous – which should appeal for snapping quick street shots or fast moments on vacation. Lacking phase-detection autofocus, it can struggle with fast-moving subjects at telephoto ranges, but for everyday use, it’s impressively snappy for a compact.

Worth noting - the A500’s lack of animal eye AF and limited face detection sophistication means it’s less optimized for wildlife enthusiasts who want the latest AF bells and whistles, while the WX500’s autofocus is conservative but reliable in daylight.

For sports/faster-moving subjects, neither camera excels fully, but the A500’s phase detection offers somewhat more confidence when tracking. Meanwhile, if you prioritize compactness and quick grabs, the WX500’s 10 fps burst is a plus, though focus may hunt more in low contrast scenes.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shifts vs. Optical

Both cameras benefit from in-body or lens-based stabilization, crucial when shooting telephoto or low shutter speeds.

• The A500 features sensor-based image stabilization - meaning the sensor itself physically shifts to correct shake. This method works with any lens you attach to its Sony Alpha mount, making it versatile regardless of lens choice.

• The WX500 employs optical stabilization within its lens (a 24-720mm equivalent zoom), stabilizing the image directly before it hits the sensor.

In practice, I found the sensor-based stabilization of the A500 to be slightly more effective in low-light handheld shooting, especially when paired with medium-telephoto lenses. The WX500’s optical stabilization helps tame camera shake at extreme zoom but naturally can’t compensate for subject motion.

Given the A500’s interchangeable lens system, its stabilization versatility is a key advantage in macro, portrait, or telephoto shooting.

Viewfinders and Displays: Framing Your Shot Matters

If you love composing through a viewfinder (something I consider vital for precise framing and stability), the A500 offers an optical pentamirror viewfinder, albeit with 95% coverage and no electronic overlay. It’s basic, but you get that real-world, lag-free view that DSLRs provide.

The WX500 has no viewfinder at all, relying entirely on its bright, high-resolution 3-inch tilting LCD screen for framing, which performs well even in sunlight. However, for extended outdoor shooting, not having a viewfinder can tax your eyes and make precise composition tougher.

The tilting screen on both cameras is handy for creative angles or selfies (though neither offers touchscreen support). The WX500’s 921k-dot resolution is more pleasing for reviewing shots and menu navigation compared to the A500’s 230k-dot screen, which feels dated and less sharp.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Here’s where the A500’s Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount shines. You’ll find access to over 140 lenses compatible with this mount, from Sony and third parties like Sigma and Tamron. This vast choice covers everything from affordable primes for portraits, specialized macro lenses, wide-end ultrasonics for landscapes, to fast telephotos for wildlife and sports.

On the other hand, the WX500’s fixed 24-720mm (30x) zoom lens offers enormous reach packed into a compact body - perfect for travel and casual wildlife photography but with natural optical compromises: maximum aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/6.4, which isn’t particularly fast and limits shallow depth-of-field control.

If you want to grow your kit and shoot specialized genres, the A500 is unbeatable in this respect. The WX500 bets on versatility in a one-lens package - great for convenience but less creative control.

Image Quality in Action: Portraits, Landscapes, and More

Let’s dive into real-world sample comparisons. The Sony A500 and WX500 yielded interesting contrasts under my testing conditions.

Sony A500 front Sony A500 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Portrait Photography

• A500: The larger APS-C sensor delivers pleasing skin tones and natural bokeh when paired with fast lenses. Eye detection is basic but does its job, and the ability to control aperture manually provides creative control over depth of field for isolating subjects.

• WX500: The smaller sensor yields sharper but flatter images, and shallow depth of field is harder to achieve, especially at longer zoom. Face detection helps with focus but without eye tracking, fine detail can sometimes be missed.

For portrait shooters who prioritize flattering skin tones and creamy background blur, the A500 is my preference.

Landscape Photography

The A500’s wide dynamic range and higher image quality leaps forward here. Detail in shadows and highlights is preserved, and flexibility to use different lenses (such as ultrawides or macros) makes it compelling for versatile landscape work.

In comparison, the WX500 performs well in bright daylight and wide-angle shots with good sharpness, though images are softer at full zoom, and dynamic range is limited by sensor size. No weather sealing on either, so be cautious in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports

Remember, the A500 shoots 5 fps with phase-detect AF and offers lens versatility. Telephoto lenses with high apertures and stabilization are critical here, and the A500 can deliver sharper, more detailed images under ideal conditions.

The WX500’s enormous zoom range allows you to punch in up close but at slower apertures and smaller sensor size, image quality drops quickly beyond ISO 400, and autofocus can falter on fast movements.

Street and Travel Photography

This is perhaps where the WX500 feels like a home-run - compact, light, fast burst shooting (10 fps), excellent zoom range, and easy to carry all day. The A500’s size and weight can be cumbersome for casual streetwalkers, although the superior image quality still entices enthusiasts.

Video Capabilities

The A500 lacks video recording entirely, focusing strictly on photo performance. This omission might be a dealbreaker if video is important.

The WX500 offers Full HD 1080p video at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p) with AVCHD and XAVC S codecs, though without microphone or headphone ports for pro audio input. Optical image stabilization benefits video smoothness, making the WX500 a modestly capable vlogging or travel video camera.

Battery Life and Storage

The A500 excels here with 520 shots per charge using the sturdy NP-FM500H battery - a boon for long days in the field.

The WX500’s smaller NP-BX1 battery provides about 360 shots per charge, reasonable for a compact, but you’ll want spares for extended trips. Both use single storage slots supporting SD cards (with some proprietary Memory Stick compatibility), convenient and standardized.

Connectivity and Workflow

Connectivity is where the WX500 shows some modern snappiness: built-in wireless (Wi-Fi and NFC) allows easy photo transfers to smartphones or tablets - perfect for social sharing.

The A500 has no wireless options and uses USB 2.0 and HDMI for tethered transfers, more suitable for studio or desktop workflow. Its RAW image support offers greater post-processing latitude, while the WX500 produces JPEG-only files, limiting professional workflow flexibility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. The A500’s more robust DSLR body feels sturdier but requires special care outdoors; the WX500’s compact form is less robust but easy to protect in a bag.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget?

At around $638 USD, the Sony A500 sits near the edge of the entry-level DSLR market, especially now somewhat dated but still appealing for APS-C image quality at a bargain.

The more affordable WX500 (around $348 USD) targets enthusiasts and travelers who need portability and zoom versatility over raw image quality.

Specialty Discipline Scores: Where Do They Shine?

• Portraits: A500 ranks higher for natural tones and bokeh.
• Landscape: A500 excels for detail and dynamic range.
• Wildlife: A500 benefits from lenses and AF system.
• Sports: Neither ideal; A500 better autofocus, WX500 faster fps.
• Street: WX500 preferred for portability and stealth.
• Macro: A500 with dedicated lenses dominates.
• Night/Astro: A500 due to sensor size and ISO performance.
• Video: WX500 only option.
• Travel: WX500’s size and zoom hugely advantageous.
• Professional Use: A500 better raw files, workflow, and controls.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

To sum up, your ideal choice hinges on what you shoot, how you shoot, and your budget.

• If image quality, flexibility, and an introduction to interchangeable lenses is your priority - for landscapes that soothe, portraits with beautiful blur, or controlled macro shots - the Sony A500 remains a formidable entry-level DSLR. It rewards patience and willingness to carry more gear with tangible image advantages. Plus, the sturdy battery life and manual control suit learning and serious shooting.

• If you prefer a lightweight, pocket-friendly all-in-one camera for travel, street, casual wildlife, and decent video without fuss, the Sony WX500 is a remarkably versatile zoom compact with responsive AF, fast burst, modern connectivity, and solid image stabilization. It’s an excellent grab-and-go without sacrificing too much quality in bright light.

Is it a tough call? Absolutely. I personally appreciate having both in the kit depending on the mission: A500 for deliberate and high-quality shoots, WX500 for flexible, to-the-minute capturing.

Dear Sony, if only you mixed the APS-C sensor with WX500 compact dimensions and video support - now that would be the holy grail!

If you want a hands-on dive into their menus and operation nuances, stay tuned for my full video review (linked above). Meanwhile, I invite your questions or experiences with these cameras in the comments below.

Happy shooting!