Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V Pro Reviews

Sony has packed a lot into this high-performance travel zoom that poses very serious competition for the likes of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20, Fuji FinePix F600 EXR, plus a host of rival compact cameras that similarly incorporate a broad focal range with built-in GPS and pocket sized proportions. Though not 100% perfect in each and every regard, the Sony Cyber-Shot HX9V nonetheless comes very close in most.

The 16.2-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot HX9V serves an overlapping market of consumers. Outfitted with an optically-stabilized 24-384mm equivalent lens, this compact digital camera is able to capture wide views, smooth zoom transitions, and HD video seamlessly across its 16x zoom range. It delivered good-quality stills at sensitivities up to ISO 800 and exhibited impressive autofocus and tracking for a non-DSLR. Ironically, however, it's the camera's seemingly more gimmicky features that ultimately prove its worth. The panorama mode, burst & stitch features, and instant HDR composites come through on their ambitions and produce stylized snapshots worthy of consideration among enthusiasts. However, enthusiasts should note that noise suppression on the HX9V is quite aggressive, often resulting in a watercolor look. We don't think this will bother most users, but those cropping or looking for more crisp images won't be as happy with Sony's rendering, especially since there is no RAW capture mode. Listed for under $350, the Sony Cyber-shot HX9V is poised to stand up to compact system cameras and tower over typical high-performance point-and-shoots, making it a Dave's Pick.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX9V was so obviously designed to compete head on with the Lumix TZ20 / ZS10 it's hard not to discuss it in terms of how it matches up to the market leader's flagship travel zoom. After all, if you're in the market for a compact super-zoom these two models are likely to be on, if not at the top of your shortlist. If you've read the preceding section you'll know that there's little to choose between these models on headline features and it's going to come down to extras - touch screen, panoramas, exposure modes, burst shooting and the like - as well as handling differences. Looking at the Cyber-shot HX9V in its own right, it's a hugely capable compact that improves on earlier Cyber-shot pocket super-zooms in virtually every area with a much bigger zoom, higher resolution sensor, higher resolution video, higher resolution screen, better composite modes, better panoramic modes and, to top it off, excellent image quality. The one disappointing aspect of the HX9V is its GPS reception. Even when it's working well the HX9V provides only Lat and Long co-ordinates, but during the entire testing period our HX9V failed to achieve a position location even once.

The HX9V comes very close to greatness, and with a lower-resolution sensor it might have earned itself an award. However, at this price only the very best image quality will do.

The Cyber-shot HX9V is an excellent compact camera that leaves little to be desired. It’s rare to find a compact that doesn’t fall down at one or two hurdles, but this is Sony at its finest. The camera is easy to use, quick to focus, offers bags of user control, has a super-fast burst mode and, to top it off, produces excellent pictures.

The HX9V is an outstanding travel compact, albeit one with a somewhat premium price tag. It’s easy to use, feels great in the hand and delivers fantastic image quality – especially when used in Sony’s proprietary Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto shooting modes. The omission of Aperture-priority and Shutter-priority shooting modes along with the inability to record lossless Raw files is all a bit of a let-down given the price, but otherwise there is very little to moan about and plenty to like. Sony’s Sweep Panorama technology is the best there is for in-camera ultra wideangle imaging, while the HX9V’s HD movie capabilities are also class leading. However, there’s still no getting away from that £300 price tag. It’s undoubtedly a lot of money for a compact camera, so be sure to shop around before parting with any money.

The Sony CyberShot DSC-HX9V is the best travel-zoom camera that we've reviewed to date, taking on and beating the market-leading Panasonic DMC-TZ20. The HX9V offers a compelling mix of advanced features, excellent still image quality, and a class-leading video mode, all at a price that is competitive with its main rivals.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V holds a lot of appeal for photographers who won't mind a camera that does things differently from the norm. If you're willing to trade away RAW shooting, aperture-priority mode, and shutter-priority mode for a range of innovative in-camera modes that cover everything from low-light shooting to 3D panoramic images, the HX9V is a top-notch option. It's a superb still camera for shooting video, and it's one of the best pocket megazooms of 2011.

Feature junkies in search of a compact megazoom should get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V holds a lot of appeal for photographers who won't mind a camera that does things differently from the norm. If you're willing to trade away RAW shooting, aperture-priority mode, and shutter-priority mode for a range of innovative in-camera modes that cover everything from low-light shooting to 3D panoramic images, the HX9V is a top-notch option. It's a superb still camera for shooting video, and it's one of the best pocket megazooms of 2011. Among the three excellent cameras at the top of our pocket-megazoom chart, we'd recommend the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS for manual-minded photographers, the Nikon Coolpix S9100 for casual users who want the best image quality in the class, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V for anyone who wants groundbreaking in-camera extras and top-shelf video performance.

The Sony Cybershot HX9v 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. GPS works well and the only initial problem is the fact that you can't yet seem to buy the camera, except in limited quantities. If you can find one, then it's Highly Recommended!