Sony WX5 vs WX9: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Sony Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When diving into the compact camera market, especially amid Sony’s long line of Cyber-shot models, it can be tricky to find the right balance of features, image quality, and portability - particularly at accessible price points. Having spent years testing a wide array of cameras, from full-frame beasts to pocket compacts, I’ve developed a methodical approach to comparing models like the Sony WX5 and WX9, two siblings from the early 2010s that target slightly different user needs.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through everything from sensor tech and ergonomics to real-world performance across major photography styles. This article offers a no-nonsense guide for photographers wanting to understand what these cameras can (and can’t) do, and which one might actually fit into your kit or workflow in 2024 and beyond.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Controls

Let’s kick off with what’s literally in your hands. Both cameras are compact fixed-lens point-and-shoots, designed for casual to enthusiast use, but Sony takes slightly different approaches in the WX5 and WX9 in terms of body size and ergonomics.

The Sony WX5 feels very much like the classic compact: small, approachable, and straightforward. It weighs 146 grams and measures 92x52x22mm, making it a pocket-friendly companion. The relatively chunky depth (22mm) provides a decent grip for a camera this size. The WX5’s lens starts wider at 24mm equivalent and offers a decent 5x zoom to 120mm.

Moving to the Sony WX9, announced about six months later, the design is more refined with a slimmer 20mm profile, slightly taller and wider at 95x56mm. It’s still an “ultracompact” body but leans towards a sleeker form factor which can be more comfortable for users with larger hands or those who prefer something less boxy.

I appreciated the button placement on both cameras, but Sony’s updated layout on the WX9 feels cleaner. It lacks dedicated manual controls - these are budget subcompact shooters after all - but the execution of menus and function buttons is reasonably intuitive.

Between these two, if you prize pocketability and easy one-handed use, the WX5 edges out slightly - but if you want a tad more screen real estate and comfort, the WX9’s improvements are noticeable.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Into the Heart of the Cameras

This is where things get technical - and crucial.

Both the WX5 and WX9 share the same 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor size (6.17x4.55mm sensor dimensions, 28.07mm² sensor area), a common footprint in compact cameras of this era. The sensor technology implies a back-illuminated design, aiming to improve light gathering efficiency. This is important since small sensors typically struggle with noise and dynamic range.

Where the two cameras differ significantly is the resolution:

• WX5: 12MP (4000x3000 pixels)
• WX9: 16MP (4608x3456 pixels)

This 33% boost in pixel count on the WX9 provides more raw detail potential in good lighting, but here’s the catch: cramming more pixels into the same small sensor typically results in smaller photosites. That can increase noise especially at higher ISO values.

Based on my tests with cameras in this range, the WX9’s higher resolution actually means tradeoffs in low-light noise and dynamic range. Though the sensor’s BSI design helps somewhat, you’ll want to keep ISO fairly low to retain clean images on the WX9.

ISO performance: Both top out at ISO 3200, but usable results vary. The WX5, with slightly larger pixels, delivers marginally cleaner images in dim scenarios, whereas the WX9’s images start showing more grain beyond ISO 800. For shooters who often battle low light (think indoor portraits or evening street shots), the WX5 can be a more forgiving tool.

Color Depth & Dynamic Range: Neither camera supports RAW capture (a big limitation for pros), and DxOMark hasn’t tested them formally, but based on Sony’s Bionz processor generations, expect reasonable but limited tonal gradations. Color rendering is generally accurate and natural, with the WX9 having a slight edge in saturations due to newer image processing.

The LCD Screen and User Interface Experience

Your shooting experience can be greatly affected by how you review and compose images - so let’s compare the rear displays.

• WX5: 2.8-inch fixed, non-touch screen with 461k dots resolution
• WX9: 3.0-inch fixed, non-touch XtraFine LCD with 921k dots resolution

The WX9’s screen is about double the resolution, making image review and menu navigation much more pleasant. Colors pop more vividly and text is noticeably sharper. For compositional accuracy, this counts a lot, especially in bright outdoor conditions where viewing can be challenging.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, physical or electronic, which is common in this class. That limits usability somewhat in bright sunlight, forcing you to rely heavily on the rear screen or shield it with your hand.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Real-World Shooting

Autofocus is the unsung hero (or villain) in casual photography. Both models employ contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points spread across the frame and center-weighted metering. Neither uses phase-detection or hybrid AF systems - which means the focusing tends to be a little slower and less precise, especially in low light or with moving subjects.

The key nuances:

• WX5 has AF tracking, interestingly, whereas WX9 omits continuous tracking.
• Neither model offers face or eye detection AF nor animal eye AF.
• AF speed is adequate but not blistering - expect about half to one second to lock in favorable light.

In my field tests (shadowy indoor portraits and mildly active street shots), the autofocus struggled with fast-moving subjects. The WX5’s tracking mode provided some help in holding focus on subject movements, but it’s far from professional sports camera quality.

For those shooting portraits or landscapes, autofocus performance is sufficient, but wildlife or sports enthusiasts will find these cameras limiting at best.

Zoom Lens and Macro Capability: Versatility in Framing Subjects

Both cameras sport fixed zoom lens systems designed to offer a flexible range for everyday shooting but with different optical personalities:

Practically, both cover wide to short telephoto nicely. While the WX5’s wider starting point of 24mm offers a slight advantage for landscapes indoors, the WX9 extends marginally farther at the zoom end, useful for casual telephoto needs.

The biggest limitation on the WX9 is the smaller maximum aperture at telephoto (f/6.3 vs f/5.9 in the WX5). That narrower aperture lets in less light and reduces depth of field control, impacting bokeh quality and shutter speeds in lower light.

For macro enthusiasts, both cameras reach 5cm focus distance at the wide end - a respectable feature for compact point-and-shoots. However, neither includes specialized focus stacking or focus bracketing. Optical image stabilization baked in helps stabilize handheld macro shots (more on that next).

Stabilization and Flash: Compensating for Compact Camera Limitations

Both cameras contain optical image stabilization systems (OIS), a must-have in small-sensor cameras to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially during telephoto zooming or low shutter speeds.

• In practical terms, the OIS implementation is effective for light to moderate vibration.
• It’s especially helpful during macro photography or slow shutter indoor shooting.

Both models feature a built-in flash with coverage of about 5 to 5.3 meters:

• WX5 offers Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, and Slow sync modes.
• WX9 lacks red-eye reduction but includes slow sync.

Neither camera supports external flash units, limiting advanced lighting setups.

Video Capabilities: What’s the Moving Picture Verdict?

Video recording has become essential even in compact cameras, so here's a comparison:

The WX9 improves on the WX5 with 60fps Full HD video allowing smoother motion capture - a bonus for casual videographers or vloggers seeking a casual upgrade.

However, both cameras lack microphone or headphone jacks and offer no advanced video controls such as manual focus or aperture adjustments during recording.

Worth mentioning: neither supports 4K video or photo modes. Expect decent basic video suitable for social media and snapshots, but pros will want to look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Day-to-Day Considerations

Both cameras rely on the same Sony NP-BN1 battery, a modest capacity pack typical for the class.

Based on official and my real-world usage:

• Expect approximately 200 to 250 shots per charge under mixed use.
• They are not marathon shooters - bringing spare batteries is recommended for travel or long sessions.

Storage options include SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Wireless Connectivity and Extra Features

You won’t find cutting-edge wireless in these cameras, but both have:

• Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer via specialized SD cards.
• USB 2.0 ports for data and charging.
• HDMI out for viewing content on TVs or monitors.

No WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, or touchscreen features here - a clear sign these models are more “classic” compact shooters rather than modern smart cameras.

Real-World Testing: Sample Images and Usage

You may wonder, “How do these cameras hold up beyond specs?”

Here’s a gallery comparing sample shots from both:

Sony WX5 front Sony WX5 screen back Sony WX9 screen back

• Portraits: Skin tones look generally natural. The WX9’s higher resolution captures more detail, but noise creeps in slightly more in shadows.
• Landscapes: The WX5’s slightly wider lens and cleaner files make for slightly better dynamic range in sunsets or tree detail.
• Wildlife/Action: Both cameras struggle here; slow AF and limited telephoto make subjects small or slightly out of focus.
• Low light and Night: Beware - the higher resolution WX9 introduces visible noise past ISO 400, whereas the WX5’s images stay cleaner but blurrier due to lower resolution and shutter speeds.
• Macro shots: Both do a decent job with stabilized shots when handheld, but close focus depth is thin and back-lit subjects can lose detail.
• Video: WX9's 60fps FullHD video appears smoother, but audio quality from built-in mic is basic and not suitable for professional use.

Performance Scores at a Glance

A combined performance chart puts these details in perspective:

How These Cameras Excel Across Photography Styles

Understanding what each camera brings to the table within specific genres can help you decide.

• Portraits: Both handle skin tones well; WX9’s resolution captures more detail but requires good light.
• Landscape: WX5’s wider angle and cleaner noise profile edges out slightly.
• Wildlife: Neither camera is ideal due to zoom and AF limits.
• Sports: Poor AF tracking and slow burst mode limit quick action capture.
• Street: Small size, quiet operation, and decent high ISO on WX5 make it a discreet choice.
• Macro: Both perform respectably with stabilization; WX9’s better screen aids composition.
• Night/Astro: Neither supports long exposures; limited ISO flexibility restricts night scenes.
• Video: WX9 is preferable for smoother footage.
• Travel: WX5’s pocketability and steady image quality make it a solid budget travel companion.
• Professional: Both are amateur-level but fairly reliable for casual pro use or as second cameras.

Pros and Cons Summary

Sony WX5

Pros:

• Pocket-friendly size with good ergonomics
• Wider lens start (24mm)
• Cleaner low-light images
• Optical image stabilization
• Decent burst shooting speed (10fps)
• Affordable pricing (around $250)

Cons:

• Lower resolution sensor limits cropping or printing size
• Smaller, lower-res LCD screen
• No RAW support or manual exposure modes
• Limited video frame rate options
• No wireless beyond Eye-Fi compatibility

Sony WX9

Pros:

• Higher resolution sensor (16MP)
• Sharper, larger 3-inch XtraFine LCD
• Full HD video at 60fps for smoother footage
• Slightly longer telephoto zoom (up to 125mm)
• Better color saturation and white balance bracketing
• Price is competitive (around $190)

Cons:

• Smaller max aperture at telephoto (f/6.3)
• No continuous autofocus tracking
• Slightly noisier images at mid-high ISO
• Lack of physical viewfinder
• Limited manual control options
• No microphone/headphone ports for video

Final Verdict: Which Sony Compact Should You Choose?

I get it - if you’re a cheapskate (in the best way), you want bang for your buck, but also a camera that won’t embarrass you in critical moments.

If you primarily shoot landscapes, street photography, or portraits in good light, and value low noise and clean image quality, the Sony WX5 remains a sensible choice with its wider lens and quieter files, plus a convenient size.

On the other hand, if you want sharper images, a better LCD screen, and smoother Full HD video, and you don’t mind a slight hit in noise or slower autofocus tracking, the Sony WX9 is the more modern take - especially if your budget is tighter (it’s typically cheaper used or on sale).

Neither camera breaks ground with pro-level features or RAW shooting but both serve as handy travel companions or casual everyday shooters for enthusiasts dipping toes into pocketable gear.

Thank you for reading this thorough comparison. I’ve personally tested both cameras under many conditions and hope these insights clarify what to expect in real life - not just on paper.

If you want me to cover sample RAW workflows or comparisons with newer compacts, let me know!

Until then, happy shooting and may your images be sharp and your trips unforgettable.

• Your hands-on Sony compact reviewer

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