When you want to take better photos than your smartphone is capable of, yet don?t want to lug around a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a compact camera could be just the ticket. And the 18-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 ($299) is the best choice in its class.

Wide focal range; Compact; Built-in Wi-Fi; Variety of mobile apps; Flip-up LCD; Built-in image stabilization

No viewfinder; LCD difficult to see in bright sunlight

Needed a new compact camera for trips etc and was first included on the Sony HX90V but when I saw this for 2790kr at Media Markt I hit (also get 300kr cashback from Sony). 30x zoom, fast boot, selfie screen.

The Sony Cyber-shot WX500 is the little brother to the HX90 , with the same 30x optical zoom lens and 18.2 megapixel sensor, it cuts down on a few features, making it a more affordable version. The WX500 still benefits from the same tilting screen, making it great for selfies and group shots.

30x optical zoom lens; Tilting 3inch screen; Incredibly compact considering the 30x optical zoom lens; Good colour and reliable exposure; Optical image stabilisation; Fast continuous shooting; Very good battery life

Lacks front grip; Noise in all images (although not too excessive at ISO400 or below; Competitors are available for less

Want a 30x optical zoom in the smallest possible package? Sony has the camera for you. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 isn't much larger than the 20x WX350, yet it packs 30x zoom, a tiltable screen, a pop-up flash and a colossal 400-shot capacity battery.

I am a Sony point and shoot cybershot camera fan for many years and probably have owned 4 or 5 over the years. The DSC-WX500 is a tad bit heavier than my previous models but that is a trade off when you consider the superior Carl Zeiss optics with 30x zoom. It's a trade off I gladly make.

Picture quality on the Panorama setting is not great. Although you can set the arc that you pan through, the image itself seems to be captured across one frame as opposed to a series of full frames patched together. Manual focus would be useful. Been impressed with the quality if the optical zoom.

Easy To Use; Good Sized Screen; Great Resolution

Not Good In Low Light

"Bought this 2 weeks ago, and have taken about 1500 images, and about 20 vids. The optical zoom is great. Trying to hold the camera steady is challenging, especially when you get into the digital zoom.

Good product

Brought one of these this in April and had it for approximately 6weeks, after the most gentle knock whilst in my bag, the lens was stuck out and the camera it's self would not work at all! After sending it to Sony they proceeded to tell me that it would cost ￡307 to fix!

We bought this for my mum as a new camera to capture family memories. It so easy for her to use and takes amazing quality pictures.