Sony WX300 vs Sony A99: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Over my years testing digital cameras - from compact compacts to heavyweight professional DSLRs - I’ve learned that no two cameras serve all needs perfectly. The Sony WX300 and Sony A99 occupy very different realms of Sony’s lineup, yet both have piqued photographers’ interest for their unique appeals. The WX300 launched in 2013 as an affordable, travel-friendly superzoom compact, while the A99, also from late 2012, targeted serious enthusiasts and pro users seeking a robust full-frame SLT system.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll distill over 15 years of camera testing experience and break down these models on key aspects like image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and real-world usability across all major photography genres. Whether you crave a lightweight all-in-one tool or a commanding DSLR with cutting-edge technology for editorial work, this comparison aims to help you find your ideal fit without wading through marketing buzz.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right out of the gate, the size difference between these two is breathtaking. The Sony WX300 is a petite compact weighing just 166 grams - something you almost forget in your pocket or purse. Its fixed superzoom lens gives an impression of simplicity: a no-fuss camera optimized for shooting on the go.

The Sony A99, in contrast, commands a serious presence with its 812-gram, magnesium alloy body, weather sealing, and solid heft. I found this reassuring for demanding outdoor or studio shoots, but it’s not something you’d want swinging around your neck on an everyday stroll.

Ergonomically, the WX300’s slim profile means limited grip and control, suited for casual shooters who want quick point-and-shoot convenience. Meanwhile, the A99 features a pronounced grip and a top-deck LCD screen for real-time info - a classic DSLR feel refined with Sony’s translucent mirror technology. The control layout is logical, placing exposure and autofocus adjustments at your fingertips, ideal for professional workflow.

In summary: if pocketability and lightweight travel are core, the WX300 excels. If tactile control and build quality for high-pressure shooting matter more, the A99 is wholly in a different league.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Compact vs Full-Frame

Seeing both cameras’ sensors side-by-side emphasizes their fundamental divergence:

• WX300: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, 18MP resolution. This sensor size is typical for superzoom compacts. While it delivers decent detail in good light, it struggles in low light and dynamic range situations.
• A99: 35.8 x 23.8 mm full-frame CMOS sensor, 24MP. A vastly larger sensor area translates to superior light gathering, richer tonality, and expansive dynamic range. Sony’s Bionz processor here helps achieve low noise even at ISO 3200 and above.

In practical terms, during landscape and portrait shoots, the A99’s images exhibit cleaner shadows and highlight retention with vibrant, faithful colors. The WX300’s images, while surprisingly sharp considering the sensor size, display more noise as ISO climbs beyond 400, limiting handheld shooting in dim scenarios.

For portraiture, the A99’s full-frame sensor provides exquisite background blur (bokeh) and subtle skin tone gradations. The WX300’s small sensor and slower lens aperture make bokeh shallow and creamy only at telephoto’s longest reach, which tends to be noisy.

Landscape photographers benefit hugely from the A99’s dynamic range and resolution. When I tested both on a bright sunrise scene, the compact overtly clipped skies and foggy shadow areas, whereas the A99 captured nuanced textures and colors with ease.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Precision in the Field

Autofocus can make or break the shooting experience, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• WX300: Contrast detection AF with face detection, but no continuous AF modes or multiple focus points. Focus tends to lock quickly in good light but hunts at lower contrast or fast motion, making it less reliable.
• A99: Hybrid Phase + Contrast detection system with 19 AF points (11 cross-type). Features continuous autofocus, tracking, and selective AF area modes for complex compositions.

In fast-moving subjects - wildlife on the wing or athletes in action - the A99’s phase-detection system gave me confident, sharp captures with minimal lag. Its excellent AF tracking sustained focus on erratically moving birds at 10fps burst shooting.

The WX300 is best reserved for static or mildly active scenes. Its single AF point and slower acquisition mean missed shots if your subject darts or changes distance rapidly.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control

The A99 provides full manual exposure, shutter priority (up to 1/8000s), and aperture priority modes - vital for creative technique and adapting to complex lighting. Exposure compensation is also available, allowing fine-tuning mid-shoot.

The WX300 lacks manual exposure entirely and doesn’t support shutter/aperture priority. It’s fully automatic or limited to scene modes, which is understandable given its compact category but frustrating for enthusiasts seeking control.

On the flip side, in simple travel or family snapshot scenarios, the WX300 shines by eliminating guesswork. Just point and shoot.

Video Capabilities: From Casual to Creative Filmmaking

Video has become an essential feature across camera tiers.

• Both cameras can shoot Full HD 1080p at 60fps (WX300) or 60/24fps (A99).
• The WX300 outputs AVCHD format with built-in optical stabilization, but no external mic input.
• The A99’s video offers H.264/MPEG-4, full manual exposure control, and dual audio jacks (mic and headphone).

My video tests on the WX300 yielded decent handheld clips for casual use, but I noticed softness and compression artifacts in detailed scenes. The A99’s video, especially with its full-frame sensor and interchangeable lenses, delivers richer footage with accurate color and excellent background separation. External audio control is a boon for documentaries and interviews.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Image

While both cameras offer a 3-inch LCD, their implementations differ markedly.

The WX300’s fixed 460k-dot screen is serviceable but small and dim under harsh outdoor light. It offers no touchscreen or articulated movement, limiting compositional flexibility.

The A99 sports a high-res 1.2M-dot fully articulating TFT “Xtra Fine” LCD that allows for creative angles and self-portraits. Combined with a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification, it offers an immersive shooting experience, even in bright conditions.

For street photography or situations where you prefer discreet framing, the WX300’s lack of EVF and small screen may hamper usability, while the A99’s EVF allows eye-level shooting with minimal distraction.

Lens and Accessory Ecosystem: Fixed Lens vs System Flexibility

The WX300’s single lens - a 25-500mm equivalent zoom with f/3.5-6.5 aperture - is versatile for casual photography, enabling wide-angle landscapes and reach for wildlife across a broad focal range.

The A99 is compatible with Sony’s A-mount lenses, which, at launch, included over 140 lenses - ranging from fast primes to super telephotos, macro optics, and specialty glass. This open lens ecosystem enables customization to task-specific needs, vital for professionals.

Moreover, the A99 supports external flashes, remote triggers, and pro accessories, such as battery grips. The WX300’s flash is basic, built-in only, with limited range and no external flash option.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

For extended shoots or travel, endurance matters.

The A99’s battery life is rated for 500 shots per charge - a solid figure for a DSLR with a large EVF and processor load. It uses Sony’s NP-FM500H battery, widely available and robust.

The WX300’s official battery life figures are less advertised, but given the compact size and simplicity, expect fewer shots per charge - around 200-250 under typical usage.

In terms of storage, the WX300 has one slot supporting SD cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo, while the A99 offers dual slots, facilitating backup or overflow options - critical for pros in the field.

Usability Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

For portraits, the A99 is clearly the champion. Its full-frame sensor with larger pixels yields practically flawless skin tone rendition and beautiful bokeh rendition. The camera’s fast and accurate phase-detection AF locks on eyes precisely, a must-have for headshots or wedding coverage.

The WX300’s fixed lens aperture and small sensor produce less subject separation, and face detection, while helpful, is more primitive and less consistent in challenging lighting.

Landscape Photography

The A99’s superior sensor quality, RAW shooting support, and weather sealing make it the better choice for demanding landscape work. It’s able to capture expansive dynamic ranges and recover shadow/highlight details post-processing, plus offers bracketing modes for HDR workflows.

The WX300 is a fine casual landscape tool in good sunlight but runs into noise issues in shadows and has no RAW output, limiting post-processing latitude.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A99’s rapid burst rate (10fps), reliable autofocus tracking, and long telephoto lens compatibility make it a robust performer for wildlife and sports shooters.

While the WX300 boasts a 20x zoom, its AF system and slower lens speed hinder reliable autofocus on erratic subjects, resulting in missed shots during action.

Street and Travel Photography

Here the WX300’s lightweight compact design and impressive telephoto range shine. It’s quiet, inconspicuous, and ready for quick snaps. Battery life is suited to short day trips, and Wi-Fi connectivity allows rapid sharing.

The A99, though bulkier and heavier, offers far more control and image quality for travel enthusiasts who prioritize output and flexibility over stealth.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Neither excels in dedicated macro work. The WX300 lacks a macro mode, and the A99 requires specialized lenses to approach extreme close-ups. The A99’s precise manual focus assist and interchangeable lenses give it the edge if macro is a priority.

Night and Astro Photography

The A99’s better high-ISO handling, long exposure capabilities, and full manual control empower night and astrophotographers. The WX300’s small sensor shows heavy noise beyond ISO 400, limiting night work.

Connectivity and Extras

The WX300 includes built-in Wi-Fi for photo sharing - a convenience for casual shooters. The A99 lacks wireless features but offers GPS for geotagging and HDMI for tethered capture and playback.

Neither model supports touchscreen or Bluetooth, reflecting their generation.

Pricing and Value Analysis

As of their release periods, the WX300 targeted budget-conscious consumers at around $330, a price point attractive for beginners or those wanting one simple superzoom.

The A99, priced near $2,000, aligns with high-end enthusiasts and professionals demanding advanced features and build quality.

Given these price brackets, their performance needs to be considered proportionally.

Visual Comparison: Sample Images Across Conditions

Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

Reviewing side-by-side sample images highlights the practical differences - note the A99’s richly detailed textures and minimal noise against the WX300’s more compact-friendly output.

Performance Ratings Summarized

From my hands-on experience and corroborated by DxOMark for the A99:

• Sony A99 scores highly for image quality, autofocus, and versatility.
• Sony WX300 delivers acceptable scores for portability and zoom range but lags on image quality metrics.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

As a takeaway cheat sheet:

• Portrait: A99 dominant
• Landscape: A99 excels
• Wildlife/Sports: A99 for AF and frame rate; WX300 only for casual use
• Street/Travel: WX300 for compactness; A99 for image quality
• Video: A99 professional; WX300 casual
• Macro: A99 with lenses
• Night/Astro: A99 preferred

My Testing Methodology and Reflections

To ensure unbiased conclusions, I tested both cameras side-by-side across identical scenes and conditions. I evaluated RAW and JPEG outputs (where possible), timed autofocus speeds with standardized targets, and assessed ergonomic comfort over extended shoots. Personal bias was checked by reviewing multiple test runs and consulting benchmark data.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Sony WX300 and Sony A99 comes down to prioritizing convenience or uncompromising image quality and control.

• Choose the Sony WX300 if:
  You want a pocketable, affordable camera for everyday snapshots, travel, and casual telephoto reach. It’s a ready companion for those who value weight and simplicity over expansive manual control. Ideal for hobbyists and travelers who prefer quick setup and wireless sharing.

• Choose the Sony A99 if:
  You require professional-grade image quality, advanced autofocus, manual modes, and a broad lens selection. Suitable for portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photographers who demand versatility, durability, and superior high ISO performance. Great for dedicated hobbyists stepping into professional workflows or seasoned pros seeking a full-frame alternative.

While the WX300 impresses in its compact realm, the A99’s image quality and robust feature set make it a tool that grows with your ambitions. As always, I recommend trying both cameras hands-on to feel which ergonomics and operational style resonate with your shooting habits.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you see where each camera shines and how they may fit into your photography journey. If you have questions about specific genres or workflows, I’m happy to share further insights!

• • This review reflects independent testing with no brand sponsorship.*