Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX200V 30x SuperZoom Review by WDC With Rating 88/100

On January 29 2012, Sony announced five new H-Series Cyber-shot SuperZoom cameras - the DSC-HX200V, DSC-HX30V, DSC-HX20V, DSC-HX10V and DSC-H90. The HX200V (30x zoom), HX30V (20x zoom), HX20V (20x zoom) and HX10V (16x zoom) all have a new Sony 18.2 Megapixels Exmor R CMOS sensor featuring fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daylight and 0.21 seconds in low-light shooting situations. It features Clear Image Zoom digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capabilities while maintaining full resolution. These new models has Optical Steady Shot to reduce any blurring caused by camera shake during shooting.

"Starting with the positives, images captured with the Sony HX200V display an impressive dynamic range right out of the camera, with both shadow and highlight detail retained even in images containing high contrast. The camera's metering also performs well in this regard, with images generally proving evenly exposed and thus needing very little work out of the camera. The news unfortunately is not all good. The model's 18MP Exmor R CMOS sensor struggles to deal with ISO noise even at its lowest settings. Although no grain is instantly apparent, the model's noise reduction technology operates to effectively smudge fine detail even at its lowest settings. The good news, if it can be taken as such, is that as the camera moves up through the ISO settings, noise grain remain controlled in such a way and is thus largely absent, although fine detail continues to degrade thanks to said noise reduction. Considering the model's extensive focal range, the HX200V's lens performs well. A good level of sharpness is maintained through the majority of the frame, although it does fall off marginally towards the edges of the frame. Although there is the occasionally issue with lens flare, as you would expect with a lens covering such a large focal range, this is mostly avoidable and can even be used for creative effect in certain situations.

There's no escaping the fact that the HX200V is an impressive bridge camera. It not only features a full specification, but also a host of extra imaging technology sure to impress. However, there are a few gripes - first of all, the price tag is a fair whack higher then similar models on the market, and the lack of Raw capture for a camera of this calibre is something of a glaring omission, especially when you take in to account the issues seen with the HX200Vs handling of noise reduction. On the whole, the camera is a worthy purchase, although it must be said that there is stiff competition in this area."

Awesome!, cjones2989 - May 10 2013
Still tinkering with it and figuring it all out but so far, it is everything I needed and more. The zoom on this is incredible and can take high quality pictures considering that distance. Not an issue thus far and still discovering new features I didn't even know I would love until after I bought it. If you are a semi-professional photographer or even a point and shoot...

Still in the learning process, beccanurse - May 09 2013
I did not have much time to practice before needing to use it for my daughter's preschool program. However, the in camera guide helped and I got better shots than I did with my and/or my husbands cell phone. I am sure that once I learn and practice with the camera I will be able to get better pictures and then I am sure I will love it. I spent a lot of time looking a cam...

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V Is the best Digital Camera I have owned., Jim W. - May 09 2013
This is an excellent camera that will give great results for the point and shoot user, and even better results for those willing to spend the time to lear how to use some of its advanced features. The image quality and low-light abilities are stunning, and the 30x zoom is awsome. I have put my Nikon Coolpix P90 away in the camera closet. It can't touch the low-light c...

This camera kicks butt!, DBlackdog "DBlackdog" - May 09 2013
It's simple, fast and takes great pictures. It may seem expensive but, it's worth it. Don't have the hassle of changing lenses due to the great lens for wide angle and zoom. My fiancé has an older model and I received the latest model and the video button is great. Thanks to Sony for keeping things simple, intuitive, creative and high quality. I would recommend...