HX5V on the street

Cngfu · Aug 1, 2010

Hi all,

Just purchased a HX5V today. Went out shooting immediately after the purchase (with the available battery). It seems to be great for street shooting (in good light).

Having used both the LX3 and Canon S90 extensively, there is no comparison in terms of image quality. The Sony HX5V is by far inferior (as a result of the smaller sensor). However, photography isn't all about image quality. In my opinion, it's about having a camera with you at all times to capture any moment. The Sony HX5V excels in this regard, with its highly flexible zoom range, decent autofocus/metering, and very compact size.

It's an extremely fun camera, and I look forward to using it on a daily basis. Here are some early photos from the camera:

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

Do you have any samples that are not touched up by computer? i am looking to get this next weekend as its just comments like quality is far inferior that is stopping me,

Thanks !!

Chris

Cngfu · Aug 1, 2010

The last two photos were just simple black and white conversions. No other edits were made. Here are a few more:

Anti motion blur works very well!

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

So do you rate this camera mate? i only want it to take some nice shots in vehas night and day and then put them on tv and look at them on laptop !

ps i know this might sound daft but if the last 2 is just a black and white conversion, isnt that last 2 a bit blurry? the one with the 2 people walking down the street??

Cngfu · Aug 1, 2010

chrisnewton35 said:
So do you rate this camera mate? i only want it to take some nice shots in vehas night and day and then put them on tv and look at them on laptop !

Hard to say, since I've only had a chance to use the camera for 1 hour. I need at least a few weeks to decide if I like it or not. But first impressions are good.

I'm not sure if it would fit your purposes. In broad daylight, results are good (not excellent). At full size, the JPEGS look smudged and slightly on the softer side. This does not bother me, since I only intend to use this camera for resized web use. I was hoping for better lowlight performance, but I think I was expecting too much. If you want to take really nice photos at night (and in the day), I'd highly suggest a camera with a bigger sensor. Whether it be an LX3, S90, u43, NEX, or entry-level dSLR.

If you are willing to forgo quality for convenience, then the HX5V is the way to go. It also has a plethora of very fun functions that you can use.

chrisnewton35 said:
ps i know this might sound daft but if the last 2 is just a black and white conversion, isnt that last 2 a bit blurry? the one with the 2 people walking down the street??

The 'blurry' shot with the two people walking down the street was intentional. I shot it from the hip, and deliberately chose a slightly slower shutter speed (to convey motion).

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

yea thats whats stopping me, i have heard its great in low light but youer saying its not that hot??

Cngfu · Aug 1, 2010

chrisnewton35 said:
i have heard its great in low light but youer saying its not that hot??

Correct. It's no where near as good as my Panasonic LX3 and Canon S90 in low light. For good hand-held low light shooting, you need a fast lens (and a bigger sensor than the one found in the HX5V).

If you find a surface to stabilise the HX5V (such as a tripod or table-top), low light shots will be more than adequate. But, if you plan to hand-hold most of your photos, you will be disappointed with the HX5V results.

alan simpson · Aug 1, 2010

Hi, check out my gallery below for a variety of shots, I love the HX5 you can always have it with you!

al

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/6874100157

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

god that has thrown me now, i was convinced in HHT mode it would take great low light shots !! arrghhhhhhh now i dont know what to do

curtisfun · Aug 1, 2010

You have to understand HHT works in low light...for static subjects.

Want to take picture of people walking at night without blurring? Get a DSLR with usable iso3200 and higher plus a fast lens.

No camera does it all, you want a camera that has great zoom and would do everything well, that is just unrealistic.

As I said before, if you are willing to give up the zoom and better video, your options are much more open. the LX3, or Samsung TL500 would be the way to go. The LX3, at $379 is a bargain right now, since the LX5 won't be cheaper than $500. And it does 720p24 video, not too bad. If you don't need HD video, the TL500 will be a better choice with better color accuracy out of the camera

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

I appreciate you cant have the best of everything! i like the zoom and one of its strongest selling points is its low light sensor, and i had heard great things about the HHT mode on it.

I am not a professional by any means, all i want it do to is nice shots at night, i really thought that the HX5 could do this, by some of the sample shots i had seen.

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

i am not fussed about taking photos of people walking i will be taking pictures of all the vegas hotels etc lit up on the night

curtisfun · Aug 1, 2010

If all you are looking for is take night shots of hotels in Vegas strip, that is well within the capabilities of the camera. I reckon you will get many great shot just using HHT, it's tailor made for such settings.

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

Thanks mate

i do appreciate what you were saying tho, i realise you cant have everything, and if it can do that type of shot then its the one for me...thanks for all your help

Cngfu · Aug 1, 2010

chrisnewton35 said:
Thanks mate

i do appreciate what you were saying tho, i realise you cant have everything, and if it can do that type of shot then its the one for me...thanks for all your help

chrisnewton35 - Not to sound harsh or anything mate, but it sounds like you are trying to convince yourself that the HX5V is the camera for you. I just dont want you to end up being disappointed. The HHT mode works, yes, but it is not the miracle you expect it to be (even on static subjects). Results will be slightly better than any other compact camera with a similar sensor. I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts after your Vegas trip - if you do indeed decide to purchase the HX5V. All the best.

chrisnewton35 · Aug 1, 2010

i totally hear what ur saying mate, any chance you can post a few HHT straight from camera, from a few night shots??

cheers bud

Chris

Cngfu · Aug 4, 2010

chrisnewton35 said:
i totally hear what ur saying mate, any chance you can post a few HHT straight from camera, from a few night shots??

cheers bud

Chris

Managed to only grab one shot tonight. The mode used was HHT as requested.

chrisnewton35 · Aug 4, 2010

thanks very much lloks great what did the colour version look like

rob_Il · Aug 4, 2010

I really like the contrast on this shot...nice job.

meaness · Aug 5, 2010

I like the b/w.... the first photo is my favorite.

HX5V on the street

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