Canon IXUS 240 HS
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
Nikon D800
Samsung DV300F
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Nikon Coolpix P510
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Nikon Coolpix S9300
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5
Sony has announced the feature-laden Sony Cyber-shot HX5 digital compact camera featuring a 25-250mm equivalent lens and a 10.1-megapixel, back-illuminated EXMOR R CMOS sensor, plus integrated GPS and compass. The wide 25-250mm equivalent superzoom lens bears the prestigious G designation, while the EXMOR R CMOS sensor can capture 1080i full-HD video clips as well as ten-megapixel stills. Videos are stored in AVCHD format. Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, allegedly providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras. Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models: the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The Sony HX5 integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the 3” LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken. Like the other Sony compacts unveiled at CES 2010, the camera takes both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony HX5 is expected to be available later this month, priced at $349.99 in the US (where it is apparently called the HX5V).
Sony Press Release
Cyber-shot HX5: Compact high-zoom with AVCHD and GPS
Inside its compact, purposefully styled new body, the Cyber-shot HX5 houses an incredible wealth of cutting-edge imaging innovation by Sony.
With twice the sensitivity of conventional sensors, the advanced Exmor R CMOS Sensor assures beautifully detailed, low-noise images, even when you’re shooting in low light. It’s a perfect complement for the premium G Lens by Sony with powerful 10x optical zoom. Covering a generous 25-250mm range (35mm equivalent) within a compact body, the high-zoom lens is ideal for any shooting situation from wide-angle landscapes and group shots to dramatic close-ups.
Left your camcorder behind? No problem: as well as brilliant 10.1 megapixel stills, the HX5 captures smooth, brilliantly detailed Full HD video clips for easy sharing. Just touch a button and start recording crisp 1920 x 1080i video footage using the highly efficient AVCHD format. After shooting, connect Cyber-shot to your BRAVIA™ TV and enjoy the show. Alternatively, slip the camera’s Memory Stick™ into the optional DVDirect MC6: you don’t need a PC to burn HD footage onto a DVD to enjoy on your PS3 or Blu-ray Disc™ player.
Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video. Providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras, Active Mode gives the clearest, steadiest handheld clips yet – even while you’re walking along.
In a world first, Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models. It’s now easier than ever to create seamless extra-wide angle views, even with moving objects. The camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using powerful new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together.
The HX5 is also the world’s first camera that integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the large 7.6cm (3”) Clear Photo LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken.
Making its Cyber-shot debut, HDR (High Dynamic Range) Backlight Correction produces natural, balanced results with high contrast and strongly backlit scenes – a tough test for any camera. The HX5 automatically shoots two frames of the same scene in quick succession, with exposure values optimised for highlights and lowlights respectively. Powerful algorithms then combine the two frames, producing a single, detail-packed HDR image with bright, evenly-exposed highlights and deep shadow detail.
A brand new Portrait shooting mode takes the guesswork out of grabbing beautifully-framed self portraits when you can’t see the LCD screen. Just hold the camera at arm’s length and press the shutter button. Using Face Detection, Cyber-shot detects when you’re framed correctly and fires the shutter automatically. There’s also a 2-person setting that ensures you and a friend are both in shot before firing the shutter.
Canon IXUS 240 HS Review
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Review
Nikon D800 Review
Samsung DV300F Review
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
Nikon Coolpix P510
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
#1 BCM
Sony has been coming out with a lot of cool cameras lately... I just can't get over how most of their cameras still use memory pro duos and various other memory sticks
4:39 pm - Thursday, January 7, 2010
#2 Gunnar Karlsson
Don't worry. This HX5 camera takes both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards.
10:19 pm - Friday, January 8, 2010
#3 Shapour Va'ezi
It is really necessary to thank the Sony company for their endeavour for presenting such a sophisticated,feature rich and in a very compact and portable digicam.It is what I have so long been waiting for.Also thanks to Photographyblog for their on time and unrivalled announcement of the new products.
Shapour Vaezi(Iran)
4:02 am - Saturday, January 9, 2010
#4 Musty
I Can't wait for this camera! Does anyone know what the UK retail price might be?
10:32 am - Saturday, January 9, 2010
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1:58 pm - Saturday, January 9, 2010
#6 Martin
I am waiting for a review of this camera, hope the picture quality is good.
8:35 pm - Monday, January 11, 2010
#7 Sum Dum Gai
This is still suck the dick! SamSung is best cameras!
5:11 am - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
#8 Gunnar
Your comment reveals your rudeness, but not one trace of you being able to back up your claim.
2:32 pm - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
#9 I-Know
Sony is erg goed camara's.
Maar wat mij nog steeds verbaasd dat ze nog steeds niet de firmware-update HX1 heel vreemd dat de suport van bestaande zo slecht vrijgegeven.
6:25 pm - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
#10 I-Know
Sony is very good camara's.
But what surprised me still that they still have not released the firmware update HX1 very strange that the suport of existing ones so bad.
6:28 pm - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
#11 Roy Wright
will the GPS feature work with Apples Iphoto places. I will be leaving for Europe in April and have been looking for a GPS Camera that will download the pics to my Mac
3:50 am - Wednesday, January 13, 2010
#12 Finn L.
Does it have raw support? I'm looking for a supplement for my DSLR. And this looks ideal. But I want to record the raw images. Not jpg...
12:05 pm - Thursday, January 14, 2010
#13 Finn L.
I found the answer myself here:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/HX5V/HX5VDAT.HTM
No raw / uncompressed format.
But the Casio EXILIM EX-FH100 have
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EXFH100/EXFH100DAT.HTM
I'll look forward to some tests
Cheers!
12:17 pm - Thursday, January 14, 2010
#14 kamera gue
The previous camera with Exmor-R CMOS sensor has a mixed bag ISO performance. I hope Sony fix this.
5:14 am - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
#15 Margaret Dunlop
Does anyone know when this camera will be available = it was supposed to be lst March and I pre ordered and now there are conflicting dates from different retailers. I need it by 17 April.
6:50 pm - Saturday, March 6, 2010
#16 Deborah Ashbridge
Hi. I purchased this camera 2 days ago. The guy in the shop showed me how easy it was to use, yet when I got it home and tried it out, I don't seem to get very many good pictures. I have been on google to see if anybody has done a how to use guide or you tube video but can't find one. Can anybody help me on this?
10:46 am - Monday, March 22, 2010
#17 Simon Haly
When will the review be available for the Sony DSC-HX5?
11:10 am - Monday, March 22, 2010
#18 Margaret Dunlop
Hi
Got it on Saturday. Sony's usual sleek, clean styling, and feels good to handle. Dual memory card was long overdue. The panoramic stitching is a great bonus, and having optical zoom of 35mm equivalent of 25-200 is definitely a plus. The wheel selector is a great benefit, not having to go through lists to select the simplest option tho there are more options by going to the Menu. But...
GPS probably uses a lot of battery power so use sparingly when far from a charger
Battery seeems to take an age to charge
Photographs are OK obviously not the standard of Nikon D200 - time will tell
A touchscreen would have been helpful found I kept wanting to make choices on the screen!!
Wld have liked bluetooth to enable print direct to my portable HP470
Worth the money - probably - even just for the panorama facility and the optical zoom - only actual use in the field will tell. No regrets buying it.
12:13 pm - Monday, March 22, 2010
#19 Margaret Dunlop
Forgot to add no RAW facility
12:16 pm - Monday, March 22, 2010
#20 Mike
I'm anxious to see a review of the Sony HX55. I don't need or want GPS (the last thing I need in addition to my Ford F150 satellite radio and iphone radiating my brain constantly is a camera doing the same..) and the Sony CCD in the HX55 is excellent (do a bit of research and you'll find that cmos is actually a less expensive technology). I'm sure some "expert" sites will automatically diss the H55 on reflex alone but I'm betting it gets a great review. Get one now before there's a waiting list.
3:06 am - Wednesday, April 7, 2010
#21 Mazz
I'm also waiting for a review on the HX55. I don't need the GPS and compas but need the pixels for enlarged photographs and the pannoramic feature. Also is the panoranic INTELLIGNT as in the H5 (able to stich moving objects)
5:22 pm - Tuesday, April 13, 2010
#22 George
i just got the camera and there are some cool features and some not so cool, like the timmer it cannot be adjusted as the Canon to specific timmed interval and only shoots one shot at a time, i am disapointed with the lack of this feature. As well it came with a little dongle adaptor but i cant seem to find a wire for it to be able to connect to my pc? maybe someone out there can help me?
5:34 pm - Tuesday, April 13, 2010
#23 Bill Barclay
Are thes cameras System sensitive when shooting HD or normal Video i.e.
Would a camera bought in the USA be strictly NTSC or would it also work on a PAL TV for Europe.
Regards
Bill Barclay
12:19 am - Friday, May 14, 2010
#24 zoe
Looking for a digital camera that takes interior shots - we are doing house up and my current camera is really rubbish when taking photos of rooms it is far to narrow any advice or suggestions on one that would be better for the job welcome
zoe
1:06 am - Monday, May 24, 2010
#25 Anora
I am deciding between sony HSC HX5 and panasonic TZ10. Features are very similar but sony is more expensive. Any suggestion on which is a better buy?
1:08 pm - Monday, May 24, 2010
#26 Nikki
Can anyone recommend a really good compact digital camera that would be ideal for travelling the world with then turning the shots into canvas's?
5:46 pm - Wednesday, June 9, 2010
#27 Gunnar
To get a camera that is "really good" when "turning the shots into canvas's' you will need a DSLR system camera. Until now they haven't been particularily compact, meaning hardly ideal for travelling.
However, just a few weeks ago, a radically new and innovative digital system camera did emerge, which may be the solution for you. And for others too, I suppose.
Take a look at this picture:
http://www.ephotozine.com/articles/sony-nex-5---nex-3-hands-on-preview-13644/images/sony_hex_5_me.jpg
It is a Sony NEX-5, it looks like a compact camera, BUT IT IS NOT. It is a full blown mirrorless system camera with interchangeable lenses (three so far, but that is just the beginning). It has a MUCH bigger sensor (13 times larger area) than the digital compact cameras are equipped with. It has an APS-C sized sensor - the same sensor size as you will find in e.g. Nikon D90, Sony A700, Canon EOS 50D etc (it actually has a little larger sensor than the Canon APS-C DSLR cameras are equipped with).
4:21 pm - Thursday, June 10, 2010
#28 Raul
I have a problem with this camera. Every time when I am recording something then it catches some strange noise to the background and specialy when I am zooming. Very stranege!
1:07 pm - Saturday, July 10, 2010
#29 Gunnar
Suggest that you turn to the shop were you bought your camera (I assume the warranty is still valid). Let them check it out. Check another HX5 - is that one more silent? Then your camera need to go to the repair shop. If other HX5 cameras too make noise when zooming - well, then you have to accept that you get noise in this case (common for many cameras with video recording capability, regardless of brand), and you have to avoid zooming when filming, or remove the noise afterwards (with your video editing program).
10:25 am - Monday, July 12, 2010
#30 Aaron
I used the camera for a week in Venice, CA after using the HX1 at the Grand Canyon. I returned the 20x zoom HX1 because the clarity was lacking at half to full zoom. The HX5 has updated features and better quality video, among the best out there for a p&s. HOWEVER, Mac users beware the videos will not work unless you download VLC and then convert to mp4 using HandBrake, another download. Why can't Sony show a little love to Mac users?
6:46 pm - Tuesday, August 17, 2010
#31 Chet
Sony HX5V/B
Pros: Clear, Crisp fixed pictures; movies - clear, crisp and has accurate sound. HD is excellent. Auto mode works exceptionally well. Auto mode allows an average user to take excellent pictures in all but very difficult conditions. Software converts AVCHD to data, standard and WMV formats.
Cons: Have to remove battery from camera to recharge it.
Highlights: (full specifications are on sony.com)
* Sony’s smallest and thinnest AVCHD capable digital camera (1080i)
* 10x (25mm equivalent) professional-quality optical zoom G-Lens (same lens as professional DSLR)
* 10.2 megapixel back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor combined with BIONZ image processor
* ISO: Auto/125/200/400/800/1600/3200, Panorama, Anti-Motion & movies- HD (1920 x 1080 pixels),
* High Speed Shooting – 10 frames per second at 10 megapixel full resolution
* 3-inch (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD display with a special anti-reflective coating
* Backlight Correction HDR and GPS + Compass and Optical Steady Shot with Active Mode technologies
Comparison Prior to purchase:
I reviewed over 50 web sites, spoke to camera stores and had the specifications reviewed by photographic professionals. The web sites I reviewed gave mixed reviews but in general this camera came out one of the best point and shoot cameras. In fact many of the complaints I read were by people comparing the camera with high end SLR’s or DSLR’s clearly not an unbiased or practical test, in my opinion a device should be compared with products in the same class to be fair. I spoke to most of the major and many other camera stores that carried various brands that were familiar with this camera all of them stated they did not have a point and shoot better than this camera. Some stated the camera was as good as some SLR’s and some pointed out the lens and the CMOS image sensor was the same as that found on high end DSLR’s.
My Test Results:
Indoor Camera mode: Camera tested in the Auto mode, photographed people and pets – Tested under natural light, incandescent and fluorescent lights all shots were clear and sharp. Camera Tested in a darkened room in Auto mode flash worked picture quality was excellent. Extreme test - Camera tested in an almost completely dark room with light seeping through a window blind, picture blurry -camera had trouble adjusting due to streaks of light coming through blind.
Outdoor Camera Mode – Camera tested in Auto mode. , photographed people and pets pictures were clear and sharp. The camera compensated for my movements, people moving and animal movement even when using zoom at its maximum without a tripod. Photographed a man made waterfall you could actually see the water streaming down the rock. Photographed several high trees all came out straight, even a palm tree (my results contradict the finding of another users results).
Movie Mode: (Inside and Outside)
Photographed people and animals playing inside and outside, a man made waterfall, a television program. Camera adjusted to my movements and gave clear and crisp movies. Sounds were accurate and clear.
Viewing:
The camera has a 3” LCD display – I had no problem seeing what I photographed even in sunlight.
Software:
The camera includes software that allows you to save your pictures as data, WMV, HD and standard mode. All modes worked well.
Conclusion: As far as I am concerned this camera is better than any point and shoot on the market. I agree with a lot of the professionals that stated it was almost as good as a SLR or DSLR when used by the average user. Even in the Auto mode it excelled in many difficult situations both as a fixed camera and movie camera. Due to the camera size you have to be careful not to block the microphone on the top of the camera. If you are a professional photographer this camera is probably not for you though I did talk to one professional photographer that stated they used this camera as a backup at a wedding and the pictures came out as good as their high end cameras in many situations. I managed to find the camera on sale at sony.com for $293.99 when buying 2 accessories @15% off.
2:21 pm - Sunday, September 12, 2010
#32 Gunnar
That was a thorough and very well made review, Chet.
Many thanks!
2:02 pm - Monday, September 13, 2010
#33 Nikki
Thanks for your comment Gunnar
1:13 pm - Wednesday, September 15, 2010
#34 Gareth
Hope you can help. Just bought a Sony HX5. I'm using a 4GB Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo and my camera states "This memory card may not record or play." What's the problem? Can anyone recommend the best card for this camera?
Thanks,
Gareth.
10:35 am - Friday, September 24, 2010
#35 Al Mendra
My DSC-HX5V worked fine, until dust spots on the sensor began to fowl pictures and video. The dust must have crept in though the lens turret fittings, or else come from internal wear and tear to the same. The spots are invisible at wide angle, but become ugly and disfigure images shot at full optical zoom. I shake the camera a bit, and more dust appears, as if drawn by electrostatic. To clean dust from a DSLR sensor is not hard: just take off the lense and use a shot of air or lens tissue. A "sealed" (sic) P&S is another matter. The device does not disassemble easily by taking out the screws.
The sonystle site draws a blank when I search for a firm that will service the model, although it is now been on sale nearly a year.
Perhaps the TX5, being a "rugged" dust-proof model, is more resilient.
8:42 pm - Friday, October 15, 2010
#36 Gunnar
I assume that your HX5V is less than one year old? If so, this ought to be fixed free of charge for you. You didn't mention where you are located, but if there are no Sony repair shops in your country, then the outlet that sold the camera to you ought to be able to help. Or, as a matter of fact, I think that is where you are supposed to turn in the first place.
12:55 pm - Saturday, October 16, 2010
#37 valnizio
a camera é boa! mais deixa a desejar em alguns itens, como fotos em preto e branco,e o gps é indisponivel, simplesmente só tem o nome da função e não existe na camera !
11:13 pm - Tuesday, January 11, 2011
#38 Kym Crowley
Best P&S I have ever used/owned! Get one...
4:46 am - Wednesday, May 4, 2011