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So, is the HX5 still the Sony P&S to get? Update please.

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Proparoo

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Now that the HX5 has been out for a while I wanted to ask if it is still the P&S to get.

A little background....

I am a pro DSLR shooter and been wanting a good P&S for some time to take with me when I don't want to lug around my DSLR and lenses.

Around Christmas I went out and purchased a Canon G11 as I was informed it was the best P&S.

Well I found it to be too big and heavy and did not take all that great photos. One big thing, I did not find the Hi ISO of this camera that stunning and I really hated the really bad Red Eye with kids photos.

So I returned it and vowed to find a small P&S that has a lot of "Whistles & Bells" and took nice "Snapshots" ...

I was then looking at the Sony and the Lumex but really liked the Sony HX5

I started looking at the HX5 about 4 months ago and I really liked what I saw.
I liked the wide lens, HDR, mega zoom and the video looked more than just good.

So now that it's been out, please help me and let me know how you like yours or what you have found out about this most interesting camera. Would you buy it again?

I don't expect to take the best photos in the world with it, I have my D700 and 24-70 / 70-200 for that, but I want something to slip in my pocket for fun snapshots with the family.

--
Rich
http://www.richbaum.smugmug.com
 
If you were not happy with the G11 then you'd best stay away from the HX5V. It's much smaller, produces nice color but do not pixel peep! The wider lens comes with a price of distorted objects at the edge of the frame (not standard barrel distortion). If you want to take photos of your kids then nothing beats a DSLR and the Sony won't match the G11 even though it touts itself as a low light champ. The low light features are really for subjects that don't move. Oh yeah, the flash power on the Sony can't be controlled.

Overall the Lumix ZS7 is probably a better camera but I was sucked in by the HX5V due to the panorama feature and the excellent video stabilization.
 
Proparoo said:
Around Christmas I went out and purchased a Canon G11 as I was informed it was the best P&S.

Well I found it to be too big and heavy and did not take all that great photos. One big thing, I did not find the Hi ISO of this camera that stunning and I really hated the really bad Red Eye with kids photos.

So I returned it and vowed to find a small P&S that has a lot of "Whistles & Bells" and took nice "Snapshots" ...
Click to expand...
In one sense, I think you'd be much better off with something like the HX5 or similar camera - as they are much smaller than a G11 and retain the key portability and convenience you sound like you are looking for. In another sense, I'd agree with the above poster that if you didn't like the image quality from the G11, you're not likely to find anything better with the HX5. Much depends on what was wrong with the image quality - maybe you didn't like the colors, the handling of contrast, low light, etc...in which case maybe the HX5 will be competitive - but if your problem was lack of details, artifacts, or jpeg quality, I can't see the HX5 being better than the G11.
Proparoo said:
I was then looking at the Sony and the Lumex but really liked the Sony HX5
I started looking at the HX5 about 4 months ago and I really liked what I saw.
I liked the wide lens, HDR, mega zoom and the video looked more than just good.

I don't expect to take the best photos in the world with it, I have my D700 and 24-70 / 70-200 for that, but I want something to slip in my pocket for fun snapshots with the family.
Click to expand...
But now with that statement, maybe the door is open again. If you are coming into it knowing that you aren't going to get DSLR quality, and if what you're looking for is something small, convenient, portable, with some nifty and fun features, that can take decent images for viewing on playback monitors, TVs, or moderate prints up to 8x10 or so...then the HX5 should do fine. It all depends on what level of pixelpeeping you intend on the results. The HX5 won't be better than the G11, except for in low light. If low light performance and size were the two biggest complaints with the G11, then the HX5 should answer your prayers. If daylight IQ was the big issue, I don't think you're going to get any improvement.

Now, for feature-set, the HX5 does have some nifty toys, and many of them work as advertised...HDR, Hand-Held Twilight, DRO, Pano-sweep, and video all seem quite solid performers. Anti-motion blur is also interesting, though it has limitations in low light situations - it's better for good light.

Personally, I was looking for something similar to you, however my needs leaned MUCH more heavily towards having something as physically small and unobtrusive as possible - so I was willing to forego the bigger zoom of the HX5 in order to get an even smaller form factor...I went with the TX series cam. It has less zoom, but otherwise all the same feature-set (bells and whistles) as the HX5, save GPS. It may arguably also have a slightly better performing lens (still a Carl Zeiss lens vs Sony G), and also is surprisingly slightly more user-controllable for those who know their way around a camera...the touch screen control is user-customizable which allows you to put your own personal choice functions on a one-touch basis, and due to the touch-screen spot focus capability, it allows spot focus in HDR, Twilight, and AMB modes, which cannot be done on the HX5.

So it's up to you on whether or not the HX still fits the bill, can do what you want, either makes up for or suffers the same shortcomings as the G11, or if a smaller form factor would be something you'd appreciate even more.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg
 
Yes I was not that happy with the Canon but to tell you the truth, I will except lesser photos from a P&S as compared to my DSLR but heck, if the G11 is not that great I sure want a smaller camera.

I can deal with the output of a P&S but not one that's so big I can't even slip it into my pocket.

After reading everything about the G11 I expected it to be so much better, and to tell you the truth, it just didn't take that great a photo and after looking at examples of the Sony, I think that it can hold it's own with other P&S
--
Rich
http://www.richbaum.smugmug.com
 
Proparoo said:
Yes I was not that happy with the Canon but to tell you the truth, I will except lesser photos from a P&S as compared to my DSLR but heck, if the G11 is not that great I sure want a smaller camera.

I can deal with the output of a P&S but not one that's so big I can't even slip it into my pocket.

After reading everything about the G11 I expected it to be so much better, and to tell you the truth, it just didn't take that great a photo and after looking at examples of the Sony, I think that it can hold it's own with other P&S
--
Rich
http://www.richbaum.smugmug.com
Click to expand...
The HX5 is probably one of the worst cameras on the market today at pixel level even at base ISO. I'm not sure what you're seeing but the G11 is miles ahead.

If you weren't happy with the G11's image quality then I suggest you stay away from the HX5 and any other small CMOS compact unless all you do is print 6 x 4 images and view images on your monitor.

No doubt the HX5 has some amazing features and will please the average Joe, but if you're fussy about image quality look elsewhere.
 
I got the chance to use mine pretty extensively on a recent trip in Europe and I'm not disappointed with the results.
I think the HHT mode is amazing.

I like taking pictures in churches and the stained glass turned out perfectly, all handheld. I certainly would have needed a tripod even with the A700 to get such nice pics.
The video performance is also impressive if you just zoom in very slightly.

The photo images are not as sharp as my Fuji F200 EXR and I do not like the smearing of details in the background, but using the SCN landscape mode helps to minimize this (other people say always use the HHT mode, but I haven't tested this outside yet).

I also regularly use -3 to -7 exposure outside.

All in all, out of several hundred snaps there were very few that I had to discard for purely technical reasons (WB, focus, exposure etc.).

Of course the panorama feature is also very cool and indeed useful and the GPS is a nice extra, but not that important to me.

If Sony or another maker comes out with a shirt pocket camera with these features but with more detailed still photos I would buy it, but I haven't seen it yet.

Cheers!
GM

Here are a few examples and more here
http://www.pbase.com/georgew/chelseas_trip_2010





 
Suffice to say that I am Sony compact biased. I went from a Nikon 80 DSLR, to a Canon G, to a Panasonic ZR1 and FZ28, to a Sony HX1 and HX5. I believe CMOS IQ, the HD video, the Panorama feature, and telephoto capabilities are the attractions for me. I sold the HX1 after the summer 2009, and await the Sony replacement, and I'm still waiting (for a longer zoom). I bought my son an H55...it had terrible IQ (no CMOS), and got him a TX5 (waterproof). If you want to see my Snapfish pics (all shot with HX5) from Costa Rica 2010, send me your email. In case you are wondering, I'm lucky enough to buy right and sell without a loss...so far so good.
 
No doubt the HX5 is a very competent P&S, especially considering how it makes up for its shortcomings (small sensor) with software processing (like HHT mode).

However, you say the G11's high-ISO output was not satisfying for you. Another complaint was the size.

May I suggest the Canon S90/S95? They use the same sensor as the G11 but a stop faster lens, so that should keep ISOs down - e.g. if you used ISO 800 on the G11 in the exact same situation then you should be using ISO 400 on the S90, provided the lens are at their widest setting.

I find it helpful not to zoom when taking pictures in low-light or when high-ISO is required as to minimize the effects of a longer focal length (camera shake) and closing the aperture (slower shutter, higher-ISO).

Now the HX5 may smear details, however I would also like to recommend the Samsung TL500 which uses the same sensor as the HX5 which is less capable than the G11/S90/S95's sensor however still very capable.

What sets the TL350 apart is its ability to shoot RAWs, and it's even a snappy camera when shooting RAWs, so if you process the RAWs, as you are no doubt accustomed to with your DSLR gear, then you should be able to find greater IQ with the RAW files ;). Not to mention it's smaller than the G11, S90/S95, and the HX5 but with a 5x zoom (f/2.4 max aperture).

One other complaint includes red-eye, however that depends on the subject a lot. If the G11's pre-flash couldn't get rid of the red eye, try software correction.
 
I got rid of my HX5 due to brutal levels of noise reduction. For my pocket travel zoom I now use a Pany ZS7 for sharper stills in low light the HX5 is still better though. If you don't mind the size of the G11 then forget about compacts altogether and get a Sony Nex. It's smaller than a G11 and may even give your slr a run for it's money.
 
I have a HX5 and I am very pleased with it. From time to time i check out the latest P&S cameras and so far none meet my requirements as well as the HX5. I really want the focal range from 25 to 250mm in a truly pocketable camera. I also have come to love the 10 fps feature. The manual control is very limited, but it allows me to get the fastest shutter speed consistant with good exposure for action shots and that is all I need. Otherwise I use program Mode or on occasion one of the special modes.

Dynamic range of its JOGs is excellent for a P&S. There is a little smearing from the noise surpression, but I don't generally find that a problem, although I do wish I could reduce it in-camera. As there are no in-camera adjustments for sharpening, contrast etc. the camera output must meet your requirements or, if like me, you post-process, meet them after post processing. Sometimes there is a bit of a halo, I think from sharpening, that you need care not to aggravate if you do post process sharpening. I find the higher ISOs limited, but better than many P&S cameras.

Overall I am very pleased with the picture quality. I ceased to use my DSLR when I bought a Panasonic LX3 and now use the HX5 only. I find it wonderfully "freeing" and get many images I would not have with my DSLr, which would have been at home or with my LX3 due to its limited focal range. I think the HX5 is still the best of the P&S cameras for those who want its telephoto range.

Frank B
Sony HX5 Gallery
http://www.pbase.com/frank_b/sony_hx5v
All Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/frank_b
 
Re Your pocket camera needs - I say YES the HX5V will meet your needs.

PROS: 1. The HX5V is oustandingly light and compact for its capabilities, 2. The iAuto mode for quick automatic settings picture taking in almost any situation is very reliable producing very appropriately spec'd images, 3. Its low light capabilities are very impressive, 4. General handling is very good, 5. Image stabilization is excellent, 6. Video is excellent - even at night! - both in AVCHD or MP4 mode, 7. Build quality seems good, if not quite up to Lumix quality, 8. Rapid multi-frame modes are class leading, 9. GPS is interesting, 10. Lens quality with STILL images is outstanding, good colour and negligible distortion over the whole zoom range - some Sony post-processing of distortions is suspected! but the results are there, 11. The 10x zoom range is ideal.

CONS: 1. Image softness is apparent in some but not all of the still pictures, however, I found that they could be satisfactorily sharpened in Corel Paint Shop with no bad side effects. 2. Lens quality for VIDEO shows some barrel distortion at wide angle, but it didn't bother me much. 3. Supplied PMB software may not work properly with your pc. Sony supplied PMB 5.2 on my Win XP pc would not recognize video files on my camera, but I could import them into pc using File Explorer, and play them very smoothly on free KMPLayer with CoreAVC external codecs for the AVCHD files (small cost).
 
For someone (me) who doesn't need the long end of the zoom on the HX5... is the WX5 the better buy?

From just the specs, I think I'll get more usefulness out of the brighter lens and wider field of view on the WX5. Add in the newest generation CMOS with the background blur feature - even if it is less than perfect - and I'm having a hard time not going with it. Having not actually shot any of these (or the Nikon 8100, which is also in the running) what am I missing?
 
Further to my earlier posting on this subject:

1. AUDIO quality is amazingly good - at least indoors - and did real justice to singers I recorded.

2. MP4 12M video mode (1440x1080@30fps) delivers very good video, is less demanding on a computer than AVCHD for editing, and still looks excellent on an HDTV via hdmi cable.
3. The stitched together images panorama mode is really neat

4. The twilight mode with 6 rapid taken images processed into one cleaned up image produces remarquable results in situations normally considered hopeless for handheld photographs
 
Concerning HX5V still image softness issue, I invite you to view photos below, 2 of which received one Unsharp pass in Corel PaintShop Pro Photo X2 which took a few seconds, however the garden snowscape is unedited, and then decide whether "softness" is really a significant image issue, considering the many other outstanding strengths of this camera.











 
I was really undecided between the ZS7 and the Hx5v and ended up ordering the Sony (in the brown truck now). There are a large majority of happy Hx5v owners out there by reading their feed back, reviews, and looking at Flickr and Vimeo images and video. While I am late to the party, I was just looking for a longer zoom than what I currently have. I have several shorter range P&S cams that shoot RAW and are quite adjustable along with my dSLRs but was interested in the low light, video and fast shooting of the Hx5v. There does seem to be some shooters of this cam having difficulties which may be caused by bad samples of the cam, not using the cam correctly or expecting an image quality not yet produced by most P&S cams except for cams in the S95-Lx5 grouping. The ZS7 does quite well also and I surely would not rag on that cam by no means, I still question myself on whether I should have gotten it instead, we'll see.

I have read a lot of the Hx5v posts here and have picked up quite a few good pointers on using the cam which I am grateful for.

This will be my first Sony and I hope the cam I receive is a good working sample.

Gil
 
I don't own one, but I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I have had a WX5 for a couple of weeks and have gotten very similar results to the ones I've seen from the HX5V, both good and bad.

Regarding the soft images: I can't figure out what causes them. It's not consistent from shot to shot or in any situation. Sure, it happens more often in indoor and low light situations. But because I've seen in other shooting environments, I don't think anyone can say low-light - and therefore camera shake, subject movement and slow shutter, NR, or just autofocus is THE cause. My best guess is simply a focus problem, perhaps unreliable or maybe Sony was just a bit too optimistic about how fast they could get the cameras too focus and didn't program in enough time before snapping the shutter. One professional review or the HX5v or the WX5 reported random soft images when using a tripod during their battery of standard tests. They hypothesized it was possibly caused by the image stabilization system, which can't be turned off. That makes some sense.

The one thing I still am not happy about is the corner and left and right edge distortion. It's probably worse on my WX5 with its slightly wider lens, but if it is similar on the HX5V it is something to think about. I've learned from some posters in another thread that it isn't technically barrel distortion, it is more accurately described as the way Sony tries to eliminate the distortion. In essence (if I understand correctly, and I may not) too maintain straight geometrical lines at the edges - notice that all professional reviews praise the camera for doing a good job at this - the image is adjusted. Great for accurate pictures of grid lines or architecture but very bad for shots of people. I've found that even if I zoom in a stop or two, heads and bodies caught on the left, right, or corners are pretty comically stretched. And it's not as simple making sure your subject is in the center of the frame; non-focal subjects simply caught in the edges are made very noticeable due to the distortion. There were some nice suggestion on how to fix this in PP using photoshop. I still have to try those... but this is one of the big things that's making me question whether I should get the Canon SD4000 instead and wait to see how good the successor to the HX5V is.
 
I recieved the cam yesterday late and have been experimenting. I have taken shots in low, dim and bright light and I am very pleased with the results. There are a lot of possible settings so finding which is best will take time. I tried the PMB but since I am used to Lightroom and C1 I use them. The images do look better IMHO with those programs with their initial first take and adjustments.

I read a heck of a lot of opinions and reviews of this cam and I feel I am in the happy user group. I suspect some samples of this cam were not so good or something else occured. One thing for sure is the LCD is the most terrible of any of my cams which numbers pretty high, I really cannot understand that. The LCD on my old Oly C2000 circa 1999 is much better (cam still works great too).
GPS works fast and so does the focus and the IS seems good too.
Very Nice Camera!
Gil
 
Figures, they just announced the upgrade at CES.
Dave
--
davidsdigitalphotography.com
 
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