While it’s true that compact cameras are fading away as smartphones and tablets continue to offer more powerful and feature rich cameras, there is still a part of the population that requires them. Compact cameras also offer a host of benefits that smartphones still can’t match like higher megapixel count, better low light sensitivity and greater zoom. Cameras like the Cyber-shot also have the benefit of being less personal, allowing you to pass them around without getting tied in lock screens, requiring the owner’s computer to export pictures and allowing for easy swap of battery and memory card. If you find yourself attracted to any of the mentioned benefits, then you need to consider the Sony Cyber-shot HX50v.

So what makes this Cyber-shot a winner over your smartphone or other compact cameras? The Cyber-shot HX50V houses a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor with 30x optical zoom (note not digital). This allows for rich images with a zoom thats typically found in DSLR cameras. Interested? Lets talk details, after the jump.

Viewing pictures is a breeze on the HX50V with its 21k-dot 3-inch LCD which allows your photos with a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800 and videos which can be recorded in 1080/60p and be displayed vividly. Going back to that impressive 30x optical zoom, this places the camera at 24-720mm (for you DSLR fans) with SteadyShot built in which helps take the shake or high wind effect out of your pictures.

When building the camera, Sony also had portability in mind which brings the camera in at 9.6-ounce. According to Sony, the Cyber-shot HX50V is the

 world’s smallest and lightest 30x optical zoom camera 

The HX50V can also take 400 shots on a single charge, making it a great companion for trips without needing to carry multiple batteries to satisfy your trigger finger. Wi-Fi is another feature to note, which allows for connection to Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app. This makes transferring of photos between your camera and iOS/Android smartphone and tablets a breeze. Thanks to a free app download, your mobile devices can also act as a wireless remote for the HX50V, perfect for group photos. Priced at $450, the Cyber-shot HX50V will be available next month.

Discuss:

Do you still find a use and value in compact cameras like the HX50V

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Sony Announces the Cyber-shot HX50V: The World’s Smallest and Lightest 30x Optical Zoom Camera

New Compact High-Zoom Camera boasts high-resolution 20.4MP Image sensor, Wi-Fi and more

SAN DIEGO, Apr 23, 2013 – Today, Sony introduced the Cyber-shot™ HX50 camera – a powerful new compact featuring an impressive 30x optical zoom range and advanced 20.4 MP “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor. Measuring approximately 4.4″x2.6″x1.2″1 in size and weighing in at approximately 9.6 oz. 2, it is the world’s smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom capability.

“Despite the emergence of smart phone cameras in today’s market, the HX50V model gives photographers plenty of reason to invest in a dedicated pocket camera” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot digital camera business at Sony Electronics. “Its wide-ranging 30x optical zoom gives users more freedom to pick their shooting subject and position, and its extensive, advanced imaging capabilities give shooters the peace of mind that image quality will never be compromised – every scene will be given the color, detail and clarity that it deserves. This powerful combination of size and performance makes the HX50 an especially unique, versatile camera.”

Performance and Design

To complement the extensive zoom, the new Cyber-shot HX50V model offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot ™ image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur at all ranges. At full zoom extension (30x) the HX50V camera offers stabilization that is approximately twice as effective as the HX200V high-zoom model introduced last year.

The high-resolution 20.4 megapixel sensor in the new camera is paired with a powerful BIONZ processor, allowing the HX50V camera to produce high-resolution, high-quality images in all types of lighting conditions – from broad daylight to dimly lit interiors and everything in between. Additionally, the HX50V model features exceptionally high-speed AutoFocus that can lock onto subjects at full zoom approximately twice as fast compared to the HX200V model.

The new HX50V camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony’s PlayMemories™ Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet. The application also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera – ideal for self-portraits and group shots where the photographer wants to be included.

For more advanced users who like to fine-tune the details of a shot, the HX50V camera has a dedicated exposure compensation dial and a P/A/S/M model dial for adjusting other manual shooting settings. It also features 5-blade aperture for smooth background defocusing effect and a Multi Interface Shoe for attaching compatible accessories including an electronic viewfinder, flash, or microphone. It also has a Multi Terminal for using a compatible remote control.

The camera also features a powerful X-type lithium ion battery that is smaller than any of its predecessor batteries (in Sony Cyber-shot HX series) yet delivers an impressive 400 photos from a single charge.

HD Video and Creative Modes

The new HX50V camera has an impressive video feature set as well, delivering stunning, beautifully crisp full HD (60p) movies that benefit from Optical SteadyShot ™ Active mode7 for reduced shake and image blur if the camera is in motion. The HX50V model is also compatible with TRILUMINOUS Color technology, an expanded range of vivid, ultra-realistic colors that is available on select Sony BRAVIA TVs. Content shot with the HX50V camera can be enjoyed in these vibrant colors when connected to compatible televisions.

Additionally, the HX50V camera offers a variety of different creative picture effect settings that make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of fun, impressive artistic treatments including Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-Key and more.

With its extensive feature set, extremely compact size and advanced performance capabilities, the Cyber-shot HX50V represents the ultimate in flexibility in a compact camera.

Pricing and Availability

The new Cyber-shot HX50V compact digital camera will be available next month for about $450. The camera and a range of compatible accessories can be purchased at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

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