Sony Cyber-shot DSC HX200V Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V highlights it as a highly capable, feature-packed superzoom bridge camera awarded an overall score of 72%. The review praises the device's exceptional performance, particularly its incredibly fast autofocus system that locks onto subjects in just 0.1 to 0.3 seconds at wide angles, alongside its top-notch 1080/60p Full HD video recording with crisp detail and excellent stereo sound. Users benefit from a massive 30x optical zoom lens (27-810mm equivalent) paired with a highly effective Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system that prevents heavy handheld camera shake. Other major positive highlights include its robust, comfortable DSLR-style ergonomics, a sharp 3-inch tilting rear LCD screen, multi-exposure shooting modes for low-light conditions (such as Handheld Twilight and HDR), and built-in GPS functionality for geotagging. However, the review points out several significant limitations regarding image quality and advanced control. The camera suffers from heavy detail smudging caused by aggressive built-in noise reduction, meaning that image quality becomes unappealing when cropped or viewed at a 100% pixel-peeping level. It completely lacks RAW image format support, which restricts photographers from...

However, the camera falls short in photographic image quality and advanced hardware design. Its small 1/2.3-inch sensor suffers from heavy noise reduction and aggressive sharpening, which results in soft, "spidery" details and noticeable purple fringing even in bright, low-ISO conditions. The problem is further aggravated by a redundant "Clear Image Zoom" feature that amplifies noise without adding real detail. Other major cons include a low-resolution, restricted electronic viewfinder, the absence of an accessory shoe for external flashes, and a lack of manual exposure control for video recording. Ultimately, the review concludes that while it is an excellent choice for multimedia, rivals like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 offer superior photographic performance for the price.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is a versatile bridge camera featuring a 30x optical zoom lens, a 18.2-megapixel sensor, and a tilting LCD screen, making it a robust option for travel photography. It is praised for its solid, SLR-style build quality and long-lasting battery life. However, the review notes that the camera's high launch price of over £400 makes it a more expensive alternative compared to other options on the market, which is its primary drawback. Despite the cost, the HX200V delivers a strong, reliable performance for users seeking an all-in-one, high-zoom solution.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX200V is an 18.2 Megapixel super-zoom bridge camera featuring a 30x stabilised optical zoom lens (27-810mm equivalent), a 3-inch articulated 920k-dot LCD screen, and a built-in GPS receiver. It handles remarkably well due to design elements like a tactile plastic grip, an electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor, an interactive In-Camera Guide for novices, and a versatile manual focus/zoom ring on the lens barrel. It boasts excellent high-speed continuous shooting up to 10fps for 10 frames, impressive image stabilisation that allows hand-held shots at slow shutter speeds, an effective built-in ND filter, and high-quality 1080p50 AVCHD video recording with robust autofocus stability. Additionally, it includes handy multi-exposure modes like Backlight Correction HDR and Hand-held Twilight to assist in challenging lighting environments. However, the camera suffers from several functional nuisances, most notably a poorly designed lens cap that attaches to the outer barrel and physically blocks the lens from extending when powered on. The user interface is hindered by an "interminably long" main menu that lacks a quick menu overlay, requiring tedious scrolling for common adjustments like image...

The Sony Cyber-shot HX200V is recognized as an advanced, feature-packed bridge camera highlighted by a high-resolution 18.2-megapixel sensor, a clear electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a versatile 30x optical zoom lens. Key advantages include the 201,600-dot EVF, comprehensive shooting modes like 360-degree Sweep Panorama, and effective Backlight Correction HDR. Conversely, the review notes the significant absence of RAW image capture and aggressive in-camera noise reduction, which limits creative flexibility. Additional drawbacks include a premium price tag relative to competitors and relatively basic GPS functionality that lacks mapped landmark databases.