Sony WX500 vs Sony A55: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera often means balancing various factors - portability, image quality, lens options, and features suited to your photography style. Today, we explore two widely recognized Sony cameras - the Sony Cyber-shot WX500 compact superzoom and the Sony SLT-A55 entry-level DSLR. Both come from Sony's storied legacy but cater to very different photographer needs and shooting approaches.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15+ years, we’ll break down how these two devices perform in core photography areas and in real-world scenarios. Equipped with first-hand experience and deep technical insight, this comprehensive 2500-word comparison aims to empower you with knowledge to make the best-informed decision.

Sony WX500 (left) is compact and lightweight, while the Sony A55 (right) reflects a DSLR-size body.

Understanding the Distinct Categories: Compact Superzoom vs Entry-Level DSLR

At a glance, the Sony WX500 and the Sony A55 target different photographers:

• Sony WX500: A pocketable compact camera with a fixed 30x optical zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent), designed for travelers, casual shooters, and those seeking one-lens versatility with minimal fuss.
• Sony A55: An APS-C sensor DSLR-style camera with interchangeable lenses, aimed at enthusiasts pursuing more creative control, higher image quality, and professional workflows.

Why does the category matter? Because it shapes the sensor size, lens compatibility, body ergonomics, and overall photographic flexibility. Let’s unpack each to understand how these characteristics influence actual performance.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Foundation of Your Photos

Sensor Size and Resolution

• Sony WX500: 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor - 18 megapixels, dimension approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, sensor area of 28.07 mm².
• Sony A55: APS-C sized CMOS sensor - 16 megapixels, dimension 23.5 x 15.6 mm, sensor area of 366.6 mm².

What does this mean for your photography?

• The A55's significantly larger sensor captures more light and detail, yielding better dynamic range and superior low-light capability.
• The WX500’s smaller sensor restricts high ISO performance and dynamic range but allows for the compactness necessary for ultrazoom lenses.

Image Quality Realities

In controlled studio lighting and good daylight, the WX500 produces decent images suitable for sharing online and casual prints. However, the small sensor’s limited dynamic range and higher noise at ISO levels above 400 will influence image fidelity.

The A55 handles shadows and highlights far better and maintains cleaner images at ISO 1600+ - a critical advantage for landscape and event photography.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Focusing performance often separates the capable from the exceptional.

• Sony WX500 autofocus: Contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking.
• Sony A55 autofocus: Hybrid AF with 15 phase-detection points (3 cross-type) plus contrast detection; face detection included.

Key Points:

• The A55’s phase-detection AF enables faster, more precise focus acquisition and superior tracking for moving subjects.
• The WX500’s contrast-detection system is slower and less reliable for tracking, though it works well for stationary subjects and video recording.

Continuous shooting AF: Both cameras offer 10 fps burst mode, but the A55’s AF system maintains better focus continuity, reducing blur in action shots.

Ergonomics and Handling: Intuitive Controls for Creative Flow

The form factor defines how comfortable and intuitive a camera feels in use.

• WX500: Compact and lightweight at 236g with simple button layout; tilting 3" LCD screen (921k dots), no viewfinder.
• A55: Bulkier DSLR-style body at 500g; fully articulated 3" LCD (921k dots), electronic viewfinder with 1150k dots, 100% coverage.

User Experience Insight:

For long shoots, the A55’s larger grip and traditional DSLR controls offer better stability and tactile feedback. The electronic viewfinder is invaluable under bright sunlight.

The WX500 favors portability and spontaneous shooting, its tilting screen handy for self-portraits and varied angles, though absence of a viewfinder may challenge composition in bright conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Lenses

Your lens choices define creative potential.

Takeaway:

• The WX500’s 30x zoom covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife, though apertures narrow at the telephoto end, limiting low-light tele shooting.
• The A55’s compatibility with over 140 lenses (from wide-angle primes to super-telephotos) provides immense adaptability for specialized genres like portraits, macro, and sports.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Who Wins What?

To give practical context, let’s assess these two across key photography types.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand sharp eyes, smooth skin tones, and beautiful bokeh.

• A55 Advantage:

  • Larger APS-C sensor creates shallower depth of field.
  • Lens options (e.g., 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4) produce creamy background blur.
  • Phase-detection AF with face detection ensures crisp focus on eyes.

• WX500 Reality:

  • Fixed lens with limited aperture control reduces bokeh quality.
  • Decent skin tone rendering in daylight but prone to noise indoors.
  • Face detection helps, but no eye-AF or tracking for moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography benefits from resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance.

• A55 Strengths:

  • Larger sensor captures broad dynamic range and fine detail.
  • Ability to use prime lenses for ultimate sharpness.
  • Fully articulated screen for carefully planned compositions.

• WX500 Limitations:

  • Small sensor impacts image detail and dynamic range.
  • Lacks weather sealing - risky in adverse conditions.
  • Effective zoom range helps in framing distant scenes.

Wildlife Photography

Telephoto reach, fast autofocus, and burst rate influence results here.

• WX500 Pros:

  • Built-in 720mm equivalent zoom covers distant subjects without extra lenses.
  • 10 fps burst helps freeze action.

• A55 Capabilities:

  • While no built-in super-telephoto zoom, compatibility with rapid AF telephotos gives superior image quality.
  • Faster AF acquisition with phase detection.

Sports Photography

Speed, AF tracking, and noise handling define success.

• A55 Advantage:

  • Phase-detection autofocus with 15 points facilitates continuous focus on moving subjects.
  • Higher ISO capability for indoor/low-light sports.

• WX500 Constraints:

  • Contrast AF less reliable on moving athletes.
  • Narrow aperture and small sensor can’t handle dim venues well.

Street Photography

Here, discretion, size, and responsiveness matter most.

• WX500 Favored:

  • Pocketable form factor perfect for candid shooting.
  • Silent shutter mode absent, but compact design makes it less conspicuous.

• A55 Notes:

  • Bulkier, heavier body may draw attention.
  • Electronic viewfinder helps shooting unnoticed in bright light.

Macro Photography

Close-up precision and focusing play a role here.

• WX500: Macro focus as close as 5 cm, good for casual detail shots.
• A55: Dependent on macro lens; offers superior focusing precision and image quality.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light performance and long exposures are critical.

• A55 excels with its larger sensor and lower noise at high ISOs.
• WX500 struggles with noise beyond ISO 400; limited manual controls for extended exposures.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer Full HD video but with different features.

Pro Tip: If quality video and audio inputs matter, the A55 offers a clear advantage. Powerful image stabilization aids handheld shooting on both.

Travel Photography

Think compactness, versatility, and battery life.

• WX500 shines with tiny size, built-in massive zoom, and respectable 360-shot battery life.
• A55 trades bulk for quality, slightly longer battery life, fully articulated screen helpful in tight shooting spots.

Professional Workflows: Reliability and File Formats

• A55 supports RAW capture, essential for editing flexibility.
• WX500 is limited to JPEG, restricting post-processing potential.
• The DSLR design and lens ecosystem of the A55 fit professional workflows better.

Both cameras boast 3" rear screens; A55 adds EVF for refined composition.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers true weather sealing or rugged protection. The A55’s larger, sturdier DSLR body feels more durable, but both require care in harsh environments.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

WiFi and NFC on the WX500 facilitate instant sharing on social, whereas A55 relies on Eye-Fi cards for wireless workflow - a dated but functional approach for its time.

Price-to-Performance: Where Does Your Money Go?

• Sony WX500: Around $350 (new on release).
• Sony A55: Closer to $800 when launched.

At nearly double the price, the A55’s benefits lie in image quality, RAW support, expansive lens options, and superior autofocus. The WX500 appeals strongly to casual shooters valuing convenience and zoom reach.

Sony WX500 front Sony WX500 screen back Sony A55 front Sony A55 screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sony WX500?

• You prioritize portability, convenience, and extensive fixed zoom.
• You shoot mostly outdoors in good light or casual travel photos.
• You want an easy-to-use camera without lens changes.
• You’re on a tighter budget but want decent 1080p video.
• You favor connected sharing via WiFi/NFC.

The WX500 delivers solid all-in-one value with minimal learning curve but will limit creative control and image quality.

Who Should Choose the Sony A55?

• You seek professional-level image quality and full creative control.
• You value RAW shooting, robust autofocus, and lens choice.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, or low light frequently.
• You want video with external microphone input and image stabilization.
• You’re willing to carry a larger camera and invest in lenses.

While older, the A55 holds up as a versatile, capable camera that can teach you the ropes of DSLR photography affordably.

Getting the Most from Your Choice

Whichever you pick, test the cameras hands-on whenever possible - handle ergonomics, autofocus speed, and menu systems. Grab lenses or accessories that suit your style: a fast prime for portraits on the A55 or a protective carrying case for the WX500’s travel adventures.

Remember, the best camera is the one that fits your vision, encourages practice, and grows with you - both devices offer pathways to rewarding photography experiences.

Explore Further

• Dive into Sony’s current lens line-up compatible with A-mount (A55) for specialized shooting.
• Explore third-party accessories (tripods, remote triggers) enhancing your workflows.
• Review latest firmware updates that may add features or improve performance.

Summary Table

Thank you for joining this thorough comparison. We hope this expert insight helps you find the camera that elevates your creative journey. Check out local stores or rental services to handle both cameras - practical experience is invaluable. Happy photographing!