Description
The Compact Sony DSC-HX5V camera has numerous professional features. The HX5V encompasses manual exposure functionss for the professional photographer with a need for a pocket digital camera. For the beginner photographer, the HX5V has an in Camera Function Help Guide that helps navigate the various modes and settings presented on the LCD
monitor. The 10.2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor allows you to create really big prints. The HX5V performs very well even in poor light situations because of its High Sensitivity function up to 3200 ISO, featuring Handheld Twilight Mode, plus Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilizer.
Quick-moving subjects are simple as the HX5V can capture 10 fps. Combined with motion recognition that automatically adjusts sensitivity of the ISO plus increasing the shutter speed as motion is discovered, helps ensuring that you photograph the occuring moment. For really seeing your subject in full motion, the HX5V can capture 1080i AVCHD HD video. Both still and video images are framed and played back on the Xtra Fine 3" LCD monitor. Even when photographing in a tight location, the 25mm Sony G 10X wide-angle zoom will let you capture your picture.
Your exact photo shoot position can be recorded with the built-in GPS receiver/compass. And then your images can ve viewed on a map by using a like-minded computer and internet application. Other Easy to use features include Face Detection, Intelligent Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, iAudio, Anti-blink, plus lots more. It's certainly a tremendously functional digital camera in a very small package.
June 6, 2011
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital 10.2MP CMOS Camera - Right Front Angle
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital 10.2MP CMOS Camera - Front
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital 10.2MP CMOS Camera - Left Front Angle
720p/1080 Movie Mode and list of
High Definition Move Mode Cameras
720p has higher vertical resolution than 1080i, making it preferable for
sporting events such as auto racing and basketball that move at a very fast pace
on live television
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital 10.2MP CMOS Camera - Back LCD
Features
10.2 Megapixel Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS Image Sensor
The DSC-HX5V features a 10.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera's Sony G lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. In addition, the combined Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor deliver extremely fast 10fps, Anti Motion Blur, Handheld Twilight and 1080i movie modes.
3.0" Clear Photo LCD Display (230k pixels)
Compose and show off your images on the large 3.0" (230K) Clear Photo LCD display, which features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.
Card Slots
The camera has card slots for Memory Stick Duo media and SD/SDHC media
10x (25mm equivalent) Professional-Quality Optical Zoom G-Lens :
Sony G lenses are used in top-of-the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD Camcorders. Capture the action up close with the 10x optical zoom, and with its 25mm equivalent wide-angle capability, the camera allows you to capture large area images.
Intelligent AF
Thanks to Intelligent AF technology, capture fleeting moments like a child's adorable expression with the ultra-quick AF which locks focus in as little as 0.3 sec.
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.
Anti-Motion Blur Mode
Capture cleaner and sharper images in low light for non-landscape shots. When set in Anti-Motion Blur mode, the DSC-HX5V captures six images in a fraction of a second with a higher shutter speed. It then combines the data from all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and clarity, a function which is beyond the capability of traditional cameras.
Handheld Twilight
Capture cleaner and sharper night shots without using a tripod. When set to Handheld Twilight Mode, the DSC-HX5V captures six images in a fraction of a second with one press of the shutter, and combines the data from all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise. With these modes, you can capture images in low light without flash beyond the capability of traditional cameras.
High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200)
High ISO allows for faster shutter speed, so you can take photos indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to seven ISO settings (Auto, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.
Scene Modes
The DSC-HX5V features 11 convenient scene modes: High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet.
GPS and Compass
An integrated GPS receiver and compass record the location and direction of every shot you take and let you view your images on a map with compatible computer and internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.
TransferJet Technology
TransferJet technology, developed by Sony and advanced and promoted by consortium of 18 other companies, allows you to transfer up to ten files between two TransferJet enabled devices just by touching them together, without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing.
Backlight Correction HDR
Shooting high-contrast scenes can often lead to washed out backgrounds and/or details lost in shadow. Backlight Correction HDR helps correct for this by taking two pictures at different exposure settings and processing the best elements of both into a single image for more natural looking shots.
Easy Shooting Mode
With Easy Shooting Mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Shooting Mode, easy-to-understand basic instructions are displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all automatic settings, removing several function choices and allowing you to focus on just your subject. Since this mode works together with Intelligent Scene Recognition, the camera selects the optimum setting for each scene. In addition, the Easy Shooting Mode simplifies Preview Mode.
Intelligent (iAuto) Auto Mode
Unlike traditional auto mode, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode thinks for you by recognizing scenes, lighting conditions, faces, and adjusts the settings produce clear images and faces with natural skin tone and less blur. Take advantage of all the technology without leaving Auto mode. From images of a kid on the playground, to landscape shots, to a beautiful flower or an indoor birthday party and get clear images without leaving Auto mode.
Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode
Capture expansive landscapes with Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode. Press the shutter and sweep and the camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together almost immediately. This model even detects faces and moving subjects and stitches different widths intelligently to help avoid subject distortion.
Face Detection Technology
Face Detection technology detects up to 8 individual faces and adjusts focus, exposure, and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends.
Motion Detection
Motion Detection, along with Face Motion Detection, adjusts ISO sensitivity and increases the shutter speed when movement is detected, reducing blur in moving subjects and faces.
Smile Shutter Technology
Smile Shutter technology captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply press the Smile Shutter button and the camera does the rest. Intelligent Scene Recognition can now be used together with Smile Shutter mode when the Intelligent Auto mode is on. This means that beautiful smiles can be captured with settings optimized for the particular scene, even in difficult conditions such as twilight and backlighting.
Anti-Blink Function
It's frustrating to think you've captured that perfect shot, only to review it later and discover one of your subjects blinked just as you pressed the shutter. When the camera is set to Soft Snap, the Anti-blink function captures two images, recording only the photo with less squinting or blinking. If a blink is detected in other shooting modes, a warning will be displayed after you take the shot.
High Speed Shooting
The HX5V can capture full 10.2 megapixel resolution images at up to 10 fps, helping to ensure you never miss the decisive moment. What's more, the HX5V employs a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when continuously shooting moving subjects.
HD MP4 Movie Mode
MP4 is a popular format for high-definition video that compresses the size of your audio and video, making your media files small enough to easily transfer to your compatible PC or Mac. MP4 is also highly compatible with the Web, so you can effortlessly upload your media to popular photo or video-sharing Web sites like Photobucket or YouTube (Compatible PC with internet capability required).
HDMI Output Connectivity
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an A/V receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV).
Viewing modes
Find your photos using the simple folder or calendar viewing modes.
In-Camera Retouching Tools
Retouch and enhance your photos on the go with in-camera trimming and Red-Eye Correction functions.
PhotoMusic
PhotoMusic combines images with music (4 tracks, 5 minutes per track) to produce fun and entertaining slide shows with standard visual effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Active, and Stylish). Select from pre-loaded tracks on the camera or transfer your own from your compatible computer (sold separately).
Function Guide
This beginner-friendly optional function helps you navigate through the various functions and settings of the camera, displaying the chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The included lithium-ion battery provides added convenience with longer lasting power than alkaline batteries (capacity of 230 images or approximately 115 minutes).
Includes Sony PMBP (Picture Motion Browser) Software
With the pre-installed Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software, the DSC-HX5V makes it easy to pre-select videos and images in the camera and conveniently upload them from the camera to a compatible PC and popular internet sharing sites, without the need for any additional software or installation.
Reviews
Sony hx5v - conveniences and function are overcome by poor image quality, April 19, 2010
By Rick in Virginia (Virginia)
This review is from: Sony DSC-HX5V 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle Zoom with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 inch LCD (Electronics)
I have been looking for a new P&S for a while and compared the Sony hx5v v. Canon sx210is v. Panasonic zs3 (as a prelude to the zs7). The most important consideration was image quality - followed closely by convenience, a well defined menu system, lens quality, fit and finish and pocketability. The Sony and Panny both had a gps function which was not important to me.
The panny zs3 had poor low light performance and no manual controls. Several bona fide review sites stated that the IQ for the zs7 was inferior to the zs3 so I quickly made a decision that the zs7 was not in contention.
For a comparison between the Sony and Canon I spent lunchtime on a couple of days walking around town - taking only photos with the Sony on the trip out...and with the Canon on the walk back to my office. With the same drill in the evening to compare low light performance. I accumulated several hundred photos. When taking the photos I would use whatever mode or camera setting was appropriate at the time. Specifically, I did not set the cameras on Auto and just shoot in that mode. I also took a fair amount of video. A couple of days later I loaded all photos and video onto my computer and began viewing and this is where the Sony fell down. The images were very soft. At a small size they looked fine - in fact they looked very good. However, with any magnification, the in-camera noise removal processing was evident and very heavy handed. Other review sites stated this, but I had to see it for myself, and even at ISO 125 (the lowest Sony allows) the images were soft. At pixel peeping levels it was very bad. Details were lost and it all looked like plastic. And if the details aren't there, no amount of work in PS or LR will bring them back to life. The evidence of noise at magnification was low, but I'd rather have native noise and remove it with Neat Image than be stuck with an over processed image. Also, there is no manual mode at all...all auto function. There is no iris for f-stop control, so to limit light Sony has chosen to use a neutral density filter and you get only 2 f-stops. Therefore, you get one depth of field for all images. That is almost anti-camera to me.
Sony claims their CMOS sensor is superior to a CCD sensor. That is apparent in the ability to shoot full resolution images for 10 fps bursts, as well as the hand held twilight and anti blur modes. But, to my eye, I don't see any low light benefit of the CMOS over the CCD and image quality did not compare well, though I don't think that had much to do with the sensor as much as Sony's noise algorithm.
The white balance is inconsistent indoors. You can get a custom WB by shooting a white object, but the native AWB will leave you disappointed. Outdoors the colors are warm - no problem there. And it is easy to use anti blur mode to get a quick snapshot anytime and have a good result.
I did not give the video an adequate review since the stills were so disappointing. However, the microphones are situated in the exact wrong location. It is difficult to keep from covering one or both of them as you are filming. It is a very poor design. The flash is weak and poorly located - it is easy to block with your fingers. The light from the flash falls visibly off-centered in the image.
The Sony has some great technology. The 10 fps burst is great, the hand held twilight and anti blur are clever and practical. The menu system is well designed and intuitive. It is a good point and shoot camera for someone that wants only that without the need for printing beyond 4x6 or only for casual viewing on the computer.
The Sony was returned and the Canon sx210is won out. Far better image quality, it has a manual mode with up to 15 second exposure, very good HD video at 720p and good sound, superior low light performance, better flash power as well as being able to adjust the eV +/- for flash photography, better color gamut, the 14x optical on the Canon is nice - some vignetting at 14x, but that is fixable in post process. I do wish the Canon had a faster burst mode.
