1. 10x optical zoom Sony G-Lens (25mm-equivalent wide angle); Capture breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama Mode
2. 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor; 3.0-inch LCD screen
3. HD Movie mode (720p); take stable movies while walking in Active Mode
4. iAuto automatically optimizes camera settings; Smile Shutter technology automatically captures a smile
5. Card slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media and SD media

Editorial Review :

The DSC-H55's 10x wide (25mm equivalent) lens takes better shots from greater distances and wider landscapes in a compact body. Take breathtaking panoramic shots in one sweeping motion with Sweep Panorama mode and review them on a 3.0" LCD screen. Take clearer images with Optical SteadyShot image.

Customer Review :

AMAZON ITEMS ARE GOOD AND ECCONOMY

AMAZON ITEMS ARE GOOD AND ECCONOMY as comparitve to all other........
amazon maintaining the time to time delivery................

Rating :

Best 200 bucks I've spent

I looked at the reviews before I bought the camera (I always do before I buy anything). The reviewers gave it a high rating and I whole heartedly agree. It takes great pictures and the zoom (10x) is really fantastic. I have used the zoom to take a picture of a truck that I couldn't read the writing on. The built-in flash is great. The 3" screen let me read what was on the truck with ease. The panarama feature is really great. I took a picture of my yard from one side to the other by just standing in one spot in front of my house and turning. The movie setting is also great. I used it film my yard and gave audible discription of what I was looking at. And I could zoom in while shooting the movie. Other reviewers mentioned noise when using the zoom when shooting movies but my camera didn't make any noise that I noticied. Hope it stays that way. You have to buy a memory stick separetly. I bought an 8gb stick (by Lexar) and it works fine. You can take movies that are just under 2 hrs. to over 5 hrs. depending on the picture size (you set the pic. size from the menu). Remember that like everything else today, the manual you get with it is small and you need to download the disk that comes with the camera to get the full manual you can then read on the computer. The computer maual is really excellent. Everyone I showed the pics to (on the LCD screen) were extremly impressed. Best money I've spent in long time!! It only weighs 7.1 oz. w/ battery. I do recommend buying an extra battery and case (it doesn't come with a case).

Rating :

Excellent so far

Have had the camera for a few days, and so far, works wonderfully. Despite what others say, the image is captured quite quickly for most shots.

Rating :

great little camera

pocket size with lots of features or easy mode if you don't want to mess with everything manually. i love it. even better with SD compatibility.

Rating :

Don't do it!

We're a Sony family. And recently we bought this newer cybershot...NOT as a replacement, but we wanted the two new features: the 14.1 MP and the 180-landscape.We're disappointed.
1) On Amazon, the camera listed the lens as CARL ZEISS...IT IS NOT...I went to the Sony website, found out the real facts, wrote Amazon, they updated the listing...and lss: the lens just is not the par of Zeiss...I know, I know, Sony says they did this, to me anyway, because it is equal quality...and maybe they'll say Zeiss makes it...but it's just not as crisp as our 10.1 or 12 cybershots with the Zeiss.
2) The cameras focusing is slippery...whether I use auto focus and no matter how we set it up, there is NOT consistency in same shots as far as how the shots are focused. Further, the lens makes a lot of noise trying to focus. Also, when videoing (forgetaboutit) much too much of my videos are blurry...again, the camera cannot focus. yes, even using the image stabilization we still get blurry shots or focus that is not on target (relying on the focus feature where the grid does show up on the LCD).
3) The noise mentioned in #2...There is a slight, but discernable eletronic grinding noise...Sony via phone service was concerned...'this should not occur' so I sent it in for service...I was called, SONY IS GREAT when it comes to service, and they said, 'this is normal'...so there you have it. I have a normally 'louder than no-sound' cybershot that doesn't focus well and makes a ton of noise.
4) Inconsistent...of course #1 and #2 makes for inconsistent shots, BUT that's just plain irritating and disappointing...and it's NOT what Sony's known for ----so we're primarilly keeping with our older Sonys and only use this for the landscape mode, however NOTE...
5) The landscape mode, which is very, very awesome in concept is just not implemented well yet. I'd not buy until maybe next or 3rd generation. The camera allows you to set your 180 swing to go from left-to-right, up-to-down or visa versa of either of these. GREAT concept...Further, the camera's smarts tell you when you're not doing the swing smoothly enough, per se, or perhaps you moved too much off the center and it will tell you, essentially it isn't taking the shot, and you can retry. Okay, sounds good. BUT there are times when I've taken the picture and the shot is broken into slices and so the photo is a long landscape, but with blank spots between portions of the whole image. This does not happen every time, but too many times and frankly, not what the camera should be doing. So again, "DON'T DO IT...don't buy this version!"

We paid full retail from an Amazon dealer ($250)...and bummer, it's been serviced once, we were told there's nothing out of the norm' with our camera...and so, we have what Sony knows they produced...a bit sub-standard...and we're knowing it was more or less a loss of money.

We say at this point if you really want to buy a Cybershot: DON'T buy this one. Get one with Carl Zeiss lens, and for now, stick to the old fashion way of making a huge landscape...many shots, and cut and paste in your choice of photo management tool! And btw, our 2nd choice is the Olmypus Stylus 550(water resistant if you have kids it's a real smart camera to own for all the shots from sprinklers and tubs to oceans, fishing, rain play etc.)



Rating :

More reviews...

1. 26mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 4x optical zoom
2. 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor and 3.0-inch LCD screen (230k pixels)
3. SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur; iAuto mode automatically optimizes camera settings
4. Smile Shutter technology automatically captures a smile
5. Card slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media and SD media

Editorial Review :

The DSC-W330 captures amazingly detailed images with a Carl Zeiss 26mm equivalent wide angle 4x zoom lens. Taking and reviewing images is made easy with a large 3.0” LCD and advanced features including Easy mode, iAuto and SteadyShot™ make it easy to capture great images in various conditions.

Customer Review :

Not a winner.

I recently dropped my Canon camera in water and needed something to replace it, and FAST. This camera was cheap, looked nice and had some good reviews. On the surface it really is nice, good zoom and the screen is beautiful. But once I started to use it more, I was disappointed. It takes forever to take a picture without the flash due to face detection and it can't take until it's focused, which makes the pictures nice but it's hard to capture a fast moment. It ruins it. Second, you can't store the photos unless you drag them and drop them onto your computer screen. What a hassle. And third, the battery life is terrible. I charge it and two hours later, it's dead. Overall, I'd say keep looking if you're looking for something more advanced.

Rating :

Great value, great camera

I love Sony cameras, this is the 3rd I've had (first was old and second was stolen). This camera has everything I was looking for:

1. Slim
2. Easy to use
3. Quick shutter
4. Large viewscreen
5. Good zoom

I did my research and even went into Best Buy to ask about the best cameras. If you are looking for a basic point and shoot, you will likely be very happy with this purchase. It is a great price for the quality camera.

Rating :

Great camera for the price

I just bought this camera a week ago and it works amazingly. The quality of the image is great and I love the features it has such as the smile detector and its ability to recognize the setting of the picture you are trying to take whether it is a landscape shot or a night shot. It is also not as complicated as some other cameras I have had. Overall it was a great buy and I would recommend it. I cannot wait to use it in Europe!

Rating :

Would Give a 5 Star if not for the audio

This is a very good camera compared to the other brands for a price range under 200 dollars. I first wanted to get a nikon, but then after reading the reviews i gave up my idea on nikon, buh the nikon slr had gud reviews, but that was not in my budget. I like almost everything about this camera has great megapixels, compact camera with a nice finish. But when it comes to video i noticed that the volume on the camera is not so great, i first thiought that i get a defective camera because compared to my old fuji camera, the volume was really low, so i called sony to find out if there is something wrong with the camera, and they told me to hook this to a tv to check the volume, but i sill had to crank the volume half way on the tv , and they said they said its nothing wrong with the camera, the speaker compared to tv is small in the camera. But overall its a good camera, picture quality is great, easy to use, and has a nice finish.

Rating :

Excellent gift item

I bought it as a gift for my friend and he likes it a lot as compared to his older one!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance
2. iSweep Panorama Mode captures stunning panoramic images
3. Fast capture with 10fps at full 10.2-megapixel resolution
4. 10x optical zoom Sony G-Lens with 25mm wide angle; 1080i AVCHD Movie records high-quality HD movies
5. Recording Media : 45MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed), optional Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC media

Editorial Review :

Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping panoramic views with the DSC-HX5V featuring an “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor. Plus catch fast action shots with up to 10 frames per seconds shooting. Full HD Movie Mode9 records amazingly detailed video and a 25mm equivalent wide angle 10x high-zoom G Lens allows you to take captivating images. featuring an “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor. Plus catch fast action shots with up to 10 frames per seconds shooting. Full HD Movie Mode9 records amazingly detailed video and a 25mm equivalent wide angle 10x high-zoom G Lens allows you to take captivating images.

Customer Review :

My phone takes better photos

I know very little about cameras but I can recognize a good quality photo when I see it.

Consumer Reports rated this camera quite highly but I found it produced flat-out awful photos.

An object shot twenty feet away was horizontally distorted, no matter the camera settings.

Close-ups were no better. In fact, my family and I took the same shot with four devices: an iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, an HTC Incredible Android phone, and the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX5V.

The Cyber-Shot came in third, following the HTC Incredible (very nice quality, especially for a phone) and the iPhone 4 (a close second).

The Cyber-Shot photo was washed out as if the flash was too bright -- only there was no flash.

At other times, the photos were fuzzy, as if the light was too low.

So, we've got distorted, washed out, and fuzzy. Not much to be impressed with.

Rating :

Sony quality

Great little digital camera. I really like the gps function of knowing exactly where my pictuers were taken. But, then again, I am a map nut and love that kind of thing. Quality pictures and easy to use. I wish they would have kept the pixels up there, why go backwards? May never need that high of pixel count, but if I did I like to have it there. You can't go wrong with this camera. Just a little more bulky than other "pocket" cameras, but I will take that for all the benefits it offers.

Rating :

Works for me

I have read the reviews and decided to pick one up. Remember this is a 300 dollar P&S not a high end DSLR. The panoramic feature is great. I used at a stadium event capturing a full sweep of the stadium. I sent the file to a printer and it is flawless at 10x30. I have also used the manual shutter speed to get a streaking effect of the traffic on the Vegas strip and the picture was awesome. I keep the camera set mostly to "intelligent" mode and have had great looking pictures every time. The sound quality on videos is a bit weak but you can't expect high end sound from a point and shoot. Overall I am pleased, the software does its purpose and would recommend this camera. It is a fine point and shoot with some good manual settings to play with.

Rating :

Great camera,...not for everybody.

I've had the HX5V since I replaced my Canon SD800IS in March, '10 and have been very pleased with what it has to offer. It captures great images but with a caveat. It is not, strictly, a point and shoot. It has features such as the hand-held twilight, anti motion blur and iPanorama that take some knowledge and practice to make the most of. Most of the complaints I have read here relate to a misunderstanding of the camera features and not a failure in design. I'll address some of the the issues and how I have avoided or dealt with them.

Colors: Most compact digital cameras come with auto-ISO and auto white-balance as the defaults. I always over-ride the auto-ISO with the lowest ISO setting and adjust manually from there if needed. Auto WB is left on, but virtually no current camera will decipher the odd mix of light that compact fluorescent lighting puts out. That's why there is a custom WB setting. When custom white-balance is used properly, colors are rendered nicely. In daylight, I have had no problems and under incandescent outdoor lighting it seems to render colors quite well.

Distortion: Most P&S cameras don't start out at 24mm equivalent on the wide end (one of the reasons that I bought the camera). If you are not used to composing using a wider-angle lens, your shots can produce some perspective distortion. Buildings and interiors need to be shot carefully at wide angles to minimize the "leaning walls" effect caused by the exaggerated perspective of wide angle lenses that is often mistaken for lens distortion. The lens itself is remarkably free of distortion at both the wide and long end of the zoom range. BTW, people shot up close with a wide-angle lens will NOT like how they look!

Lack of detail: The HX5V is not a DSLR. Its 10MP files will never support the detail that you can get with a large APS-C sensor. If you are obsessed with detail and like to view your pictures in minute detail at 100% zoom with your nose 12 inches away from your monitor, this is not the camera for you. That said, it will fit in your pocket and produce sharp, detailed images suitable for 8x10 prints or even larger...if used properly. Auto-ISO will automatically boost ISO in low-light conditions. As stated before, this camera is a compact, not a DSLR. Though it does better at ISO 800 than most, it still has a tiny sensor that is susceptible to noise and the accompanying loss of detail from noise reduction processing at higher ISO. In low light, I have used the hand-held twilight function with excellent results. This mode isn't magic and if the camera moves too much during the multiple exposures, it won't do the job. If you choose your subject well and keep the camera steady, the images in this mode can be very impressive. Digital zoom can cause problems at the long end. Since this feature simply takes a smaller center section of the image and blows it up, resolution suffers. I'm happy with the 10x optical zoom and turning off the "digital zoom" option prevents its use and accidental image degradation.

iPanorama doesn't work: Nonsense. It is actually one of the best in-camera panorama solutions out there. Like everything else, there is no free lunch. You have to practice moving the camera steadily and smoothly across the scene and keep in mind that since it is using the video mode to capture the 100 or so image slices, you are limited to a 1080 pixel tall image (unless you trick it and use the vertical mode sideways to get a 1920 tall panorama).

In general, the HX5V will function as a point and shoot camera but to get the most out of its remarkable feature set, you need to take the time to learn the functions and how to best take advantage of what they have to offer. It is not a camera for everyone but it can be a great 24x7, take-anywhere tool with some class-leading features if use it well.

I have posted some images on my share site with examples of low-light, indoor, outdoor, panorama and extremes of the zoom range.

You can find them at: [...]

Here are the same images as a slide show: [...]

If you want a great compact camera with a load of useful features and are willing to do some of the homework necessary to get the most out of it, the HX5V is an excellent choice. Get one and enjoy it!

Happy shooting!

Dave

Rating :

If you need help deciding, just look at the iguana

I started using SLR's a while ago but it is not always practical to carry so much equipment on a daily basis. So for my next vacation trip I was thinking maybe a compact camera could come in handy when boat rides and trekking are a must and the weight is limited.
I have been a Panasonic Lumix fan for a long time and started my comparison between the Panasonic ZS7 and the Sony HX5. Even though Sony has a legendaray image quality, the use of propietary accessories drove me away. So I went to [...] and found that they have this tests for what they called the Travel Zoom Group. It helped a lot.
Two features made me finally decide for the HX5: First, the 1080 HD 60fs video, second, they finally understood SD cards are more widely available than memory stick cards. So the HX5 can accommodate both types.
Cutting to the chase, if you still need some additional help deciding, just go to the images uploaded by customers here at Amazon and check out the Iguana. Also the panoramics featured there are really awesome.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof
2. 3.0-inch wide touch screen for easy operation and viewing of images and movies
3. 10.2-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for enhanced low-light performance
4. iSweep Panorama Mode captures stunning panoramic images; fast capture with 10fps at full 10.2MP resolution
5. Card slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media and SD media

Editorial Review :

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 combines a sleek, waterproof design with high technology. The camera offers stunning low light performance with the ability to capture amazing panoramic images in Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode. Never miss the best shot with 10 frames per second, and show off all your images on a large 3" touchscreen LCD.

Customer Review :

DSC-TX5

The camera takes awesome pictures in any setting from almost complete darkness to underwater. very versatile

Rating :

Great all-around package in one camera

I got my Sony Dsc-tx5 a couple days ago in the mail from Amazon. One of the first things I noticed was how slim and nice it looked. Compared to the other waterproof cameras I saw, this one definitly stood out because of its styling, and being waterproof. I was looking for a "durable" camera because I take mine everywhere. This one seemed like an ideal camera because I do take more-then-the-average person "artsy" shots, but also it was waterproof. I am really pleased with the image quality of this camera. Comapared to other waterproof cameras I tested, this one's image quality seemed much better, and I am telling you, it is! I especially like the low-light settings, which seem to work really well. Another part of the camera that i like and appreciate taking closer shots, is the function where you can tap the touchscreen to tell the camera where to focus. this is really useful in close-ups where the camera will not focus where you want it to. Another thing i like is the panorama shot, which contrary to popular belif (in reviews that I read) you can use it with just your hands and it works perfectly fine.

Now for the [few] cons. One of the first things I noticed after getting the camera wet that was a little tiresome was the sliding cover smearing water on the lens. If water gets under the cover, it stays under for awhile, and puts dots on the lense if you don't wipe it off every time you open it. The only other thing that i disliked about the camera was its usb port. It is located right next to the battery compartment, and has a single flimsy door that opens to let you plug it in. It seems that this door could easily be snapped off, and thus comprimise the water-proofing of the camera.

All in all, though, this camera is definitly worth investing in, if you have the cash. Higher then normal picture quality with the ability to take some really good shots, good low light photographs, and waterproofing...Thsi camera brings it all to the table with one compact package.

Rating :

Excelent for the most of the people

Yo no soy un experto en fotografía digital, pero si un usuario exigente. Yo la he utilizado en modo Intelligent Auto y creo que la mayoría de las personas la usarán así.

Lo mejor:
- Liviana y pequeña. Su diseño la hace muy cómoda de usar y llevar.
- Excelente gran angular para el tamaño.
- Excelente capacidad para tomar fotos sin flash en la oscuridad.
- Excelente calidad de construcción. Made in Japan.
- Aunque monofónica, tiene una buena calidad de sonido. No saturó el audio aun en un concierto con alto nivel de ruido.

Lo peor:
- La batería dura poco si se usa intensivamente el flash.
- Viene sin memoria.
- Debe abrir dos frágiles tapas plásticas cada vez que desea conectarla al PC.
- En días soleados no es posible distinguir nada en el visor touch.
- Pésimo o no existente estabilizador de imágenes para filmaciones.
- Las fotos muchas veces quedan sobre expuestas o los colores no son totalmente naturales, sobre todo si se usa flash.

Conclusión:
Es una buena cámara para llevar siempre consigo, a todas partes y tomar fotos de calidad media rápidamente y cualquier condición.

Rating :

Pequeña gran camara.

Un tamaño muy conveviente para llevarla siempre en el bolso o cartera. Tiene muchas opciones para configurarla, toma muy lindas fotografias y graba muy buenos videos. Solo me falta probarla bajo el agua

Rating :

The last or the first?


This gem should be your first camera or perhaps it could be the last since it does all things so amazing well. 10 shots in a second? 1600 ASA? Automatic stitching of panoramas in the camera? All garner an A+ for ease of use and usability.

I bought the TX5 because it would fit easily inside my motorcycle jacket. Mission complete.

Any negatives? None about the camera but yet another propriety battery but a small charge against an otherwise superlative camera.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 3.5-inch touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
2. 10.2-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance
3. iSweep Panorama Mode captures stunning panoramic images
4. Fast capture with 10fps at full 10.2 MP resolution; 1080i AVCHD Movie records high-quality HD movies
5. Accepts Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo (not included)

Editorial Review :

The sleek and stylish DSC-TX7 offers a large 3.5” touch screen to easily take and review photos. An advanced “Exmor R” CMOS sensor provides stunning low-light images and sweeping panoramic views with iSweep Panorama mode. Plus, enjoy 1920x1080 Full HD video recording and playback.

Customer Review :

Batery charger stop working after one month

The batery caharger stopped wroking afer owning this camera for only one month. Just used the charger for a couple times! what a quality?!

Rating :

I like it more every time I use it!

I was really hoping this camera lived up to it's reviews. It did, and more. I knew the battery wouldn't be the most robust, I can live with that. The features on this little gem is what really impresses me every time I use it. I'm not sure which is my favorite aspect of the TX7.

You've probably already read about the excellent low light capabilities, I can also attest to this. It does a great job in these situations.

The video quality is just incredible. And I'm not just speaking in comparison to other ultra compact point & shoot cameras. The video quality is just as good as a very expensive HD camcorder. It lacks many of the manual video settings, but you can still zoom while recording. [MP4 @ 12Mbps/1080p, 6Mbps/720p or 3Mbps/VGA] [AVCHD 1080i @ 17Mbps/60i or 9Mbps/30i]

I connected the TX7 to our big 1080p LCD via HDMI, and both the still images & video were stunning. The slide show with built-in music is a great feature when connected to the TV also.

I-Sweep Panorama works really well, in all directions (up & down also)

Intelligent Auto mode can tell which scene to use. It goes into macro when it's supposed to, even a tripod mode when it senses no movement, which I would guess slows down the shutter speed.

Smile Shutter is awesome for kid pictures. It works really well, you can set the sensitivity from a grin > medium smile > big cheesy smile! Then it takes the pictures for you.

You can customize shortcut buttons for each mode that you use. In other words, you put the shortcut icons you want for each mode, on that main screen. No hunting in a second menu for the most frequently used settings, even in playback mode! This is a spectacular feature in my opinion.

There are many other cool features that I can't think of right now, but this TX7 is well worth the money in my opinion.

Rating :

Sony Digital DSC-TX7 Cybershot

The only drawback to this camera is that one cannot see the screen and its options in bright sunshine.

Rating :

Amazing photos, great video, fun to use

I am just back from two weeks in southern France with my new DSC-TX7. I love this camera. I took about a thousand photos and about an hour of video, and it all fit comfortably within the amount of available memory in the camera. I especially like the convenience of this unit. I carried it in the pocket of my jeans the whole trip. I could pop it out, turn it on, and take a shot on very short notice. The low light capability is amazing; I shot some photos inside a cave and the camera brought out colors and details my naked eye could not see. The panorama mode is fun and easy and produces great high-res images. I brought along a new HD video camcorder and wound up not using it after I discovered the video mode in the TSC-TX7 produces beautiful HD-resolution full frame-rate video.

Operating the camera is fun and easy and does not require reading the manual (for me anyway). The 3-1/2" touch-screen display is big and crisp and does everything you'd expect. It lets you easily adjust settings and modes, browse through your images, etc. When I returned from travel, I connected the camera to my HD TV display via an HDMI cable, set the camera to "slide show" mode, and voila, it created a great presentation, interspersing the video clips and the stills in the order they were shot. The display style and background music is selectable, and you can even upload your own audio tracks if you want. The lens and zoom system (4x optical) is a great balance and very practical. I was trying to read the fine print on a map and realized that I could use the camera as a magnifying glass. At 1.0 zoom it goes to a "close focus" mode and lets you get within a quarter of an inch of the subject. The flash is plenty bright and can be easily turned off. There are three burst modes (low, mid, high) that work great.

The only downsides I can note are that the battery life is somewhat short (I carried a second battery with me, and would switch it out typically at the end of a long day of shooting). The 4x zoom is usually sufficient to frame faraway subjects, but because the camera is so small, it can be hard to hold it steady. Video can come out jerky if you're not careful in how steady you hold the camera, especially when zoomed. It's a little hard to see the display in bright sunlight.


Rating :

Sony DSC-TX7 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4x Zoom

Took this camera on vacation recently. It takes nice pictures and very impressive low light pictures. The touch screen is difficult to keep clean and you must watch to keep your fingers out of the pictures due to the location of the lens. Small cameras are getting too small and hard to hold. Great for portability. It's much simpler to use than previous Sony portables. The touch screen menus are very easy to navigate. It's not perfect but is an excellent choice if you want portability, ease of use, and a camera that fits in a pocket. The panoramic shots are also very impressive.

Rating :

More reviews...