Sony DSC-HX50V/B 20.4MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black)

Sony DSC-HX50V/B 20.4MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black)

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• 30x optical zoom plus 60x Clear Image Digital Zoom Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with 3-way active mode 20.4MP images and high speed AF even in low-light
• Full HD 1080/60p with dual record of stills and movies Full manual & dedicated EV control dial allow more creativity Capture the decisive moment with up to 10fps
• Multi interface shoe attaches flash, light, and mic Incredible battery life of approx. 400 shots 3.0\" LCD (921k dots) with high resolution viewing Take stunning images with Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode-up to 360 Degree

Buy Now : Sony DSC-HX50V/B 20.4MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black)

Brand : Sony
Category : Electronics,Camera & Photo,Digital Cameras,Point & Shoot Digital Cameras
Rating : 4.1
Review Count : 465

Sony DSC-HX50V/B 20.4MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black)

• Just 18 months ago, 30X (truly small and) compact point and shoots were not even available. Now in 2014 this category has a number of contenders. With respect to reviewers saying \"DLSR quality\" for this category (it always seems to be a headline in some reviews--no matter what model), it is not true, but don\'t let that deter you--picture quality can be high. For this Canon 50D owner, there is plenty of pixel peeping to do, and at this level it is easy to have all sorts of technique and lens issues that predominate perceived quality. If you want more professional results use a full size DLSR with quality glass.For a second camera, I wanted smaller profile and lighter weight. More zoom than 10x. Walk around quality. Best picture quality with acceptance of sensor size and image quality associated with big zoom small profile cameras. I really wanted an articulated (ability to front face) view screen. Wi-fi is nice since I have used my iphone for quick photos to add to texts--a fun option. I do not really care about touch screens. I do not really care about video, although this camera has lots of video options available.I have had a variety of cameras and currently run with a Canon 50D (and the expensive heavy lenses associated with it). For a compact I was using a Canon G12 which was sold to buy a Canon G1X (first gen).I certainly loved the G1X for its low light capability, articulated screen, ability to accept filters, and known menu structure. I did not love the macro and focusing issues. And, while I did not really like the size and weight of the G1X, I would have purchased the 2nd generation if it had been closer to $600 rather than $800--even without a big zoom. (Canon got the G1X right on the second gen, fixing the macro and a number of auto focus issues).With the money I received via Amazon for my G1X, initially I was considering a Sony RX100 III. It has the image quality from a large sensor and a front facing view available. The lower end zoom and high price drove me to consider other options. I almost felt that if I was going to spend $800 I might as well just upgrade my Canon DLSR... or buy another G1X.Other comparable cameras considered:Panasonic DMC-ZS40K (great lens, nice camera, but a bit over budget)Canon PowerShot SX700 (nice camera-- strong contender for prior Canon owners needing smaller and higher zoom)Sony WX350 (no full manual operation available and 20x instead of 30x, super price)None of these cameras has an articulating front view screen. (The current Sony HX50 does not have this option either). It was disappointing to realize this option was not going to be available to me.Sony advantages to me: Perceived image quality via reviews and in actual use: Comparisons show very good pictures in auto and manual modes. Lots of built in image options, along with full manual. For this HDR user, the ability to shoot three bracketed photos is great. (An in camera double exposure HDR option is also present). Full auto is pretty nice, just point and shoot... producing images most people will find very acceptable inside and out. Standard color processing in full auto is a bit more saturated than flat, most likely desirable in a camera like this--and you can dial it back. Super zoom--30X. Auto focus is truly great, almost reading your mind about what you want to focus on. Macro quality and focal distances are very acceptable at about 3 cm, maybe a little closer. Ergonomically: Size and weight make this a great carry around camera. Nicely textured and molded handhold allows single hand use. Menu structure and ease of use is OK for this prior Canon user. The on camera help file is really great--even allowing you to directly jump to a feature you are interested in directly from the file.Things I do not like: The Wi-Fi connection is less than intuitive and requires a web search for procedure along with some fumbling to get it to work. See my procedure below. The messages you get on the camera and in the software app are sometimes baffling and wrong. Once you figure it out it is acceptable. No NFC?Other consideration: Low light capability still remains a question mark. In current tests, with natural lighting and no flash, quality seems high. Will a required 800 ISO in the absence of a flash keep noise to a minimum? Another true test will come in a convention center with typical bright lights overly casting a yellow hue into most photos--will auto white balance be correct and bring things to the best color? (The Canon G1X would not; it had to be manually set with some testing!).I am enjoying this new camera and finding new things to try each day! For the price, this is a great choice. 4 stars with one knocked off for the less than intuitive Wi-Fi app.UPDATE 10-17-14Two general comments--this camera takes great pictures inside convention centers with a variety of lighting. The auto white balance does a great job of stabilizing color where many cameras might need tweaking to eliminate yellow cast color. As a carry around -- with candid people picture taking -- a very nice camera. Now the bad--at the top of this review I indicated that this was NOT an SLR. HDR bracketed pictures confirm this contention. Even at 100 ISO, bracketed -/+ 1 HDR post processed shots (jpg) end up grainy when magnified. Compared to my trusty Canon 50D in the same shot(s) there is simply no comparison... the tried and true Canon SLR is superior for landscape work whether HDR or not. I suspect this is mostly due to smaller sensor capturing images from miles away--the number of pixels is less relevant than the quality and size of those pixel, along with whatever post processing is occurring for jpgs in the Sony. SO--while the Sony does a good job at 75% of what I usually use a camera for (random candids), IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR LANDSCAPE OR HDR IMAGING!Need help with the Wi-Fi connection? On your phone (or computer or tablet) you must download and install the Sony app \"Playmemories\" Then...1. From the camera viewer (not the shooting mode), press on the menu button.2. In the menu, select wifi>view on smartphone>share image (or any of the 2 other options)3. On the iPad On the smartphone, select [Settings] → [Wi-Fi] → SSID network--turn OFF any connection you may be currently using.4. NOW Select your camera network On the smartphone, select [Settings] → [Wi-Fi] → SSID [DIRECT-xxxx:DSC-xxx] displayed on the camera.4. Enter password that is shown on your camera viewer -- you only need to do this once.5. On the iPad or iPhone, launch \"PlayMemories Mobile\" (you have to download this app from the app store).6. The transfer of photos happens automatically.
• Ever since the HX5V, the HX handheld series has seen improvement year after year. The HX50V is no exception. It now features 30X zoom, 400 battery shot life and retains the amazing video quality.I am a gadget geek, so I like buying the new version when it gets released. This year I was waiting for the new HX series and usually Sony announces something in March at the latest. But this year they announced the HX50V in late April. By that time I had already purchased the new Panasonic ZS30 which is the Panasonic\'s version of a compact long zoom camera which competes with the HX series. After receiving the HX50V and doing some comparisons, the ZS30 is no where near the image quality of the HX50V (Or even my older HX20V for that matter). IQ on the ZS30 looked out of focus and fuzzy when you compare the image of the HX50V. The HX50V images were sharp and more detailed.I am definitely what you call a pixel peeper (Pixel peeper is someone who opens up images in full and looks for every pixel detail). I was worried with the increased pixel count that IQ would suffer. I can happily say the IQ on the HX50V has improved slightly when compared to the HX20V. The images on the HX50V are more sharp and less noise to them. While the improvement isn\'t earth shattering, its a step up in the right direction.****Pros****- Image quality. Image quality is still sharp and crisp. IQ has improved from last years model (HX20/30V). When I compared both the HX50V and HX20V images, the HX50V had more detail and less noise. I also compared the images to the Panasonic ZS30 and the HX50V images look WAY MORE sharper. You can also see more image details in the HX50V. Outdoor images look sharp and colorful (I would describe it as life like and not overly saturated). Indoor images look good also. With the improved SteadyShot, I was able to take less shaky indoor low light images.- 30X zoom (720mm). The extra zoom does make a difference. I was able to zoom further away. With the older HX20V I was able to zoom to the farthest mail box down the street. Now I am able to read the numbers on the mail box with the 30X zoom!- Video quality. The video on the HX50V shoots in HD camcorder quality. I have compared video with my Sony CX560V camcorder and the HX50V video is better because my videos look smoother with less shake in them. When I shot a video with the HX50V and walked around, their was minimal shake in the video. When I did the same test with my CX560V camcorder, lots of shaking occurred in the video (As I expected). Sound capture remains crisp and Hi-Fi just like the HX20V. I am still blown away at how good the video is on the HX50V. The HX50V captures video at 28Mbps 1080P/60p just like my CX560V camcorder. I will now leave my camcorder home and only take this when I\'m on vacation for video. The only time I will bring the camcorder is when I need the \"NightShot\" feature.- 360 Panorama. I probably won\'t be using this feature much, but it was fun taking a 360 panorama.- Build quality. Not only does the HX50V look like an expensive camera, but it also feels like one. It feels solid and the black metal body looks great. When I took some shots, I felt like I was holding a real camera and not a plastic toy.- No touch screen! I absolutely hate touchscreens on cameras. I especially hate it when you can\'t turn it off. When I had the Panasonic ZS30, it was very annoying when I accidently touch the LCD screen with my thumb while taking a shot. Touching the LCD screen would \"focus\" on to the subject (Just like on a smartphone). Touch screens on most cameras are a gimmick in my opinion and only add frustration. It made me take some bad shots unknowingly. I am happy to report the HX50V does not have a touchscreen. Sony if you are reading this, please please please DON\'T EVER implement this feature!- Pop-up flash. The flash pops up mechanically when you press the flash button. It pops up very fast in a blink of an eye. On the previous model (HX20V) the pop up flash was powered up and down by a motor. On the HX50V you have to press it down to lock it back down. I prefer the non-motor because its one less thing to break on me. The flash fills the room nicely (Perfect for indoor shots).****Cons****- While the IQ has improved from the previous model(HX20/30V), Sony should have not increased the Mega Pixel count. Had Sony not increase the MP, I bet the images would look even better. I think most consumers who purchase this type of camera are informed enough to know more MP doesn\'t equal increased IQ.- The HX50V can not display battery life left in minutes. With the previous HX20/30V model you were able to view how much battery life you had left in minutes displayed on the screen (As long as you used the FG1 \"InfoLITHIUM\" batteries). The HX50V uses the BX1 batteries which do not have the \"InfoLITHIUM\" feature. All you get on the HX50V are 4 bar battery meters. I will miss that feature on my HX20V because I could always prepare to preserve battery life right down to the exact minute!- It\'s a little on the pricey side but keep in mind it does include wi-fi picture transfer.- Size. The HX50V is slightly bigger and heavier. I can definitely feel a difference when I use a camera neck strap. My HX20V felt lighter (As it should since it weighs slightly less than the HX50V).- LCD screen is almost useless in bright sunlight. When I compare the LCD screen from the HX20V, they are identical.- Battery door is still flimsy and cheap. If you don\'t handle the battery door like The Hulk, it should be fine though.****Wishlist for next years HX series upgrade****- NightShot for video. I wish Sony would add the NightShot feature on this camera. I know it probably won\'t happen since Sony has been removing the NightShot feature from its camcorder line up (Unless you fork over $$$$ to buy the top of the line model).- Produce a \"InfoLITHIUM\" battery for the HX50V so that battery life can be viewed in minutes.- Lower cost model. Sony could add a lower model and remove the wi-fi feature for those who don\'t need or want it and knock off $50-$100 bucks.Overall this camera is a great improvement from last year\'s HX20/30V and a great upgrade for anyone who is a fan of the HX handheld series. Improved image quality, 30X zoom and longer battery life is what sold me and I\'m glad I upgraded. This camera makes me feel confident I won\'t miss a shot and able to take a good shot no matter how far the subject is. A wonderful vacation camera. I have purchased the HX5V, HX9V and HX20V each year they came out. This is the best handheld zoom camera to buy. It takes sharp pictures and amazing video. I have since sold my Panasonic ZS30 and kept the HX50V as my main camera. The HX50V is the clear winner and takes the crown of best handheld zoom camera to date.

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