Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V Pro Reviews

The Sony CyberShot DSC-HX7V is a great alternative to the more expensive HX9V, our favourite travel-zoom, featuring a more modest 10x zoom, slightly slower autofocus, and "only" 1080i video, but otherwise offering all of the same cutting-edge features, great image quality and intuitive handling as the HX9V. Sony have been able to maintain the excellent image quality that the previous 10 megapixel HX5 offered despite the move to a 16 megapixel sensor. The backlit sensor provides excellent results from ISO 100-800, with only the fastest settings of 1600 and 3200 suffering from too much noise and smearing of fine detail. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled and colours accurate, and the 25-250mm lens commendably doesn't suffer from too much distortion at either end of the zoom range.

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.

There's very little not to like about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V, as it solves common snapshot camera issues while still being relatively simple and fun to use.

The Sony Cybershot HX7v is an extremely well built camera, with a high quality metal body, and good design. The rubber grip is good, and the camera performs well in every situation, thanks to low noise, built in image stabilisation, and a great lens. The full HD video mode is impressive and the high resolution screen makes viewing photos enjoyable, and GPS works well. The Sony Cybershot HX7v may only feature a 10x optical zoom lens, but the relatively low price compared to most of the competition make it a very appealing camera.