Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera Reviewed
Pin It
DSLR cameras can be difficult to use, even for semi-professionals who might be in a hurry. So if camera manufacturers could design a camera with the image quality features of a DSLR, but with the ease of use available on a point-and-shoot camera, wouldn't that be great? Sony may have just done so with the Sony DSC-HX5V digital camera! Sony has combined a new back-illuminated sensor with a professional grade lens typically only used in DSLR cameras to produce a high res photo in bright or low light and from close or far away. But the HX5V camera is still a point-and-shoot, so it's easier to use with more automated functionality so you can just pick it up and start shooting.
Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera for Sale at Amazon
Also available for our Canadien, UK, and French visitors.
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Digital Camera with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD
List Price: Sale Price: $294.95 You save: $54.05 (15%)  |
The main difference in the Sony DSC-HX5V camera compared to its competitors is its use of the Exmor R image sensor. This sensor works by first reducing the analog noise then the digital noise to create a clean and clear image. The back illumination feature seeks to further diminish any noise that the camera might add to each picture taken. The sensor is also capable of shooting in 10 frames per second burst without any noticeable loss in image quality. Being able to shoot so quickly does add to the Sony HX5V camera's ability to mimic a DSLR.
New and Used Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Cameras for Sale
| Select Your --> Country! |
 |
Very Nice Sony CyberShot DSC-HX5V 10MP Digital Camera
Selling for Only: $159.95 Sale Ends In: 1d 43m |
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera - USED
Selling for Only: $41.00 Sale Ends In: 1d 14h 12m |
 |
Two Batteries + Charger for Sony DSC-HX5V DSC-HX5V/B DSC-HX7V DSC-HX7VB DSCHX7VL
Selling for Only: $59.94 Sale Ends In: 1d 17h 19m |
 |
Sony Digital Camera DSC-H5 H20 H55 HX5V Lens Repair
Selling for Only: $59.95 Sale Ends In: 2d 1h 42m |
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera Bronze with extra accesories!
Selling for Only: $129.99 Sale Ends In: 3d 17h 58m |
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera - Black - with extra battery!
Selling for Only: $139.95 Sale Ends In: 5d 3h 4m |
 |
★ ★ ★ SONY CYBER SHOT DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP DIGITAL CAMERA - BLACK ★ ★ ★
Selling for Only: $199.99 Sale Ends In: 5d 18h 34m |
 |
NEW Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP Digital Camera
Selling for Only: $375.99 Sale Ends In: 5d 23h 28m |
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom
Selling for Only: $175.00 Sale Ends In: 6d 1h 16m |
The Sony DSC-HX5V camera also sports a top of the line lens! The G-lens is a 25 mm wide angle lens, and is manufactured in the high standards of the "Grace, Gather, and Gratify" that Sony sets for its DSLR compatible G-series of lenses. If you already own a DSLR camera, you'll note that the price of a Sony Alpha camera coupled with a G-series lens can be extremely costly, so being able to purchase a point-and-shoot with the same lens quality of the Alpha cameras at such a low price is pretty tempting.
Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera Photos
The DSC-HX5V also features the ability to create panoramic shots. With the wide angle lens, you can capture more in one shot, but capturing even more of the same scene is easy with this camera. You only need to press the shutter and then sweep left or right to capture the larger scene. The HX5V uses it's higher technology firmware to put the pictures together in a seamless fashion, making it difficult to find the individual shots.
The Sony HX5V camera does feature SteadyShot for image stabilization for those of us with less than steady hands. However, you might also want to take advantage of the Twilight feature of the camera. Typically set for use in low light or night settings, the Twilight feature sets the camera to take 6 shots in rapid succession and then blends those shots together to create an extremely detailed photo. Twilight is not recommended for use in bright sunlight, but works fantastically in all other conditions.
Where the DSC-HX5V might actually be better than a DSLR is in HD movie creation. Not all DSLR cameras can shoot video (although most of the new models do). However, almost all point-and-shoot cameras can shoot at least 640x480 video. the HX5V does one better by allowing for 1080i resolution videos to be created. The frame rate on the video is 60 frames per second which should produce a smooth video flow.
Because the camera is a point-and-shoot the image quality is a bit softer than the more professional photographers would like to see. Probably due to the cleaning that the image processor does to the photo, this softness will show more the more the optical zoom is used. Picture quality is better than other point-and-shoot cameras in the HX5V's class, but maybe suffer a bit when being compared to the higher priced cameras.
For some reason Sony still chooses to use their own technology on outputs. While they have finally added the ability to use SD and SDHC compatible for memory cards, they still have their own HDMI output. So to plug the Sony DSC-HX5V camera into a device to playback the photos or video, you'll need to remember the special HDMI cable.
Other than those two aspects, the Sony DSC-HX5V camera is an excellent choice for a higher end point-and-shoot if you would rather stay in this category instead of moving up into the DSLR range. The HX5V is a fun and easy camera to use, while mimicking the image quality and quickness that you would find in a higher priced camera.
Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera Specs
* Model / ASIN: HX5V / B00328HR76
* Colors Available: Black
* Resolution: 10.2 megapixel resolution using the Exmor R CMOS sensor
* Lens: 25mm to 250mm equivalent Sony G-Series lens with 10x optical zoom
* Digital Zoom: 2x digital zoom
* Video Recording: 1080i HD resolution video capable at 60 frames per second; Can be set to 720i or 640x480 to reduce storage size
* Minimum Focus Range: 2 inches minimum focus range in macro mode
* Continuous Shooting: 10 frames per second in continuous shooting. Shoots 6 shots at a time automatically in Twilight mode
* Shutter Speed: 1/1600 of a second at a minimum or maximize at 30 seconds
* Aperture: f/3.5 to f/5.5
* ISO: Automatically adjusts or manual adjusts at 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, or 3200 ISO
* Viewfinder: No
* LCD: Yes; 3" LCD with 230K pixel resolution
* GPS: Yes
* Flash: Flash is integrated to the left of the lens in the body of the camera
* File Format: JPEG for still photos; AVCHD or MPEG4 for HD video format
* File Storage: 45 megabytes of internal memory; compatible with Memory Stick Duo, and Memory Stick Pro Duo; also SD or SDHC compatible
* Outputs: proprietary HDMI (x1); USB (x1); A/V(x1)
* Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (model #NP-BG1)
* Dimensions: 4 1/10" x 1 1/10" x 2 3/10" (W x D x H) and weighs just 6 ounces (without the battery)
* Release Date: January 2010
Reference
Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - Cameras - CNET Asia
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V has shooting opt...
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Camera Exposure - Review
Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V digital camera, with actual sampl...
Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera - Youtube Video Review
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Zoom Digital Camera Review
21 May 2012 at 12:27am
B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.
Bargain Price Watch: The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX5 camera is a Cyber Monday deal for Amazon today. Just $199 when you visit above, even though currently it does say $229. The HX5 changes prices when you visit, giving you the best price.
Write Your Own Review!
Share your thoughts on the product or service above and help out other visitors just like you!