Sony 16.2 Megapixels Cyber-Shot DSC-HX7V Review by ImagingResource

"In practice, I had better luck with Intelligent Auto. First, it's faster. In Superior Auto, the HX7V can spend additional seconds snapping extra frames and processing them. Depending on the setting in question this can tack on a few seconds or more to your shooting. Second, I thought the results in Intelligent Auto simply looked better. Often shots in Superior Auto were a bit over-exposed or the focusing was soft. Superior Auto is Sony's way of getting users to benefit from some of their more advanced multi-shot modes, which really do help get better pictures in some seriously dark conditions. By selecting Superior Auto, you're allowing the HX7V to pick one of these modes automatically. The downside is that sometimes you'll have to deal with unexpected delays when the camera thinks a multi-shot mode is in order. Even in iAuto, the HX7V isn't a speed demon and a lot of the other modes -- 3D, iSweep Panorama, Background Defocus, etc. -- take some time to process as well. But if you need speed, the camera does deliver a nice burst mode: 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 10 full-resolution frames. Plus, the Advanced Sports Shooting mode does a nice job tracking and freezing fast-moving objects. I was excited to try the Sony HX7V in some low light environments, but found a lot of my snapshots were blurred -- even in high sensitivity mode. Keeping in mind that often the alternative to a bad shot is no shot, the HX7V does give you something to work with. One noticeable enhancement on the HX7V as opposed to the H70 is the display, which at 920K dots is considerably crisper. Even in bright sun it offers a very viewable preview, which is good, because there's no viewfinder to turn to.

The Sony HX7V meets HP's definition of a computer with a lens, and then some. First, you'll get a wide array of novel features, including the valuable iSweep Panorama and high definition video recording that will probably make you think twice about splurging on a higher-end camcorder. While the camera isn't the fastest on the block in terms of its shot-to-shot time, it does have a speedy burst mode of 10fps. It could probably do without the dueling automatic modes, since "Superior" Auto didn't always live up to its name. But with a 10x wide angle zoom packaged into a compact frame, it's definitely a high-performing point-and-shoot. Noise suppression dampens some of the potential we hoped for from 16 megapixels, but that's no longer news; ultimately the Sony HX7V does a very good job and has a longish zoom lens, making a good travel companion. Those wanting the latest and greatest as well as a longer zoom should look to the Sony HX9V, but for $50 less, the HX7V is still a Dave's Pick."

wow, Sedge - Apr 30 2013
Great camera. Fast shutter, gets amazing pictures... better than could have expected for a point a shoot! Would seriously recommend this one!...

Excellent and pretty, Mastercard "OMNICIENTE" - Mar 08 2013
This camera is ligth and take excellents photos. Smart and easy to use. Sony cameras are good for pro and amateurs photographers. I recommend it....

good picture quality, cute, but definitely a little slow, R. Mann "sdavenport" - Jan 08 2013
i like the camera (got it in blue), but i certainly don't love it. the quality of the pictures is great, and it takes excellent pictures without a flash (as others have mentioned). it's not so small that it's hard to handle, but also easily drops into a pocket. the rubber grip on the side is great - you can actually keep a hold on it, even if you're moving about - and...

A noticable difference from my last "point and shoot", VA hiker - Nov 12 2012
Excellent quality pictures! Although it looks like a normal "point and shoot," the pictures are very professional looking. I am and inexperienced photographer used to a Cannon, which I can whip in and out of action at any time. Although this camera takes an extra second to warm up, the pictures are worth it!...