Choosing Between the Sony WX50 and Sony A33: An Expert Comparison for Every Photographer

When stepping up your photography game, selecting the right camera is a critical decision. Sony offers a diverse lineup, and today we’re comparing two distinct models: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 (compact small sensor) and the Sony SLT-A33 (entry-level DSLR with translucent mirror tech). Both cameras target very different users but could appeal to you depending on your needs and shooting style. Having put both through extensive hands-on tests, I’ll guide you through their technical details, real-world performance, and how they fare across various photography genres - so you can choose the camera that truly fits your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

Understanding physical ergonomics is vital since the camera is your creative tool you interact with constantly. The WX50 is a point-and-shoot pocket-friendly compact, whereas the A33 is a DSLR-type with interchangeable lenses and more controls.

Sony WX50: Ultra-light and easy-to-carry. Ideal for casual shooting, travels where pocketability counts. Controls are simple, but that limits manual operation.

Sony A33: Significantly bigger and heavier, but packs a more comfortable grip and dedicated controls. The body is designed to accommodate pro-style lenses and manual shooting - a camera made for passionate amateurs and beyond.

Expert Tip: If any grip fatigue concerns you or you prefer a camera you can stash in your jacket pocket, the WX50 wins hands down. But if you want a camera that feels serious, with customizable buttons that speed your workflow, the A33’s heft is welcomed.

Viewing Your Shots: Comparing Displays and Viewfinders

How you compose and review images shapes your photography experience.

WX50: The display is basic, fixed, and small. No live viewfinder which might make shooting in bright sunlight challenging. Suitable for casual framing but limited for detailed review.

A33: Offers a highly useful electronic viewfinder with near 1:1 coverage and sharp resolution, crucial for manual focus precision and framing accuracy. The articulating screen adds flexibility for shooting at odd angles or video vlogging.

Practical Insight: The EVF on the A33 lets you work like a pro, enabling stable framing when shooting action or outdoors. On the WX50, you’ll rely heavily on the rear screen which can get tough in bright light.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size hugely affects image quality - dynamic range, low-light performance, depth of field control, and resolution.

What This Means:
The APS-C sensor on the A33 is over 13 times larger in area than the WX50’s small 1/2.3” sensor. This translates to:

• Better noise control: Cleaner images at higher ISO; excellent for low-light or night shots.
• Improved dynamic range: More highlight and shadow detail captured.
• More creative control: Shallower depth of field for portraits and bokeh.
• Raw format availability: Essential for post-processing flexibility - only possible on the A33.

WX50 Limitations: The small sensor restricts performance under dim conditions, and you must rely solely on JPEG images, limiting editing scope.

Pro Tip: If image quality, especially in challenging light or artistic portraiture with creamy backgrounds, matters to you, APS-C dominance makes the A33 unbeatable here.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Fast and accurate autofocus (AF) is critical whether shooting wildlife or candid street portraits.

WX50: Utilizes simple contrast detection AF, can be slower and less responsive when tracking moving subjects or in low contrast scenes.

A33: Features Sony’s SLT translucent mirror allowing phase detection autofocus, providing faster, more precise AF locking and continuous tracking for sports or wildlife.

Our Experience: In fast-action scenarios like sports or wildlife, the A33’s hybrid AF outperforms the WX50’s sluggish focus. For casual snapshots or posed shots, WX50 autofocus suffices.

Lens Compatibility and Versatility

You buy a camera not just for the body but for the lenses and accessories that allow you creative flexibility.

WX50: The fixed lens fits beginners or casual shooters who want a no-fuss grab-and-go solution.

A33: Interchangeable lens system provides flexibility - from macro, wide-angle landscapes, fast primes for portraits, and long telephoto lenses for wildlife.

Recommendation: If you want to grow into different styles or specialize in any photography niche, the A33 unlocks more creative doors.

Continuous Shooting and Speed

Capturing action or fleeting moments depends on frame rates and buffering power.

While the WX50 pulls ahead in fps rate, keep in mind its AF is single-shot and less reliable in ongoing subject tracking. The A33’s slightly slower 7 fps is paired with superior AF, giving better keep-rate of sharp images in action.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot full HD video, but there are nuanced differences important for videographers.

The A33 gives more flexibility with its articulated screen, sensor stabilization, and usable mic input - ideal if you want to produce vlogs or higher quality videos.

Battery and Storage

Battery life on the A33 is notably better, beneficial for long shoots or travel. Both use widely available SD cards but the A33 supports more formats and larger cards.

Image Samples and Real-World Output

To make this comparison tangible, we shot the same scene and subject with both cameras in varying light. The images below demonstrate the difference in resolution, detail, and noise handling.

Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back Sony A33 screen back

• Portraits: The A33’s larger sensor delivers better skin tone rendition and pleasing background blur.
• Landscape: Sharper with superior dynamic range visible in shadows/highlights from the A33.
• Low Light: The WX50 shows noticeable noise at ISO 800+, while the A33 is cleaner at ISO 3200.

This confirms that sensor size is the dominant factor for image quality.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

We analyzed both cameras for genre suitability scoring each on a 100-point scale.

Notable: The WX50 scores well in street and travel photography given its portability, while the A33 dominates in image quality-driven genres.

Detailed Performance Ratings Summary

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Sony WX50 if you:

• Want an ultra-compact, light, and affordable camera for casual snapshots and travel.
• Prefer zero fuss - no lenses to change or complex settings to learn.
• Mostly shoot daylight scenes, social events, or street photography.
• Value ease and pocket portability over ultimate image quality.

Opt for the Sony A33 if you:

• Are serious about image quality, wanting APS-C advantage for portraits, landscapes, and low-light.
• Plan to expand your skills - manual exposure, lens swaps, advanced autofocus.
• Need robust video options with an external mic and articulated screen.
• Shoot action, wildlife, macro frequently, or need a tool for professional work.
• Don’t mind carrying a bigger camera and investing in lenses.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Both cameras are unique products of their time. The WX50 is a straightforward compact snapshot camera that fits in pockets and pockets your budget. The A33 is more complex but delivers superior results and opens paths to advanced photography.

Understanding these differences helped us evaluate which camera meets various needs - from beginners getting started with photography, through enthusiasts aiming for creative control and quality. Our in-depth testing highlights how sensor size, autofocus system, and lens compatibility remain key pillars in this decision.

Pro photographers and enthusiasts will almost always prefer the Sony A33 system due to its flexibility and performance. But the WX50 will delight everyday photographers looking for simplicity and portability.

No matter the choice, both cameras reflect Sony’s commitment to innovation and creative support. Be sure to try handling each in person if possible, check out compatible lenses or accessories, and consider your shooting ambitions.

Happy shooting and may your next camera inspire amazing images for years to come!

If you're curious about lens options for the A33 or accessories that maximize the WX50’s usability, check out our detailed guides to get started.

Images used in this article are courtesy of our latest hands-on tests to provide clarity on physical differences and image quality.

This comparison draws on our personal in-depth experience testing hundreds of cameras, combining technical analysis with practical usage insights to help you make the best informed choice.