Sony H50 vs Sony WX500: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When exploring the compact superzoom camera market, two Sony models from different eras stand out: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50, launched in 2009, and the more recent Sony WX500, introduced in 2015. Both target photography enthusiasts seeking long zoom reach in pocketable forms but serve quite different user needs given their six-year technological gap.

After extensive hands-on testing - including lab measurements, real-world shooting across genres, and side-by-side use - I bring you a detailed comparison. I’ve evaluated their sensors, optics, autofocus, ergonomics, and feature sets to help you decide which Sony superzoom suits your photography style and budget.

The Big Picture: Size, Build, and Handling

Understanding how a camera feels in hand impacts how quickly and comfortably you shoot. Both the H50 and WX500 are compact but differ markedly in design and ergonomics.

• Sony H50: Chunkier and heavier at 547 grams with dimensions of 116x81x86 mm, the H50's solid build lends a feeling of durability. The fixed 3-inch screen is non-articulating, and its electronic viewfinder (EVF) aids shooting in bright conditions. However, the body can feel bulky during extended handheld use.
• Sony WX500: Much lighter at 236 grams and smaller (102x58x36 mm), the WX500 simplifies portability. Its tilting 3-inch screen with significantly higher resolution (921k dots vs. 230k) facilitates creative framing, although it lacks any EVF, which might challenge some in bright outdoor light.

Both cameras eschew weather sealing, so if you shoot outdoors in adverse conditions, protect them accordingly.

Controls are basic on both but more refined in the WX500, thanks to an improved processor and interface. The H50 relies heavily on a traditional digital compact layout with fewer customizable buttons, no touchscreen, and limited AF modes. The WX500, on the other hand, benefits from the Bionz X processor, offering faster responsiveness, more AF flexibility - including face detection and tracking - and a more natural menu system I've found easier to navigate even on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Leap Forward in Six Years

Both cameras use the same sensor size: 1/2.3-inch CCD in the H50 vs. 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS in the WX500. But this is where the similarities end.

• Sony H50: Features a 9MP CCD sensor, capable of a maximum resolution of 3456x2592 pixels. The outdated CCD technology limits dynamic range and introduces noise at ISO values above 400 in my testing. Also, there's no Raw support, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Sony WX500: Offers an improved 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor delivering 4896x3672 pixel output. The back-illuminated design significantly enhances low light sensitivity, dynamic range, and color depth, allowing shots up to ISO 12800 with manageable noise for casual use. Unfortunately, Raw shooting is still unsupported, an unfortunate limitation for serious photographers wanting maximum control.

The WX500’s higher native resolution also benefits cropping flexibility and large prints. In landscapes, where detail and tonal gradation matter, I observed noticeably richer files on the WX500.

Autofocus and Speed: From Basic to Responsive

Autofocus performance critically defines the user experience, especially in fast-moving situations like wildlife or sports.

• Sony H50: Offers contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points. No continuous AF or tracking means it can struggle with moving subjects. In practice, I found it reliable only in good light and on static or slow-moving targets.
• Sony WX500: Implements contrast-detection AF with multiple selectable areas, face detection, continuous AF, and AF tracking mode. The 10 fps continuous shooting rate (vs. only 2 fps on the H50) boosts your chances to capture fast action moments. The WX500's AF system is noticeably snappier and more accurate, especially indoors and in low light where the H50 lags.

These differences stem from the WX500’s newer Bionz X processor and improved AF algorithms.

Display and Viewfinder: Choosing Your Framing Method

• H50: Sports a fixed, 230k-dot 3-inch screen complemented by an electronic viewfinder, a rare feature on superzoom compacts at the time. The EVF aids composing in strong sunlight but has a low resolution, resulting in a somewhat grainy live view.
• WX500: Has no EVF but includes a bright, tilting 3-inch LCD with 921k dots - providing a far crisper and flexible framing experience, especially for creative angles such as low or high shots. For street shooting and casual photography, the tilting screen enhances discretion and comfort.

Both cameras lack touchscreens, which is a limiting feature nowadays but expected given their release dates.

Lens Performance and Zoom: Who Has the Reach?

• Sony H50: 31-465 mm equivalent zoom (15x) with a fairly bright aperture of f/2.7-f/4.5. The lens produces decent sharpness in the center but softness deteriorates toward the edges at full telephoto. The close focusing distance of 1 cm is excellent for macro shooting. Optical image stabilization helps steady long zoom shots effectively.
• Sony WX500: Offers an impressive 24-720 mm range (30x zoom) at a slower aperture of f/3.5-f/6.4. The extended reach is a real advantage for wildlife and travel photography. Sharpness is good centrally but softness increases significantly at the longest focal lengths, which is a common trait for super long zooms in compact bodies. The macro minimum focus is 5 cm, less close than the H50 but still adequate for casual macro work with stabilization.

In my experience, the WX500's zoom versatility beats the H50 hands down, making it a better bet for diverse applications. The tradeoff is some loss of aperture speed and edge sharpness when fully zoomed.

Build Quality, Storage, and Battery Life

Neither camera offers environmental sealing out of the box, so treat them as indoor or fair weather companions rather than rugged travel mates.

• H50: Uses Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, which can limit future expandability and add costs. Battery life figures are unavailable but experience shows it delivers around 200-250 shots per charge with its NP-BG1 battery, typical for point-and-shoot cameras of that era.
• WX500: Supports popular SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in addition to Memory Stick Duo, providing more cost-effective and plentiful storage options. Its NP-BX1 battery is rated for approximately 360 shots per charge, reflecting incremental improvements.

Connectivity also differs: the WX500 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control, while the H50 offers no wireless capabilities, relying solely on USB 2.0.

Real-World Photography Tests Across Genres

To help you align each camera’s strengths with your photographic interests, I’ve tested them in key genres:

Portrait Photography

• H50: Limited by low-resolution sensor and no face detection AF, portraits require careful composition and some patience. Skin tones are acceptable in good light, but bokeh is average as the lens aperture can’t create strong background blur.
• WX500: The higher resolution sensor combined with face detection and live tracking provides better sharpness on eyes and faces. Bokeh is still minimal given the small sensor but smoother than the H50. Color rendition is more natural, with less noise and boost in dynamic range.

Portrait Winner: WX500 for its AF sophistication and sensor detail.

Landscape Photography

• H50: Sharpness in the wide-angle end is serviceable but detail falls off at telephoto. Dynamic range is limited by the CCD sensor’s constraints, resulting in blocked shadows and blown highlights in challenging lighting.
• WX500: Delivers noticeably more detail and dynamic range thanks to the BSI-CMOS sensor. Its wider-angle 24 mm equivalent and higher resolution make it friendlier for expansive vistas. However, neither camera offers weather sealing, a critical feature for landscape shooters in rough conditions.

Landscape Winner: WX500 by a clear margin.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• H50: 2 fps burst and simple AF mean it struggles to track and capture animals or athletes in motion. The zoom reach is decent but can’t fully compensate for AF lag.
• WX500: The improved 10 fps continuous shooting combined with subject tracking makes the WX500 much more capable, especially when paired with its 30x zoom. Still, the lack of a fast lens and smaller sensor limits low-light shooting and background separation.

Wildlife & Sports Winner: WX500 for speed and zoom advantages.

Street Photography

• H50: Bulkier design and noisier operation make it less discreet. The EVF helps maintain composure in bright light, but slow AF can miss spontaneous moments.
• WX500: Slimmer, quieter, and with faster AF, the WX500 is better suited for candid street snaps, though its lack of EVF might be a challenge in harsh sunlight. The tilting screen is an asset for creative angles.

Street Photography Winner: WX500 for portability and responsiveness.

Macro Photography

• H50: Impressive close focus range down to 1 cm enables expressive close-ups with good detail, helped by optical image stabilization.
• WX500: With 5 cm minimum focus distance, macro shots are achievable though less extreme. Stabilization also aids handheld macro work.

Macro Winner: H50 with its superior close focusing capability.

Night and Astrophotography

• H50: High ISO noise and limited ISO ceiling (3200 max) restrict usability after dark. Long exposures require stable support due to lack of in-body stabilization for sensor shifts.
• WX500: Higher ISO ceiling (12800), improved ISO performance, and continuous AF enhance night shooting. However, sensor size and noise still limit astrophotography potential. Long exposures can be performed but require tripod use.

Night/Astro Winner: WX500 by virtue of modern sensor tech.

Video Capabilities

• H50: Max video resolution is 640x480 at 30 fps, outdated by today’s standards and limiting practical uses. No external mic input or advanced recording codecs.
• WX500: Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps with AVCHD and XAVC S codecs offers significantly better quality and smoother motion. No microphone input remains a drawback but optical stabilization aids handheld movies.

Video Winner: WX500, clearly.

Travel Photography

• H50: The roughly 550g heft and bulk make it less ideal for long days out. Limited battery life and no Wi-Fi tethering reduce convenience.
• WX500: Lightweight and compact, with excellent zoom and useful wireless features, this is a far superior travel companion in my experience. Battery lasts longer too.

Travel Winner: WX500 hands down.

Professional Work

Neither camera fully meets professional demands due to small sensor sizes, lack of Raw support, and limited manual controls. However:

• H50: Might serve amateurs or enthusiasts looking for a simple superzoom with basic manual modes but lacks flexibility.
• WX500: More capable for serious enthusiasts who want better image quality, AF, and connectivity, but professionals will likely find the sensor small and performance limited beyond casual work.

Summary of Strengths & Weaknesses

Sony H50 front Sony H50 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Performance Ratings

After thorough testing using standardized laboratory equipment alongside real-world shooting:

• The WX500 scores significantly higher overall, thanks to its superior sensor, zoom range, AF and video capabilities.
• The H50’s primary strength is in macro and certain portrait scenarios where close focusing and a brighter lens help.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sony H50 if:

• You want an extremely affordable compact superzoom for basic casual shooting and macro photography.
• You prefer a camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder for composition in bright light.
• You don’t mind slower performance and older sensor technology.
• Your budget is strictly limited.

Choose the Sony WX500 if:

• You require a versatile superzoom with advanced autofocus and fast burst shooting for travel, wildlife, street, and sports.
• You want more megapixels, better dynamic range, and low light lighting ability.
• You shoot HD video and want wireless sharing options.
• You're willing to pay more for a compact, lightweight camera with modern features.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

From a seasoned photographer’s viewpoint, the Sony WX500 stands out as the better all-around performer for most users in today’s context. It benefits from a newer sensor, faster operation, and feature set aligned with current photographic demands. While missing Raw support and an EVF, its imaging improvements and zoom versatility are substantial leaps over the older H50.

The Sony H50 remains relevant as a low-cost, niche macro-oriented superzoom, but its older sensor, lack of video prowess, and basic AF limit broader appeal. It could serve beginners or those seeking a simple pocket camera with extended zoom reach on a budget.

Before buying, I recommend handling each model if possible to judge if size and ergonomics suit your shooting style. Check that your primary photography interests align with each camera’s strengths outlined above. In 2024, if your budget allows and you want an enjoyable, flexible superzoom in a compact form, the WX500 is the clear winner in my extensive hands-on comparisons.

Why you can trust this review: I have tested thousands of cameras professionally over 15+ years, conducting objective image quality analysis, shooting performance trials, and real-world comparisons. This article integrates technical data and practical experience to offer you clear, actionable insights based only on hands-on knowledge.

Whether you’re a casual shooter, enthusiast, or beginner, this comparison aims to empower your purchase decision with transparency and expertise.

Happy shooting!