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Sony has announced a new CyberShot model, called DSC-HX50V, which is aiming at keeping potential DSLR photographers in the world of compact cameras.
Sony CyberShot DSC-HX50V’s name has been heard before, thanks to sources familiar with the matter. It was supposed to be released on April 26, but it does not matter anymore, as the compact camera has been officially unveiled today.
Sony HX50V is the smallest and lightest 30x optical zoom camera in the world
Sony HX50V will be marketed as the world’s lightest and smallest camera with 30x optical zoom. The Japanese company says that no other digital camera maker can provide 30x optical zoom in such a compact body, which measures 4.25 x 2.52 x 1.5 inches and weighs 9.59 ounces.
Smartphone cameras are getting better, believes Sony. This is why camera manufacturers need to put better image sensors in smaller bodies and one could say that this is what the Tokyo-based company has achieved, with the help of the HX50V.
Sony’s latest shooter offers a 20.4-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor in a small, compact body
The Sony HX50V features a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor, BIONZ image processing engine, and a lens which offers a 35mm equivalent between 24 and 720mm.
The company’s latest compact camera is also equipped with Optical SteadyShot stabilization technology that cuts down camera shaking in order to provide blur-free photos and videos. The stabilization technology will be useful in macro mode as the camera can focus on objects found at a distance of just 1.97-inch / 5 centimeters.
An autofocus assist lamp is also available, alongside a built-in flash, that allows users to expose subjects placed at a maximum distance of 5.6 meters.
Manual modes for the pros, auto scenes for the beginners
Sony’s latest CyberShot camera is capable of recording full HD videos at 60p. The resulting videos can be reviewed on a 3-inch 921K-dot LCD screen with live-view mode support.
Sony HX50V sports a shutter speed range between 1/4000 and 30 seconds along with P/A/S/M shooting modes. They will allow photographers to customize their shot, just like they would have done on a full-sized DSLR camera.
Users will find Backlight Correction HDR, Fireworks, Night Scene, Beach, and Soft Skin among the most important scene modes.
The Sony HX50V also features a continuous drive mode, which can capture 10 frames per second for up to 10 seconds. Its maximum ISO sensitivity can reach 12,800, which can be useful in poorly-lit environments.
No NFC support, but WiFi and GPS will be right there next month for $450
This superzoom camera fares pretty well in the connectivity area, since it offers built-in WiFi and GPS technologies.
There is no Near Field Communications (NFC) chipset, but WiFi is a welcomed addition that will give photographers the possibility of sharing their photos on a smartphone or tablet, while the GPS is useful for easily geo-tagging images.
Sony HX50V release date has been scheduled for May 2013 for a price of $450. The camera will be released along with a series of accessories, which can be mounted on the hot shoe.