Sony A700 vs. Sony WX350: A Technical and Practical Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera is a critical step in your photography journey. Whether you're upgrading your gear or trying to find the perfect fit for your particular style, understanding how different cameras perform in the real world is essential. Today, we're diving deep into two very different Sony models - the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 (A700), a robust mid-size digital SLR from 2007, and the compact powerhouse Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 (WX350) from 2014. Although their release dates and target markets differ, both hold unique value depending on your photographic ambitions.

Through our rigorous hands-on testing and technical examination of sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, and image quality, this guide will help you determine which camera aligns best with your needs - from portraiture and wildlife to travel and street photography.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance

Before we delve into detailed comparisons across photographic genres and technical features, let's familiarize ourselves with the key specs and physical differences.

The Sony A700 feels substantial in the hand - a typical DSLR heft offering balance and a comfortable grip. In contrast, the WX350's petite size and light weight are tailored for portability and ease during travel or street photography.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

One of the most defining differences between these cameras lies beneath the hood - in their sensors.

Sony A700: Classic APS-C CMOS Sensor

The A700 features a 23.5 x 15.6 mm APS-C-sized CMOS sensor with a 12-megapixel resolution. Despite its age, this sensor still produces images with solid color depth (22.3 bits according to DxOMark), good dynamic range (~11.9 EV), and clean low-light performance (ISO up to 6400 with usable noise levels). The sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré artifacts, standard in DSLRs of its generation.

Sony WX350: Small BSI-CMOS Sensor, Higher Resolution

The WX350 uses a 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels. While boasting higher resolution, the small physical sensor size limits image quality under challenging conditions, particularly in low light and wide dynamic range scenarios. Due to its compact nature, noise tends to rise quickly beyond ISO 800, and color depth/dynamic range are notably lower than APS-C sensors.

Real-World Image Quality

In our side-by-side shooting tests with controlled lighting, the A700 consistently rendered smoother gradations, more natural skin tones, and richer shadow detail. The WX350 delivers respectable images for casual use, but suffers from noticeable noise and reduced dynamic range in complex lighting.

Our gallery of sample shots below highlights these differences - portraits demonstrating skin tone nuances, landscapes showing dynamic range, and low-light street scenes.

Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Autofocus Performance and Speed

Autofocus capabilities directly influence your success in capturing sharp images, especially in fast-paced genres such as sports or wildlife.

Sony A700 Autofocus System

• 11 focus points with phase-detection AF
• Supports single, continuous AF, and multi-area AF
• Lacks face or eye detection

This AF system was advanced for its era, offering dependable focus tracking in daylight and suitable performance in moderately low light. Its phase-detection sensor enables quicker and more accurate autofocus than the WX350.

Sony WX350 Autofocus System

• Uses contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection)
• Single AF and multi-area AF available, with face detection
• No eye or animal eye AF

Contrast-based AF tends to be slower and less effective with moving subjects. The WX350 is designed more for point-and-shoot convenience rather than rapid focus tracking. Its face detection helps with casual portraiture but cannot match DSLR AF speeds.

Field Testing: Wildlife and Sports

For wildlife photography, we found the A700's phase detection AF combined with compatible telephoto lenses gave a clear edge, reliably focusing on moving animals in variable distances. The WX350 struggles with fast subjects, often hunting for focus.

In sports scenarios, the A700's 5 fps shooting rate matched by swift autofocus provided better chance to capture peak action moments. Although the WX350 doubles this to 10 fps, frame quality and missed focus frames reduce practical utility for serious sports.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and User Interface

Your shooting experience depends largely on how a camera feels and responds.

Sony A700: Professional Handling

• Magnesium alloy body with environmental sealing
• Optical pentaprism viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.6x magnification
• Dedicated dials for shutter/aperture priority, ISO, and exposure compensation
• Dual memory card slots (Compact Flash + Memory Stick)
• Fixed 3" LCD with 920k dots, no touch or live view
• Battery: NP-FM500H with moderate life

Solid weather sealing means the A700 stands up better to outdoor shooting in adverse conditions like light rain or dust. The physical dials and buttons feel tactile, suitable for professional workflows.

Sony WX350: Sleek and Portable

• Plastic-built compact with no weather sealing
• No viewfinder; relies entirely on LCD for framing
• Minimal physical controls, no manual exposure modes
• Single SD slot
• Fixed 3" LCD, 460k dots, no touchscreen
• Battery: NP-BX1, rated ~470 shots

Ergonomically, the WX350 fits easily in your pocket and is perfect for spontaneous photography. However, the lack of tactile controls and limited exposure options reduce creative control.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Capability

Lens versatility greatly impacts your artistic options.

Sony A700: Interchangeable Lens Flexibility

• Compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses (~143 lenses available at the time)
• Focal length multiplier of 1.5x (APS-C crop)
• Supports specialty lenses: macros, pro telephotos, primes, wide angles, and fast apertures
• Allows manual focus and full creative control

If you want to delve into portrait bokeh, macro details, or wildlife telephoto reach, the A700’s lens mount system is a major advantage.

Sony WX350: All-in-One Zoom Lens

• Fixed 25-500mm equivalent zoom (20x optical)
• Max aperture f/3.5-6.5 (relatively slow at telephoto)
• Built-in optical image stabilization with locked-in focal lengths
• No option to change lens or add filters easily

The WX350’s extensive zoom range is impressive in such a compact body, great for travel and casual shooting. However, reduced aperture size means limited low-light and shallow depth of field capabilities compared to DSLR primes.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony A700

• Uses larger NP-FM500H battery, providing moderate longevity
• Dual card slots enable flexibility and backup
• USB 2.0 connectivity; HDMI output for viewing
• No wireless connectivity

Sony WX350

• Smaller NP-BX1 battery, rated for ~470 shots on a charge (typical of compact cameras)
• Single storage slot (SD card)
• Built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for easy sharing and remote control
• USB and HDMI ports provided

Wireless features on the WX350 are a bonus for casual shooters who want quick sharing but lack professional-level tethered shooting options.

Specialized Photography Scenarios

Let’s breakdown how each camera fares in key photography disciplines.

Portraiture

• Sony A700 excels with 11 AF points allowing reasonable composition freedom but lacks eye detection; interchangeable lenses permit beautiful bokeh control.
• WX350 has face detection and decent image quality in good light, but smaller sensor and fixed lens limit artistic control.

Landscape

• A700's APS-C sensor yields superior dynamic range and richer detail, especially with wide and tilt-shift lenses.
• WX350 is limited by sensor size but offers a versatile zoom for framing distant landscapes.

Wildlife

• A700’s phase-detection AF and telephoto lens selection triumph for active wildlife shooting.
• WX350 convenience is offset by slower AF and limited zoom reach at maximum aperture.

Sports

• A700’s shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec, phase AF, and 5fps shooting serve casual sports well.
• WX350 has impressive burst rate but AF lag and smaller sensor hamper results.

Street Photography

• WX350’s compact, discrete design is ideal for candid street shots.
• A700 bigger size may intimidate subjects but offers superior image quality.

Macro

• A700 supports dedicated macro lenses for precise focusing and shallow depth of field.
• WX350 relies on digital cropping with limited close focus capability.

Night/Astro

• A700 provides better ISO performance and manual control vital for long exposures.
• WX350 limited sensor and no manual modes reduce night shooting potential.

Video

• WX350 supports full HD 1080p video at 60 fps with stereo audio.
• A700 records no video, limiting multimedia use.

Travel

• WX350 wins for portability, ease of use, and zoom range.
• A700 demands more packing and gear but rewards with higher image fidelity.

Professional Use

• A700 suits pros needing rugged build, RAW support, and workflow flexibility.
• WX350 targets enthusiasts seeking grab-and-go convenience.

Price-to-Performance: Where Do You Get the Best Value?

At launch, the A700 commanded nearly four times the price of the WX350; today, both cameras are considered used or legacy gear. For photographers on a tight budget or seeking compact options, the WX350 still offers solid features with built-in zoom and image stabilization.

However, if your priority is image quality, creative versatility, and professional-level control, the A700’s APS-C sensor, lens ecosystem, and manual interface justify the investment.

Our detailed genre performance chart below highlights strengths:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Whether the Sony A700 or WX350 is right for you depends heavily on your intended use and shooting preferences.

Choose the Sony A700 if:

• You want serious image quality and RAW shooting ability
• You prefer physical controls and interchangeable lenses
• Your focus lies in portrait, wildlife, sports, or professional photography
• You need a rugged camera that can handle inclement weather
• You are comfortable with a larger, heavier system
• Video is not a priority

Choose the Sony WX350 if:

• You need an ultra-compact, pocketable camera for travel or street photography
• You value an extensive zoom range without changing lenses
• Video recording and wireless image sharing matter to you
• You are a casual photographer looking for simplicity and portability
• Budget constraints make affordability key
• You don’t require RAW or manual exposure modes

Get Hands-On and Explore Accessories

We always recommend testing cameras in-store to see how ergonomics and menus suit your style. For the A700, pair it with a mid-range zoom or prime lens to experience its image quality potential firsthand. The WX350’s versatility shines with tripod use and optional external flashes (via built-in flash).

Check out accessories like additional batteries, memory cards, and camera bags designed for your choice to optimize your creative workflow.

Summary Table: Side-by-Side Technical Comparison

Closing Note

Both the Sony A700 and WX350 cameras serve distinct purposes and audiences - from the serious enthusiast harnessing optical precision to the casual shooter capturing spontaneous moments. By weighing sensor size, autofocus performance, lens options, and practical use cases, you can zero in on the camera that best complements your creative vision and daily shooting needs.

Remember, the best camera is the one you feel inspired to use. Take time to explore, practice, and push your boundaries with whichever model you choose.

Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison helpful or have specific shooting questions about these two cameras or others, drop a comment or reach out. We're here to support your photographic exploration.