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Sony launches Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V 30x compact superzoom

Apr 24, 2013 at 04:00:00 GMT

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Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V, a 30x compact superzoom camera that includes both Wi-Fi and GPS. It's built around a 20.4MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, sitting behind a 24-720mm F3.5-6.3 lens. It includes 3-axis SuperSteady Shot image stabilization and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second for 10 frames. Its battery is rated at around 400 shots-per-charge and the Wi-Fi can be used for both file transfer and remote control. It will be available from May at a recommended price of $450.

The HX50V includes a dedicated exposure compensation dial and Sony's proprietary Multi Interface Shoe, that allows the use of standard flashguns or accessories such as the FDA-EV1MK add-on electronic viewfinder.

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Press Release
Specifications
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Press Release:

Sony Announces the Cyber-shot HX50V: The World’s Smallest and Lightest 30x Optical Zoom Camera

New Compact High-Zoom Camera boasts high-resolution 20.4MP Image sensor, Wi-Fi and more

SAN DIEGO, Apr 23, 2013 – Today, Sony introduced the Cyber-shot™ HX50 camera – a powerful new compact featuring an impressive 30x optical zoom range and advanced 20.4 MP “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor. Measuring approximately 4.4”x2.6”x1.2”1 in size and weighing in at approximately 9.6 oz.2, it is the world’s smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom capability3.

“Despite the emergence of smart phone cameras in today’s market, the HX50V model gives photographers plenty of reason to invest in a dedicated pocket camera” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot digital camera business at Sony Electronics. “Its wide-ranging 30x optical zoom gives users more freedom to pick their shooting subject and position, and its extensive, advanced imaging capabilities give shooters the peace of mind that image quality will never be compromised - every scene will be given the color, detail and clarity that it deserves. This powerful combination of size and performance makes the HX50 an especially unique, versatile camera.”

Performance and Design

To complement the extensive zoom, the new Cyber-shot HX50V model offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot ™ image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur at all ranges. At full zoom extension (30x) the HX50V camera offers stabilization that is approximately twice as effective as the HX200V high-zoom model introduced last year4.

The high-resolution 20.4 megapixel sensor in the new camera is paired with a powerful BIONZ processor, allowing the HX50V camera to produce high-resolution, high-quality images in all types of lighting conditions – from broad daylight to dimly lit interiors and everything in between. Additionally, the HX50V model features exceptionally high-speed AutoFocus that can lock onto subjects at full zoom approximately twice as fast compared to the HX200V model5.

The new HX50V camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony’s PlayMemories™ Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet. The application also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera – ideal for self-portraits and group shots where the photographer wants to be included.

For more advanced users who like to fine-tune the details of a shot, the HX50V camera has a dedicated exposure compensation dial and a P/A/S/M model dial for adjusting other manual shooting settings. It also features 5-blade aperture for smooth background defocusing effect and a Multi Interface Shoe for attaching compatible accessories including an electronic viewfinder, flash, or microphone. It also has a Multi Terminal for using a compatible remote control.

The camera also features a powerful X-type lithium ion battery that is smaller than any of its predecessor batteries (in Sony Cyber-shot HX series) yet delivers an impressive 400 photos from a single charge6.

HD Video and Creative Modes

The new HX50V camera has an impressive video feature set as well, delivering stunning, beautifully crisp full HD (60p) movies that benefit from Optical SteadyShot ™ Active mode7 for reduced shake and image blur if the camera is in motion. The HX50V model is also compatible with TRILUMINOUS Color technology, an expanded range of vivid, ultra-realistic colors that is available on select Sony BRAVIA TVs. Content shot with the HX50V camera can be enjoyed in these vibrant colors when connected to compatible televisions.

Additionally, the HX50V camera offers a variety of different creative picture effect settings that make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of fun, impressive artistic treatments including Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-Key and more.

With its extensive feature set, extremely compact size and advanced performance capabilities, the Cyber-shot HX50V represents the ultimate in flexibility in a compact camera.

Pricing and Availability

The new Cyber-shot HX50V compact digital camera will be available next month for about $450. The camera and a range of compatible accessories can be purchased at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

1. CIPA compliant
2. CIPA compliant (includes Battery and Memory Stick DUO)
3. Among digital compact still cameras with optical zoom of 30x or higher. Based on internal Sony survey, as of April 24, 2013
4. Shutter speed comparison at telephoto end of zoom range; Based on Sony internal testing.
5. Based on CIPA standard, internal measurement. (At telephoto end of zoom range)
6. CIPA standard, internal measurement. Approximate figure: actual value depends on shooting conditions.
7. Compensates for blur in the direction the camera rolls; used in conjunction with electronic blur compensation

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V specifications

Price
MSRP	$450
Body type
Body type	Compact
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 2920
Image ratio w:h	4:3, 16:9
Effective pixels	20.4 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	21.1 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Color filter array	Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, (6400, 12800 with boost)
White balance presets	7
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Optical
Image stabilization notes	Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 3-way Active mode
Uncompressed format	Unknown
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	24–720 mm
Optical zoom	30×
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Tracking Single Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Macro focus range	5 cm (1.97″)
Lens mount	None
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	921,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	XtraFine LCD display
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic (optional)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	iAuto Program Aperture Priority Shutter Priority Manual
Scene modes	High Sensitivity Soft snap Soft Skin Landscape Night Portrait Night Scene Handheld Twilight Gourmet Beach Snow Fireworks Pet mode Anti-motion blur Backlight Correction HDR Advanced Sports Shooting
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range	5.6 m
External flash	Yes (via Multi Interface shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Advanced Flash
Continuous drive	Yes (10 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4 AVCHD
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Videography notes	60i/60p: 28M PS (1,920x1,080/60p) / 24M FX / 17M FH (1,920x1,080/60i) / 9M HQ (1,440x1,080/60i), MP4: 12M (1,440x1,080/30fps) / 6M (1,280x720/30fps) / 3M VGA (640x480/30fps)
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes
Wireless	Built-In
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion NP-BX1 battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	400
Weight (inc. batteries)	272 g (0.60 lb / 9.59 oz)
Dimensions	108 x 64 x 38 mm (4.25 x 2.52 x 1.5″)
Other features
GPS	BuiltIn

Additional images


Sony DSC-HX50V at wide-angle	Sony DSC-HX50V fully zoomed

Sony DSC-HX50V rear	Sony DSC-HX50V with optional EVF

Sony DSC-HX50V with optional flash	Sony DSC-HX50V with optional microphones

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V

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Comments

Total comments: 103

Is the EVF the same used in Nex-5N and Nex-5R?

0 upvotes

i am bad, i mostly want those to see girls on the beach closer. innocent looking camera but 30x zoom. sorry :)
nevertheless rx100 can make me more happier i guess.

0 upvotes

As a Compact Superzoom in its Price range it is IMO ; Excellent.
BUT they Ruined it with that sensor(20M on 6.17 x 4.55 mm).Why on earth !

I fully expected to see the Rx100 sensor in there (20M on 13.2 x 8.8 mm).
They have completely wrecked a fine new camera (in its price range) --
by doing this.Going backwards with the sensor !

I would have bought one for 'casualwear'.so as to speak.
That is a dealbreaker. Pics will not even have average IQ
Blurry Watercolors
Mark Goldstein has samples at:-

www.photographyblog.com/previews/sony_cybershot_dsc_hx50_photos

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Well if it should have that large a sensor, the whole thing would need to be scaled up...
But yes I agree that it is a LOT of pixels on such a small area. I do not know if they are able to do some binning to lower resolution, so it actually can give good results in poor light none the less.
I got an (ancient) Ricoh CX3, with one of the early generations of ExmorR sensors with 10Mp on board, and it outmatched my F200EXR in poor light. So the BSI-technology does amazing things. So it MIGHT work, I can't wait to see some real compares...

0 upvotes

The problem with most of these comments is that they come from "enthusiasts" expecting too much. They forget the target audience of this camera. I shoot mainly with a D600, and I after searching for the "best" pocket camera, I ended up buying an HX30V. I love my Sony.

2 upvotes

Sony has messed up big time. on the out side, it has a lot of features that i would look for in a all around camera that would get used often. however, on the inside. the camera lacks a lot of features that would make this a winner.

Pros:
30x zoom range on a compact body.
physical control dials/buttons.
standard hot shoe.
a proper full featured WiFi mode.
professional look (not having a lot of writing on the front other than the company name and g lens badge)

Cons:
small sensor vs large amount of megapixels.
no raw support.
no noise reduction options.
no built-in standard headphone/mic jack.

so as you noticed. i did not really complain about aperture or price point because the major focus for me is the lack of RAW and NR options. i think if you are paying 400$ and up for a camera, RAW support and noise reduction options for JPEGs should be available at this price point. and this is not limited to Sony. any other major camera company should do this as well.

1 upvote

That's exactly what I wrote on Sony's Facebook wall ! Sensor and RAW from RX100!

0 upvotes

I have the HX30V, and the only thing I wish for is the ability to save a copy of the original image. Sometimes in the auto mode, it does things I do not like (such as go into HDR mode, making the image look terrible). If I don't use the auto mode, low-light images suffer from camera shake.

RAW would be nice but most of those features you're asking for don't belong to the target audience of this camera. They belong to the $700 point & shoots.

But it's nice to wish and dream.

BTW, I LOVE the HX30V, and I shoot mainly with a D600.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I do agree. Now if we could only merge FujiFilms F900EXR with this...
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=fujifilm_f900exr&products=sony_dschx50v
(The compare incorrectly mark the F900 sensor as NOT a BSI though, i have reported the error)

There seems to be a strange use of notation though, as even though the sensors are labeled as 1/2" vs 1/2.3" As far as I have been able to dig out, they are actually closer in size (6.4x4.8mm vs 6.17x4.55mm or 30.7 vs 28.1mm². ). They seem to use a different factor when calculating the advertising label. Using the same factor, Fuji's should have been called 1/2.2 ... ODD!!

Another benefit of the F900 over the HX50 if that the design seems MUCH more 'pocketable', with less 'sharp' edges. Especially the buttons and the ring around the contracted lens.

I'm going to buy one of them, but are much in doubt what I should pick. The most import thing for me is taking pictures in poor light without flash.

0 upvotes

Hey Sony, I will use an actual Brush if I want to water color! Sony's brainless escalation of pixels on an itty bitty little 1/2.3" sensor is well, brainless & idiotic.

Take a very nice camera and add a completely compromised sensor due to too many pixels and you have a 'return after initial purchase', or something that is half A$$!!

Boo, Sony! You only market to NON photographers, let them use a cell phone camera instead! Oh yes, let them dress it up in zebra strips or comic book heros......

1 upvote

Why comment on the sensor performance or whether it has too many pixels until we see that actual performance. Yes they are marketing to general consumers. Any enthusiast photographer would not usually consider a camera with a tiny sensor and huge zoom due to the compromises. Sony make the RX100, RX1 and Nex series for you.

1 upvote

Looks like this camera will blow all other cameras in it's class away!

I don't know why all the people who complain about the sensor size and pixel count bother. It's obviously not the right camera for them but that doesn't mean it's not right for anyone else.

For me, I want a very light travel camera used primarily for video while traveling, safari photos where I need great zoom, and outdoor adventures where low light isn't a concern - the perfect camera for me and better than any other camera available!

1 upvote

Video is the only reason to buy this camera because JPEG images - if the previous HX models are anything to go by - are complete trash.

Horrific noise smearing that looks similar to APS sensors being pushed to ISO6400 and this is at base ISO in sunny daylight. Even resizing to 50% doesn't get rid of the nasty watercolor look.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 8 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

There is no substitute for really nice IQ, at a low, and reasonable price. Not to say; that many other things, don't need to be kept in balance. Total balance is a lost art. One thing we know about Sony, is they are always overpriced, and would monopolize the market; where possible.

We are still waiting on really good IQ, in a pocket-able size.

1 upvote

Exactly my point!

0 upvotes

I agree with the OP. I shoot mainly with a D600, and I have an HX30V. The IQ from the Sony is fine. I love that camera! I think people are getting too picky when they complain about the IQ.

0 upvotes

Fact of the matter is that Sony is fascinated with being the biggest and baddest on press releases. 20mpx and biggest zoom on this type of camera. That's all I'm reading.

Too bad too because the body of the camera is nice and I'm seeing additions to their designs they wouldn't even consider less than a year ago. An exposure comp dial, customizable button, rubber thumb pad, hot shoe... the HX series never had those things. Its a move to the right direction but comes off as two sides fighting one another in the company itself- sales wanting headline features and designers just wanting a good camera that appeals to consumers demands. The latter should be in charge.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

It's got PASM modes too, a first for Sony's travel zoom series, I believe. With a 1/1.7" or 2/3"sensor, a faster lens, and raw capture, this would have been a nice entry in the enthusiast compact category. Of course, then we'd have to settle for something less than 30x zoom, but that's a trade-off I could easily live with.

0 upvotes

The HX9 and HX20 had the custom button, Sony just finally put it in a better area.
My HX30 has a bit of a rubber thumb spot.
But I do really like the full PASM , hotshoe and EV dial as real photographic advancements.
It's too bad that it appears the 20mp sensor is a step down from the 18mp of last year. (Based on HX300 user reports)

0 upvotes

there's a sucker born every minute, and someone is going to sell them a superzoom.

2 upvotes

I shoot mainly with a D600, and I love my HX30V, so....

No one can beat Sony for video shooting either. That active mode image stabilization is unbeatable.

1 upvote

Has it occurred to anyone that Sony is in the business of selling as much of anything to anyone that will buy it. It is called capitalism or actually consumerism. If you don't like it don't participate.

1 upvote

Sorry, I'd hate to comment on the aesthetics of cameras, but the accessory mic looks like a monster death ray aimed straight at the subject....wow.....

Could not resist...

;)

5 upvotes

The accessories - evf, flash and mic look more professional than the camera.

0 upvotes

sony.com, says this HX50V has not gps....dpreview say it have gps.

0 upvotes

gps icon on camera side

0 upvotes

HX50V has GPS, the HX50 has not. Sony usually release two versions depending on the market. The "V" in the model name means it has GPS.

1 upvote

guess you're talking about the HX50 version..the one without GPS that usually ships to or stay in China..the HX50V should come with GPS. The same happens with the top end SLT-a99 and SLT-a99V

0 upvotes

This is so 2005 cool!

4 upvotes

From 12 mpix up, the small cameras from Sony became more and more crappy in picture quality. The last backlit 16 mpix was no too bad, but the simple 16 mpix is a real disaster. And Sony continues to produce this crap with more and more pixels. Why not following the RX100 line and doing similar cameras in 12, 14, mpix. I like the design, but 20 mpix is too much. Then, we are at apsc sensors in those small P&S, Sony can do that as well. Now that a few such cameras exist and just a few $ higher priced than RX100, it is time to act. Lower RX100 price by 20%, extend it's palette by 1", 12, 14, 16, and 18 mpix units and create apsc P&S. That is the way to go, instead of endlessly increasing pixel amount on this useless sensor.

2 upvotes

Don't forget to add a full articulated screen. I would be in for sure.

1 upvote

PS., thanks for the comment on the sensor for those of us who don't know; all we see is the "20 mpix"

0 upvotes

Why so expensive? An SX260 is less than 200 bucks now. This buys you more zoom (30x), more unnecessary pixels and um... yeah I dunno. Wifi maybe?

Oh...but I can totally pay double and put that huge freaking Viewfinder on the top of my compact camera. Score!!
Or maybe that freaking Flash thats bigger than the camera itself and probably drains half the battery. I hear those are really awesome on 30x zoom cameras!

You need to be able to daisy chain the peripherals so I can have a huge flash, a monster microphone AND the gigantic viewfinder all piled on top of my little camera.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

FWIW, the accessory flash has its own internal power from batteries.

Sony's HX cameras have always been the most expensive travel zoom cameras.

1 upvote

you are comparing retail to MSRP the SX260's MSRP is $350. Sony is still charging a premium, but you get better video (60p) and more zoom...

1 upvote

No one comes close to Sony as far as video is concerned.

0 upvotes

It's a music festival camera, long zoom, stealth looks, great video, best SR, shame it hasn't got a tilty screen though...

2 upvotes

The optional electronic viewfinder for this camera costs almost as much as the camera ($449). That's ridiculous!

5 upvotes

Agree, The EFV price is crazy for HX50 owners.

It is a really, really nice EFV that makes more sense for the $2800 RX1 owners.

I can't imagine too many HX50 only owners buying the EFV, but it may get some use from RX1 owners that buy an HX50 as a video supplement to their camera.

Hopefully, the next generation of NEX 3 and 5 cameras finally get the MI hotshoe and a smaller/cheaper EFV gets developed...

2 upvotes

But if you already have one for your RX... then you could also use it for this.

0 upvotes

Great Design, great Accessories - but useless due to garbage sensor. Thats very very sad.

Sony - pls. make an RX200 with 12MP.

7 upvotes

Sony - pls. make an RX200 with 4MP.

3 upvotes

Oh, just go fetch an HTC One then. :)

0 upvotes

You're right, HTC show us a 4 MP sensor really outperforms a 13MP one, like in the Nokia 920 !
I really hope the next generation phones will use 2 MP sensors. With small 1/3" camera sensors, 4 MP is still a bit to high.

1 upvote

The smallest sensor possible with the highest resolution possible. I wonder how much will be image and how much will be NR at anything above ISO400?

1 upvote

The buyer profile of this product

I want to own 299$ electronic viewfinder, and the camera costs 450$

hmmm...

0 upvotes

its a HUGE sensor, amazing high ISO and low light performance....

just joking :D

3 upvotes

Maybe it will surprise us?

0 upvotes

Even at ISO 200 detailing is killing by strong NR. Why don't develop fantastic DX100?

1 upvote

Good luck shooting in low light with this...

3 upvotes

Good luck shooting in good light with this...
F/16 rule (ie, sunny day) means f/6.3 at ISO 100 will result in 1/650 s. Which means, including the optical stabilisation, you'll probably have one or two stops leeway (in terms of available light) before needing to increase the ISO. And considering that this camera will be held at arms length, maybe not even that.

1 upvote

That is like a guy in a Mack truck telling someone in a Honda good luck carrying 20 tons of dirt. Do people get their cookies dissing cameras that are the best in their class but don't have a full frame sensor ?

2 upvotes

How is this any worse than any other Travel Zoom? They all have 3.5-6.3ish aperatures and 1/2.3 inch sensors right?

3 upvotes

More like a guy in a Mack truck telling someone in a Honda that carrying 20 tons of dirt in that Honda won't be a pleasant experience.
Or translated back to this camera, that IQ at the long end will suck in most situations other than on a sunny day outside.

0 upvotes

You know I often find myself on a sunny day, shooting handheld, wanting infinite depth of field, at 720mm, and wondered why I need all this massive gear? I mean, everyone shoots 720mm on a sunny day with infinite depth of field right? That's like, the most stereotypical photo scene ever!

We should only build cameras that shoot well on sunny days, with infinite depth of field, at 720mm. Everything else is silly.

1 upvote

and since I was obviously being sarcastic, what the hell other purpose does this thing serve! I mean, how about a half of a stop faster for say, half the zoom range would be more than a fair trade wouldn't it? You going to feel limited with ONLY 360mm of reach, out of your pocket, on a sunny day, with infinite depth of field, and 20mp worth of crop room?

I liked big zoom cameras... back when big zoom meant 10x or 15x and they were $300 and DSLR's were bigger and you had no options for larger sensor size OR larger aperture size things you could put in your pocket.

1 upvote

Would like to see the comparison test on the just launched zoom compacts:
Pany LF1: 12mp on 1/1.7" sensor, 28-200mm f2.0-5.9.
Sony HX50: 20.4mp on 1/2.3" sensor, 24-720mm f3.5-6.3.

They seem to target the same buyers...need longer zoom or more pixel...or better IQ?

2 upvotes

Do you always compare cameras that are not in the same class? Compare it to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 compact superzoom .

2 upvotes

Why does the Panasonic have such a slow zoom (f/5.9 at 200mm) the Sony HX50 should only be f/4.2 at 200mm.

2 upvotes

because of sensor size

0 upvotes

20mp 1/2.3 sensor and a slow lens. I'd be afraid to zoom in on the pix. They make enthusiast compacts with larger 10 and 12 mp sensors, so why push an even smaller sensor to such high mp counts?

I know, I know. Look who it is marketed to.

5 upvotes

I am waiting for a company to just say the heck with it and come out with a camera with a 1/3" sensor and a 20-1000mm F8.0 lens. They know that the average consumers have no idea what the lens specs mean.

The only thing the average consumer knows are megapixels and 50x zoom and that is what Sony, Canon, and Nikon are giving them.

However, Panasonic and Olympus know that eventually people will realize that the most important thing in a small sensor camera is the lens because that can make up for the fact that the sensor is so much smaller and still has way too many megapixels.

This Sony DSC-HX50V has one of the slowest lenses I have ever seen on a really small sensor. Why in the world do people think that they need telescope focal lengths in a pocket camera?

10 upvotes

You clearly fail to realise that Sony is a full line manufacturer.

Do you realise that that make the RX100 as well? Do you see Pana or Oly making anything remotely similar? What about the RX1, NEX, Alpha, etc, etc. This camera is aimed at a niche market.

And Panasonic and Oly.. dont they make m43 cameras with those tiny 43 sensors?

14 upvotes

What other compact super-zooms have faster lenses? They all have about this lens type, and this size sensor, as far as I know. There aren't many in this category however.

2 upvotes

It is much easier to make-up the ISO difference with the lens than it is to make it up by increasing the sensor size.

I would take an LX7 over and RX100 just because of the huge advantage the LX7 lens provides at the telephoto end.

2 upvotes

The FZ200 has an F2.8 lens in this focal range. It is a much bigger camera though. My point is that they shouldn't even offer this focal length. It is a terrible idea to give a novice user a SUPER HUGE focal length with a very small aperture.

3 upvotes

Get the RX100 if you want a faster zoom and larger sensor and quit cherry picking cameras that you don't like.

3 upvotes

Lets see, the RX100 is f/4.9 at 105mm, the HX50 is f/3.8.
The Canon SX280 is f/6.3 at 500mm, the HX50 is f/5.4

At similiar lengths, the HX50 is not terrible, but not great, either.

0 upvotes

And the FZ200 is F2.8 and the LX7 is just over F2.0 at that focal length.

0 upvotes

I don't like Panasonic point & shoots. Bought the FZ150 and returned it. Got the HX30V instead, and I'm loving it.

Comment edited 43 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

I have the DSC-HX30V and it is a mediocre to decent camera but an excellent video camera. I've taken high-def hand-held videos with it on a rigid-inflatable boat bouncing over the waves and the IS works wonders. Increasing the zoom range from 20x to 30x while keeping the same quality IS system would be quite cool, assuming Sony pulled it off.

On my last trip, I paired the HX30V with a Canon S95. The S95 was used for most of my photos, but the HX30V was used for zoom and videos. It was a lot lighter than carrying a huge zoom lens on my 40D and a video camera.

While most of the enthusiasts here won't like this camera, the HX30V has been very popular with everyday people who like to travel. I would expect the HX50V to be just as popular.

5 upvotes

Hopefully HX50 improves image quality a bit? Guess we'll have to wait for the reviews. If only RX100 had all these features! That one gets crossed off my list for its lack of zoom.

0 upvotes

Totally agree. I think my DSC-HX30V was the best I could have gotten cause when I go on safaris in Africa I need a superzoom but I can't stand the weight and inconvenience of mirrorless and dslr cameras. I also wanted fantastic video in a small package too and I the video on it is even better than many dslrs. It's about what your needs are and comparing cameras aimed at the same target audiences with each other. Not complaining about a camera just cause you don't care for it.

0 upvotes

The RX100 can't have "all of these features" (i.e. a 1" sensor with a 30x zoom range) and still fit in the same package. If I want to zoom in on a subject with my RX100 past the end of its optical zoom range, I do it afterward on my PC. Which do you think will yield a better result in the end?

0 upvotes

No full frame sensor? Really?

0 upvotes

Personally, I'll wait 3 months for the upgrade with a with a "super powerful" BIONZ2 30MP processor sensor and a 50x zoom :-)
Why oh why Sony? It just makes you look so silly to the enthusiast photographer IMO

3 upvotes

The majority of sales are still to non enthusiasts. They make cameras for all markets.

2 upvotes

Tiny 1/2.3" sensor under a dark lens f/3.5-6.3, that will be the most expensive useless camera.

7 upvotes

E.T., and wall-e, and number johnny 5!

0 upvotes

Those accessories are comical. The mic reminds me of E.T.
Phone home!

3 upvotes

Sony, you are killing me with that external flash picture! I am using that adapter on F20AM and F56AM for long enough and when are you going to release the new flashes?! OMG, just can't imagine that such a big brand name made a sudden change without sufficient planning!

1 upvote

Der Überschmiermeister.

2 upvotes

Interesting accessories. The pictures of the flash and the microphone made me snort and giggle. Golly, do they really expect to sell any of those? I assume those are standard accessories designed for other models, but they look incredibly foolish on this little p&s. Even the evf looks a bit oversized (and too expensive), but that mic is really something. Ridiculous.

0 upvotes

The EVF looks just fine.

0 upvotes

so... the EVF is not compatible with NEX series but RX1?

0 upvotes

Yes, a $450 DC with a $450 EVF!!!

0 upvotes

The RX100 should at least have the grip of this model.

7 upvotes

Well, maybe they just realized it. RX200 will have this. Probably.

0 upvotes

Great, the last HX series delivered pics as mushy as I've not seen in a long time, even at base ISO. Now we have more MP, same size sensor and even longer lens. Reduced to 6MP, these pics will be ok for many ppl, but this market segment obviously isn't beyond the MP race yet.

1 upvote

The popular belief says images from old, low MP digicams, provided superior IQ compared to current, high MP sensors.

It just not true ! Images from HX20 downsampled to 6MP would destroy output from any of the old 6MP cameras at any ISO.

This is mostly due to the fact that cameras with 6 million native photosites have to be demosaiced to produce RGB output - a process that involves interpolation.

1 upvote

Meh, they should use their 1" sensor in a bridge camera. That would RX100-level worthy! :)

4 upvotes

That would limit the zoom range.

1 upvote

20mpx going to need raw to salvage good IQ from that super small sensor. Unknown if it has raw so far, my guess is that it won't.

Otherwise interesting camera from a quick look at it so far.

1 upvote

it doesn't take RAW so you're pretty much stuck with Jpeg.

2 upvotes

And a useless mushy jpeg output= why bother with this camera. Should have made it 12mp w/raw, would have sold way better.

5 upvotes

If you asked 100 people in the street what a RAW file was 99 wouldnt have a clue. And of the one percent that do probably only a third know how to use it.

2 upvotes

Oh no, there's no way you could get anything useful from RAW. I have the HX30V, and the in-camera chip postprocesses the heck out of every image. Zoom in and it's ALWAYS a watercolor. Makes a 50% crop look sharp and contrasty, though (which is large for most screens, and overkill for Facebook).

0 upvotes

In a world of instant gratification (no waiting for film processing to see if you got something) a lot of people don't understand the desire for files that have to be worked on, one at a time, in tedious, overly complicated software. Some people use a car to go somewhere; others enjoying working under the hood.

1 upvote

Kanaga-
99 out of 100 people on the street don't need 20mpx either. This camera is clearly aimed for more than the average consumer with its features and manual shooting modes, flash shoe, etc. More, the prosumer in fact. But if you eliminate raw and overstuff a teeny sensor like that, you are abandoning that buyer right away. Sony doesn't apparently understand that. Why not add raw and meet those consumers half way? Having it in the camera can't hurt and you never know when any of the 99/100 consumers will suddenly learn more and be interested in raw development.

Raw is always better to have in the camera, never worse. Never.

0 upvotes

If they allowed reviewers (or individuals) access to the RAW images, it would be an unmitigated PR disaster. I'm telling you that the data off the sensor is utter crap, but they process it to make it look nice at normally viewed sizes. I did a comparison of the Canon SX260(?) 12MP and the Sony HX30 and decided on the Sony primarily because though it has very, very slightly less detail when comparing a photo at the same zoom, the photo required no additional processing to appear sharp and contrasty. I really don't have time to PP 500 pictures of vacation snaps. If I want fine results, I use my D3.

0 upvotes

HX is a good P&S series. Snappy, reasonable optics, not so noisy output.

2 upvotes

I found the video.. Looks cool. So happy to see new improvements like this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2Tt3NInDM

3 upvotes

Looks great !! These superzooms just keep getting huge improvements each year.

3 upvotes

Total comments: 103


Canon unveils SX270 HS 20x superzoom and SX280 HS with GPS and WiFi Mar 21, 2013	Pentax launches WG-3 and WG-3 GPS waterproof cameras Jan 29, 2013	Nikon announces Android-powered Coolpix S800c smart Wi-Fi superzoom Aug 22, 2012	Just Posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V review May 11, 2012

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