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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Sony Announces the Cyber-shot HX50V: The World’s Smallest and Lightest 30x Optical Zoom Camera
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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 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 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) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 12800 |
| 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 |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Macro focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| 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 |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 5.60 m |
| External flash | Yes (via Multi Interface shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Advanced Flash |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| 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) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| 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 | Built-in |
Additional images
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| Sony DSC-HX50V at wide-angle | Sony DSC-HX50V fully zoomed |
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| Sony DSC-HX50V rear | Sony DSC-HX50V with optional EVF |
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| Sony DSC-HX50V with optional flash | Sony DSC-HX50V with optional microphones |
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