Sony NEX-6 vs. Sony WX50: A Detailed Face-Off from Personal Experience

When stepping into the world of Sony cameras, it’s like entering a candy store loaded with options - from pocket-sized compacts to serious mirrorless systems. Today, we’ll deep-dive into two very different beasts from Sony’s earlier-2010s lineup: the Sony Alpha NEX-6 advanced mirrorless and the humble Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 compact. Having logged countless hours with both, I’ll unpack their strengths, quirks, and ideal use-cases - helping you decide which camera (if either) fits your photographic ambitions.

Form Factor and Handling: Size Matters (or Does It?)

Sony clearly targeted distinct user scenarios with these two models. The NEX-6 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, designed to offer a DSLR-ish experience in a compact, lightweight body. The WX50, meanwhile, is a simple pocket-friendly compact, perfect for grab-and-go snapshots.

The NEX-6 weighs in at 345g and measures a reasonably chunky 120x67x43mm, allowing for a firm grip and solid build quality. Its physical dimensions and heft contribute positively to stability when handheld - especially when paired with larger lenses. It sports a tilting 3-inch “Xtra Fine” LCD screen with 921k dots, which tilts up 90º and down 45º, making it easier to shoot from odd angles. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is detailed with 2,359k-dot resolution, covers 100% frame, and magnifies at 0.73x, making it a joy to compose photos in bright light or with careful precision.

In contrast, the WX50 is a tiny 117g, 92x52x19mm compact camera you can slip into almost any pocket. Its 2.7-inch fixed Clearfoto TFT LCD with 461k dots is perfectly serviceable but won’t win any awards. It lacks a viewfinder altogether, so you’re stuck composing on the screen, which can be tricky under bright conditions. There is no tilting or touchscreen, which in 2013 was pretty standard for affordable compacts.

The top control layouts confirm this: the NEX-6 offers a dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation dial, multiple customizable buttons, and excellent tactile feedback - a serious photographer’s toolkit. The WX50 keeps it minimalistic with just the essential shutter, zoom toggle, and power button. No manual controls here, which suits casual users but limits creative potential.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size and Tech Make the Difference

This next segment is where the two cameras part ways dramatically. The 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor inside the NEX-6 measures a healthy 23.5x15.6mm, resulting in a sensor area of about 366.6 mm². Contrast this with the WX50’s tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor at only 6.17x4.55mm (28.07 mm²). That difference is monumental and directly translates into image quality.

The NEX-6’s sensor yields richer color depth (23.7 bits tested by DXOmark), very respectable dynamic range at 13.1 stops, and decent low-light ISO performance (measured ISO ~1018). In real-world terms, this translates into images with excellent tonal gradations and manageable noise levels up to ISO 3200 or even beyond if you’re willing to work in RAW and apply noise reduction wisely.

The WX50’s sensor is a typical small-sensor compact tradeoff - high noise starting around ISO 800, limited dynamic range, and muted color performance. It maxes out at ISO 12800 digitally, but practically speaking, the image quality above ISO 800 is muddy and noisy. Being a fixed lens camera, it applies optical (and some digital) sharpening that sometimes introduces artifacts, especially in low light.

Simply put: the NEX-6 is the clear winner on image quality, especially if you value sharpness, color fidelity, and low-light prowess. The WX50 is best for casual snapshots in good lighting when convenience trumps image quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking the Action

Sony’s hybrid autofocus tech in the NEX-6 was ahead of its time, boasting 99 focus points combining phase detection and contrast detection. This hybrid system allows quick and fairly accurate autofocus lock, eye detection, and face detection - making it quite adept at portraiture and street photography. Continuous autofocus and tracking work reasonably well for moving subjects, although it can struggle a bit with erratic wildlife or fast sports action compared to modern cameras.

In contrast, the WX50 uses contrast detection autofocus only, with fewer focus points and slower responsiveness. It features face detection and center autofocus areas but lacks tracking or continuous AF performance. For quick snapshots or static subjects, it’s fine, but don’t expect it to lock onto a running pet or cyclist.

Both cameras can shoot at up to 10 frames per second continuous burst, but again, the NEX-6 shines with faster buffer clearing and more consistent AF tracking during bursts.

Ergonomics and Interface: The Photographer’s Playground

Using the NEX-6 for an extended session, you appreciate the extensive physical controls. There’s no touchscreen, but the tilting LCD and EVF create a flexible experience. The menus are logical, with exposure compensation dial easily accessible and customization options abundant. The camera feels responsive and confident in hand.

The WX50’s interface is straightforward - very few buttons and no manual exposure modes. This makes it accessible for beginners, but it frustrates anyone wanting manual control or quick adjustments. The fixed LCD serves well enough, but the lack of viewfinder and tactile feedback limit compositional precision.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Fixed

Here the NEX-6’s Sony E-mount is a major advantage. As of now, there are over 121 lenses for the E-mount system from Sony and third parties, spanning everything from fast primes for portraits to ultra-telephoto wildlife glass and macro lenses. Whether you want to shoot landscapes, sports, or macro, there’s a lens waiting for your creative impulse.

The WX50’s fixed 25-125mm (equivalent) F2.6-6.3 lens is versatile for a compact, but it can’t compete optically or creatively with interchangeable options.

If you’re serious about photography growth, the NEX-6's interchangeable lens system is unequivocally the better investment.

Battery Life and Ports: Practical Realities

With the Sony NEX-6’s battery rated for about 360 shots per charge, it’s pretty average for an APS-C mirrorless. For long days out, carrying an extra battery is advisable. The WX50, with a smaller sensor and simpler system, manages about 240 shots - a modest haul but understandable given the smaller battery and compact design.

Connectivity options differ too. The NEX-6 includes built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for image transfer and remote control - very handy for today’s smartphone-centric workflows. Both cameras support HDMI output and USB 2.0, but the WX50 lacks wireless altogether.

Feature Highlights Across Photography Types

Let’s break down how these cameras celebrate or falter across photographic genres:

• Portrait Photography:
  The NEX-6’s APS-C sensor and excellent lens selection enable creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. Its face detection autofocus - with eye priority - is invaluable. The WX50’s limited aperture and small sensor make it much harder to isolate subjects or achieve pleasing background blur.

• Landscape Photography:
  The NEX-6 wins with higher resolution (16MP APS-C sensor versus a small sensor in WX50), better dynamic range, and RAW shooting capability. It also lets you mount weather-sealed lenses for rugged use (though the body itself isn’t weather-sealed). The WX50 is limited to JPEGs and small sensor limits dynamic range and detail capture.

• Wildlife & Sports Photography:
  The NEX-6’s hybrid AF and relatively fast burst shooting make it the better choice for action - though modern cameras have advanced beyond it, for 2013 it’s still quite capable. The WX50’s AF struggles with fast subjects, and fixed zoom range limits telephoto reach.

• Street Photography:
  The WX50’s pocketability lends itself well to candid shooting and low-profile use. However, the NEX-6’s quick manual controls and EVF can help capture fleeting moments with better quality. Here, choice depends on trade-off: ultimate discretion versus image quality and control.

• Macro Photography:
  The NEX-6 wins hands down by allowing you to pair dedicated macro lenses with high-resolution sensors and precise manual focus. The WX50’s close focusing at 5cm is fine for casual macro snaps but can’t compete for detail or bokeh quality.

• Night and Astrophotography:
  With superior high-ISO performance and support for long exposures and bulb mode, the NEX-6 is the natural choice. The WX50’s small sensor and limited manual modes mean noisy, less detailed night photos.

• Video:
  Both record 1080p video with 60 fps potential. The NEX-6 produces slightly higher-quality AVCHD or MPEG-4 files, but neither offers advanced video features like 4K or microphone inputs. No stabilization in the NEX-6 hurts handheld video, though WX50 does offer optical image stabilization.

• Travel Photography:
  The WX50 scores on sheer portability and convenience but at image quality cost. The NEX-6 strikes balance with its compact size and powerful feature set - if you can handle an extra lens or two.

• Professional Work:
  Neither camera is aimed at high-end pro use, but NEX-6 supports RAW files and exposure flexibility, making it useful for serious amateurs or as a secondary camera. WX50 is best for casual consumer use only.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection - both need care in adverse conditions. The NEX-6’s more robust body and metal construction feel reassuringly durable compared to the lightweight plastic shell of the WX50.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Budget Saying?

At launch and even today in used markets, the NEX-6 often costs around $350, whereas the WX50 hovers near $250. You pay a premium for the advanced features, better sensor, and lens flexibility of the NEX-6, but if budget is tight and you want a simple point-and-shoot, WX50 does deliver.

Real-World Sample Images

I took both cameras on a week-long trip through a mix of urban and natural environments to see what they could produce.

Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

The NEX-6’s pictures pop with sharpness and depth - portrait skin tones feel natural, and landscapes preserve both shadows and highlights beautifully. The WX50 produced decent snapshots in sunlight, but shadows crushed quickly and colors lacked vibrancy.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on extensive lab and field testing, here’s how the cameras stack up in a quantifiable sense:

NEX-6 scores consistently higher on all metrics combining image quality, autofocus, and usability.

Genre-Specific Scores: Which Camera Excels Where?

To end on a high note, below is a breakdown comparing genre-specific strengths:

• NEX-6 dominates portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, and night photography.
• WX50’s strengths lie in street and travel snapshots where portability trumps everything else.
• For video, both tie with basic capabilities.

Conclusion: Who Should Choose Which?

• Sony NEX-6:
  If you crave flexibility, image quality, and creative control, the NEX-6 remains a compelling mirrorless camera - especially if you can source affordable E-mount lenses. Ideal for serious enthusiasts, budding professionals, or anyone who wants a capable yet compact system camera. Its shortcomings (no in-body stabilization, no touchscreen) pale compared to what it offers for the price.

• Sony WX50:
  This is your friend if you want a light, pocketable camera for simple travel shots and everyday casual photography. It’s intuitive and fuss-free, but you accept limited image quality and creative control in exchange for convenience.

My Personal Take

Having used both extensively, the NEX-6 feels like a camera that grows with you as you learn photography, while the WX50 is more like the camera you bring to the grocery store when the phone just won’t cut it. I still happily carry the NEX-6 for outdoor walks and detailed work, but occasionally grab the WX50 for its sheer stealth.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether any of these older models remain practical today, my answer is: Absolutely - especially if you find them at keen prices. The NEX-6 delivers a mirrorless experience still relevant for entry-level to enthusiast shooters, while the WX50 is a solid beginner pocket shooter.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on what you prioritize: image quality and creativity or absolute convenience. Either way, Sony crafted two very different but solid cameras for two very different photographic lives.

If you found this comparison helpful, I’d be pleased to hear how these cameras perform in your hands or any questions you have - after all, the human experience behind each shot is the story that truly matters.