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Sony WX500 has been revealed as an ultra-compact camera that is affordable and which comes packed with a 30x optical zoom lens, being perfect for travel photographers on a budget.
The WX300 replacement has been rumored in recent times, too, as the WX400. However, the WX500 is the one to become official. At the same time, the Sony has just introduced the HX90V as the tiniest camera in the world with a 30x optical zoom lens and built-in electronic viewfinder. The WX500 is also the world’s smallest compact camera with a 30x optical zoom lens, as it has the same dimensions as the HX90V, but it does not come packed with an integrated viewfinder.
Sony WX500 unveiled as an ultra-compact camera with a 30x optical zoom lens
Due to the fact that it has similar dimensions as the HX90V, the Sony WX500 shares the title of the world’s tiniest 30x zoom camera. However, the WX300 successor does not have a viewfinder, nor a GPS. Nevertheless, the remainder of its specs list is identical to the one of its sibling.
The WX500 features an 18.2-megapixel 1/2.3-inch-type sensor, BIONZ X processor, and a 30x optical zoom lens with Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* technology that provides a 35mm equivalent of 24-720mm. Moreover, an optical SteadyShot system is present as well, offering 5-axis image stabilization for blur-free photos.
Full HD video recording is supported, too, courtesy of the XAVC S codec that provides a bitrate of up 50 Mbps. As for action photographers, a burst mode of up to 10 fps is available in the Sony WX500, the official announcement reads.
WX500 does not have a GPS or an EVF, but it comes with WiFi and NFC
This compact camera features a 180-degree tilting LCD screen on the back with a diagonal of 3 inches. It is aimed at users who enjoy capturing selfies and it will make their photo shoots a lot easier.
Although a viewfinder is nowhere to be found, the Sony WX500 does have a pop-up flash just like the HX90V. Geo-tagging is not possible because there is no integrated GPS, but the shooter comes with WiFi and NFC, therefore users will be able to quickly transfer the files to a compatible mobile device.
The WX500 offers the same exposure settings as the HX90V, which means that the maximum ISO sensitivity stands at 12,800, while the maximum shutter speed is set at 1/2000th of a second.
Official release date and price details
Photos and video can be stored on a SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, but they can be sent to a PC via a USB 2.0 port or can be output to an HDTV via a microHDMI port.
Sony WX500 has a weight of 236 grams or 8.32 ounces, while offering dimensions of 102 x 58 x 35 millimeters or 4.02 x 2.28 x 1.42 inches. It may not have a prominent grip as the HX90V, but the WX500 comes with manual modes and a control ring around the lens.
Shipment will begin in June for a price of $330 in black and white color choices. As expected, the compact camera is up for pre-order from B&H PhotoVideo.