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Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V

Based on 27 reviews

Excellent:

10
Good:

13
Average:

3
Bad:

1

Pros

Fast operation. Excellent image quality. Superior video recording (1080i60). Large, 3-inch LCD. Clever in-camera software for creating panoramic photos and reducing image noise. Integrated GPS and compass.
GPS automatically sets the camera's clock depending on the time zone you're traveling in. Intelligent Sweep Panorama captures wide or tall subject matter — think Grand Canyon or the Sears Tower — just by pressing the shutter and sweeping
Versatile. Cracking low light performance. Decent optical zoom. Impressive Panorama function. Speedy burst mode
Panorama, lowlight, backlight correction modes, GPS receiver and compass for geotagging, Excellent color accuracy and lowlight performance.
Speedy shooting performance; compact, lightweight design; plenty of fun, useful features; very good low-light photo quality for a compact camera.
Good photo quality for smaller prints, Modest improvement at middle ISO sensitivities versus conventional sensors, 10X, 25 250 mm lens in a compact body, Optical image stabilization, Limited manual controls, Intelligent Auto mode picks a scene mode for yo
Compact and attractive body design, Good quality G lens with a 10x range from 25mm to 250mm, Optical Image Stabilization with "Active" movie mode, Exmor-R back-illuminated CMOS sensor, Bionz processor performs some great tricks (like the foll...

Cons

Competition offers more zoom in similar body size.
GPS signal quickly surrendered to buildings or even overhanging trees. Doesn't display nearby place names or points of interest during playback. Confusing menu system makes adjusting GPS setting a chore.
Rivals have sharper screens. Photos could be more vibrant
No aperturepriority or shutterpriority modes, Geotagging requires software on a Windows PC, Images aren't always sharp
Soft photos, videos; limited manual controls; GPS can't quickly be powered on and off.
Heavy noise reduction smudges details, even at lower ISOs; highest sensitivities not really usable, Camera clips highlights easily; occasional (but slight) overexposure, Redeye a problem, though you can remove it in playback mode, Only two apertures to ch
Zooming is too jerky for precise composition, Only two apertures, ND filter used, No contrast, sharpness or saturation controls, No Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority modes, Both Dynamic Range Optimization and SteadyShot image stabilization are auto...
No location names on-screen from GPS, GPS often slower to lock-on than Lumix TZ10 / ZS7, Low noise claims not realised. No better than rivals, Adjustable 'aperture' of very limited use.

By EISA on January 01, 2011

If you are looking for a compact camera that packs a powerful zoom but still fits the pocket, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V should be at the top of your list. With its 25-250mm 10x zoom lens and features such as GPS, compass, Intelligent Sweep...

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By Tom's Guide on December 06, 2010

Sony would like you to use a Memory Stick with the HX5V…but they’ve since wised up and you can also use SD cards (up to 32 GB). An included GPS sensor makes Geotagging a snap, and other great features include in-camera retouching tools,...

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By Electronicsme on October 13, 2010

Overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V/B is only average in picture quality but above-average in features. The high-definition video recording is very lucrative for consumers who want to go from pics to flicks in no time. Unfortunately, this camera...

80
By PC Mag on August 25, 2010

While you can get more zoom in a same-size camera from competitors, Sony makes up for it with a wealth of innovative features and clever in-camera software in the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V. Buy it...

80
By Digital Photography School on August 01, 2010

The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V is makes a perfect 10.Three times over!Ten megapixels (and a bit). Ten times optical zoom. Ten frames a second continuous shooting. Which, as I figure, could make this camera fairly rare.Get that? Ten full res 3648×2736...

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By Wired on July 21, 2010

The days of forgetting where you took a photo are over. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX5V, and several other cameras we tested recently, has built-in GPS receivers to geo-tag your shots so you can show jealous friends your globetrotting exploits and never...

80
By Stuff.tv on July 07, 2010

This incredibly versatile snapper’s wealth of shooting modes make it our new favourite premium compact...

100
By PCWorld on June 15, 2010

Don’t call Sony’s GPS-enabled, feature-loaded DSC-HX5V a gimmick camera. It supplements its in-camera goodies with great image quality and terrific shooting modes....

80
By Expert Reviews on May 01, 2010

With its 10x optical zoom, HD 1080i movie option, built-in GPS and manual exposure control, Sony's high-end 10.2-megapixel HX5V stands out for its feature-laden spec. It's aimed squarely at Panasonic's Travel Zoom (TZ) range and packs a...

80
By Digital Photography School on May 01, 2010

In most regards the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX5V scores high marks where it needs to. It’s a nice looking camera, packed with actually useful special features, several of which are bound to spoil users when compared to other camera’s so-called...

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