Joshua Waller reviews the Sony Cybershot HX100v Ultra Zoom with GPS, 30x optical zoom, 3 inch screen, 16 megapixel backlit CMOS, and full HD video.
| Sony Cyber-shot HX100V in Compact Cameras
ADVERTISEMENT
Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Sony Cybershot HX100v is the only ultra zoom camera with built in GPS, it features a large 30x optical zoom lens, a 3 inch tilting screen, and a 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor capable of shooting at 10fps and recording full HD video.
The Sony Cybershot HX100v features a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R Backlit CMOS sensor for high speed shooting at upto 10fps, and full HD video with stereo sound. The 30x opcial zoom lens zooms from 27mm wide angle all the way to 810mm telephoto, and features built in optical image stabilisation. Like the other Sony cameras, the HX7v and HX9v, the HX100v can shoot 3D photos, 3D panoramics, and large 42.9 megapixel panoramic shots.
On the back is a high resolution 3 inch screen that tilts up and down, as well as an electronic viewfinder with eye detection. To make the camera easy to use for beginners the camera features a mode called intelligent auto, as well as superior auto, both of these choosing the best settings for the best photos.
For the more advanced photographer the camera features full manual control, as well as a number of buttons and controls on the outside of the camera. Macro photography is possible with the the subject just 1cm away from the front of the camera. As well as all of the above, the camera also features built in GPS tagging which will automatically tag photos with the GPS location of where the photo is taken.
With a large rubber grip and lens ring the camera is easy to keep a tight grip of, and the lens ring can be used for optical zoom or manual focus. On the back is a contoured thumb grip with raised bumps. Buttons on the top of the camera give quick and easy access to focus, zoom, finder/lcd, custom and the mode dial.
Menus - the menus are the same as other Sonys, and give very quick access to the most commonly used photographic controls, except with the ISO and options shown at the bottom of the screen controlled by the thumb wheel - unfortunately this isn't labelled or intuitive, and we had to look at the camera's built in help system to find out how to set the ISO. However, saying that, it's an extremely useful feature to have a guide built into the camera, and it sure beats having to resort to looking at it on the CD, in the box, in the cupboard.
Battery Life: The HX100v's battery life is rated at 330 shots according to Sony's website, we were able to take over 360 photos before the battery indicated less than 10 minutes left. Knowing how much battery life is left in so much detail is very useful, and it's a shame other manufacturers don't provide as reliable information.
Speed: We tested the Sony Cybershot HX100v, and tested the camera with the Sony Cybershot HX7v, and Olympus SZ30MR, both 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor cameras, taking 6 shots and using the average to ensure consistent results.
Performance was very good, equal to smaller cameras from Sony, even with such a large zoom, the switch on time wasn't massively impacted. Focusing, shutter response, and continuous shooting are all excellent.
Sample photos show good colour and detail. Portrait shots with flash came out well with very low red-eye, and good colour and detail, with the ISO setting kept low. The comment was that the flash is very bright.
Some vignetting shows when using the full optical zoom but there is very little to no barrel or pincushion distortion even when specifically looking for it. Purple fringing is visible under extreme contrast, for example shooting trees with the sun or a very bright sky behind the subject. In other situations, and in more normal shooting conditions purple fringing doesn't seem to be a problem.
Macro - it's possible to get very close to the subject, using some zoom can get you even closer and being able to alter the focus manually can help, as well as the ability to shoot at 10fps.
Scene modes: HDR shoots a number of images and combines them in camera. Under situations where there is a bright sky, the camera can ensure that detail is not lost or overexposed, and works really well, as you can see in the photos above.
ISO shots show low noise at ISO100 - 400 with grain appearing at ISO800. Noise is still quite low at ISO1600 however detail suffers. At ISO3200 noise dominates the image with detail lacking, and chroma noise is prominant, especially in greys and blacks. There are three options regarding noise reduction, Standard, Low and High.
White Balance - Auto white balance in tungsten lighting is good but slightly warm, using the tungsten preset gives a cooler image. Auto white balance under fluorescent lighting is respectable, and using the preset is not necessarily needed, as this can give a magenta or yellow cast to the image. The camera has 3 fluorescent presets so that if auto white balance is struggling you can try the other ones. Manual white balance is also available.
Normal Panoramic - 1/1250 sec | f/2.8 | 4.8 mm | ISO 100
42.9 megapixel Panoramic - 1/500 sec | f/2.8 | 4.8 mm | ISO 100
There are a number of advanced panoramic modes available including an impressive 42.9 megapixel panoramic mode, producing a huge image. Using this mode can be tricky, and we struggled the most whilst trying to do this slowly and smoothly, and it seemed to work best when quickly panning the camera around.
Video
Options include: AVC HD 28M (PS) 1920x1080 50p, AVC HD 24M (FX) 1920x1080 50i, AVC HD 17M (FH) 1920x1080 50i, AVC HD 9M (HQ) 1440x1080(50i), and in MP4 the following options are available: MP4 12M 1080 (1440x1080), MP4 6M 720 (1280x720), and MP4 3M VGA. Wind reduction is available as well as optical image stabilisation, and optical zoom. Video quality was very good, with good focus even when using full optical zoom.
All of this would be mute if it wasn't backed up by images to match, and thankfully the Sony Cybershot HX100v produces the goods, with a brilliant 30x optical zoom lens. It's not only capable of producing great images from wide angle all the way to telephoto, but it also produces excellent macro photos with great detail and colour. With a back lit CMOS sensor noise is very low right up to ISO800/ISO1600 and video quality is equally excellent.
The electronic viewfinder is a little small, but of a high quality and useful in bright sunlight. Battery life is very good, offering over 330 shots, and the built in manual is extremely useful. The Sony Cybershot HX100v is without doubt the most feature packed ultra zoom available, and produces image quality to match. Highly Recommended!
Difficult to set full zoom, skips between 23x - 26x for example
High price
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Sony Cybershot HX100v is the only ultra zoom camera with built in GPS, it features a large 30x optical zoom lens, a 3 inch tilting screen, and a 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor capable of shooting at 10fps and recording full HD video.
Sony Cybershot HX100v Features
The Sony Cybershot HX100v features a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R Backlit CMOS sensor for high speed shooting at upto 10fps, and full HD video with stereo sound. The 30x opcial zoom lens zooms from 27mm wide angle all the way to 810mm telephoto, and features built in optical image stabilisation. Like the other Sony cameras, the HX7v and HX9v, the HX100v can shoot 3D photos, 3D panoramics, and large 42.9 megapixel panoramic shots.
On the back is a high resolution 3 inch screen that tilts up and down, as well as an electronic viewfinder with eye detection. To make the camera easy to use for beginners the camera features a mode called intelligent auto, as well as superior auto, both of these choosing the best settings for the best photos.
For the more advanced photographer the camera features full manual control, as well as a number of buttons and controls on the outside of the camera. Macro photography is possible with the the subject just 1cm away from the front of the camera. As well as all of the above, the camera also features built in GPS tagging which will automatically tag photos with the GPS location of where the photo is taken.
Key Features
- 16.2 megapixel Exmor R Backlit CMOS sensor
- Full HD AVCHD Video, Stereo sound
- 30x optical zoom lens
- 3D Stills and 3D Sweep Panoramas
- High Resolution Sweep Panorama - shoot 42.9 megapixel panoramas
- Electronic viewfinder with eye-detection and diopter adjustment
- 3 inch tilting screen, 921k dots
- Optical Steady Shot (Lens based) Image Stabilisation
- intelligent Auto, intelligent Auto plus called "Superior Auto"
- Burst Mode : Approx 10 fps at 16.2 megapixels (Maximum 10 shots)
- Memory Card Slot: MS Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC Compatible
- Built in GPS
- Manual Control
- ISO100 - 3200
- 1cm Macro mode
Sony Cybershot HX100v Handling
With a large rubber grip and lens ring the camera is easy to keep a tight grip of, and the lens ring can be used for optical zoom or manual focus. On the back is a contoured thumb grip with raised bumps. Buttons on the top of the camera give quick and easy access to focus, zoom, finder/lcd, custom and the mode dial.
Menus - the menus are the same as other Sonys, and give very quick access to the most commonly used photographic controls, except with the ISO and options shown at the bottom of the screen controlled by the thumb wheel - unfortunately this isn't labelled or intuitive, and we had to look at the camera's built in help system to find out how to set the ISO. However, saying that, it's an extremely useful feature to have a guide built into the camera, and it sure beats having to resort to looking at it on the CD, in the box, in the cupboard.
Battery Life: The HX100v's battery life is rated at 330 shots according to Sony's website, we were able to take over 360 photos before the battery indicated less than 10 minutes left. Knowing how much battery life is left in so much detail is very useful, and it's a shame other manufacturers don't provide as reliable information.
Speed: We tested the Sony Cybershot HX100v, and tested the camera with the Sony Cybershot HX7v, and Olympus SZ30MR, both 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor cameras, taking 6 shots and using the average to ensure consistent results.
| Sony HX100v |
Sony HX7v |
Olympus SZ30MR |
|
| Shutter Response* | <0.05 | <0.05 | <0.05 |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.30 |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 2.2 |
2.1s |
1.8 |
| Shot to Shot (without flash) | 1.0 | 1.1s | 1.5 |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 3.0 | 3s | 1.6 |
| Continuous Shooting (full resolution, shots) |
10fps (10) |
10fps (10) |
5fps (5), 20fps (70, 5mp) |
| Continuous Shooting (with flash) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Continuous Shooting (RAW) | N/A |
N/A | N/A |
Performance was very good, equal to smaller cameras from Sony, even with such a large zoom, the switch on time wasn't massively impacted. Focusing, shutter response, and continuous shooting are all excellent.
Sony Cybershot HX100v Performance
We've taken a number of sample photos in a variety of settings to show you the image quality produced by this camera, you can view them full size by clicking the "High-Res" link. Additional sample photos can be seen here in the equipment database, where you can add your own review.Sony Cyber-shot HX100V Sample Photos
Previous
Next
Sample photos show good colour and detail. Portrait shots with flash came out well with very low red-eye, and good colour and detail, with the ISO setting kept low. The comment was that the flash is very bright.
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V Lens test images
Previous
Next
Some vignetting shows when using the full optical zoom but there is very little to no barrel or pincushion distortion even when specifically looking for it. Purple fringing is visible under extreme contrast, for example shooting trees with the sun or a very bright sky behind the subject. In other situations, and in more normal shooting conditions purple fringing doesn't seem to be a problem.
Macro - it's possible to get very close to the subject, using some zoom can get you even closer and being able to alter the focus manually can help, as well as the ability to shoot at 10fps.
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V Scene modes
Previous
Next
Scene modes: HDR shoots a number of images and combines them in camera. Under situations where there is a bright sky, the camera can ensure that detail is not lost or overexposed, and works really well, as you can see in the photos above.
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V ISO test images
Previous
Next
ISO shots show low noise at ISO100 - 400 with grain appearing at ISO800. Noise is still quite low at ISO1600 however detail suffers. At ISO3200 noise dominates the image with detail lacking, and chroma noise is prominant, especially in greys and blacks. There are three options regarding noise reduction, Standard, Low and High.
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V White-balance test images
Previous
Next
White Balance - Auto white balance in tungsten lighting is good but slightly warm, using the tungsten preset gives a cooler image. Auto white balance under fluorescent lighting is respectable, and using the preset is not necessarily needed, as this can give a magenta or yellow cast to the image. The camera has 3 fluorescent presets so that if auto white balance is struggling you can try the other ones. Manual white balance is also available.
Normal Panoramic - 1/1250 sec | f/2.8 | 4.8 mm | ISO 100
42.9 megapixel Panoramic - 1/500 sec | f/2.8 | 4.8 mm | ISO 100
There are a number of advanced panoramic modes available including an impressive 42.9 megapixel panoramic mode, producing a huge image. Using this mode can be tricky, and we struggled the most whilst trying to do this slowly and smoothly, and it seemed to work best when quickly panning the camera around.
Video
Options include: AVC HD 28M (PS) 1920x1080 50p, AVC HD 24M (FX) 1920x1080 50i, AVC HD 17M (FH) 1920x1080 50i, AVC HD 9M (HQ) 1440x1080(50i), and in MP4 the following options are available: MP4 12M 1080 (1440x1080), MP4 6M 720 (1280x720), and MP4 3M VGA. Wind reduction is available as well as optical image stabilisation, and optical zoom. Video quality was very good, with good focus even when using full optical zoom.
Value For Money
The HX100v is the only ultra zoom camera with built in GPS. Alternative ultra zooms include the: Nikon Coolpix P500 - with 36x optical zoom, Canon Powershot SX30 IS - with 35x optical zoom, Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR - with 30x optical zoom, Kodak Easyshare Max Z990 - with 30x optical zoom, and Panasonic Lumix FZ45 or FZ100 - both with 24x optical zoom. For the most zoom in a pocketable camera, have a look at the 24x optical zoom lens Olympus SZ-30MR. For alternatives with GPS, you'll have to look at the GPS travel zooms available.Sony Cybershot HX100v Verdict
The Sony Cybershot HX100v has a high price, yet justifies that with a camera packed with advanced and useful features, including 10fps continuous shooting, backlight HDR mode, 42.9 megapixel panoramic mode, manual controls, GPS, and full HD video with stereo sound. As well as this there is a high resolution tilting screen, electronic viewfinder with eye-detection and a well built body with rubber hand grip.All of this would be mute if it wasn't backed up by images to match, and thankfully the Sony Cybershot HX100v produces the goods, with a brilliant 30x optical zoom lens. It's not only capable of producing great images from wide angle all the way to telephoto, but it also produces excellent macro photos with great detail and colour. With a back lit CMOS sensor noise is very low right up to ISO800/ISO1600 and video quality is equally excellent.
The electronic viewfinder is a little small, but of a high quality and useful in bright sunlight. Battery life is very good, offering over 330 shots, and the built in manual is extremely useful. The Sony Cybershot HX100v is without doubt the most feature packed ultra zoom available, and produces image quality to match. Highly Recommended!
 |
| The Sony Cybershot HX100v is without doubt the most feature packed ultra zoom available. Highly Recommended! |
Sony Cybershot HX100v Pros
Excellent macro performance
Eye detection EVF
Build in guide / manual
High speed shooting - 10fps
Excellent 30x optical zoom lens
3inch tilting screen
Excellent video quality
42.9 megapixel panoramas
Sony Cybershot HX100v Cons
Difficult to set full zoom, skips between 23x - 26x for exampleHigh price| FEATURES |  |
| HANDLING |  |
| PERFORMANCE |  |
| VALUE FOR MONEY |  |
| VERDICT | |
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V Specifications
| Manufacturer | Sony | |
| Lens | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 - f/5.6 | |
| 35mm equivalent | 27mm - 810mm | |
| Optical Zoom | 30x | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Pixels | 16.2Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 4608 | |
| Pixels (H) | 3456 | |
| Sensor Type | Exmor CMOS | |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3 inch | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 6.16mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 4.62mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
| |
| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 921k dots | |
| Touch Screen | No Data | |
| Focusing | ||
| Min Focus | 1cm | |
| Focusing modes |
| |
| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | |
| Bulb mode | No Data | |
| Exp modes |
| |
| Metering |
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 100 - 3200 | |
| White balance |
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-2 | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 10fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
| |
| Video FPS | No Data | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | Yes | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Wi-Fi | No | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
| |
| File Type |
| |
| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | NP-FH50 | |
| Battery Life (CIPA rating) | No Data | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Rechargeable Battery Pack(NP-FH50), AC Adaptor(AC-L200C/AC-L200D), USB cable, Power cord, Neck strap, Lens cap, Lens cap strap, CD-ROM | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 577g | |
| Width | 121.6mm | |
| Height | 86.6mm | |
| Depth | 93.1mm | |
Buy Now
Sell or trade used photo and video kit with MPB
With MPB you can get a free instant quote for the kit you want to sell, including a trade-in all-in-one transaction - no need for callbacks or waiting for an email quote. Then, if you decide to sell, MPB will pick up your kit with a free insured DPD collection and you’ll get paid cash into your account within days. MPB will also keep you informed about the status of your gear at every step of the way and the whole process is carbon neutral.
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Sony Cyber-shot HX100V SEARCH |
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Sony Cyber-shot HX100V SEARCH |
Support this site by making a Donation, purchasing Plus Membership, or shopping with one of our affiliates: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, ebay UK, MPB. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you use these links, but it does support the site, helping keep ePHOTOzine free to use, thank you.
ADVERTISEMENT
Photographs taken using the Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
Comments
-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
26 Jul 2011 9:06PM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
27 Jul 2011 10:22AMAh - just noticed it's not got a flash-shoe - I don't use flash all that often but would need that option. Good - that's just saved me a few hundred quid
-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
27 Jul 2011 10:10PMI have had one for a couple of months now and it has really surprised me. Great video, great sharp and contrasty lens (Zeiss) and great reach!
To cattyal... it can't really compare to the large sensor of the R1 and I don't think any lens can come close to the one on the R1. But it does perform quite well for what it is. I found it better than the Nikon P500 and the Fuji HS20. If you have any intention of doing some video with one of these cameras then the Sony is the best by far.
Also, with regards to an external flash, you can always use a good slave flash with it. They are cheap and work nicely with any point and shoot. I am also planning on getting an external audio recorder (Zoom H1) to go with it. The internal stereo mic is pretty good but the video is so good that I am thinking I will start using it for work purposes as well and the external mic will complete the package.
-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
27 Jul 2011 10:15PMI've just done a shoot this evening with the R1 - two nippers - and it beats the pants off the Sony A350 which I used on the last shoot with the same two girls. For now I'll stick with those two cameras and resist buying another
-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
27 Jul 2011 10:17PM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
28 Jul 2011 11:59AM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
30 Jul 2011 4:44PM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
16 Sep 2011 9:39AMI have plan to buy HX100V but some how hesitation for it so waiting for next new comer.
-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
22 Mar 2012 8:00PM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
22 Mar 2012 8:01PM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
25 Dec 2012 9:34AM-
Report Error / Abuse
-
Mark as Helpful
25 Dec 2012 10:11AMSign In
You must be a member to leave a comment.
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Join For Free
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
ADVERTISEMENT