Sony WX500 vs Sony A33: A Hands-On Comparison From My Camera Lab

Having put both the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 and Sony SLT-A33 through their paces, I’m excited to share a detailed rundown of how these two cameras compare head-to-head - beyond the spec sheets and marketing buzz. These models, although launched five years apart, often pique the interest of photographers searching for a versatile, user-friendly system or a compact superzoom powerhouse.

Whether you're weighing a compact travel companion or stepping up to an entry-level interchangeable lens camera, this side-by-side evaluation considers technical performance, ergonomics, image quality, and suitability across multiple photography genres. So, buckle up for a technical-meets-practical journey featuring candid insights from my typical camera testing workflow - and yes, some personal quirks in preference too.

The Bodies: Compact Zoom or DSLR-Style Versatility?

Physically and ergonomically, these two represent distinct approaches.

The Sony WX500: Pocket-Friendly Zoom Wizard

At just 102 x 58 x 36 mm and tipping the scales at 236 grams, the WX500 is a classic compact superzoom. Its pocketable form factor is a big plus for travel and street shooters who prefer to stay light and discreet. The fixed 24-720mm (35mm-equivalent) zoom gives huge framing flexibility without carrying extra glass.

The WX500’s body is mostly plastic, but solid enough for casual use - not quite weather-sealed, so avoid rain or dusty shoots. The tilt-only 3-inch 921k-dot LCD is user-friendly though not a touchscreen - offerings more manual control would have been a bonus here.

The Sony A33: Small DSLR-Style for Enthusiasts

Over twice as heavy at 500 grams (124 x 92 x 85 mm), the A33 looks and feels like a miniature DSLR, albeit from a transitional Sony SLT line. Its robust ergonomics and grip cater well to users accustomed to handling SLRs rather than pocket compacts.

Notably, the A33 features a fully articulated 3-inch LCD panel, a boon for videographers or awkward-angle shooters. Plus, an electronic viewfinder with 1150k-dot resolution and 100% coverage delivers solid framing precision - a feature the WX500 lacks completely.

Controls and Handling

The A33 outclasses the WX500 in dedicated controls. It has classic exposure dials, a mode dial, and more customizable buttons - a blessing for pro users who tweak settings on the fly. The WX500 relies more on menu navigation and fewer external buttons, reflecting its beginner-oriented design.

Verdict: If nuanced control and heft aren't obstacles, the A33 satisfies more serious creators. For grab-and-go convenience, the WX500 is a no-brainer.

Sensor Tech: Size Matters, But So Does Design

Dive into the heart of any camera - the sensor.

Sensor Size & Resolution

• Sony WX500: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, 18MP resolution (4896 x 3672), typical of compact superzooms.
• Sony A33: APS-C CMOS sensor, 14MP (4592 x 3056), larger physical size (23.5 x 15.6 mm) with a sensor area over 13x larger.

Sensor size is critical in photography, so this is where we see the biggest divide. The A33’s APS-C sensor captures far more light, enabling better image quality, especially in low light and high dynamic range scenes. The WX500, constrained by a small sensor, suffers in noise and dynamic range.

Image Quality in Practice

Despite having fewer megapixels, the A33 delivers cleaner images with richer colors and more depth. In high-contrast environments - think bright skies and shadowed foregrounds - the A33’s sensor preserves highlight and shadow detail better.

The WX500 performs well in good lighting but introduces more noise beyond ISO 800, and its tiny sensor limits dynamic range.

RAW Support and Processing

A major advantage for serious users: the A33 supports RAW shooting, offering extensive post-processing flexibility. The WX500 shoots only JPEG, which restricts exposure corrections and color grading after the fact.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature image stabilization - optical on WX500 and sensor-based on A33 - helping reduce shake. The WX500’s stabilization is surprisingly effective given the long zoom, but the A33’s sensor-shift IS aids in sharper handheld shots with any lens attached.

Autofocus and Speed: Who Tracks What Better?

For sports, wildlife, or even dynamic street scenes, autofocus performance can make or break an image.

Autofocus System Details

• WX500: Contrast-detection AF with face detection; no phase detection.
• A33: Hybrid AF system with phase-detection autofocus (15 points, 3 cross-type) plus contrast-detection; face detection included.

I found the A33’s AF faster and more reliable, especially tracking moving subjects. Its phase-detection AF hugs quick athletes and wildlife movements with better accuracy and less hunting.

The WX500’s AF is competent in daylight and static scenes but tends to lag in low light or with fast subject movement.

Continuous Shooting Rates

• WX500 can capture 10 frames per second (fps) but with limited buffering.
• A33 offers 7 fps continuous shooting, ideal for action sequences, with better buffer endurance thanks to its DSLR-style processing pipeline.

While the WX500’s burst speed sounds tempting, in real-world use the A33’s focus tracking during bursts made it far better at catching sharp sequences.

LCDs and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

Here, the cameras take different routes tailored to their intended audiences.

• WX500: Tilting 3-inch LCD, no electronic viewfinder (EVF). Clear and bright but limited flexibility.
• A33: Fully articulated 3-inch LCD with touchless control; 1150k-dot EVF with 100% phase coverage and 0.73x magnification.

In bright sunlight, the A33’s EVF becomes a crucial advantage, allowing crystal clear framing where LCDs struggle. For video or creative angles, the A33’s fully articulated screen is a delight compared to the WX’s fixed tilt.

Video Capabilities: Enough for the Casual?

• WX500: Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, XAVC S codec, built-in stereo microphone but no external mic port.
• A33: Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, multiple formats including AVCHD and MPEG-4, with external mic input for improved audio capture.

Both cameras lack 4K entirely, not surprising given their eras. The WX500’s compactness aids quick, casual clips, but for anyone aiming to improve audio quality or do extended shooting, A33’s mic input and articulated screen give it an edge.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Clicking Longer

• WX500: Rated for 360 shots per charge using NP-BX1 battery.
• A33: Rated around 340 shots per NP-FW50 battery.

In hands-on use, I found these numbers accurate but not generous by modern standards. The WX500’s smaller battery helped keep the camera light, but heavy users will want spares for both cameras.

Storage-wise, both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the A33 also supports Memory Stick Pro, versatile for users invested in Sony's system.

In the Field: How Each Camera Shines Across Genres

Now, onto the cameras’ real-world performance across photographic disciplines, drawing from side-by-side tests:

Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back Sony A33 screen back

Portrait Photography

The A33’s larger sensor and RAW support produce smoother skin tones and natural bokeh with compatible lenses. Eye detection works well in bright conditions, allowing sharp portraits with creamy backgrounds. The WX500's fixed lens has decent reach but limited aperture (F3.5-6.4), resulting in flatter backgrounds and less subject separation.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters benefit from the A33’s dynamic range and ability to capture fine detail at base ISO. The WX500’s wide-angle end (24mm) is handy but image quality softens towards the edges. The A33 also supports filters and has a more substantial build, though neither camera offers weather sealing.

Wildlife and Sports

Despite the WX500’s 30x zoom, its autofocus struggles with swift subjects. The A33’s autofocus system and frame rate make it more reliable for capturing birds or athletes, especially with telephoto lenses. The trade-off is lugging more gear.

Street Photography

The WX500, with its compact form and quiet operation, wins here. It’s the classic “sleeper” camera that blends into crowds. The A33’s bulk and SLR-like shutter clicks make it less discreet, though its articulated screen helps when shooting low or from the hip.

Macro Photography

The WX500 focuses as close as 5 cm, which is decent for compact cameras, but you’re limited by fixed lens and aperture. The A33, paired with a dedicated macro lens, delivers far better sharpness and working distance. Plus, sensor-shift stabilization aids handholding.

Night and Astrophotography

The A33’s larger sensor and higher ISO capabilities (up to ISO 12800 expandable to 25600) enable better low-light captures with cleaner shadows and less noise. The WX500’s small sensor struggles beyond ISO 800, showing heavy grain and detail loss.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera offers weather or shock resistance. The A33’s lens mount and build feel sturdier, however, and its traditional DSLR silhouette provides more confidence for semi-professional use.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

The WX500 boasts built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, improving direct transfers to smartphones - a key convenience for social shooters.

The A33’s lack of modern wireless features is a downside, though Eye-Fi card compatibility somewhat mitigated this at launch. Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.

How They Score: A Snapshot Summary

Here’s a distilled view of their performances:

• Image Quality: A33 clearly ahead
• Autofocus Speed & Accuracy: A33
• Portability & Discretion: WX500
• Video Features: Tie, slight edge A33 due to external mic
• Battery Life: Similar
• Control & Ergonomics: A33
• Price-to-Performance: WX500 offers good value for casual use

Genre Specific Scores: Where Each Camera Excels

• Portrait: A33 dominates with better sensor & bokeh
• Landscape: A33 preferred for detail & dynamic range
• Wildlife/Sports: A33’s autofocus gives it a big edge
• Street: WX500 preferred for portability and quiet operation
• Macro: A33 wins with lens options and sensor size
• Night/Astro: A33 shines
• Travel: WX500’s compact form is a huge plus
• Professional Work: A33 better due to RAW, lens ecosystem, controls

Closing Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?

Let’s answer the million-dollar question: who should buy which camera?

Buy the Sony WX500 if:

• You want a pocketable zoom camera with a long reach for casual shooting and travel.
• You prioritize lightweight, easy-to-use gear with decent image quality in good light.
• You value Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity for quick sharing.
• Your budget is around $350 and you want a no-fuss point-and-shoot with manual modes.

Buy the Sony A33 if:

• You crave image quality and control with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
• You shoot portraits, sports, wildlife, or low-light more seriously.
• RAW shooting, enhanced autofocus, and physical dials are priorities.
• You don’t mind a larger, heavier body and prefer a classic DSLR workflow.
• Your budget is tighter (~$230 used market), but you want more creative potential and quality.

A Personal Note from the Test Bench

Over the years, I’ve learned that no camera perfectly suits every photographer, which is why I cherish testing gear like the WX500 and A33 - each with its own charming compromises. The WX500 reminds me of fun days wandering city streets freely, while the A33 takes me back to the satisfying control of DSLR shooting days.

Choosing between these two taps into your photographic style and goals. For casual shooters hungry for zoom power without heft, WX500 is a solid pick. But for those leaning toward an affordable stepping-stone into serious photography with better IQ and lenses, the A33 still has plenty of life.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps clarify which camera suits your needs best. Remember, the best camera is the one that inspires you to keep creating.

Happy shooting!