Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Review

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In relation to cameras you will have the ability to find all different qualities in all various kinds of price ranges. Of course you will realize that there are plenty of individuals around that aren't looking to invest $500 on a digital camera. Having said that, I am additionally not one of the folks who would by a digital camera simply because it is cheap, mainly because it won't have the features that I am searching for. You're going to find that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V has a lot of features, but will in addition not end up costing you more than you'll be able to afford.

I am sure you will like the reality that Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V comes with a 10x zoom lens, which is a thing that loads of cameras in this price range do not have. So if you'd like to get a close up of someone or something that you can't get close to, you will realize that you will be able to do that with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V. This is perfect for those of you who are at their kids sporting events or school plays when you want to get a good picture of them but you can't get that close to them. A lot of men and women also use this for taking wildlife photos as you are able to get great shots without getting too close to the animals.

One more thing that a lot of folks like is that this can in addition be used as a camcorder to capture high definition videos, and not just still pictures. This really makes this an extremely versatile camera as you'll not need to carry around a separate camcorder to be able to capture videos. When you burn you videos to disc you'll not have the ability to play them on a regular DVD player unless it is mp4 compatible, but you'll be able to play them on blu-ray players, most computers and on any play station 3.

You will find additionally other features that Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V has like the ability to take panorama photos using the sweep mode. The 3 inch screen which comes built in to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V is another thing that is quite impressive as this is really a rather large screen for a camera like this. If you take a look at this camera on Amazon you'll have the ability to find that this camera comes with far more features that we just don't have the room to cover here.

Of course, if you're wondering how much a camera like this is going to cost, you'll find that if you buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V from Amazon, you can get it for just $208.44. In case you're wondering that's a fantastic price as it is actually more than $140 off of the retail price of this camera. Amazon is in addition going to pay to have this camera shipped to you, so that you don't need to be concerned about spending the shipping charges yourself.

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

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - Technical Details

* "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance

* iSweep Panorama Mode captures stunning panoramic images

* Fast capture with 10fps at full 10.2-megapixel resolution

* 10x optical zoom Sony G-Lens with 25mm wide angle; 1080i AVCHD Movie records high-quality HD movies

* Recording Media : 45MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed), optional Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC media

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - Product Details

Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - Product Description

Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping panoramic views with the DSC-HX5V featuring an "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor. Plus catch fast action shots with up to 10 frames per seconds shooting. Full HD Movie Mode records amazingly detailed video and a 25mm equivalent wide angle 10x high-zoom G Lens allows you to take captivating images.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Highlights

3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD display (230k pixels)
Compose and show off your images on the large 3.0-inch (230K) Clear Photo LCD display, which features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.

10x (25mm) professional-quality optical zoom G-Lens
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 the 25mm equivalent wide angle lens the HX5V even allows you to capture more of the scenes in landscape or group portraits.

10.2-megapixel, back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V features a 10.2-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera's wide angle 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 delivers extremely fast 10fps, Anti Motion Blur, Hand-held Twilight and 1080i movie modes.

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 higher shutter speed and combines the data from all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and eliminate subject blur, beyond the capability of traditional cameras.

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode
Capture expansive landscapes with Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode. Press shutter and sweep and the camera does the rest, continuously, shooting images and in one second stitching them together. This model even detects faces and moving subjects to stitch intelligently different widths to avoid subject distortion.

Handheld Twilight
Capture cleaner and sharper night shots without using a tripod. When set to Handheld Twilight Mode, the Sony Cyber-shot 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 Speed Shooting (10fps)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-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.

1080i AVCHD Movie Mode
Record movies in 1080i AVCHD high definition at 60i. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, can be played back on Blu-ray Disc players, Sony PlayStation3 systems and compatible PCs and HDTVs.

HDMI output
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 AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV).

DVDirect DVD recorder compatible
With AVCHD capabilities the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V is compatible with the DVDirect DVD recorder, allowing automatic playback of high definition footage. Simply insert your Memory Stick media into the DVDirect DVD recorder and enjoy your movies shot in high definition. (Recorder and media sold separately)

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).

Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony image stabilization technology, and allows the camera lens a greater range of motion for a superior level of image smoothness. Now you can capture smooth movies on your camera while on the move.

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.

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 files between two TransferJet enabled devices just by touching them together, without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing.

BIONZ Image Processor
The BIONZ image processor delivers the high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony digital camera. Fast processing enables unique Sony features such as Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight, Antimotion Blur, HDR, etc to take and combine multiple images in less than a second to create wide panoramic images. Images have reduced grain and appear less washed out.

Backlight Correction HDR
Shooting high-contrast scenes can often lead to washed out backgrounds and details lost in shadow. Backlight Correction HDR helps correct for this by taking two pictures at different settings and processing the best elements of both into a single image.

Self-Portrait Timer
Self-Portrait Timer helps take the guesswork out of self portraits by utilizing Face Detection technology to recognize when your face enters the frame. Once the camera detects your face, it triggers a 2-second timer, and then snaps a picture.

Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode
Unlike traditional auto mode, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode thinks for you, recognizing scenes, lighting conditions, and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone, and less blur. By incorporating advanced features such as Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, iAuto mode lets you take advantage of the latest Sony Cyber-shot technology without leaving auto mode. Whether you're shooting landscapes, capturing a beautiful flower, or taking pictures at an in-door birthday party or wedding shower, iAuto mode will optimize your camera's settings to help ensure you come away with a great shot.

Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode
Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode automatically detects eight different types of scenes and, within just 1/30th of a second, selects the appropriate camera settings: Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a tripod, Portrait, Landscape, and Macro. iSCN has two modes: Auto and Advanced. In Auto Mode, the camera takes a single shot using the optimal settings.

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, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.

Face Detection technology
Sony's Face Detection technology can automatically distinguish between children and adults. Face Detection technology detects up to eight individual faces and adjusts flash, focus, exposure, and white balance 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.

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.

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. You can also select adult and child priority and indicate the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity. Intelligent Scene Recognition can be used together with Smile Shutter mode. This means that beautiful smiles can be captured with settings optimized for the particular scene, even in difficult conditions such as twilight and backlighting.

Scene Modes
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V features 10 convenient scene modes: High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet.

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 seconds.

Scene Modes
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V offers 8 diverse scene modes for various settings. Modes include: Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a tripod, Portrait, Landscape and Macro.

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 mode simplifies preview mode.

Function Guide
This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.

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).

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, Red-Eye Correction, and Unsharp Masking functions.

PhotoTV HD
Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, high definition images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony BRAVIA HDTVs. PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your PhotoTV HD enabled BRAVIA HDTV, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display images that look more like printed

Lithium-ion battery
Included lithium-ion battery provides added convenience with longer lasting power than alkaline batteries.

Media card slot
For convenient storage and sharing of your images, the DSC-HX5V accepts Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media (sold separately).

SD Card Functionality
Sony SD memory cards are the perfect solution for storing and sharing your digital content such as high-quality photos, videos, music, and more.

Includes Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software ver. 5.02
Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites

Includes Sony PMBP (Picture Motion Browser Portable) 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 install.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - User Comments

"Clear, Crisp pictures & movies. Sound is accurate. HD is excellent. Auto mode allows an average user to take excellent pictures in all but very difficult conditions. Software converts AVCHD to data, standard and WMV formats. "

"... GPS + compass lets you see where you were and what direction you were pointing when taking photos. Works with the supplied photo browser software and others like Picasa 3... "

"... Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V is a darn-good, very smart, do-it-all camera you can keep with you at all times. It's small, easy to use, and the feature set is truly amazing..."

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V - Cons:

"Have to remove battery from camera to recharge it. Camera has no AC adapter."

"...the anti motion blur feature does not work well, nor does the HDR function, they all come out either grainy or blurred..."

"...GPS drains battery and not convenient to switch on/off..."

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

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