Sony H200 vs. Sony WX500: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Superzooms

Choosing your next camera in the small-sensor superzoom category can feel like a jungle walk – extensive focal reach promises versatility, yet compromises in sensor size and feature sets often lurk in the underbrush. Today, I’m unpacking the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500, two approachable cameras from Sony’s lineup released a couple of years apart but targeting overlapping enthusiasts and budget seekers.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ year career, I’m here to guide you beyond spec sheets into real-world, hands-on insights. This comparison goes deep on image quality, ergonomics, autofocus, video, and practical shooting across photography genres. I’ll also cover which camera suits which kind of photographer, budget, and shooting style. Let’s dive in!

Size, Handling & Design: Bridge vs. Compact - Which Fits Your Grip?

At first glance, these two cameras reflect their categories - the H200 is a bulky, bridge-style superzoom with DSLR-style ergonomics, while the WX500 is a compact, pocket-friendly travel companion.

The Sony H200 is a beast at 123 × 83 × 87 mm, weighing 530 g and adopting an SLR-like bridge body. If you like clubs for thumbs (big grips), dedicated zoom rocker, and large, easily accessible buttons, the H200 caters well. The body’s heft adds steadiness but might tire you during long handheld sessions or travel trekking.

In contrast, the Sony WX500 is a slender 102 × 58 × 36 mm, just 236 g. This compact form strikes a nice balance between portability and functionality - easy to carry all day, ideal for street or travel photographers who want to blend convenience without sacrificing zoom versatility.

The WX500’s top controls are well-laid out with tactile dials and wheels, supporting aperture priority and shutter priority modes - essentials for those wishing to exert more creative control beyond auto. The H200’s interface is simpler, focusing on ease for casual shooting, knowing it doesn’t offer manual exposure modes.

Build Quality and Ergonomics Verdict

If you prioritize comfort and traditional controls, especially for longer shoots, the H200’s oversized bridge design fits your hand better. If lightweight compactness and discreet shooting are needed, WX500 wins hands down.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS - Straight Talk About Limitations and Strengths

Both cameras use small 1/2.3-inch sensors, but that’s where the similarity ends - different sensor technologies and resolutions bring distinct image outcomes.

• Sony H200: Uses a 20MP CCD sensor. CCDs are older tech in 2013, often struggling with noise at high ISO. The H200 maxes out at ISO 3200 but image quality degrades heavily beyond ISO 400.
• Sony WX500: Uses a more modern 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor. Backside illumination improves low-light sensitivity, extending usable ISO to 12800, albeit with caution at the highest levels.

The WX500’s sensor boosts dynamic range and color accuracy, and its BIONZ X processor enables better noise reduction and image detail retention. The H200, with no dedicated processor mentioned, lags in this area.

Image Resolution and Aspect Ratios

• H200 shoots mainly 4:3 and 16:9 with up to 5184x2920 max resolution.
• WX500 offers 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios with a max of 4896x3672 - slightly fewer pixels but more versatile framing options.

Autofocus and Performance: Quick, Accurate, or Casual?

Autofocus capability often makes or breaks a camera’s usability, especially in demanding genres like wildlife or sports photography.

AF Systems in Detail

• Sony H200: Contrast-detection AF only, no continuous or manual focus override. It supports face detection and center-weighted AF area modes.
• Sony WX500: Contrast-detection AF with continuous AF, touch live view autofocus, multiple AF area modes, including selective and multi-area, plus face detection.

The WX500’s AF system is more responsive in real-world use, providing smoother focus tracking for moving subjects, thanks to continuous AF and faster processor assistance. The H200’s AF is slower and more prone to hunting under low-light or fast action but performs adequately for casual snapshots.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds

The WX500 offers 10 fps continuous shooting with shutter speeds up to 1/2000s, useful for sports or wildlife bursts. The H200 provides 8 fps max bursts and a slower max shutter speed of 1/1500s, slightly limiting freezing speedier action.

Experience Behind the LCD: Articulations and Displays Matter

Both cameras use a 3-inch rear display, but experience is quite different:

• The WX500’s screen shines with 921k dots, sharp, bright, and importantly, tilts upwards for selfie or tricky angle shots.
• The H200’s ClearPhoto LCD has a lower 460k dots resolution, fixed and non-touch, suitable for traditional composed shots but not flexible for vlogging or street-snapping from the hip.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, a noticeable limitation especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Sample Image Gallery and Real-World Image Quality Insights

Let’s look at actual image samples from both cameras across various conditions, from landscape to portraits.

Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

• In daylight landscape shots, WX500’s images are punchier with better detail retention and dynamic range. The H200 tends to flatten highlights and shadows, owing to sensor and processor limitations.
• For portraits, the WX500’s more precise face detection and color balance present nicer skin tones. The limited aperture range on both hinders bokeh, but WX500 delivers a cleaner background separation.
• With low-light scenarios, WX500 holds usable detail up to ISO 1600, whereas H200 becomes noisy by ISO 800.
• The superzoom reach of the H200 (24-633 mm) is slightly less extensive than the WX500 (24-720 mm), but zooming beyond 400mm on either leads to softness and chromatic aberrations due to lens compromises.

Where These Cameras Shine: Genre Performance Ratings

No camera excels equally across all photography types. Here’s my breakdown of H200 vs. WX500 for different genres based on hands-on testing and performance scoring:

• Portraits: WX500 takes it with better face detection and color accuracy.
• Landscapes: WX500 beats H200 on dynamic range and detail.
• Wildlife: WX500’s faster AF and higher burst rates put it a notch ahead.
• Sports: WX500’s shutter speed and AF tracking capabilities make it much more reliable.
• Street photography: WX500’s compactness and tilt screen give it a solid edge.
• Macro: WX500 offers a closer minimum focus distance (5cm vs. 20cm), better for details.
• Night/Astro: WX500 performs better due to higher ISO capability and longer shutter speeds.
• Video: WX500 wins with Full HD at 60 fps vs. H200’s only HD 720p at 30 fps.
• Travel: WX500’s size, weight, zoom range, and battery life (360 vs. 240 shots) are more travel-friendly.
• Pro work: Neither camera targets professionals, but WX500’s manual modes and exposure compensation provide more control.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just a Photo Machine

Videographers will find the WX500 far more capable: it shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60 frames per second, covering smooth motion and clear details essential for casual video content creators. The H200 limits you to 720p with only 30 fps, meaning motion lacks fluidity and resolution compares poorly to modern standards.

Neither camera offers mic or headphone jacks, limiting serious audio control. Both lack 4K or advanced recording features one might expect today, but for casual family or travel video, WX500 stands out.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Keeping You Powered and Connected

The WX500 includes built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for easier image transfer and remote shooting using a smartphone. The H200 offers no wireless options, relying solely on USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Storage is similar: SD card slots supporting SDHC and SDXC formats are on both, though H200 also supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo cards.

Batteries tell an interesting story; the H200 runs on 4 AA batteries, which are easy to replace but heavier and often more expensive over time. The WX500 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack rated for around 360 shots per charge - more efficient and eco-friendly but requires access to charging.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Matchmaking Camera & Budget

At the time of writing, the prices hover around:

• Sony H200: $250 (used market or clearance)
• Sony WX500: $348 (new-ish retail)

Given the significant advantages in sensor, focusing, video, size, and battery on the WX500, the premium of ~$100 pays off in practical usability and image quality. The H200 is a budget-friendly option for beginners or casual shooters who want a long zoom without fuss but sacrifices modern speed and quality.

Putting it All Together: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Sony H200 – Best for:

• Absolute beginners or cheapskates who want a superzoom experience without learning curve
• Those who prefer an SLR-like grip and large controls
• Casual family or vacation snapshots where portability and video quality aren’t dealbreakers
• Users who rely on AA batteries and want easy replacements anywhere

Sony WX500 – Best for:

• Enthusiasts seeking a versatile compact camera with strong image quality and long zoom
• Photographers who want manual exposure controls, faster autofocus, and more video options
• Travel, street, and nature photography where carrying a lighter camera matters
• Users who want wireless connectivity and better battery life

Final Scoreboard at a Glance

In summary, the WX500 outshines the H200 in nearly every core area that affects real-world photography and videography, reflecting advances in sensor and processor technology within the two years between release. However, the H200 remains a viable option as a stepping stone or casual tool, especially if you’re budget-constrained or prefer a chunky bridge-style camera.

Closing Thoughts From the Field

Having lived through the evolution from CCD to CMOS sensors, from clunky bridge bodies to slick compacts with manual dials, I appreciate the subtle shifts in design philosophy Sony made between these models. The H200 feels like a holdover from the point-and-shoot era, delivering reasonable zoom reach with simplicity. The WX500 is a clear upgrade that leans towards enthusiast controls and a modern imaging pipeline without emptying your wallet.

Neither camera is perfect - they share small sensors that limit low-light performance and ultimate image quality. But for photographers who prioritize affordability, zoom versatility, and straightforward operation, both cameras hold merit with key differences that reflect your priorities: bigger, simpler, longer zoom vs. compact, smarter, better quality.

So, whether you’re chasing wildlife with a tight budget or exploring city streets with a light pack, hopefully this analysis arms you with the knowledge to confidently pick the better camera for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

Note: All image credits go to respective Sony promotional materials and hands-on testing archives.