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Criteria
Comments
Rating
- Image quality The image quality is flawless, even at maximum zoom, the image is pin-sharp
- Video quality It's full HD
- Battery life Very good considering all the features, I'll aways want more, but this is still good.
- Design and form factor Close to perfect, some of the buttons are a bit small, but then what do you expect on a compact camera.
- Durability Exposed connectors mean that I will need to be wary of moisture. But otherwise a very solid build.
- Speed (start-up time, lag) Less than a second to start up and fast focus time
- Ease of use Intelligent auto great for 95% of the time. Very effective scene modes cater for the other 5%
Detailed review
This is my second Sony camera in this range. Last year I purchased the HX9V and was very happy. I gave a detailed review of it on gdgt and everything I said about that camera applies to this new model.
The HX10V is the the update for the HX9V, whereas the HX20v, is the more advanced model.
I am a zoom fan and the 20X zoom is what made me upgrade. The megapixel count has now got to the point where any increase is mostly irrelevant.
Compared to the HX9v, the already good button layout is further improved and it also has more built in effects. Size wise, I was surprised how little this had increased, the main difference is at full zoom where the lens extends about twice as far. The size change is so small, that the HX20v still fits into the snug Sony LCS-HH case I previously used for the HX9V. It also uses the same battery as the HX9V.
Because of the extended lens length, the flash needs to be higher, to avoid casting a shadow, but it is easily the most effective flash I have seen on a compact. It easily illuminated an unlit room at night and gave a clear picture, that looked like it had been shot in daylight.
At maximum zoom, and even a low light, the image stabilisation is somehow able to give pictures so sharp, it looks like they were shot using a tripod.
Overall, the quality of the pictures it takes in all conditions, is consistantly jaw dropingly good. This is my 8th compact Digital camera, and it's easily the best. Plus - in the UK Sony currently have a cash back offer, that makes it even more attractive.
The HX10V is the the update for the HX9V, whereas the HX20v, is the more advanced model.
I am a zoom fan and the 20X zoom is what made me upgrade. The megapixel count has now got to the point where any increase is mostly irrelevant.
Compared to the HX9v, the already good button layout is further improved and it also has more built in effects. Size wise, I was surprised how little this had increased, the main difference is at full zoom where the lens extends about twice as far. The size change is so small, that the HX20v still fits into the snug Sony LCS-HH case I previously used for the HX9V. It also uses the same battery as the HX9V.
Because of the extended lens length, the flash needs to be higher, to avoid casting a shadow, but it is easily the most effective flash I have seen on a compact. It easily illuminated an unlit room at night and gave a clear picture, that looked like it had been shot in daylight.
At maximum zoom, and even a low light, the image stabilisation is somehow able to give pictures so sharp, it looks like they were shot using a tripod.
Overall, the quality of the pictures it takes in all conditions, is consistantly jaw dropingly good. This is my 8th compact Digital camera, and it's easily the best. Plus - in the UK Sony currently have a cash back offer, that makes it even more attractive.
good review!
1 person found this review helpful