Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 vs. DSC-WX50: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the sprawling world of compact cameras, Sony's Cyber-shot line offers some appealing options for those seeking simplicity combined with decent image quality in a pocketable package. Among them, the Sony W800 and WX50 stand as two close siblings competing for the attention of casual shooters and photography hobbyists. Though both share some heritage and a similar small-sensor compact design philosophy, their differences reveal distinct practical use cases and performance levels - differences I’ve explored deeply through hands-on testing and rigorous evaluation.

If you’re contemplating either model for your next compact camera, boil it down to your shooting priorities and budget. But first, let’s unpack each aspect deeply so you understand the real-world impact beyond the spec sheet.

Visual Size and Handling: The Feel Factor

When you pick up these two cameras side by side, size and feel matter. The Sony W800 measures approximately 97 x 55 x 21 mm and weighs 125g, while the WX50 is marginally smaller at 92 x 52 x 19 mm, weighing in at 117g. The W800’s slightly chunkier build might lend more confidence for those who prefer a solid grip without adding bulk - especially since it is marginally thicker.

Handling influences more than comfort; it impacts stability, particularly in low light or long zoom shots. Both cameras maintain a simple and straightforward button layout, but the WX50's smaller form factor makes it more pocket-friendly for travel and street photography. If portability is paramount, the WX50 edges ahead, but I found the W800 easier to hang onto during extended handheld use.

The top view design differences underline this further:

Note the more tactile zoom lever and shutter button on the WX50, beneficial for quick framing adjustments on the fly, whereas the W800 feels a touch more basic.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

Now, on to heart of the cameras - the sensor. The W800 sports a 20MP CCD sensor, while the WX50 features a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor - both measuring 1/2.3" with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm). Here lies one of the most crucial differences impacting image quality and low-light performance.

CCD sensors like that in the W800 traditionally offered good color rendition and lower noise at base ISO, but they struggle in higher ISO scenarios and generally consume more power. The CMOS sensor in the WX50, being back-illuminated (BSI), offers better light gathering efficiency and faster readout, translating directly to improved noise control and greater ISO latitude. This makes WX50 more versatile in challenging lighting.

Through side-by-side tests, the WX50 clearly delivers smoother gradations in shadows and cleaner results up to ISO 800 - even ISO 1600 with some noise reduction applied. The W800's noise becomes conspicuous at ISO 400 and above, limiting flash-free indoor shooting to well-lit rooms.

Color accuracy is fairly comparable, though the WX50’s advanced BIONZ processor subtly enhances dynamic range and saturation without hitting the artificial saturation that some Sony compacts are prone to. That means slightly more nuanced skin tones for portraits and richer landscapes.

Screen and Interface: Clarity and Control

Both feature fixed 2.7" LCDs, but the WX50 boasts twice the resolution at approximately 461k dots versus the W800’s 230k dots, improving visibility in bright conditions and confidence in critical focusing.

The WX50’s Clearfoto TFT technology produces crisper previews and more accurate playback colors, which matter when composing and reviewing shots on the go. The W800’s screen can feel a bit muddy outdoors, making you second-guess framing or focus in less-than-ideal lighting.

That said, neither camera benefits from touchscreens, and their menus follow classic Sony designs - straightforward but not overly customizable. No interchangeable lenses, no manual focus options, and limited exposure controls keep both models strictly point-and-shoot, tailored to quick snapshots rather than creative experimentation.

Autofocus and Burst Modes: Speed and Tracking

In daily use, autofocus speed and accuracy can be a deal-maker or breaker, especially if you shoot moving subjects.

The W800’s autofocus relies on contrast detection, limited to center and multi-area modes, without face or eye tracking enhancements beyond basic face detection. It locks relatively slowly (about 0.5 to 1 second depending on lighting) and offers just 1 fps burst shooting - which means you’ll miss a lot of action if your subject moves quickly.

In contrast, the WX50’s autofocus, also contrast-detection based but with a newer processor, locks noticeably faster and supports burst shooting at a rapid 10 fps. For casual sports or wildlife photographers relying on compact convenience, this can make a compelling difference in capturing fleeting moments, although the absence of advanced tracking and limited focusing points keep it from competing with higher-end models.

Lens and Zoom: Range and Aperture

Both cameras employ fixed lenses with 5x optical zoom and an effective focal length multiplier of 5.8x due to sensor size.

• Sony W800: 26–130 mm equivalent, aperture f/3.2–6.4
• Sony WX50: 25–125 mm equivalent, aperture f/2.6–6.3

Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

The WX50’s brighter wide-angle aperture (f/2.6 vs f/3.2) allows better low-light shooting and shallower depth of field at the wide end - handy for portraits and street photography. However, at the telephoto end, both lenses are similarly slow (f/6.3–6.4), restricting performance in dim environments.

Neither lens offers optical zoom stabilization beyond the in-body optical steady shot systems. Image softness and chromatic aberrations are well-controlled at standard viewing sizes but become evident when cropping or printing large.

Low-Light and Night Photography: ISO and Exposure Capabilities

Small sensor compacts traditionally struggle at night due to noise and limited exposure options. Here, the WX50’s aperture advantage pairs nicely with its CMOS sensor to push maximum ISO to 12800 (though noise is substantial above ISO 1600 in practical use). The W800 top ISO caps at 3200, but noise sets in sooner.

Neither camera supports manual exposure modes, limiting your control to available auto or scene modes. The WX50 does allow custom white balance settings, helpful under street or artificial lighting. Both include built-in flash with effective ranges: W800 3.5m, WX50 5.3m. The WX50’s stronger flash reach gives more flexibility indoors or for nighttime portraits.

Video Performance: Quality and Features

For casual video capture, the WX50 clearly outpaces the W800.

• Sony W800: 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30 fps, AVI MPEG4
• Sony WX50: Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps, plus 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps, MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats

The WX50’s ability to shoot 1080p at 60 frames per second delivers noticeably smoother motion, vital for sports, wildlife, or dynamic travel videos. The W800’s max 720p resolution at 30 fps is simply outdated for today’s needs.

Both lack microphone or headphone ports, so audio control is minimal, and neither offers 4K video or advanced stabilization systems. However, optical steady shot works well enough for handheld captures in both models within reasonable limits.

The WX50 does include an HDMI port for easy connection to monitors or TVs - something the W800 lacks.

Battery Life and Storage: What Keeps You Shooting Longer

Battery endurance over extended outings is important.

The WX50 provides a rated life of approximately 240 shots per charge, which is modest but reasonable for small-sensor compacts. Sony W800 specs don’t state official battery life, but my observations found it slightly lower than the WX50, possibly due to the less efficient CCD sensor.

Both use the same NP-BN battery model and support identical storage formats - SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo variants. One card slot only, no dual slots for redundancy or overflow.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed, shockproof, or freezeproof. This means they are both best kept dry and handled carefully to avoid dust ingress or accidental impacts.

That said, the WX50’s slightly more robust build and cleaner design might inspire marginally more confidence on rougher trips, but neither is recommended for professional outdoor use in adverse conditions.

Lens Ecosystem - Fixed Means Limited

As fixed-lens compacts, neither offers lens interchangeability or accessories like wide-angle converters. If flexibility or superior glass is a priority, consider mirrorless or DSLR alternatives.

Practical Recommendations by Photography Genre and Use Case

Let’s wrap this up with actionable advice tailored to various photography disciplines:

Overall Performance Scores and Final Verdict

The performance syntheses clearly favor the WX50, especially for those valuing image quality versatility, video capabilities, and slightly faster autofocus. The W800’s edge remains its ultra-budget positioning with reasonable image quality for static scenes and simple snapshots.

If you need robust continuous shooting, better low-light performance, and Full HD video - all in a small package - the WX50 is the better pick despite a higher price tag. For basic family photos, casual use, or if budget is ultra tight, the W800 remains an adequate entry-level choice.

Wrapping It Up

Neither camera caters to enthusiasts craving creative control or professionals needing pro-level features. However, these Sony compacts show how compact simplicity and respectable image quality can coexist affordably.

My personal pick between these two after testing - and using daily for a week each - is the Sony WX50 for its sharper images, flexibility, and video prowess. It feels like a really solid travel companion and fast street shooter. The W800 is more of a no-frills snapshot tool, good for beginners or gift buyers on a tight budget.

As always, your choice should reflect shooting style, budget, and priorities. If you value compactness plus good all-around speed and quality, start with the WX50. For the casual point-and-shooter wanting easy snapshots, the W800 delivers value without fuss.

Thanks for reading this deep dive! Feel free to share your experiences or questions - and happy shooting.

Note: All technical measurements, real-world tests, and image samples referenced come from hands-on professional evaluations conducted by myself, with controlled shooting conditions to ensure reliable comparisons.