Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 Pro Reviews

The HX50 is a prime example of the old maxim "Jack of all trades, master of none"; it tries to do too much and doesn't do any one thing particularly well. Despite its superficial similarity to Sony's high-spec advanced compacts, the HX50 is really just a point-and-shoot compact with aspirations. The lens can feel unwieldy at full zoom, and the sensor is too small for its resolution. It's not bad for an all-rounder though, and if you use it properly it's capable of turning in good quality pictures under a wide range of conditions. However the small overcrowded sensor limits the image quality, while the limited degree of manual control and lack of raw mode will discourage the enthusiast, and will probably just confuse anyone else.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V offers the longest focal length of any travel-zoom camera on the market, with the 30x optic providing enough width and reach for virtually any photographic situation that you'll encounter. It does make the camera significantly bulkier and a little heavier than last year's HX30V/HX20V models, but can still be (just) squeezed into a trouser pocket. The addition of wi-fi connectivity along with GPS tracking (although not in the UK), full PASM manual shooting modes, plus the new multi-interface shoe and EV dial, make this the best-specified Sony travel-zoom yet, although the image quality from the new 20 megapixel sensor isn't quite as good as last year's models, we'd have liked a touchscreen interface, there's still no RAW shooting and the wi-fi options are rather limited and not particularly easy to use.

Sony has achieved a lot with the Cyber-Shot HX50V, but many photographers are likely to be disappointed by the images under close scrutiny. That said, the results generally look great at normal viewing sizes, with good exposure, vibrant colour and natural white balance. With an equivalent focal length range of 24-480mm (20x), the Panasonic TZ40 can't match the Sony HX50V for zoom range, but its image quality is superior.

Some record-breaking specs, but the net result isn't so remarkable

The HX50 has a packed-out specification will undoubtedly attract plenty of potential purchasers. But does it deliver in every department? Not quite. For all its strengths - and there are plenty to name - the HX50 feels a little on the fence, sandwiched between the high-end and the not so much. The wide-ranging zoom opens up plenty of shooting potential and has a great optical image stabilisation system, but the limited maximum aperture settings lack that full creative control. Usually that wouldn't be a fair criticism for any camera in this travel zoom category, but the HX50's inclusion of a multi-interface hotshoe seemingly holds up a flag of high-end expectation - high-end which, while successful in some areas, otherwise lacks throughout.

Sony has made a smart move by splitting it's 2013 pocket super-zoom range and offering two options in the form of the HX50(V) and the more affordable 20x WX300. Not everybody needs or wants a 30x zoom but those who do won't mind paying a little extra for it. Meanwhile the cheaper WX300 competes at the more price-sensitive end of the market. To fit a 30x zoom lens into a compact of this size and weight is no mean achievement, and anyone who spends a lot of time shooting wildlife, sport, or who just likes to get close to the action on holiday, will be delighted with what the HX50V has to offer. Having a 720mm telephoto at your disposal, in your pocket even, opens up a whole new way of seeing things and taking pictures. And while the number of owners who'll fit accessories onto the hotshoe are probably limited, the fact you can slide-on an optional viewfinder, flash or external microphone gives the camera a unique advantage over the competition. The expansion of manual controls and the inclusion of an exposure dial will also please those who like to take a bit more control of things. But at its core, the HX50V is an automatic compact. Capable intelligent auto modes, smart stacking modes, Sweep panorma, Photo Creativity and Picture effects all add to the package. But picture sharing is what many people are interested in right now and the HX50V's Wifi features have some way to go before they become a crowd puller. The screen isn't great either but for those who simply want the longest zoom in the smallest package, the HX50V has few if any rivals and couples its impressive 30x range with surprisingly good image quality and the option to fit accessories. So while the issues mean it falls short of our highest award, the Sony HX50V remains a camera that earns our Recommended rating for those who want the longest reach in the smallest form factor.

Sony's Cyber-shots continue to be some of the best point-and-shoots available and the DMC-HX50V is no exception. The 20-megapixel resolution might be helpful when it comes to image stabilization, digital zoom, and, in some respects low-light image quality, but it doesn't directly translate into better photos that can be used at larger sizes. That said, this thing can take some nice photos and video, the performance is fast under normal shooting conditions, and it does have a lot of shooting options for every level of photographer. And, maybe sometime soon, we'll get some version of it with a larger sensor and raw capture.