Sony W620 vs. Sony A37: A Tale of Two Cameras Bridging the Gap from Casual to Serious Photography

In the sprawling landscape of Sony cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620 and the Sony SLT-A37 represent two vastly different approaches, separated not only by their design but also by the very philosophy behind them. The W620 is your pocket-sized, point-and-shoot companion from 2012 - lightweight, simple, and fuss-free. Meanwhile, the A37 is an entry-level DSLR-style mirrorless hybrid designed to put more control, speed, and image quality under your fingertips. Both were announced within months of each other, yet they cater to dramatically different photographers - from casual snapshooters to those stepping into more serious creative realms.

Having put both through their paces over countless shoots and analysis sessions, I can tell you this comparison is less about which camera is “better” outright and more about understanding their capabilities and limitations in context. Whether you’re hunting for portability, bursting action shots, or image quality that stands up to post-processing muscle, this article will give you a grounded, user-first perspective.

So, buckle up. We’re diving into sensor tech, autofocus wizardry, ergonomics, real-world shooting, video features, and - of course - the all-important value questions with an eye on how these cameras perform for portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, travel, and professional uses.

Understanding the Bodies: Size, Feel & Controls

First impressions are huge when it comes to cameras, and the W620 and A37 couldn't look more different on your hands.

The Sony W620 is truly the definition of a compact - at a mere 98mm wide, 56mm tall, and 20mm deep, it feels almost like a chunky smartphone. Weighing just 116 grams, it's no burden to toss into a jacket pocket or small bag. Controls are minimal and highly simplified: a few buttons, a tiny directional pad, and no dedicated dials for exposure modes. It’s designed for straightforward point-and-shoot scenarios where the camera does most of the heavy lifting.

On the other side, the Sony A37 sports a bulkier DSLR-style body with a reassuring heft at 506 grams and dimensions of 124x92x85mm. The grip is more substantial, giving you confidence during extended shoots - a quality no compact can match. The top-plate layout reveals a complex set of dials and buttons allowing granular control, including shutter speed, aperture priority, manual exposure modes, exposure compensation, and more. The electronic viewfinder with 1,440-dot resolution makes manual composition a breeze even in bright sunlight. This body is clearly aimed at photographers who want creative control and robust handling.

For those who value convenience - the W620 wins thanks to its pocketability. But if you want shooting comfort and control that lets you grow as a photographer, the A37’s larger, more ergonomic design is the way to go.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size, Resolution & Image Quality

Here lies an undeniable chasm between these two. The Sony W620 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm (~28.07mm²), with 14 megapixels of native resolution (4320x3240). In comparison, the Sony A37 uses a classic APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm (about 366.6mm²) - over 13 times larger in surface area - with 16 megapixels (4912x3264). This difference fundamentally shapes the kind of images each camera produces.

A larger sensor area means superior light-gathering ability, less noise at higher ISOs, better dynamic range, and overall sharper images that hold up to cropping and editing. The A37’s APS-C sensor offers a wider tonal gradation, richer colors, and greater detail thanks to its newer CMOS technology and Sony’s BIONZ processor. The W620’s sensor, by contrast, is small and less capable in dim light or challenging contrast situations, with the CCD technology also lagging behind CMOS in speed and dynamic range.

While the W620’s 14MP detail is sufficient for casual prints and online sharing, you’ll notice limited latitude in shadow and highlight recovery. The A37's 16MP output with RAW support is much more flexible, catering to photographers wanting to push creative boundaries in post-production.

This size and sensor technology variance also affects depth of field control. The APS-C sensor enables more convincing background blur and bokeh for portraits, something the W620's small sensor struggles to deliver naturally.

Lens Versatility and Focusing Mechanics: More than Meets the Eye

The W620 sports a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.2 at wide-angle to f/6.5 at telephoto. This limited zoom - equivalent to a 5x zoom - offers decent general-purpose framing but can’t compete with interchangeable lenses in terms of sharpness, low-light performance, or creative expression. Its autofocus is basic contrast detection with face detection, optimized for simple point-and-shoot use but sluggish in low light and unable to follow moving subjects effectively.

In contrast, the Sony A37 embraces the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, granting access to a vast lineup of 143 lenses ranging from primes to super-telephotos. This versatility creates endless possibilities for specialized shooting - from ultra-wide landscapes and fast portraits to wildlife-focused supertelephoto setups. The A37’s autofocus system is a hybrid of phase-detection with 15 focus points (including 3 cross-type), delivering fast, accurate focusing with continuous AF tracking for moving subjects. It performs admirably for action, sports, and wildlife where focus speed and precision are critical.

The in-body sensor-based stabilization on the A37 is another huge benefit, stabilizing any lens mounted, which the fixed-lens W620 lacks entirely. For shooters who struggle to keep images shake-free - especially when zooming telephoto or handheld in dim conditions - the A37 has a clear edge.

Viewing and Shooting Interface: Finding Your Frame

On the rear, the W620 sports a 2.7-inch fixed Clear Photo TFT LCD with 230k dots - adequate but dark and low-res compared to modern standards. Its non-touch, non-articulating screen means awkward hand positions for certain shooting angles. Worse, the camera doesn’t include an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or optical viewfinder, risking glare issues when shooting in bright light.

The A37 offers a slightly smaller 2.6-inch tilting LCD with the same 230k resolution, but the real treat here is the EVF. With 1,440 pixel dots and 100% coverage, it offers a bright, detailed live preview with overlays for settings and focus peaking - making precise composition far more achievable, especially outdoors or in hectic situations. The tilting screen adds flexibility for low or high-angle shots.

For photographers who often shoot in tricky lighting or want to nail composition confidently, the A37’s viewing setup is miles ahead.

Sony W620 front Sony W620 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

How They Shoot: Portraits and Bokeh

Portraiture is as much art as science - skin rendition, bokeh quality, and autofocus precision all matter.

The W620 can detect faces and attempts to optimize focus accordingly, but with its small sensor and limited aperture, natural bokeh or subject-background separation is minimal. Skin tones are reasonable for casual shoots but lack the subtle gradations afforded by larger sensors and better processors. Its 5x zoom is decent for framing the head-and-shoulders but struggles to isolate subjects artistically.

The A37’s APS-C sensor, paired with a wide selection of prime and zoom lenses with apertures down to f/1.8 or better, enables genuinely pleasant background blur and sharp subject focus. Additionally, the face detection AF is complemented by phase detection AF points, allowing fast and precise eye detection and focus tracking critical for portraits. Skin tones emerge with greater fidelity and nuance, suitable for prints or professional use.

If portraits are your bread and butter, the A37 stakes a strong claim - the W620 is more of a casual holiday snapper.

Landscapes, Outdoors & Weather Robustness

Landscape photography requires high resolution, wide dynamic range, and ideally, weather sealing.

The W620’s CCD sensor performs moderately well in bright daylight but its limited dynamic range and susceptibility to noise at settings above ISO 320 make it less ideal in challenging light. Its plastic build has no environmental sealing, meaning rain or dust could be potential hazards. The fixed zoom limits framing creativity when scouting vast scenes.

Conversely, the A37 excels here with a bigger sensor delivering wider dynamic range and lower noise, crucial for capturing shadow details under trees or subtle sunset hues. Although the A37 lacks professional-level weather sealing, its robust build is more durable than the W620. Plus, pairing the A37 with Sony’s weather-sealed lenses improves outdoor resilience.

For landscapes demanding detail, tonal fidelity, and the ability to use filters or specialized lenses, the A37 is the better option.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed, Accuracy & Burst Rates

Shooting fleeting moments requires autofocus speed, continuous shooting, and zoom reach.

The W620 offers a miserly 1 frame per second continuous shooting - hardly enough to follow a fast action sequence, making it a poor tool for sports or wildlife. The autofocus system relies on contrast detection only, hampering responsiveness and tracking ability.

Meanwhile, the A37 shines here. Its 6 fps continuous burst rate gets you closer to capturing those peak action moments. The hybrid AF system delivers quick focus acquisition plus tracking on moving subjects - essential for wildlife and sports disciplines where split-second accuracy matters. The 1.5x crop factor on the APS-C sensor extends reach when coupled with telephoto lenses, a boon for distant subjects.

Overall, the A37’s specs - and more importantly, real-world focus and burst performance - mean the W620 just can’t keep pace in dynamic photography.

Street Photography: Discretion, Portability & Low-Light Handling

Street photographers value inconspicuous form factors and quick responsiveness.

Here the W620’s small size and light weight shine: you can carry it everywhere, and it draws almost no attention, perfect for candid shots. However, its limited ISO sensitivity maxes out at 3200 but with significant noise - and the sluggish autofocus may mean missed or blurry moments in fast-moving urban environments.

The A37, while more conspicuous, is still relatively compact for a DSLR-styled camera and is capable of higher ISO settings up to 25,600 ISO (though image quality above 1600 ISO is still noisy by modern standards). Its fast hybrid autofocus and EVF deliver rapid framing and shooting. The tilting LCD adds freedom for creative angles without raising the camera to eye level.

For daily carry with minimal camera footprint - the W620 pulls ahead. For more deliberate street shooting with higher image quality and faster AF, the A37 is preferable.

Macro Photography: Close-up Precision and Detail

If miniature worlds fascinate you, macro capabilities are crucial.

The W620 has a close focusing distance of 5cm in macro mode, allowing some fun handheld close-ups, but its limited lens aperture and sensor size restrict resolving fine detail and separating subject from background.

The A37 depends entirely on the macro lens you attach, but with dedicated Sony macro zooms and primes, coupled with superior sensor performance and stabilizer, it offers true macro capabilities and finer detail capture.

The W620 is useful for casual macro snaps; the A37 empowers serious close-up work.

Night and Astrophotography: Seeing in the Dark

Low light prowess is where sensor size and noise control definitely tell.

The W620’s maximum ISO of 3200 is theoretical; usable images often rely on ample light. Long exposures are possible up to 1600 shutter speed but without stabilization and manual controls, night shooting is restrictive.

The A37 boasts native ISO up to 25600, offers manual exposure modes, and has in-body stabilization, helping with handheld long exposures. Its support for RAW gives extended editing latitude crucial for astrophotography. The electronic viewfinder and tilting LCD ease composing difficult night scenes.

If night shots or star trails draw you, the A37 is a clear upgrade.

Video Capabilities: From Home Movies to Creative Content

Video has become a vital feature even in still cameras.

The W620 records HD video at 720p 30fps in Motion JPEG format, a simple codec resulting in large files and limited editing flexibility. No external microphone input limits audio quality, and no stabilization hampers smooth footage.

The A37 delivers Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps in highly efficient MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 codecs, producing sharper, smoother footage. A microphone jack enables external audio capture, essential for serious video creators. Though it lacks headphone monitoring or in-body electronic image stabilization for video, the sensor stabilization helps reduce handshake.

In short, the A37 is far more suited for quality video production, while the W620 is a basic, casual video shooter.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance on the Go

Travel photography demands balance - portability, battery life, image quality, and flexibility.

The W620’s small size is a major plus for lightweight travel packing. However, limited zoom range and image quality are compromises. Battery life rated at 220 shots per charge may necessitate extra batteries on longer trips.

The A37, though larger, offers a 500-shot battery life - more than double that of the W620 - meaning less battery anxiety on extended outings. Its lens compatibility means it can flexibly manage wide scenes, street snaps, portraits, and occasional wildlife or sports shots all in one setup - ideal for travelers wanting to explore styles on the fly.

Overall, the A37 offers travel versatility, while the W620’s portability is suitable primarily for casual urban or vacation snapshots.

Professional Use: Workflow, Reliability, and File Formats

If you’re a pro or serious enthusiast, file quality and workflow integration matter.

The W620 offers no RAW shooting, meaning limited post-processing control. Its simple JPEG outputs offer convenience but lack the depth for professional editing. Limited exposure controls and slow autofocus reduce reliability in critical shoots.

The A37 supports RAW, manual exposure modes, customizable white balance, plus higher-end flash modes and bracketing - tools essential for precise exposure and artistic workflows. While not weather sealed, its build quality holds up well under demanding use. Lens diversity ensures you can outfit yourself for any assignment, and USB/HDMI ports allow tethered shooting and external monitoring.

Professionals or those moving beyond snapshots will find the A37 infinitely more capable as a serious tool.

Summing Up the Comparative Landscape

Price to Performance: What Does Your Budget Buy?

At the time of their release, the W620 was a very affordable pocket camera (~$100), making it attractive for casual users needing minimal complexity. Its simplicity is its strength, but it lacks the flexibility and image quality to satisfy more serious photographers.

The A37, at around $520, sits squarely in the entry-level DSLR/mirrorless hybrid category - offering considerable value for money. It punches well above its price point in image quality, control, speed, and video features. While you’re investing in a larger, heavier camera system, the potential for growth and high-quality results makes it a smart buy.

If your budget is tight and you want simple snapshots, the W620 is still a decent pocket camera. However, for enthusiasts and pros seeking a trustworthy, versatile, and capable tool, the A37 is the clear winner.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sony W620 if:

• You want the smallest, lightest camera to slip in your pocket.
• You primarily shoot casual family, holiday, or social scenarios.
• You prefer ease of use with minimal settings to worry about.
• Budget is extremely tight and expecting flexibility is minimal.

Choose the Sony A37 if:

• You crave superior image quality from a large APS-C sensor.
• You want real control over exposure, focusing, and creative effects.
• Your photography covers varied genres, from portraits to wildlife.
• You intend to shoot video with decent quality and mic support.
• You're ready to carry and maintain a dedicated camera system.

Closing Note: An Evolution in One Package

The Sony W620 and A37 reflect the evolving demands of photographers: from point-and-shoot convenience to creative mastery. They serve different missions - one a compact pocket pal, the other a gateway to serious photography.

I've personally witnessed photographers transition from cameras like the W620, outgrowing automatic modes, then stepping confidently into DSLRs like the A37. This journey is as much about technological capability as it is about growing vision.

No camera is perfect for everyone, but with an informed choice, you can find one that fits your rhythm, style, and aspirations.

Happy shooting!

If you want more detailed, hands-on advice on lenses or sample images from these models, just say the word.

Cheers!

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