![Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 Digital Camera (Black) Bundle [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61nEYYT5fgL._AC_UL140_SR140,140_.jpg)
The Sony DSC-HX9V is in many respects a truly remarkable camera. I've been using it for about three months now, and have had enough experience with it at this point to write up a short review that I hope will be helpful for others investigating this camera. Up front, I can sum up my feelings thus far by saying that the camera is a feature laden unit that cannot help but impress as regards the camera itself, but a couple of fairly significant issues are present that MAY make it become a second, not a first, choice amongst the many other cameras in its class.
The HX9V is superbly built. The unit is manufactured in Japan, and holding it and using it makes that distinction apparent. The camera is tightly crafted out of high quality metals and plastics, and there is not a squeak, loose part, or wobbly dial anywhere. The buttons, knobs, and dials work tightly and decidedly. There is no hint of anything but high quality, and the impression is that the camera will likely stay tight and working well over time. The body feels as though crafted out a block of metal.
Styling on the camera is also nice, if somewhat masculine, and the overall appearance is certainly eye-catching. The camera has a black color theme, with a semi-shiny black paint over alloy finish. A rubberized black grip is on the user's right of the camera. The tops and sides of the camera are finished with a very attractive, shiny, dark gray chromed finish. It's a beauty to look at.
As for controls and access panels, a larger single command dial on the top right controls the main setting modes, with an immediately adjacent zoom toggle. A pop-up flash is on the top left. The zoom lens housing protrudes a significant 4mm or so in the camera's front (this camera will fit it most pants pockets, but its chunkiness may make it difficult in some cases). The lens itself protrudes a significant amount on highest zoom setting (remember, this is a whopping 16x zoom lens). A HDMI port (a real one) is beneath a panel on the right. Underneath, a single door opens to gain access to both battery and flash card. On the back of the camera, a controller wheel is used to access functions, and a number of buttons, some customizable, populate both the top and the back of the camera.
The LCD screen on this camera is a real gem. At about 1 million pixels and 3 inches across, it vies with some of the leading DSLRs in screen quality (actually, to be more accurate, it is much BETTER than many DSLR's screens). The screen is a pleasure to use, and it will ruin you, too. Once you see what a screen can look like, many of your existing cameras -- even expensive ones -- will start to annoy you with their inferior displays. It is now an empirically demonstrable fact that most any camera can possess a screen like this, and if new cameras do not, they are using cost-cutting measures. Fingerprints, however, show easily on the screen, and cleaning it takes a little bit of effort.
The camera is generally comfortable in your hand, in spite of its somewhat chunky design and slightly heavy weight. The rubberized grip works very well, and a rubberized thumb grip on the back provides an extra gripping surface for the one-hand shoot style. A small wrist strap is supplied, and which works fine. (But I must again castigate ALL camera manufacturers who simply refuse to include a wrist strap without the small, plastic securing slider to secure the strap to the wrist: my Canon Powershot S80 came with one of these seven years ago, and it costs only one cent to make the plastic slide which securely fastens the camera to your wrist even if you drop the camera. It is inexcusable that this design is not standard on all wrist straps. See one from Olympus at
Olympus 202315 Adjustable Wrist Strap (Black)
.)
Image quality is generally good, with the camera's strengths the ability to capture clean shots in low light and the image stabilization that seems to make even impossible shots sharp and in focus. Colors are rich and saturated. Outdoor shots can be a little overexposed at times, but the camera's computer-based scene recognition mode seems to know what to do at every turn. Macro shots are simply superb. Even though this camera does not have the F/2 or F/2.8 aperture of some of its competitors, the macro images this camera turns out are easily in league with even some DSLR's. This is truly a convergence device: it is more half camera and half computer than any I've seen yet.
Video mode is excellent, with the camera knocking out true HD movies that could have normally only been made with dedicated camcorders. There are four movie modes with differential quality, but they all look good, and the camera just excels at video.
So, what's the problem? Well, for many people, there will be no problem. This is a camera that you turn out, point, and shoot, and, in the majority of the cases, you'll get a good, usable photo. Then, on to the next. Or, shoot a HD video. There is no denying that this camera can be a lot of fun for the shooter, and one that can turn out some impressive feats.
But there are, in my own mind, two issues on this camera that need to be mentioned, and that "rain on the parade." These are, one, the slow operational speed of the camera during shooting in the IA+ mode and, two, the image quality of SOME of the shots when viewed at anything other than on a computer screen. The truth is that, when one takes a shot on the HX9V in IA+ mode, there is a significant lag between the shot and the ability to take a second shot (shows the "processing ..." message), and, depending on the circumstances, the lag can be quite pronounced. So pronounced that you are not going to sit there and just bang off one shot after another, but, rather, will have to adopt a process where wait time is factored into all you photo taking. Perhaps this is not a problem for some people, but I can assure you that, for me, it is as annoying as it is distracting (that is, it breaks my train of thought while I am trying to shoot, because I can't move onto another shot, but instead, have to look down to the camera and wait until it tells me its ready for a next shot). The problem is not so present when shooting in the IA mode, which also does a great job, but if you want to use all that fancy Sony automatic layering in your shots (where the camera instantaneously takes six shots and them layers them together to remove noise), you'll have to contend with this. However, this is the price we pay for this sophisticated "convergence" feature (even Sony's DSLR's that use this same technology have the same issue.)
And as for image quality, yes, the shots are generally sharp and saturated. But there is a price to pay for the computer-based techniques the camera employs to achieve so many sharp shots under so many settings. You don't want to look too carefully at some of these shots (i.e., zooming them in to pixel-level viewing), because you may not necessarily like what you see. Some shots can also tend to be flat, and/or over processed looking. We can see that we are trading one fault for another. We generally get usable shots under most any condition, but the price can be seen in how some of these shots turn out. (There is no way to adjust noise reduction, and there is no RAW mode.)
So, do I like this camera, or not? I do. Very much. In fact, there is a lot about the camera I really like. But I also think that one needs to consider the issues surrounding it before selecting it, particularly when there are so many other fine alternatives available today. If you just want to knock out generally good shots under a wide variety of circumstances, and never "pixel peep," you'll be happy, unless the IA+ delays drive you crazy (which they may). If you are looking for more control and want to post process photos with software, you, too, may not be completely happy with the images (while, though, you may, at the same time, nevertheless be impressed by the camera's build and features). Finally, if you are interested in macro shooting, your results can be incredibly good. That's the best way I can sum it up.
Here's what I can see as Pros and Cons at this point, now that I've provided that preamble:
PROS:
+ Huge feature set of computer-based functions
+ Extremely fast auto focus (nearly instantaneous in many settings)
+ Superior display screen with 1 million pixels (bright, colorful, and sharp)
+ Video quality that is startlingly (and I mean, ASTOUNDINGLY, SHOCKINGLY) good - almost rivals professional video cameras
+ Steady Shot works during VIDEO recording, as well as photo shooting
+ Generally good image quality under a wide range of shooting settings
+ Excellent macro performance that can rival DSLR's
+ Very good zoom range, from a very wide (24mm) to a high zoom
+ Sony "G" lens is optically very nice
+ Comfortable, secure gripping surfaces
+ High quality construction that one can feel and see
+ Uses either SDHC or Memory Stick cards
+ Gorgeous user interface with built-in help system
+ Dedicated movie button
+ Panoramic stich mode that works impressively well
+ Built-in GPS that can also be switched off, if desired
+ USB charging of batteries permits charging from a computer's USB port
+ Reasonable price point for what you get
CONS
- Delays/lags/pauses during shooting in IA+ may be a complete deal breaker, in spite of all other positives (although other reviewers point out this is a problem only in Superior Auto mode)
- Image quality, while generally good, does not always stand up to detailed scrutiny ("pixel peeping")
- Videos may not easily play on all computers (AVCHD format)
- A tad heavy and chunky for a travel zoom
- Battery life not great (you're going to need extra batteries, and they aren't cheap, either)
- Batteries are charged in-camera, and charging is slow, slow, slow (270 minutes for full charge)
- No external battery charger provided, and can be an expensive accessory (up to $60, retail)
- No RAW mode shooting
- On/off power button a bit difficult to engage
- Move record/stop button difficult to engage (and makes all your movies have a movement bump as you try to access the button)
- Limited Mac software support
So, is it a five star camera? It depends on the type of use you are. If you fall into the category of someone who wants generally good photos under a wide set of settings and never pixel peeps, you'll have here a camera that can meet that goal admirably, and you'll be able to get very good sets of photos that you'll be happy to view and share (assuming you can handle the lag between shots). If you need something that won't annoy you with performance lags, do a lot of post processing, or want lots of custom control over your shooting, the HX9V is not your camera. It's not that it is not a technical wonder -- it truly is -- but it's not likely going to work for you. I've owned many, many Sony cameras over the years (F707, F717, F828, R1, a33, and a host of Sony compacts) and I can say this camera shows Sony's commitment to moving the technology forward. But those caveats listed above may be deal breakers for you. Examine your needs carefully before you buy.
Five stars for the casual photographer who wants nice photos with little hassle. Four stars for most others.
Additional Comments (Three Months after the Initial Review, Above)
After using this camera for about three months, I can say without hesitation that the strengths of this camera is that it can knock out decent images in a wide variety of settings without too much user intervention. You have to make a "pledge" to yourself to not pixel-peep, because these images are often not going to be, at pixel-level, up to what you might expect from a DSLR, but its true that the images that come from this camera, when looked at full screen, can often be stunning. Another real strong point about this camera, and one that few people seem to be commenting about, is its macro capability. This camera will allow you to get within an inch or so of an abject, and then, if you are using the base of whatever the camera is sitting on (the table, the floor, etc.) as a "tripod," you can take macro shots that just are impossible to believe. (This would seem to really make this a grade camera for museum use, when you are trying to get shots of items behind glass, and at short distance). Finally, and this is what others ARE talking about, is the incredible video quality of this camera. Videos shot here at the highest 1080 60p or 1080 60i seem to come from a dedicated cam corder, and, to boot, the steady shot function works during video, making video you take while walking appear as though they are from a movie. Some may purchase this camera for video alone, so good is this function. In all, this is a generally amazing camera, and seems to be the first barrage in what Sony will be doing in the coming years as they apply their electronics expertise to the development of photographic cameras.
A Word on Batteries...
Sony in this camera employs their trademark "InfoLithium" technology, which provides battery level feedback on the screen to tell you how much charge is left on the battery. The battery that comes with the camera, the "NP-BG1" will show a visual indication of remaining battery charge. If you purchase the Sony replacement battery, the "NP-FG1", the batteyr will provide BOTH the visual indicator AND the estimated remaining time IN MINUTES. Very cool. However, if you purchase a non-Sony aftermarket battery, it will provide neither of these (at least, not accurately), and you'll just have to estimate yourself. For these reasons, I highly recommend the Sony NP-FG1. See it at:
Sony NP-FG1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for Select Digital Cameras
. Supplement it with one or two of the off-brand models just as a third and/of fourth battery in case you go through the first two during a shooting session.
There is a newer model of this item:
Customers also search
Page 1 of 1Page 1 of 1
Compare with similar items
 | Sony (DSCW800) 20.1 MP Digital Camera (Silver) | Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) | Sony DSCWX350 18 MP Digital Camera (Black) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (398) | (1326) | (2673) | (1081) |
| Price | $179.95 | $259.99 | $194.95 | $279.99 |
| Sold By | Ztron | Prime Accessories Center | GYTE ENTERPRISE | Prime Accessories Center |
| Screen Size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
| Has Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Includes External Memory | No | No | No | No |
| Item Dimensions | 4.25 x 1.38 x 2.38 inches | 1.97 x 2.13 x 0.87 inches | 1.97 x 2.13 x 0.87 inches | 3.78 x 1.01 x 2.16 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.54 lbs | 4.48 ounces | 0.55 lbs | 4.80 ounces |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 16.2 megapixels | 5 megapixels | 20.1 megapixels | 21.1 megapixels |
| Optical Zoom | 16x | 5x | 5x | 20x |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p | 720p | 720p | 1080p |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic | — | Electronic | Electronic |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for related products
5:03
Click to play video
Sony's starter camera with a 5x optical zoom lens.
Photography Banzai
Videos for related products
1:53
Click to play video
Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ43
Merchant Video
Videos for related products
2:27
Click to play video
An Overview: Sony DSC-HX99 Compact Digital 18.2 MP Camera
Eco-Friendly Deals
Videos for related products
1:16
Click to play video
How to Factory Reset Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera
Scott
Videos for related products
0:31
Click to play video
Nikon COOLPIX L820 16 MP Digital Camera with 30x Zoom
Merchant Video
Videos for related products
2:49
Click to play video
Overview and Demo: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
Eco-Friendly Deals
Videos for related products
3:21
Click to play video
Sony DSC-HX99 Camera Review| Should you buy it?
Gizzelle Cade
Videos for related products
2:33
Click to play video
Let's Compare: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 VS Panasonic Lumix FZ300
Eco-Friendly Deals
I like it's little sibling so much I traded for this model.
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2011
I actually started my journey to this model with the 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. I was so wow'd by that camera, I realized it could be my "one and only" camera, rather than having a point & shoot and a larger zoom larger size DSLR. When I realized how good that model was, I sent it back to get this model-- a few more features, more megapixels, and at first-- a little less intuitive settings dial.Many of my conclusions are the same on both models, so I'll repeat those below along with a few additional comments:So why did I love this camera? Several simple reasons:1. Battery life-- exceptional, even using my Eye-Fi Pro X2 8 GB Class 6 SDHC Wireless Flash Memory Card EYE-FI-8PC2. Ability to take "clean" low noise pictures in low light settings-- exceptional.3. The ability to blur the background intentionally with varying intensities.4. The ease with which you can navigate the pre-selected shot modes, default options and settings once you learn the "dial" on top.5. Very little blurring no matter how quickly I pulled out the camera and what situation it was brought into-- motion, low light, etc.The menu system was quite easy to understand, and that's from someone who didn't really like the complexity of the Sony menu system from back around the DSC-P72 timeframe.The build quality of the device is quite high and it feels good & solid in the hand. It's perfectly pocketable, and fast to start.It's been since my first digital camera, the Olympus D340R, that captured such a high percentage of perfectly crisp photos. And I've had a lot of digital cameras between 1997 and now.If you want a pocketable digital camera that is going to land you with a high percentage of good shots with minimal fuss, I fully recommend this camera.(I'll upload some photos I took with it as example shots)
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2011
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Doug Humphries
One of the best cybershot cameras out there for the price i paid ...
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 10, 2016
