Sony WX300 vs Sony A35: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Serious Photographers

When stepping into the camera market, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. Both Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-WX300, a compact superzoom, and the SLT-A35, an entry-level DSLR alternative, bring different strengths to the table. We've taken both cameras through real-world testing, technical evaluation, and usability trials to help you make an informed decision tailored to your creative ambitions.

In this detailed comparison, we explore everything from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and video features - covering photography use cases from landscape to sports, and even video production. Whether you’re a beginner hungry for versatility or a professional seeking reliable performance on a budget, this breakdown reveals which Sony camera complements your vision best.

How They Feel in Your Hands: Ergonomics and Build

The first impression often comes from how a camera fits your style and comfort during long shooting sessions.

• Sony WX300: A truly pocketable compact measuring just 96x55x25mm and weighing 166g. Its light body and minimalist controls make it easy to carry everywhere.
• Sony A35: A larger, heftier camera at 124x92x85mm and 415g, resembling a traditional DSLR (or SLT). It offers a robust grip and more physical controls.

The WX300's small size suits street photographers and travelers who prioritize portability. Conversely, the A35 feels more substantial and balanced with heavier lenses, preferred for controlled studio or active outdoor shoots.

The WX300’s compact form means less manual control and a simpler button layout, while the A35’s DSLR-style body provides dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, satisfying users wanting hands-on exposure tweaking.

Top-Down View: Control Layout and Usability

Examining the control arrangement provides insights into each camera’s intended user and shooting flexibility.

The WX300 features a minimal top deck with mostly automatic mode operations and a zoom toggle, suited for point-and-shoot ease. The absence of manual exposure modes limits advanced control but streamlines operation for quick snaps.

The A35 sports a mode dial including Manual, Shutter Priority, and Aperture Priority, alongside dedicated exposure compensation and customizable controls. This affords photographers the precision necessary for creative expression.

Summary Table - Ergonomics and Controls

Heart of the Image: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor technology profoundly affects image fidelity, low-light handling, and dynamic range.

• WX300’s 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 18MP resolution is standard in the compact superzoom category. At 6.17x4.55mm sensor size, the physical dimensions restrict light-gathering ability, impacting low-light performance and noise control.
• A35’s 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS sensor offers a significant size advantage with 16MP resolution - slightly fewer megapixels but far larger pixels capturing more light.

Key observations from our testing:

• WX300’s sensor yields decent daylight images with rich colors but visible noise at higher ISO (above 800), limiting night or indoor usability.
• The A35 excels in high ISO scenarios up to 3200 and beyond, maintaining cleaner images with impressive dynamic range - this advantage is crucial for landscape and portrait shooters demanding fine detail and tonal gradation.

Technical Specs Comparison

Larger sensors like in the A35 translate to tangible image quality benefits, especially for ambitious portraiture or professional prints.

Viewing Your Shot: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Your interface with the camera impacts framing, focus accuracy, and overall workflow.

• The WX300 has a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with 460k dots resolution but lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF). This clarifies use for casual shooting but poses challenges in bright sunlight or rapid composition.
• The A35 includes a higher-resolution 3-inch LCD (921k dots) and, importantly, a high-res electronic viewfinder (1150k dots, 100% coverage, 0.73x magnification).

The EVF on the A35 facilitates eye-level shooting with real-time exposure feedback. Its superior LCD aids in menu navigation and live-view focusing. These features enhance shooting confidence for fast-moving subjects or difficult lighting.

For those in brightly lit environments or wanting precise framing, the A35 is a clear winner.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Your Moments

Autofocus (AF) systems dictate your ability to capture sharp images, especially in dynamic environments like wildlife or sports.

• WX300 relies on contrast detection AF with face detection enabled but offers only single AF with tracking capabilities.
• A35 utilizes Sony’s SLT technology with phase-detection AF and has 15 AF points (3 cross-type), which improve focusing speed, accuracy, and subject tracking.

In practice:

• The WX300's AF is adequate for static or moderately active subjects but struggles in very low light or fast action.
• The A35 delivers smoother continuous AF even during burst shooting at 6 fps, making it better suited for wildlife and sports.

Autofocus Table

The WX300’s superb 10fps burst rate is impressive for its class but limited by the single AF mode, affecting sharpness continuity.

Taking Control: Manual Exposure and Creative Flexibility

The ability to control exposure manually can unlock your creative potential.

• The WX300 lacks shutter or aperture priority and full manual modes; exposure compensation is also absent.
• The A35 includes Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and exposure compensation, empowering users to dictate exposure, depth of field, and motion effects.

For photographers aspiring to learn deeper technical control, and those shooting challenging light, the A35’s flexible exposure options are invaluable.

Lens Ecosystem: Versatility vs Fixed Convenience

Lenses shape the visual possibilities you can explore.

• WX300 features a fixed 25-500mm equivalent zoom lens (f/3.5-6.5), a versatile range for travel and everyday photography without bulk.
• A35 uses Sony’s Alpha mount, compatible with over 140 interchangeable lenses, ranging from wide-angle primes to super-telephoto zooms and macro gems.

This difference offers:

• WX300: Convenience, no lens switching needed, varying focal lengths built-in.
• A35: Freedom to tailor optics to genre - portrait primes, macro lenses, fast apertures, and specialized glass are all options for creative growth.

If you want evolving lens options or plan to specialize, the A35 is a long-term investment.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Abilities

• Both cameras include image stabilization.
  • WX300 uses optical stabilization in the lens, crucial for long zoom telephoto handheld shots.
  • A35 employs sensor-shift stabilization, effective across lenses.

In testing indoor and dawn conditions, the A35’s stabilization allows slower shutter speeds with reduced blur - critical for available light shots. Combined with its superior sensor sensitivity, this makes low-light handheld shooting more successful.

Video Quality and Usability

Video is a big part of camera use today; how do these models compare?

While the WX300 shoots smooth Full HD video and can pull off casual clips, the A35’s inclusion of an external microphone input and better focus tracking suits vloggers and semi-pro videographers looking for improved audio and sharpness.

Durability and Environmental Sealing

Neither camera offers professional-level weather sealing, but the A35’s build is more robust with higher-quality materials. Both lack dust/water resistance, so plan accordingly for rugged use.

Battery Life and Storage

• The A35’s battery life is a strong point at 440 shots (CIPA), supporting long days of shooting without frequent recharge.
• The WX300’s battery life is unspecified but generally shorter owing to compact form factors.

Storage-wise, both take standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards along with Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At launch:

• WX300 was priced around $330, perfect for budget-conscious beginners and travelers wanting an all-in-one solution.
• A35 retailed at approximately $598, a step up for those investing in an expandable EOS-mimicking system.

This price difference reflects the performance, size, and creative flexibility tradeoffs.

Real-World Photo Sample Comparison

To truly gauge image quality differences, we tested both in various shooting conditions.

Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

• Portraits: A35’s larger sensor delivered more natural skin tones and creamy bokeh, whereas WX300’s fixed lens produced flatter backgrounds and less color depth.
• Landscapes: The A35 revealed better dynamic range, capturing both highlights and shadows distinctly.
• Sports and Wildlife: The A35’s AF grabbed moving subjects more reliably; WX300’s longer zoom helped but AF was slower.
• Street: WX300’s compactness enabled less conspicuous shooting but struggled in low light compared to the A35.
• Macro: A35’s lens options allow precision focusing and higher magnification unattainable with WX300.

Performance Scores: Overall and By Photography Type

Our metric scoring aligns with technical and experiential insights.

Rating scale (out of 10):

Genre-Specific Scores

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Sony WX300 if:

• You want a simple, pocketable, all-in-one zoom camera.
• You prioritize convenience over manual controls.
• Your focus is casual photography, travel snapshots, and street shooting.
• Budget is tight, and you want decent image quality without investing in lenses.
• You prefer lightweight gear for everyday carry.

Go for the Sony A35 if:

• You want to learn and control your photography with manual modes.
• Image quality and low light performance are priorities.
• You intend to expand your system with interchangeable lenses.
• Your photography includes portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or sports.
• You want video features like external mic input and better focus.
• You seek a DSLR-like experience with an electronic viewfinder.

Final Thoughts: Matching Your Vision and Gear

Our hands-on experience with the WX300 and A35 reveals stark differences in capability, control, and creative potential. The WX300 is a convenient little superzoom that fits in your pocket and lets you capture moments effortlessly. Yet, it limits your technical growth and struggles in low light and demanding scenarios.

The A35, while bulkier and pricier, offers serious photographic tools, deeper manual functionality, and a flexible lens system to elevate image quality and creative freedom. It's an excellent stepping stone into DSLR-style shooting with impressive specs for its price point.

We recommend visiting a camera retail store or renting both models to see which aligns best with how you shoot - the body in your hand tells a story your specs won’t. Also, remember to consider lenses, memory cards, and compatible accessories to get the most from either.

By choosing the camera that fits your current needs and future ambitions, you’ll set the foundation for a rewarding photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

We hope this expert comparison helps you find the Sony camera that unlocks your creative potential! Don’t hesitate to check them out in person and experiment with their features firsthand. Your next great image awaits.