Sony RX100 III vs Sony WX500: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Photography Life?

In the world of compact cameras, Sony has long been a dominant player. Among their notable models, the Sony RX100 III and the Sony WX500 stand out - each catering to distinct preferences within the enthusiast and professional community. Over the years, I’ve handled both cameras extensively, pushing their limits across portrait studios, wilderness excursions, bustling city streets, and twilight skies. This article unpacks how these two Sony compacts stack up across multiple photography disciplines and daily use cases, sprinkled with real-world insights from my hands-on tests.

If you’re weighing your choices between these two models, my goal is to offer a clear, well-rounded perspective - rooted in technical knowledge and practical experience - to help you decide which camera matches your style and shooting priorities.

Understanding the Camera Categories: Compact with a Large Sensor vs. Superzoom Compact

Before we dive deep, it’s vital to grasp what differentiates these two cameras fundamentally.

• The Sony RX100 III is a large sensor compact, sporting a 1-inch sensor that’s substantially larger than most compacts, including superzooms. This sensor size typically yields superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting. It also comes with a bright 24-70mm equivalent lens (F1.8-2.8).

• The Sony WX500 is a small sensor superzoom compact, with a 1/2.3-inch sensor - significantly smaller but paired with a mammoth 24-720mm equivalent zoom lens (a 30x zoom). It's tailored for maximum versatility in focal length, though with some compromises in image quality.

Visually and ergonomically, both cameras are pocketable, but the RX100 III is a touch thicker to accommodate that larger sensor. Here’s a side-by-side physical comparison to get a feel for their size and build:

The RX100 III (left) shows a more robust grip design, aiding handheld stability despite its compact footprint. The WX500 (right) remains slimmer, emphasizing portability alongside its impressive zoom lens.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heartbeat of Your Photography

The sensor defines the image quality ceiling of any camera, no question. The RX100 III boasts a 1" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with 20 megapixels, while the WX500 relies on a smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and 18 megapixels.

Here, the difference isn’t just in size but how that impacts essential image traits:

• Dynamic Range: The RX100 III delivers around 12.3 stops, comfortably capturing highlights and deep shadows with rich gradation, even in harsh lighting scenarios like landscapes at sunrise or indoor portraits near windows.

• Color Depth and ISO Performance: The RX100 III’s sensor provides notably higher color depth (22.4 bits), yielding lifelike skin tones and saturated, vibrant colors. Its low-light performance is also superior, with usable ISO stretching beyond 3200 without intrusive noise.

In contrast, the WX500’s compressed sensor struggles when light dwindles, manifesting as limited dynamic range and noise creeping in at around ISO 800-1600. While still serviceable for casual shooting or brighter days, this is a serious consideration for low-light enthusiasts.

The RX100 III’s larger sensor area (116.16 mm²) profoundly influences its capacity for superior noise control and tonal richness compared to the WX500’s 28.07 mm² chip.

Handling and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Control

When I first picked up each camera, I immediately noticed the difference in handling and button layout - critical in high-pressure shooting moments.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch tilting LCD screen that aids in shooting from unconventional angles. The RX100 III includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440k-dot resolution, providing a bright, crisp framing experience under strong sunlight or tricky lighting. The WX500 lacks any EVF, relying solely on its LCD, which can sometimes be challenging in bright outdoor shoots.

Moreover, the RX100 III’s layout is more sophisticated: dedicated control rings, physical dials, and customizable buttons offer tactile feedback for fast adjustments - manual exposure, focus peaking, and aperture control are elegantly integrated. The WX500 has a more stripped-down control scheme, reflecting its positioning for users seeking simple point-and-shoot ease or casual zoomed-in shots.

Checking out the top design reinforces this impression:

RX100 III’s ergonomically positioned dials and a robust EVF housing add to its solid handling credentials vs. WX500’s streamlined, minimalistic top panel.

From extended handheld sessions to quick street snaps, having responsive controls and an EVF often translates into more keeper images.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Capturing the Moment

I test autofocus systems rigorously by shooting moving subjects - from joggers in parks to pets darting around a studio. Both cameras incorporate contrast-detection AF systems; neither has phase-detection points - a limitation compared to more modern mirrorless cameras.

The RX100 III features 25 AF points with face detection and continuous tracking that works reliably well. It even offers selective focusing with decent speed and accuracy in good light. The WX500 is stocked with face detection but without explicitly published AF points, suggesting a more basic AF system.

Thanks to these differences, in my experience:

• The RX100 III locks focus more promptly on faces and subjects, crucial for portraits and street photography.
• Both cameras offer 10 fps continuous shooting, but RX100 III’s buffer handles bursts better before slowing down.
• WX500 is generally slower and less confident in low contrast or low light, occasionally hunting for focus.

In scenarios like wildlife or sports where split-second AF confidence is key, the RX100 III has the clear edge.

Versatility of the Lens: Bright Zoom vs Ultra-Long Reach

A decisive factor for many buyers is the focal length range and aperture quality.

• The RX100 III pairs a built-in 24-70mm equivalent zoom with a bright f/1.8 to f/2.8 aperture - impressive for low-light and shallow depth-of-field effects. The fast lens delivers crisp images and pleasant bokeh for portraits and low-light environments alike.

• The WX500 boasts a whopping 30x zoom range: 24-720mm equivalent at f/3.5-6.4. Ideal for reaching distant wildlife, capturing far-off landmarks, or shooting candid street moments discreetly from a distance.

This lens difference underpins the intended user profiles of these cameras:

• Expect excellent control over depth of field and more artistic results with RX100 III’s faster lens.
• WX500 trades brightness for reach. At the telephoto end, apertures get smaller, so you will need good light or stable support for sharp handheld shots.

Both lenses start macro capabilities from 5cm, but the RX100's wider aperture and better image stabilization facilitate closer, sharper macro images with attractive background separation.

Display and Viewfinder: How You See Your Shots

Here's where the RX100 III benefits users who value composition refinement through an EVF.

The RX100 III’s 3-inch tilting LCD offers a crisp 1229k-dot resolution, making menus, focus peaking, and playback clear and responsive. The EVF allows shooting in bright outdoor conditions without glare frustration - a lifesaver for landscape photographers who frame precisely.

The WX500 shares the tilting 3-inch screen but with lower 921k-dot resolution and lacks any viewfinder, which can limit framing precision outdoors or in enclosed spaces.

Comparing the rich details on RX100 III’s LCD and EVF combo (left) against WX500’s LCD-only approach (right). The EVF’s presence undeniably enhances shooting versatility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shock resistance. They are primarily designed as everyday carry compacts, suitable for care but not severe weather or rugged use.

The RX100 III feels more robust due to its metal body construction. The WX500 uses a more plastic-centric build, which keeps weight down but at the cost of perceived durability.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is comparable: RX100 III offers approximately 320 shots per charge, while WX500 slightly edges ahead at around 360 shots, per CIPA standards.

Both use the Sony NP-BX1 battery pack and store images on SD and Memory Stick cards (with slight variations in support). Neither camera includes dual card slots, so managing space on the go is crucial for longer sessions.

Video Capabilities: Full HD in Both

Both cameras shoot Full HD video up to 60p, with similar codec support (AVCHD and XAVC S), supporting smooth motion capture for casual videography.

Neither offers 4K, external mic input, or advanced video features like focus peaking in movie mode - reflecting their age and market segment.

Image stabilization is optical on both, helping handheld video look smoother.

Real-World Use Across Photography Types & Genres

Let’s explore each camera’s suitability for various photography genres based on my thorough testing:

Portrait Photography

The RX100 III’s bright lens and larger sensor work wonders for portraits. I was able to capture creamy bokeh effects and accurate skin tones indoors with natural light. Its face detection aided consistently accurate focusing on eyes.

The WX500’s smaller sensor struggles with shallow depth of field, rendering backgrounds less soft. Its telephoto end can be used for candid headshots but with less inherent quality.

Landscape Photography

On landscapes, the RX100 III’s dynamic range shines - where I captured sunsets and twilight cityscapes with fine shadow and highlight detail. The tilt screen and EVF made composing easy even on uneven terrain.

The WX500’s long zoom offers creative framing options for distant peaks or city skylines but limited dynamic range and sensor noise slightly dull image quality in less ideal light.

Wildlife and Sports

The WX500’s extensive zoom lens is tempting for wildlife and action shots. However, autofocus lag and smaller sensor noisier images constrain performance.

The RX100 III’s quicker AF and better burst capabilities produce more usable frames in fast-paced environments, but the zoom range is shorter.

Street Photography

Both cameras are compact enough for street candid shots. The RX100 III feels less conspicuous when shooting through the EVF, while the WX500’s smaller size and zoom allow shooting from further away.

Low-light street shooting is where RX100 III outperforms by a margin.

Macro Photography

RX100 III’s wider lens and image stabilization contribute to sharp close-ups with creamy backgrounds. The WX500 is competent but less capable at producing artistic macro frames.

Night and Astro Photography

The RX100 III’s sensor excels at high ISOs and long exposures. I recorded sharp star fields and night cityscapes with manageable noise levels.

The WX500’s smaller sensor struggles here, resulting in grainier images.

Video Use

Both handle casual Full HD video well. RX100 III’s mic input absence is a drawback for serious vloggers or filmmakers.

Image stabilization is helpful but not professional grade.

Travel Photography

This category is nuanced: WX500’s lighter weight and extended zoom make it versatile for travelers prioritizing reach within a pocketable device.

The RX100 III suits travelers valuing image quality and manual controls, accepting a slightly larger footprint.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera replaces dedicated professional cameras, but the RX100 III’s RAW support and better manual control render it acceptable for pro backup or social media content creation.

Price and Value: What Are You Paying For?

The RX100 III retailed around $748 at launch, positioning it at the premium end in the compact category. Its capabilities justify the price for photographers seeking pro-grade quality in a compact.

The WX500’s significantly lower price (~$348) appeals to hobbyists or budget-conscious shooters wanting a mega zoom superzoom without compromise on portability.

Overall Performance Breakdown and Scoring

Here is a visual summary of their overall and genre-specific scoring based on my tests and industry benchmarks:

Sample Image Gallery

To ground these thoughts, see below comparative samples ranging from sharp portraits, wide landscapes to zoomed wildlife captures, illustrating subtle but meaningful image quality disparities:

Sony RX100 III front Sony RX100 III screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After extensive hands-on evaluation, here’s my candid guidance:

• Choose the Sony RX100 III if you prioritize superior image quality, low-light capability, manual control, and an EVF for serious portraits, street, landscape, and night photography. This camera is better suited for enthusiasts and professionals needing a compact backup or main everyday shooter.

• Opt for the Sony WX500 if you want an ultra-versatile zoom range in a sleek, affordable package, mainly for casual travel, wildlife, or sports snapshots where reach trump absolute image fidelity. It’s a great grab-and-go regardless of experience level.

No affiliation influences this review; these conclusions stem from deliberate, repeated field tests.

Whichever you pick, both are powerful companions that redefine what’s possible in a compact camera. I hope my insights help you capture beautiful moments with confidence and joy!

If you have questions about specific shooting scenarios or accessories, I’m happy to share more from my years exploring photography gear.

Happy shooting!