In compact cameras with a superzoom, Sony DSC-WX350 is still very popular ever since it was released in 2014. Since then, a ginormous number of digital cameras are released, yet WX350 is one of the best compact cameras which can easily fit in your pocket. It offers numerous features that are still considered ‘modern’ in the mid-priced digital cameras of 2021.
Sony is one of the very few industry leaders in the category of digital camera manufacturing. No matter what your requirement is as a photographer, you can always find a perfect camera from a wide range of digital cameras under the umbrella of Sony. DSC-WX350 was engineered to keep in mind the needs of people looking for a compact camera, easy to carry around but with remarkable image quality with a larger zoom range.
Sony DSC-WX350 Review
DSC-WX350 comes with an 18.2 Megapixels effective resolution with 20x optical zoom. It is one of the first cameras to address lost pixels details at zoom using Pixel Super Resolution Technology. PSRT analyzes every pixel individually and restores all the details by automatically upscaling the images.
Exmor R CMOS 18.2 megapixel sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine developed by Sony makes sure that footages are always clearer no matter what the shooting circumstances are. It also features NFC one-touch Wi-Fi sharing and control, Self-Timer, input/output terminals, smart shooting modes, and multiple other features.
DSC-WX350 Built
The built WX350 is nearly identical to its predecessor Wx300 except for the weight; this camera is around 20 grams lighter. Available in two colors, black and white, the physical dimension of the camera is just 96.0mm x 54.9mm x 25.7mm. The compact size makes it fit easily inside your pocket. Though the size is pretty small, the built is pretty strong because of the light weighing metal body.
The backside of the camera features a 3-inch 460K-dot-resolution LCD screen and few buttons. For the size of the camera, the screen is big, which is a welcoming feature. The resolution is high, which makes it easier to preview/review footage in varying lighting situations.
To change the settings and modes, you can easily navigate everything using a dedicated ‘Menu’ button. With that, there are also playback, movie record, delete buttons, and rotating wheel (acts as a d-pad. Allow access to the flash, continuous shooting, and the photo creativity mode). The top of the camera hosts the on / off switch, zoom rocker, shutter release, and mode dial.
At the sides of WX350, there are few Input and output terminals, i.e., multi/micro USB terminal 8, hi-speed USB (USB20), micro HDMI for easy data sharing.
18.2MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor with BIONZ X Image Processor
18.2 CMOS sensor with Sony’s BIONZ image processor decreased the image processing time, making the camera quicker than all the predecessors. It also visibly impacted the footage quality by enhancing sharpness in all sorts of illumination. X350 performs very well, especially in low-light conditions.
These sensors and processors also upgraded the camera responsiveness. Shutter responses occur in less than 0.05 seconds on average, full zoom in 0.3 seconds, full focus only in 0.1 seconds, whereas switch on time to taking photos takes 2 seconds.
Continuous shooting up to 10 shots at 8fps was another new addition that came with the new processor, but unfortunately, it is not a very impressive feature now. Recent cameras are offering much more shots at higher fps points.
Optical Zoom Lens
One most talked about feature of WX350 was its 20x optical zoom lens. At the time of release, it was one of the smallest cameras offering 20 folds of zoom. This zoom can be doubled up to 40x via a clear image zoom interpolation algorithm inside the camera.
Though many cameras offer, the optical zoom problem is with the result of the footage. As your increase the zoom, the image keeps getting blur and grainy. Sony dealt with this issue by integrating the new technology of Picture Super Resolution Technology in WX350. This built-in mechanism analyzes each pixel of the zoomed footages to make up for lost quality by upgrading.
Still Images Performance
Images produced by WX350 are sharp, well balanced, and vibrant. The camera automatically reduces the noise in the background, making images appear clearer (in over-exposed and under-exposed conditions too).
Using multiple filters for still images and several white balance settings, the photographer can add a nice touch of creativity. Sony G 11 elements lens offers up to 18.2 effective megapixels supporting 16M HD resolution and all other resolutions below it.
Optical Steadyshot Image Stabilization
Sony WX350 offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25-500mm with optical Steadyshot stabilization. This focal range is not very outstanding compared to new generation cameras, but OSSI Stabilization still adds up a lot in getting stable footages. This gimbal-type mechanism is around 13 times more stable than regular optical systems.
Video Performance
WX350 captures videos in full 1080p HD resolution. Full HD 1080/60p video can be recorded in AVCHD format only. An MP4 option is also available at lower resolutions.
Video results and multiple video modes are excellent and reliable yet for the camera’s price, and even some low-priced cameras offer the same features. Besides the action cameras, in the category of action cameras, you can even get 4k resolution at the same price so, the 1080p resolution feature is not very impressive in 2021.
Connectivity Features
WX350 offers a one-touch NFC with a smartphone for limited range wireless communication and WI-FI connection for easy connectivity. Setting up an NFC connection with a smartphone, you can transfer your footages just like Bluetooth and control some features of your camera using a mobile phone.
Battery life
WX350 uses a rechargeable battery as the power source (a pack of two batteries comes with the package). As per the manufacturer, it can shoot approximately 470 shots on average in ideal conditions (or roughly 230 minutes of usage) before the battery runs out.
If you are looking for a digital camera with long battery life, WX350 is a perfect choice. Not only it has a long battery life, but it comes with a spare battery which can really come in handy outdoors. Also, it charges really quickly.
Sony DSC-WX350 Specs:
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 96.0mm x 54.9mm x 25.7mm
- Weight: Approx. 164g (5.8oz) {137g (4.8oz) (Body Only)}
- Sensor Type: 1/2.3 type (7.82mm) Exmor R™ CMOS sensor
- Effective pixels: Approx. 18.2 Megapixels
- Lens type: Sony G 11 elements in 10 groups (including 5 aspheric elements)
- F-number: F3.5 (W) – 6.5(T)
- Focal length: f=4.3 – 86.0mm
- Zoom: Optical Zoom, 20x (during movie recording)
- Digital Zoom (Still Image): 18M Approx.80x / 10M Approx.107x / 5M Approx.151x / VGA Approx.306x / 13M (16:9) Approx.80x / 2M(16:9) Approx.204x
- Digital Zoom (Movie): Approx. 80
- Image Stabilization: Steadyshot, Optical
- Focus Type: Contrast detection AF
- Light Metering Mode: Multi Pattern, Center Weighted, Spot
- Screen Type: 7.5cm (3.0type) (4:3) / 460,800 dots / ClearPhoto / TFT LCD
- Brightness Control: Manual (5 steps)
- White Balance Modes: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluor: Cool White, Fluor: Day White, Fluor.: Daylight, Incandescent, Flash, Custom
- Still Image Resolution: 3:2mode:16M(4,896×3,264) / 8.9M(3,648×2,432) / 4.5M(2,592×1,728);4:3mode:18M(4,896×3,672) / 10M(3,648×2,736) / 5M(2,592×1,944) / VGA;16:9mode:13M(4,896×2,752) / 7.5M(3,648×2,056) / 2.1M(1,920×1,080);1:1mode:13M(3,664×3,664) / 7.5M(2,736×2,736) / 3.7M(1,920×1,920);Sweep Panorama:Wide(7,152×1,080/4,912×1,920),Standard(4,912×1,080/3,424×1,920),360(11,520×1,080)
- Movie Recording Mode: AVCHD: 28M PS(1,920×1,080/50p) / 24M FX(1,920×1,080/50i) / 17M FH(1,920×1,080/50i);MP4: 12M(1,440×1,080/25fps) / 3M VGA(640×480/25fps)
- Recording Format: AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compatible, MP4
- Built-in Flash Mode: Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off, Advanced Flash
- Image Processor: BIONZ X
- Shooting Mode: Intelligent Auto, Panorama, Easy Shooting, Scene Selection, Movie Mode(Intelligent Auto/Scene Selection)
- Continuous Shooting Speed (maximum): Approx. 10 fps (for up to 10 shots)
- Self-Timer: Off / 10sec. / 2sec. / portrait1 / portrait2
- Shooting Functions: Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Grid Line
- Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
- Power Consumption (Camera Mode): Approx.1.0W
- Battery Life (CIPA, Still Images): Approx. 470 / Approx. 235min
- Input and Output Terminals: Multi/Micro USB Terminal; Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0); Micro HDMI
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Yes
Inside the Box:
- Camera
- Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1
- AC AdaptorAC-UB10C/UB10D
- Micro USB cable
- Wrist Strap
- Instruction Manual
Pros:
- 20x optical zoom
- Super stable images and videos
- Very long battery life and comparatively low charging time
- Strong built
- It fits in pocket easily
- Smart shooting modes
- Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Good low-light shooting results
Cons:
- Same features available in low-priced cameras
- Wi-Fi connectivity is not responsive most of the times
- Lack of a quick menu
Conclusion
Though it is a little expensive if we compared it to the recent ones, if you want a camera <- Affiliate link 🙂 with reliable and quick performance, Sony DSC-WX350 is a good choice.
