The Sony DSC WX500 is a compact digital camera that boasts a powerful zoom lens and a range of features that make it an excellent choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the features of this camera and discuss what makes it stand out in a crowded market.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony DSC WX500 has a sleek and compact design that is perfect for photographers who are always on the go. It measures just 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches and weighs only 8.6 ounces, making it one of the most portable cameras in its class. Despite its small size, the camera feels solid in the hand and is well-built, with a robust metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Lens
The Sony DSC WX500 comes equipped with a 30x optical zoom lens that covers a focal length range of 24-720mm, which means you can capture wide-angle shots as well as close-up shots of distant subjects. The lens also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp, clear images even in low light conditions.
Image Quality
The Sony DSC WX500 features a 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality even in low light conditions. The camera can shoot at a maximum resolution of 18 megapixels, which is more than enough for most purposes. The camera also has a range of shooting modes, including Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual, which gives you more control over the final image.
Video Quality
The Sony DSC WX500 is also capable of shooting Full HD 1080p videos at 60 frames per second, which is impressive for a camera of this size. The camera also has a range of video features, including time-lapse recording, slow-motion recording, and built-in stereo microphones, which produce clear and crisp audio.
Connectivity
The Sony DSC WX500 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which makes it easy to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet. You can also control the camera remotely using your smartphone, which is a great feature for capturing group shots or self-portraits.
Here are the full specifications of the Sony DSC WX500:
Camera Type: Compact digital camera
Image Sensor: 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor
Effective Pixels: 18.2 megapixels
Lens: 30x optical zoom lens with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology
Focal Length: 24-720mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture: f/3.5 – f/6.4
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 80-3200 (expandable to ISO 12800 for still images)
Shutter Speed: 4 – 1/2000 sec (Auto), 1 – 1/2000 sec (Program Auto), 30 – 1/2000 sec (Manual)
Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active mode
Focus: Contrast-detection autofocus
Focus Modes: Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, DMF, Manual Focus
Shooting Modes: Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual Exposure, Scene Selection, Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Sweep Panorama
Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 fps (for up to 10 shots)
Video Recording: Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps
Video Formats: AVCHD, XAVC S, MP4
Built-in Flash: Yes
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
Battery Life: Approx. 400 shots (CIPA standard)
Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 8.6 ounces
Memory Card Type: Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo (high speed) / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card (UHS-I compliant)
In summary, the Sony DSC WX500 is a powerful and feature-packed compact digital camera with a 30x optical zoom lens, image stabilization technology, Full HD video recording capabilities, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and much more. It is an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality camera that is both portable and versatile.
Here are some pros and cons of the Sony DSC WX500:
Pros:
- Powerful 30x optical zoom lens with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology.
- Compact and portable design, perfect for photographers on the go.
- High-quality image and video capture with a 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor and Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps.
- Range of shooting modes and features, including Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual Exposure, Scene Selection, Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Sweep Panorama, and more.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy photo and video transfer and remote camera control with a smartphone or tablet.
- Good battery life, capable of capturing up to 400 shots on a single charge.
Cons:
- Limited low-light performance, despite the image stabilization technology.
- Small image sensor compared to larger interchangeable lens cameras, which can impact image quality.
- Limited manual control options, particularly for advanced users who want more control over settings.
- No viewfinder, which can make it difficult to compose shots in bright sunlight.
- Some users have reported issues with slow autofocus and difficulty focusing in certain lighting conditions.
Overall, the Sony DSC WX500 is a great camera for casual photographers who want a portable and easy-to-use camera with a powerful zoom lens and a range of features. However, it may not be the best choice for more advanced photographers who require more manual control over settings and better low-light performance.
Conclusion
The Sony DSC WX500 is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a compact and powerful camera that delivers excellent image and video quality. The camera’s range of features, including its 30x optical zoom lens, image stabilization technology, and Full HD video recording capabilities, make it a great choice for both amateur and professional photographers. So, if you’re in the market for a new camera, be sure to check out the Sony DSC WX500!