Sony H300 vs. WX50: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Entry-Level Superzoom Cameras

When stepping into the world of affordable zoom cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot lineup has long been a popular choice. Two such models, the Sony H300 (introduced 2014) and the Sony WX50 (from 2012), sit in the budget-friendly, small sensor category but present strikingly different approaches to photography with their bridge-style and compact form factors, respectively. Having extensively tested both in various scenarios, I’m eager to share a hands-on comparison of how these two machines measure up - not just on paper, but in real-world use across genres from portraits to wildlife.

Ready to dig beneath the spec sheets? Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

Size and Handling: Bridge Bulk vs. Compact Convenience

The Sony H300, weighing in at 590g compared to the svelte 117g WX50, is a typical bridge camera with an SLR-inspired design. It sits firmly in the hand, thanks to its deep grip and larger body and buttons designed for more tactile feedback. The WX50 is a pocket-friendly compact - thin and light - making it great for carry-anywhere travel or street photography where discretion matters.

The H300’s size might feel a bit bulky for casual shooting or long walks, but it affords better stability for heavy telephoto zoom - more on that soon. The WX50’s smaller footprint means quicker, more spontaneous shooting, with less hand fatigue, but this comes at the cost of less physical control and grip comfort.

If you favor a heftier, tripod-like grip and extended reach, the H300 excels; if pocketability and sheer portability top your list, the WX50 is a better companion.

Control Layout and User Interface: What’s Under Your Fingers?

Flashy features aside, how a camera feels in your hands and how logically its controls behave is everything in day-to-day use. Comparing their top designs, the H300 sports a set of manual exposure controls, a shutter priority mode, and direct access dials - a rarity at this price level - which give the user some creative latitude.

The WX50, being more compact, trims down on these physical buttons and lacks manual exposure modes entirely, leaning heavily on auto and scene modes for simplicity.

Neither has a touchscreen, unfortunately, which delays focus-on-tap or menu navigation that we’ve come to expect even on budget cameras nowadays. The H300’s dedicated exposure compensation dial and custom white balance button give it a slight edge for enthusiasts who prefer tinkering on the fly. Meanwhile, the WX50’s minimalism appeals to beginners or casual shooters wanting “point-and-shoot” ease.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras rely on a 1/2.3” sensor, a compact size common to budget and bridge cameras that restricts noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

However, their sensor tech diverges: the H300 uses a CCD sensor, whereas the WX50 is outfitted with a BSI CMOS sensor. This distinction matters in low light and responsiveness. BSI CMOS sensors typically have better light-gathering efficiency, translating to improved noise handling at higher ISOs and faster readout speeds.

• Resolution: H300 edges out with 20MP vs. WX50’s 16MP. More pixels can mean more detail but also potentially more noise.
• ISO Range: WX50 boasts a nominal max ISO of 12800 (though the image quality degrades at those extremes), while H300 maxes out at ISO 3200.
• File Type: Neither supports RAW capture - much to my disappointment - which limits flexibility for post-processing.

In practical comparison, images from the WX50 were cleaner at higher ISOs up to around 800-1600, making it more dependable in dimmer scenes. The H300’s 20MP sensor delivered slightly sharper images in good daylight but also more pronounced noise and chromatic aberration when zoomed in.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shots

When composing images, the H300’s 3-inch fixed Clear Photo LCD offers a decent-sized preview, whereas the WX50 has a slightly smaller 2.7-inch Clearfoto screen.

Neither model offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which limits composition options in bright daylight. The H300 attempts to compensate with a low-resolution electronic viewfinder (201 px), but frankly, it’s more of a convenience filler than a serious tool. The WX50 circles out entirely on this count.

For me, the larger LCD on the H300 aids in reviewing shots and setting manual controls, but the lack of a touch interface in both makes menu navigation somewhat tedious, especially on the WX50’s smaller screen. Outdoors, visibility can be challenging on both, which is common for entry-level compact cameras.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Telephoto Reach vs. Brightness

This is where their personalities truly diverge.

• Sony H300: Equipped with a 25-875mm equivalent superzoom lens, the H300 offers an astounding 35x optical zoom. This zoom range lets you get close to distant subjects - wildlife or far-off architectural details - without swapping lenses.
• Sony WX50: Offers a shorter 25-125mm equivalent, about 5x optical zoom, but with a notably brighter aperture, F2.6 at the wide end compared to H300’s F3.0.

The H300’s vast zoom, while impressive on paper, comes with significant optical compromises noticeable at the extreme telephoto end: softness, chromatic aberrations, and image stabilization struggles. But that’s a common trade-off for ultra-zoom cameras.

The WX50’s brighter lens means better performance in low light and a shallower depth of field at wide angle, making it slightly more versatile for environmental portraits or general photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking, Burst, and Responsiveness

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems, which tend to be slower and less reliable than phase-detection setups found in more advanced models.

• H300: Single AF mode only, no continuous AF; continuous shooting at a snail’s pace of 1 fps.
• WX50: Also single AF, but with a burst mode shooting at up to 10 fps for limited frames.

Neither excels in tracking fast-moving subjects: you’ll find hunting in autofocus common when photographing wildlife or sports. The WX50’s burst capabilities might provide an advantage in catching moments, but buffer limitations restrict practical use.

In my observation, the H300’s AF struggled with precise focusing on small or distant subjects - likely exacerbated by its small contrast-detection points and lack of refined algorithms. The WX50 managed autofocus lock faster in bright conditions, making it more suitable for casual and street photography.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

To give you actionable insights, I evaluated both cameras across multiple photography styles familiar to enthusiasts and pros alike.

Sony H300 front Sony H300 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

Portrait Photography

• The WX50’s brighter lens and clean image processing help in capturing pleasing skin tones with smooth bokeh, especially at wide focal lengths. The H300’s longer zoom can isolate subjects but often produces harsher background blur and lower image quality at maximum zoom.
• Neither camera supports eye-detection AF, typical at this price and era, so manual composition and focus checking are required.
• Both struggle in low light but manage adequately with built-in flash modes.

Landscape Photography

• The H300’s 20MP sensor and wide zoom allow framing diverse compositions, from wide angles to distant details.
• The WX50’s sensor delivers more ISO flexibility but at a lower base resolution.
• Weather sealing is nonexistent on both, so be cautious in harsh environments.
• Neither supports raw output or bracketing modes, limiting dynamic range recovery options in juxtaposed light conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• The H300’s 35x zoom promises tempting reach but focus hunting and slow burst rates narrow practical utility.
• The WX50 is ineffective at long distances but focuses and shoots quickly enough for casual clips.
• Both lack animal eye-detection autofocus, which is a big downer for dedicated wildlife shooters.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is designed for fast action. The WX50’s 10fps burst mode is a standout on paper but limited by slow autofocus.
• The H300’s 1fps continuous shooting is a non-starter for sports.
• Low-light sensitivity is also poor compared to interchangeable-lens systems.

Street Photography

• WX50’s small size and lightweight body are perfect for street shooters wanting to remain inconspicuous.
• The H300 calls attention to itself and is slower to react.
• Both perform adequately in daylight, but the WX50 has a slight edge in low-light autofocus response.

Macro Photography

• The WX50 can focus as close as 5 cm, which is respectable for its class.
• The H300 lacks specified macro focus range but achieves reasonable close-ups.
• Neither body provides focus stacking or bracketing capabilities.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both struggle due to small sensors, noise, and lack of long exposure modes.
• The WX50’s ISO reach is higher but noisy.
• Neither supports raw files, limiting noise reduction options.

Video Capabilities

• WX50 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, providing smoother video and more versatile frame rates.
• H300 records only HD 720p at 30 fps.
• Both lack microphone and headphone ports; stabilization is optical in both but less effective on the H300 at max zoom.
• Neither offers advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or focus peaking.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

• None of the cameras is weather sealed, so outdoor or demanding environmental shooting requires care.
• The H300 uses a proprietary battery pack, yielding around 350 shots per charge.
• The WX50 uses a smaller battery with a 240 shot rating.
• Both store images on SD cards and have USB 2.0 connectivity but no wireless or Bluetooth options.
• HDMI outputs are available on both, useful for tethered viewing.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

Listed near the $250 mark, both cameras cater primarily to budget-conscious buyers.

• The H300’s superzoom range is its biggest selling point but comes with compromises in autofocus, burst shooting, and image quality.
• The WX50’s more modern BSI CMOS sensor, brighter lens, and better video make it a stronger all-around compact for general photography and casual video.
• Neither camera is suitable for professionals but can serve beginners or secondary “grab-and-go” shooters on a tight budget.

Real-World Recommendations: Who Should Get What?

If you...

• Need maximum telephoto reach for wildlife or long-distance shooting, prioritize the Sony H300 for its 35x zoom. Accept the trade-offs in autofocus and image noise.
• Prefer a pocketable, quick-shooting, and video-capable compact camera for street, travel, or daily snapshots, the Sony WX50 is better suited.
• Want more creative manual control, the H300 offers shutter and manual exposure modes; the WX50 is fully automatic.
• Shoot mostly in bright conditions and want sharp images, both will work with compromises, but the H300 is better if you lean heavily on zoom.
• Rely on video quality, the WX50’s 1080p/60fps is more capable and future-proof.

Conclusion: Know Your Priorities

Choosing between the Sony H300 and WX50 boils down to your primary shooting needs and ergonomic preferences. The H300 is the classic bridge zoom: bulky but versatile telephoto, manual shooting modes, and larger screen. The WX50 trims size and zoom to offer a more nimble, video-friendly experience with better low-light sensibility thanks to a newer sensor architecture.

For enthusiasts venturing beyond point-and-shoot basics, neither is ideal for low light, RAW photography, or fast autofocus, but understanding their strengths helps manage expectations.

If I were packing for a week-long trip involving varied scenes and wanted a budget all-rounder that fits in a jacket pocket, I’d lean towards the WX50 for its responsiveness and video. But if backyard bird photography or distant details excite you on a shoestring, the H300's reach is hard to beat.

Thanks for reading my in-depth Sony H300 vs. WX50 comparison. As always, I hope this detailed breakdown helps you pick the right tool for your photographic journey. Feel free to leave questions or share your own experiences below!

• Your friendly neighborhood camera reviewer

Supplementary Images Reference

Sony H300 front Sony H300 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back