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Sony WX800 Comparison Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in October 2018 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 18 megapixel.

camera

Is the Sony WX800 a good camera? The WX800 has a Camera Elo of 2119. This rating puts the WX800 among the top 30 percent of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the WX800 ranks among the top 20 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4.5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Sony WX800
Fixed lens compact camera
24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
18 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 6 400)
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge
102 x 58 x 36 mm, 233 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Sony WX800 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Sony WX800 vs credit card front
WX800 versus credit card top view
WX800 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony WX800 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 US$ 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A5000 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 269 g 420 n Jan 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Sony HX80 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 390 n Mar 2016 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony WX800 was launched in the US market at a price of $399. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check WX800 offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Sony WX800 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sony WX800 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Sony WX800 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
3.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
4.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
5.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
6.
 
Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.0108979
7.
 
Sony HX80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.411.882248
8.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
9.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
10.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The WX800 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the WX800 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Sony WX800 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
7.
 
Sony HX80638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the WX800

One convenient feature of the WX800 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Sony HX80-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the WX800 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The WX800 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-118mm f/3.5-6.4), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 720mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the WX800 can be found in the free online Sony WX800 Manual or on the Sony support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the WX800 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Sony A50003/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Sony HX80............ Mar 2016 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Sony WX800 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the WX800.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Sony WX800 based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Sony WX800 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Sony equipped the WX800 with the BIONZ X image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sony WX800?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Does the Sony WX800 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the WX800 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Does the Sony WX800 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Sony WX800 use?

The camera gets its power from the Sony NP-BX1 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Sony WX800?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Sony.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Sony WX800
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date October 2018
    Launch Price USD 399
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 18 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 896 x 3 672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.25 μm
    Pixel Density 64.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 6 400 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Sony NP-BX1 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 102 x 58 x 36 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 233 g (8.2 oz)

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