Sony Cyber-shot WX500 Detailed Review

See all images of the Sony Cyber-shot WX500

Main
The Cyber-shot WX500 was presented by Sony in April 2015. It is a Superzoom Digital Camera.
Brand Sony
Category Superzoom
Date 04/2015
Sensor Properties

In additional Cyber-shot WX500 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 6 x 5 mm² (0.24″ x 0.18″).

Also Cyber-shot WX500’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 18 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Sony does not support recording RAW images. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computeand involves one extra processing step but will almost always result in superior image quality.

Format Compact
Sensor area 6.17 x 4.55mm²
(0.24″ x 0.18″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 21.00 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 18.20 megapixel
Pixel size 1.87 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 10 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min) 24mm
Focal length (max) 720mm
Aperture (max) 3.5
Aperture (min) 6.4
Viewfinder Properties

The Cyber-shot WX500 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter

The Cyber-shot WX500’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 4s.

The highest shutter speed of the Sony is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

Max. shutter speed 1/2000s
Min. shutter speed 4s
Sensitivity Properties

The Cyber-shot WX500’s sensitivity goes from 80 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 80 ISO
Max. sensitivity 12800 ISO
Exposure Modes

The Cyber-shot WX500 supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The Cyber-shot WX500’s auto focus processor uses 1 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in low light).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 1
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The Cyber-shot WX500 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 5m (18 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Sony.

Built-in
Range 5.40m
(18 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The Cyber-shot WX500 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The Cyber-shot WX500 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 75.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 0.92 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

Cyber-shot WX500 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Sony Cyber-shot WX500 Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 25 frames/second
50 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The Cyber-shot WX500 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Memory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick Micro
Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot WX500 has a NP-BX1 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 400 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Cyber-shot WX500’s battery battery parameters:

Type NP-BX1 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 400 photos
Size

The Sony Cyber-shot WX500’s dimensions are 101.6 x 58.1 x 35.5mm³. (4.0″ x 2.3″ x 1.4″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 209 grams (6.7 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Cyber-shot WX500:

Dimensions Comparison

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Cyber-shot WX500 is not much bigger:

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