Smart_Photography_-_January_2016_

FINAL SCORE

VERDICT

The Sony WB500 is a compact super

zoom camera that can fit in a shirt

pocket. The camera is easy to use

and fits the budget of the common

man. However, if you are looking at

uncompromising image quality with

manual control, this camera has some

serious limitations.

PLUS

• Compact and
  lightweight


• 30x optical
  zoom

MINUS

• Very narrow aperture
  range


• Noise control could
  have been better


• Sharpness suffers
  badly

75 %

of purple fringing was seen, but you

are not likely to notice it in everyday

images and at low magnifications.

Auto White Balance performed well

with the camera producing cast-free

images at most light sources. Native

print size is 12.24 x 16.32 inches at

300 ppi. At 25 percent screen size,

images were noise-free up to ISO 200.

We observed slight noise from ISO

400 onwards. Images were usable up

to ISO 800. Enlarged to 50 percent,

we spotted noise at all ISOs. If you can

bear with slight noise, you may use the

images up to ISO 400. At 100 percent

magnification, you could use ISO 80

and 100 if it is absolutely necessary.

Video recording was smooth and

seamless.

Value for Money

The Sony WB500 retails at Rs.19,990.

At this price, the camera is slightly

expensive considering the limited

aperture and soft images at the

telephoto end. |SP

Sensor Type: 1/2.3-inch Type (6.16 x

4.62mm) Type Exmor R CMOS

Effective pixels: Approx. 18.2 Mega Pixels

Imaging processor: BIONZ X

Lens: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 25-750mm

f/3.5 - 6.4

Lens construction: 11 elements in 10

groups (5 aspheric element)

Focus range: 5cm to Infinity (W), 250cm to

Infinity (T)

LCD: 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot Xtra Fine TFT

Adjustable angle: Yes. Up by approx. 180

degrees

Image stabiliser: Optical SteadyShot with

electronic compensation, Anti-rolling type

Focus modes: Single-shot AF (AF-S),

Continuous AF (AF-C)

Metering modes: Multi pattern, Centre-

weighted, Spot

Exposure compensation: +/- 3.0 EV, 1/3

EV step

ISO sensitivity: Still: ISO 80 to 3200

Movie: ISO 80 to 1600

Shutter speed: 30 to 1/2000 sec

Best video quality: AVCHD - 1,920 X

1,080/50p

Burst Speed (Maximum): Approx. 10 fps

(for up to 10 shots)

NFC: Ye s

Wi-Fi: Ye s

Power source: 1240mAh Li-ion battery

pack (supplied)

Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 101.6 x

58.1 x 35.5 mm

Weight: Approx. 236g (with battery and

Memory Stick)

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

The small buttons

can be a problem

for people with

large fingers.

Design and Build Quality 12/15

Key Features 12/15

Ergonomics 11/15

Performance

Autofocus 4.5/5

Metering 4/5

Noise Control 3/5

Sharpness 3/5

Darkening

of corners 4.5/5

Flare and CA 3/5

Distortion 4/5

LCD/EVF 4/5

Auto WB 4/5

Sub-Total 34/45

Value for Money 6/10

http://www.smartphotography.in 97

Smart Photography January 2016