Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500

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    Highlights

    • 18.2 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • 80 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 921k dot Tilting Screen
    • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 was announced in 2015 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Standard Compact camera with 18.2 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 80 to 12,800. The camera has a Tilting 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.


    Here is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WXxxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WXxxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony WX500 April
    2015
    18.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony WX350 February
    2014
    18.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony WX220 February
    2014
    18.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony WX300 February
    2013
    18.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony WX150 February
    2012
    18.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 vs Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 vs Cyber-shot DSC-WX220 vs Cyber-shot DSC-WX300 vs Cyber-shot DSC-WX150.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500.

    PROS

    •   Cheap
    •   Video Capture
    •   80 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Light - 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 18.2 Megapixel
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 to its predecessor Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350
    Selective Autofocus vs
    Continuous Autofocus vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 25 mm
    Reachs More Telephoto 720 mm vs 500 mm
    Greater Optical Zoom 30x vs 20x
    Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/6.4 vs f/6.5
    Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
    Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 460k dot
    Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/1600 sec
    Manual Exposure Mode vs
    Aperture Priority vs
    Shutter Priority vs
    DOWNGRADES Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350
    Heavier 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz) vs 137 g (0.30 lb / 4.83 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 360 shots vs 470 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 vs Cyber-shot DSC-WX350.

    Screen

    Tilting screen

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 921k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

    Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 with Tilting screen

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 features a 18.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 12,800.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with Bionz X processor and can take pictures up to 4896 x 3672 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4896 x 3264, 4896 x 2752, 3664 x 3664, 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2056, 2736 x 2736, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1728, 1920 x 1920, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    NFC

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 comes with NP-BX1 battery pack with battery life of 360 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500's shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 5.40 m at Auto ISO.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has dimensions of 102 x 58 x 36 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.42"). It weighs 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    102 mm (4.02")

    58 mm (2.28")

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    58 mm (2.28")

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    36 mm (1.42")

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    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 dimensions

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    50

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 50 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    75

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 75 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    74

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 74 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 and give score of 66 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    66

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 67 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 18.2 Megapixel
    •   80 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    62

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 62 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    GOOD
    80

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 80 for Focusing parameters.

    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 64 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    78

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 78 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    46

    We give Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 a score of 46 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 236 g (0.52 lb / 8.32 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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