Sony WX350 vs Sony WX500

Sony WX350 vs. Sony WX500: A Compact Superzoom Refined

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot line has long catered to enthusiasts craving a pocket-friendly camera that punches well above its weight. The Sony WX350 and WX500 are closely related entries, the latter an evolutionary upgrade - but how significant are the real-world differences? Are the added features worth the price bump? I’ve put both models meticulously through their paces across various photographic disciplines, drawing on years of hands-on experience with zoom compacts. Let’s dive into what sets them apart and how each performs in everyday shooting.

Before plunging into the details, here’s a quick physical overview to get a sense of their size and handling.

Compactness and Handling: The Barebones vs. The Refined

Looking at the two side by side, the WX350 is notably smaller and lighter (a mere 164 grams vs. 236 grams for the WX500). This makes it genuinely pocketable - a key advantage for street and travel shooters prioritizing minimalism. The ZX350’s slim 96x55x26mm body slips into coats and bags with ease. In comparison, the WX500’s marginally larger 102x58x36mm dimensions add a bit more heft and feel more substantial in the hand, though it’s still compact enough for everyday carry.

Ergonomically, the WX500 improves on its predecessor with a slightly more pronounced grip and thoughtfully arranged controls. The “feel” is more confident, making it easier to hold steady during long zoom shots. The WX350’s minimalist form factor comes with trade-offs; for example, its control buttons and dials feel cramped, which might slow down operation in fast-paced scenarios.

A closer look from above underscores these design philosophies:

The WX500 features dedicated exposure modes including shutter and aperture priority, and even manual exposure - capabilities the WX350 lacks. This signals Sony’s push for a more versatile, semi-professional compact with the WX500, versus a more casual point-and-shoot approach with the WX350.

Sensor and Image Quality: Identical Foundations, Different Processing

Both cameras share Sony’s tried-and-tested 1/2.3-inch 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, delivering a maximum resolution of 4896 x 3672 pixels. This sensor size is standard for compact superzooms but significantly smaller than APS-C or full-frame sensors you’d find in mirrorless and DSLR cameras. As always, smaller sensors mean compromise: limited dynamic range, lower signal-to-noise ratio, and reduced detail in low light.

However, the WX500 is equipped with Sony’s Bionz X image processor, a step up compared to the WX350’s unspecified chip. This enables better noise reduction, improved jpeg rendering, and enhanced autofocus algorithms.

Take a look at the sensor specs and notes below:

In practical terms, image quality between the two isn’t drastically different under ideal lighting conditions. Both produce sharp images with good color science typical of Sony, though can feel a touch soft at full zoom. The WX500’s processing edge gives it slightly cleaner high ISO shots and more consistent exposure, but nothing dramatic.

Where the WX350’s sensor maxes out at ISO 12800, noise becomes quite prominent above ISO 1600, limiting its use in darker environments. The WX500 performs a bit better here, though keep expectations in check given the sensor size.

Display and Interface: More Than Just Screen Size

The 3-inch rear displays on both models serve as your eyes and control hub, yet they differ noticeably in resolution and flexibility.

The WX350 offers a fixed screen with 460k-dot resolution, adequate but on the dimmer and less crisp side. The fixed position limits shooting angles, making low or high shots more cumbersome.

The WX500 upgrades to a 3-inch rear LCD boasting 921k-dot resolution and a clever tilting mechanism (up to 180°). This is a boon for self-portrait framing, vlogging, or shooting over crowds. Its sharper screen helps judging focus and exposure more precisely in bright conditions.

Here’s a direct comparison:

While neither camera sports touchscreen controls, the WX500’s UI is generally more responsive and modern, thanks partly to its Bionz X processor. For quick tweaks and menu navigation, you’ll appreciate the WX500’s polished interface, especially if you shoot frequently or video.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking and Accuracy Matter

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems rather than hybrid or phase detection. The WX350 offers single autofocus with face detection and some tracking capabilities, but lacks continuous AF or selective area modes. In other words, it’s serviceable but can struggle tracking fast or erratic subjects.

Conversely, the WX500 offers continuous autofocus, selective AF patterns, and improved tracking algorithms that make a noticeable difference during action shots or moving subjects. Face detection performance is appreciably faster and more reliable on the WX500, which is great news for portrait, wildlife, and sports shooters working in dynamic conditions.

Both cameras support burst shooting up to 10fps - solid for this class. The WX500 captures those frames with more consistent focus thanks to continuous AF.

If quick and accurate AF is critical to you, the WX500 is clearly superior, though you won’t find the professional-grade speed or evaluation-based systems of advanced mirrorless cameras here.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Factory Fresh Focal Reach

In the superzoom category, lens specification is often a prime purchase driver. Here, Sony made a meaningful leap between these models:

• WX350: 25-500mm equivalent (20x optical zoom), max aperture F3.5-6.5
• WX500: 24-720mm equivalent (30x optical zoom), max aperture F3.5-6.4

This extra reach on the WX500 means it ventures well into the super-telephoto zone, pulling distant wildlife, sports, or architectural details up close without needing additional accessories.

The trade-off is slightly greater size and potential for camera shake at extreme zooms - though both cameras include optical image stabilization to counteract this.

Macro focus range is a new addition on the WX500 (minimum focus of 5 cm), absent on the WX350. This expands creative flexibility, allowing you to capture fine detail in close-up shots without an add-on lens.

What About Build Quality and Weather Resistance?

Both cameras are compact, plastic-bodied designs typical of their class. You won’t find weather sealing, dustproofing, or rugged features here - so neither is suited for harsh environments or professional outdoor work under challenging conditions.

In everyday use, build feels solid on the WX500 thanks to its more premium finish and ergonomics, while the WX350 feels a little toy-like in comparison. Neither camera inspires confidence with intense shocks or moisture exposure.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery endurance is a crucial consideration for travel and event photographers. The WX350 boasts a generous rated battery life of approximately 470 shots per charge, outperforming the WX500’s 360 shot rating. In the field, expect similar real-world results, as the WX500’s more powerful processor and image stabilization chip consume more power, especially when using the extensive zoom.

Both cameras share the NP-BX1 battery model, so spares are interchangeable and readily available. Storage wise, they accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s Memory Stick Duo formats, with one card slot each. This provides ample flexibility depending on your existing storage gear.

Connectivity and Extras: Keeping Up With Sharing Culture

Sony included built-in wireless connectivity on both models, but the WX500 edges out the WX350 by featuring NFC support for one-touch pairing with compatible smartphones and tablets. The WX350 relies on Wi-Fi connection without NFC, which can be less convenient.

Neither camera has Bluetooth or GPS, nor do they support wired audio for video. Both provide HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports for fast file transfers.

Real-World Photography Experience: How Do They Stack Up?

Let’s pivot from specs into actual shooting scenarios - after all, those are the moments where theory meets practice.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture benefits from accurate skin tone rendition, smooth bokeh, and reliable eye detection AF.

Both cameras use face detection, but only the WX500 offers moderately advanced AF with better tracking and focus area selection. This leads to sharper portraits delivered more consistently, especially with moving subjects or spontaneous moments.

Bokeh - subject blur - is inherently limited by the small sensor and modest maximum aperture (F3.5-6.4), so neither camera will create velvety backgrounds like larger-sensor cameras.

Color rendering is generally pleasant with Sony’s usual natural skin tone bias, though the WX500’s improved processing ensures a more faithful, less muddied result.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, resolution, sensor dynamic range, and lens sharpness are paramount.

Both models share the same sensor resolution, but their small size naturally limits dynamic range - shadows tend to block up and highlights clip more easily than larger sensors.

Optically, the WX350’s lens is competent at wide-angle (25mm equiv), but the WX500’s slight edge at 24mm provides a tad more framing versatility.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so caution is advised shooting outdoors in adverse weather.

Longer zoom ranges are typically less critical for landscapes, but the WX500’s 30x zoom allows selective cropping for distant vistas.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres demand fast autofocus, high burst rates, and telephoto reach.

The WX500 clearly wins here with continuous AF, better tracking, and a longer 720mm zoom, allowing far more framing flexibility for elusive subjects.

The WX350’s 500mm reach is respectable, but combined with slower single AF, it struggles to keep focus on fast-moving birds or athletes.

Both sustain 10fps bursts, but the WX500’s more sophisticated AF makes those frames more usable.

Street Photography

In street photography, discretion, portability, and quiet operation are key.

The WX350’s smaller size and lighter weight make it less conspicuous and easier to carry all day - a distinct advantage.

Both cameras lack silent electronic shutters and have relatively noisy zoom motors, so candid shooting demands care.

The WX500’s articulating display aids framing at awkward angles (e.g., waist-level shots), adding creative flexibility not present in the WX350.

Macro Photography

The WX500’s 5cm minimum focus ability unlocks macro photography potential in a way the WX350 cannot match.

While not a substitute for dedicated macro lenses, this feature lets you capture flowers, insects, and small details close-up without add-ons.

The WX350’s lack of close focusing limits compositional options in macro subjects.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensor cameras like these aren’t optimized for low-light or astro shots, but the WX500’s improved noise processing helps extended ISO usability.

Maximum shutter speeds differ: WX350 tops at 1/1600 sec, WX500 extends to 1/2000 sec, albeit irrelevant for long exposures.

Neither offers manual bulb mode or RAW shooting, limiting exposure control - a key barrier for night photography enthusiasts.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps, but the WX500 supports the higher bitrate Sony XAVC S codec alongside AVCHD, resulting in better detail and grading flexibility.

The WX500’s electronic image stabilization works well to smooth handheld footage; the WX350 relies solely on optical stabilization.

Lacking microphone and headphone jacks, audio options are limited on both.

Travel Photography: The All-Rounder Test

Travel shooting demands versatility, battery endurance, compactness, and ease of sharing.

The WX350’s light weight and long battery life make it ideal for grabbing spontaneous street, landscape, and travel shots. The 20x zoom is sufficient for most casual needs.

If you want more zoom reach, tilt screen, and improved autofocus, the WX500 suits more deliberate travel photography, but sacrifices pocketability and battery life.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional workflows:

• No RAW support (both rely on JPEG)
• Small sensor limits dynamic range and post-processing latitude
• Limited build quality and no weather sealing
• No tethering or advanced connectivity

They serve as secondary or backup cameras, or for casual pro users needing zoom flexibility without bulk.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose the WX350?

If portability is your top priority, your photography is largely casual or travel-based, and you want a simple, point-and-shoot superzoom, the WX350 is a reliable, inexpensive choice. Its long battery life, compactness, and easy interface make it a snug companion for everyday moments and vacations. It’s not for professionals, but it delivers solid image quality and zoom power for its class.

When to Upgrade to the WX500?

The WX500 appeals if you need more creative control - manual exposure, priority modes - and a longer zoom for wildlife or sports. Its enhanced autofocus, sharper, tilting display, and better video codecs cater well to enthusiasts who want performance flexibility without jumping to bulkier cameras. It’s a worthy step up for enthusiasts that want to push compact superzoom capabilities further, willing to trade some portability and battery life.

A Look Across Different Photography Genres

Here’s a quick glance at how these cameras fare across common photography types, summarized for at-a-glance evaluation:

Sample Images from Both Cameras

To better appreciate the qualitative differences, examine these side-by-side samples shot under varied lighting:

Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back

You’ll notice the WX500 often resolves more detail, with cleaner shadows and better autofocus in action shots. The WX350 holds its own for casual shooting but shows more noise and occasional softness.

Final Thoughts: Value and Verdict

In the world of small-sensor superzooms, the Sony WX350 and WX500 each carve out distinct niches. The WX350 represents a solid, budget-friendly compact with honest performance and admirable portability that suits casual users and travelers.

The WX500, while pricier and marginally bulkier, offers meaningful upgrades: longer zoom reach, more nuanced autofocus, manual exposure control, a superior screen, and richer video options - clearly designed for enthused hobbyists who want to wring the most out of a pocket camera.

Neither camera bursts into serious professional territory given sensor and feature limitations, but both excel at their intended roles with typical Sony polish.

If you value compactness and simplicity above all, grab the WX350. If you want to explore manual controls and greater zoom reach without stepping up to a larger system, the WX500 is your go-to.

My Personal Takeaway

After extensive side-by-side shooting, I lean slightly toward the WX500 for anyone not strictly constrained by pocket dimensions or budget. The enhanced control over exposure, quicker autofocus, and bigger zoom open doors for more engaging photography. But I completely understand the allure of the WX350’s lightweight, no-fuss design if carrying minimal gear is essential.

Dear Sony (and others!) - PLEASE innovate further on compact cameras’ sensor sizes and quiet operation. Pocketable superzooms with APS-C sensors, silent electronic shutters, and advanced autofocus would be game changers, blending flexibility with pro-grade quality.

Until then, the WX350 and WX500 remain among the best small-sensor superzooms you can buy, each with compelling reasons to pick it.

And that wraps up my deep dive comparison. I hope this hands-on analysis helps you decide which model fits your photography style and needs best. Happy shooting!

End of article.