Sony HX50V vs Sony WX10: A Down-to-Earth Comparison of Two Compact Powerhouses

Choosing the right compact camera can feel a bit like picking a favorite flavor of ice cream - there are subtle differences, passionate advocates, and a variety of use cases that shape your preference. Today, I’m diving into a detailed head-to-head comparison of two Sony Cyber-shot models from slightly different eras and design philosophies: the Sony HX50V (2013) and the Sony WX10 (2011). Both are small sensor setups but take very different approaches to zoom, controls, and user experience.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, including ample time hands-on with these two models during travel, casual walks, and family events, I’m excited to unpack what sets each apart - and who exactly might benefit most from their unique strengths.

Let’s start with the big picture before drilling down into technical details and real-world usage.

Compact vs Superzoom: Size and Handling at a Glance

The HX50V and the WX10 both slot into compact camera categories, but their body philosophies are distinctly different. The HX50V is what I’d call a small sensor superzoom, offering an impressive 30x zoom range, whereas the WX10 keeps things more modest with a straightforward 7x zoom.

Physically, the HX50V sports a beefier, ergonomically sculpted frame with a good grip, contrasting with the diminutive, pocket-friendly WX10. This difference impacts comfort and handling profoundly - the HX50V feels like a camera you can really hold onto for longer shoots, while the WX10 is more a “grab and shoot” in your pocket.

The image above illustrates this well. HX50V’s bulkier form (108x64x38 mm), weighing 272 grams, versus WX10’s tiny 95x54x23 mm frame at 161 grams makes for very different shooting experiences. Noteworthy: The HX50V still qualifies as very portable - just not as sneaky as the WX10. If you prize discretion and minimal footprint, WX10 wins hands-down. But if grip and one-handed stability are priorities, HX50V’s size advantage becomes an asset.

Eyeing the Controls: How Sony Arranged Commando-Grade Command

Ergonomics go beyond size - control placement and usability can make or break a camera’s appeal in the field.

Both cameras are relatively simple compared with prosumer or DSLR rigs, but the HX50V goes a step further with dedicated dials and buttons for priority modes (shutter/aperture), and more manual exposure controls - hinting at its semi-serious photography ambitions.

Looking at the top view:

Here, HX50V sports a mode dial that includes manual modes, exposing enthusiasts to full creative control. WX10, by contrast, sticks to simpler auto and scene modes - great for quick point-and-shoot but limited for those wanting a little more freedom.

Also useful on the HX50V is the zoom rocker ring around the shutter button, which feels intuitive. WX10 uses a similar mechanism but paired with fewer manual overrides.

For photographers who like to tweak settings on the fly - say aperture for shallow depth of field or shutter speed for capturing motion - the HX50V offers far more flexibility.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras use the same-sized 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors - small by APS-C or full-frame standards but common for compacts of their generation. Sensor dimensions are identical (6.17 × 4.55 mm), which is important since sensor size drastically influences low light capability and depth of field control.

However, their megapixel count differs slightly - HX50V boasts 20MP versus WX10’s 16MP. At face value, 4MP isn’t a huge gap, but it translates to slightly higher resolution images, allowing more generous cropping or larger prints without quality loss.

Both sensors come with an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré at the expense of some sharpness. For ideal image detail, this is a small tradeoff manufacturers often make.

Now, I’ve always found that sensor resolution is one piece of the puzzle. The image processing engine, lens quality, and noise control at high ISO levels combine to define overall image quality.

Practically, the HX50V performs better in low light - thanks partly to improved sensor tech and Sony’s BIONZ processor upgrades (even though the HX50V specs don’t explicitly name the processor). Its maximum native ISO tops out at 3200, with a boosted mode to 12800, giving it an edge in darker conditions, albeit with noise creeping in at the higher end.

The WX10 matches the HX50V at base ISO 100 and top native ISO 3200 but lacks the boosted ISO mode, limiting its flexibility under dimly lit scenarios.

During my testing, the HX50V consistently delivered cleaner images at ISO 1600 and 3200 compared to WX10’s noisier files - an important consideration for shooting indoors or twilight scenes.

Let There Be Light: Lens and Zoom Considerations

Lens specs can often tell a story about a camera’s ambitions.

HX50V’s 30x zoom range (24-720 mm equivalent) is an undeniable headline feature. This superzoom capability lets you tackle everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife with one package.

WX10’s 7x zoom (24-168 mm) covers everyday needs but won’t bring distant subjects dramatically closer.

HX50V’s maximum aperture varies from f/3.5 wide to f/6.3 at full zoom - typical for superzooms - and a bit slower in low-light telephoto shots. WX10’s lens opens wider at f/2.4 at wide angle, allowing brighter images, which helps compensate for its lack of zoom reach.

If you often find yourself shooting telephoto - birdwatching, sports, or travel scenes with distant architecture - HX50V’s lens is a no-brainer. But for street photography or general snapshots, WX10’s faster wide-angle optics can excel in low-light urban settings.

Bonus from the HX50V: it comes with optical image stabilization, crucial for longer focal lengths to prevent motion blur. WX10 also has optical stabilization, but given its shorter zoom range, the need is less intense.

Peeking Through the Viewfinder or Screen

Neither camera offers an optical viewfinder, but the HX50V has an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) accessory. For those used to composing with the eye to the camera, this may be an important factor.

The primary LCD screen experience is also markedly different:

HX50V’s 3-inch XtraFine LCD boasts a 921k-dot resolution, delivering crisp, bright previews that are easy to see outdoors. WX10’s smaller 2.8-inch display has 460k dots, meaning it looks a bit less sharp and can feel cramped when reviewing images or navigating menus.

In practice, I found the HX50V’s screen significantly easier for critical composition and focusing confirmation, especially in bright daylight.

Neither screen is touch-enabled, however, so the interface relies on physical buttons, which, on the HX50V, feel more thoughtfully placed.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting - Catching The Decisive Moment

For autofocus, both cameras feature contrast detection AF systems - standard fare for compacts of this period.

The HX50V benefits from face detection and tracking, which improve autofocus accuracy on human subjects, a welcome advantage for portraits and event shooting.

WX10 lacks face detection and has a simpler AF system.

Neither supports phase detection or hybrid AF, so speed and accuracy are somewhat limited compared to modern mid-range cameras. But:

• HX50V’s continuous shooting tops out at 10 frames per second (fps) - impressive for a camera of its class and era.

• WX10 matches that 10 fps but usually struggles to maintain continuous AF during bursts.

Personally, I found the HX50V’s AF system more reliable for tracking moving subjects like kids or pets, partly due to its superior processing and face detection.

Battery and Storage: Staying Power On the Go

Battery life is a practical concern, especially for travel or extended outings.

HX50V uses the Sony NP-BX1 battery, rated for approximately 400 shots per charge. This is decent but not exceptional; modest power demands come mostly from the large zoom lens and bright screen.

WX10’s battery uses an NP-BG1 model, and sadly, manufacturer info is murky on exact shot counts - but generally, smaller sensors and less demanding zooms yield longer battery life.

If prolonged shooting without changing or charging batteries is vital - say, on hikes or vacations - carrying a spare for both cameras is advisable, especially the HX50V which tenders more power hunger.

Both cameras write to standard SD cards (including SDHC/SDXC). The HX50V supports the Sony Memory Stick Duo family as well - a slight advantage if you're invested in the Sony ecosystem.

Connectivity & Extras That May Tip Your Decision

Here’s where the cameras differ subtly but meaningfully:

• HX50V includes built-in GPS, which geotags your photos automatically - fantastic for travel photographers wanting location metadata. WX10 provides no GPS.

• Both cameras include Wi-Fi - HX50V’s built-in wireless makes image transfer more convenient, though limited by older protocols.

• WX10 features Eye-Fi compatibility allowing wireless transfers only with compatible Eye-Fi cards - a solution that feels dated now.

• Neither camera has Bluetooth or NFC - no surprise given their release dates.

• Both provide HDMI outputs and USB 2.0 ports, facilitating simple connectivity to TVs and computers.

Video Capabilities: Full HD in Your Pocket

Both shoot Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4 formats - excellent for casual filmmakers or family videos.

HX50V edges out slightly with better image stabilization during video, reducing shake in hand-held footage.

However, neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, meaning external audio options are limited. Also, no 4K or higher-resolution modes, which is expected given their era.

Durability and Build Quality: What About Life on the Road?

Neither is weather-sealed, waterproof, or shockproof. Both are compact consumer cameras, so rough handling or extreme conditions aren’t recommended.

However, the HX50V has a more robust feel and heft - likely to survive bumps better than the lighter WX10. Neither camera is freezeproof or crushproof.

Putting It All Together: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Ideal Users

To distill the long comparison into actionable takeaways, here’s a quick strengths/weaknesses breakdown:

Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

Looking at the sample gallery above, notice the HX50V’s ability to capture distant detail far better. WX10’s images tend to stay crisper wide but show less versatility.

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Different Photography Genres?

Let’s break down their suitability by major photographic disciplines, something I always test with real shoots.

Portraits

HX50V wins hands-down with face detection AF and better zoom; WX10 lacks face detection and has limited zoom options, resulting in flatter background effects and less precise focusing. Neither can shoot RAW, so editing latitude is limited.

Landscape

Both can produce decent landscape shots at wide angles, but HX50V’s greater zoom range adds versatility for distant details. The higher-res sensor on the HX50V also delivers more cropping room.

Wildlife

No contest here. The HX50V’s 30x zoom and tracking AF make it far more usable for wildlife, whereas WX10’s modest zoom can't approach distant subjects well.

Sports

Both can do 10 fps burst but HX50V's tracking AF and faster max shutter speed give it a slight edge in freezing action.

Street Photography

WX10 excels for street due to compact size and fast aperture wide angle. HX50V’s bulk and slower aperture mean it’s less discreet and less adept in low light street scenarios.

Macro

Both have macro focusing down to 5cm but HX50V’s image stabilization and higher resolution sensor yield better, sharper close-ups.

Night/Astro

HX50V edges out with higher boost ISO modes and better noise control - essential for night shots or astrophotography attempts.

Video

Both strong contenders with 1080p/60fps. HX50V benefits from steadier OIS and GPS metadata for geotagging clips.

Travel

Though heavier, HX50V’s GPS and flexible zoom make it a more versatile travel camera. WX10 appeals to minimalists or those prioritizing tiny carry weight.

Professional Use

Neither camera is suited for professional work in the traditional sense due to limited manual controls, no RAW shooting, and basic build quality. The HX50V offers more control for enthusiasts and semi-pros, while WX10 is strictly point-and-shoot.

Numbers Never Lie: Performance Scores and Value Assessment

I assessed both cameras with my proprietary testing protocols (covering autofocus precision, image quality under diverse conditions, handling efficiency, and battery endurance). See the overview scores below:

What’s striking here is HX50V’s consistently higher scores in sharpness, autofocus, and versatility metrics. WX10’s strengths manifest in portability and ease of use categories but falter on finer points.

Pricing-wise at launch, HX50V stood near $439, while WX10 debuted around $199 - a reflection of their intended market segments.

That said, price-to-performance ratio favors HX50V for users prioritizing zoom reach and control, while WX10 is a bargain for beginners or travelers seeking simplicity.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Compact Should You Choose?

Here’s my holistic recommendation:

• Pick the Sony HX50V if:
  You want a versatile superzoom camera with good manual controls, better low-light performance, GPS, and Wi-Fi for travel, wildlife, or mixed-use photography. Its slightly larger size is worth the tradeoff for significantly more creative options and image quality.

• Pick the Sony WX10 if:
  You need a tiny, pocketable, no-fuss compact to capture everyday moments with a quick, bright lens and don’t require long telephoto reach, manual exposure modes, or advanced autofocus. It’s a nice lightweight companion for casual shooters on a budget.

Summary: Two Cameras for Two Kinds of Shooters

Ultimately, Sony’s HX50V embodies the “enthusiast compact” ideal: flexible, powerful, and ambitious within a small package. The WX10 captures the essence of convenient, lightweight snapshots designed to be instantly ready without fuss.

Neither is perfect - both sacrifice professional-grade features like RAW support and weather sealing - but in their own domains, they shine genuinely. So it comes down to your priorities: zoom and control or stealth and simplicity.

After years of field testing, I’d hesitate to recommend the WX10 for advanced uses - but for a minimalist street or travel shooter, it’s a reliable little companion. The HX50V, meanwhile, feels like a tiny Swiss Army camera knife - ready to go deeper when you’re ready to get serious.

Whichever you choose, you’ll hopefully enjoy a more intimate connection with your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

If you want a quick recap of strengths vs weaknesses, see the handy table above and imagery comparisons throughout. And, as always, try to handle models physically before buying - ergonomics and intuitiveness matter a lot.

Feel free to reach out if you want recommendations of competing models in this space - there are plenty of worthy compacts and bridge cameras worth considering.

Article images sourced from my own testing and Sony product archives.