Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 vs. DSC-WX500: A Detailed Comparison for Photographers Ready to Upgrade

Choosing between cameras can feel overwhelming, especially when the models come from the same trusted brand but cater to different eras and use cases. Today, we'll dissect two Sony Cyber-shot series cameras: the 2009 ultracompact Sony T90 and the 2015 small-sensor superzoom Sony WX500. Both appeal to enthusiasts who value portability but diverge significantly in features and performance.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, we’ll go beyond specs to deliver comprehensive insights on real-world use, technology, and which camera fits different photographic needs. Whether you prioritize travel convenience, landscape detail, or fast autofocus for action shots, this guide will illuminate the strengths and compromises to help you choose confidently.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Physical feel and interface dramatically affect how a camera supports your creative process. The Sony T90 epitomizes the classic ultracompact form - small, slim, and pocket-friendly - while the WX500 incorporates a compact but more substantial build to accommodate its advanced zoom and manual controls.

Handling and Build Quality

• Sony T90: Measuring just 94 x 57 x 15 mm and weighing a featherlight 148 g, its minimalist design emphasizes portability over grip comfort. The fixed 35-140mm equivalent lens and lack of any external manual controls keep it streamlined but limit usability for complex shooting scenarios. The smooth finish can be slippery, impacting stability during longer sessions.

• Sony WX500: Larger at 102 x 58 x 36 mm and 236 g, the WX500 feels sturdier with its more pronounced grip area. Although still compact, this extra bulk improves handling, especially with extended zoom or in less steady conditions. Its solid plastic build with quality buttons aligns well with enthusiast expectations for a travel camera.

In practical terms, the T90 fits easily in a jacket pocket and is superb for casual snapshots. The WX500, while still travel-friendly, invites users seeking more deliberate control without lugging a bulky DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Control Layout and User Interface: Making Photography Intuitive

Looking down from above allows you to judge how well a camera’s controls support fast and precise shooting. Responsive controls often separate a casual shooter from a more advanced enthusiast.

• T90: Basic control schemes -- no exposure compensation, no manual exposure modes, no custom buttons. Navigation relies heavily on menus and limited buttons, hampering quick adjustments. The rear 3” fixed touch-enabled LCD is the main interaction spot but remains modest with 230k-dot resolution.

• WX500: Sony’s Bionz X processor supports diverse shooting modes accessible via dedicated dials and buttons. You get shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual, and exposure compensation. The tilting 3” LCD is a sharper 921k-dot screen, though it lacks touch capability. The presence of on-the-fly control wheels and physical buttons encourages experimentation and quick fine-tuning.

For users who want to learn photography fundamentals or want greater creative control, the WX500’s interface is a much better fit, speeding up workflow and reinforcing photographic decision-making.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Much Does Sensor Tech Matter?

A camera’s sensor is the heart of image quality. Despite similar physical sensor sizes (1/2.3 inch), the generation gap means the WX500 leverages more advanced technology.

Comparing the Sensors

What Does This Mean Practically?

• Resolution: The WX500 offers a 50% higher pixel count, providing sharper detail and more cropping flexibility - important for landscape and macro photographers.

• Sensor Tech: The WX500’s BSI-CMOS sensor is superior, enhancing light capture efficiency and improving high ISO performance - a boon when shooting in challenging lighting, such as indoors or night scenes.

• ISO Range: The WX500’s extended ISO range means better noise management. Although neither supports RAW files (limiting post-processing flexibility), the improved sensor technology gives WX500 shots a cleaner baseline.

• Color and Dynamic Range: While neither camera features extensive lab-tested DXOmark scores, the newer CMOS sensor typically yields improved color depth and dynamic range, crucial for retaining highlight and shadow details - especially in landscape photography.

In summary, the WX500’s sensor upgrades translate to better image quality in practically all situations, especially when lighting is less than ideal.

Viewing and Composing: The Rear Screen Matters

Clear, bright displays help compose shots and review images, aiding photographers of all skill levels.

• Sony T90: 3-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution. The screen supports live view and touch gestures, which in 2009 was forward-thinking. However, the low resolution means image previews lack detail, making critical manual focus confirmation difficult.

• Sony WX500: The tilting 3-inch 921k-dot LCD offers a sharper, brighter, and more versatile composition tool. The tilt mechanism facilitates shooting from high and low angles, an asset in street and macro photography where creative perspectives matter. Although touchscreen is absent, physical controls compensate.

A better screen improves not only framing but post-capture review efficiency - don't underestimate the impact this has on productivity and creativity.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical in genres like sports, wildlife, and street photography where split-second focus accuracy matters.

• Sony T90 relies on a basic contrast-detection AF with 9 points and only single AF mode, making it slow to lock focus, especially in low light or moving subjects.

• Sony WX500 equips an improved autofocus system with tracking and face detection, significantly enhancing speed and accuracy in dynamic scenes. Continuous AF is available, helping keep subjects sharp during bursts.

10 frames per second burst rate on the WX500 opens up action photography opportunities, while T90’s 2 fps limits it to more static scenes.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Getting Closer to Your Subject

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, but their zoom ranges and aperture differ markedly.

The WX500’s extraordinary 30x zoom with ultra-wide 24mm start covers landscape and wildlife extremes that the T90’s 4x zoom cannot approach. Yet, the variable aperture means you need more light or higher ISO at longer focal lengths.

For macro work, the WX500 supports close focusing to 5 cm, enabling shots of small subjects with good background separation.

Low Light and Night Performance: How Far Can You Push It?

Low light conditions separate good cameras from frustrating ones. The WX500 benefits from:

• Higher maximum ISO (12800 vs. 3200 on T90)
• Improved sensor technology for less noise
• Faster shutter speeds (up to 1/2000 s vs. 1/1600 s)
• Exposure compensation and manual modes for creative control over dark scenes

While neither camera supports raw files or advanced timelapse, the WX500’s capability to shoot Full HD video at 60 fps adds an advantage for night videographers.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Today’s cameras need to be hybrids, supporting high quality video along with stills.

The WX500 clearly takes a lead with Full HD video at smooth frame rates and more professional codecs, offering more flexibility for vloggers and casual filmmakers who want to capture crisp, stabilized footage on the go.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Connectivity now plays a significant role in your workflow and sharing.

The WX500 encourages wireless transfer of images to smartphones or remote shooting - a huge advantage when shooting travel or events.

The battery life reported for WX500 is robust for a compact, ensuring extended shooting sessions, while the T90’s limited battery data and smaller battery suggest shorter usage between charges.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

To help you visualize where each camera excels, here is a breakdown based on popular photography genres:

Sample Images Showcase: Putting Quality to the Test

Take a look at the side-by-side comparison featuring images captured by both cameras under various conditions. Notice the WX500’s sharper detail, richer color, and better background blur control due to higher resolution and improved optics.

Sony T90 front Sony T90 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

Final Performance Assessment and Ratings

Our laboratory and field testing combined lead to these overall scores and subcategory analyses, reflecting strengths and weaknesses for each camera category.

Conclusion: Which Sony Cyber-shot is Right for You?

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90:

• Best if you want:

  • Ultra-light, pocket-friendly design
  • Simple point-and-shoot operation
  • Casual travel snapshots and everyday photography
  • A budget-friendly option below $300

• Limitations:

  • Minimal manual control and slow autofocus
  • Limited zoom and no RAW support
  • Basic video capabilities
  • Lower resolution and noisy images in low light

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500:

• Best if you want:

  • Advanced small-sensor superzoom capabilities
  • Manual control and exposure compensation
  • Faster autofocus with tracking
  • High-resolution images with better low light performance
  • Versatile zoom for landscapes, wildlife, and travel
  • Full HD video capture and wireless features

• Considerations:

  • Larger and heavier than typical ultraportables
  • No RAW support limits professional editing
  • No external microphone for serious videographers

Our Recommendation

For modern photographer enthusiasts who want a capable travel companion and creative flexibility, the Sony WX500 is the clear choice. Its superior sensor, zoom, AF, and features justify the modest price premium and size tradeoff.

If portability and simplicity trump everything else in your workflow, and you shoot mostly in good light without demanding manual controls, the Sony T90 remains a decent budget ultracompact in the secondary camera category.

Getting Started With Your New Sony Cyber-shot

Whichever you choose, don't forget essentials like spare batteries, quality SD cards, and protective cases to maximize your shooting experience. Explore Sony's lens accessories and apps for remote control and editing to fully integrate your camera into your creative lifestyle.

We encourage you to visit a local camera store and handle these models to feel their ergonomics firsthand. Seeing how a camera fits your hands and shooting preferences can solidify your choice beyond the numbers.

Selecting photography gear is a personal journey - matching equipment to style, environment, and goals. Both Sony T90 and WX500 stand as useful tools at two different points of that journey. May your next camera open up fresh new perspectives and inspire your creativity for years to come. Happy shooting!