Choosing a super-zoom camera (part 5)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V
3 stars
$615 including VAT
www.jessops.com
30x zoom range is not
the biggest currently, but everything else about HX100V follows
the topic of “bigger, faster and more”, from is 16-megapixel sensor to 1080/50p
video recording. 3-inch articulated screen is sharp, with a GPS radio for
pasting photos and even an intergrated neutral-density (ND) filter, which
reduces the amount of light touching the sensor.
There is a lens ring for
zooming or manual focus and a dedicated button to move
the focus point. Pressing the command dial will turn on/off its
function between many exposure-related settings, depending on
the selected capturing mode. However, the information on screen
updates slowly while rotating the dial.
It has fast autofocus, and we measured
only 1.3 seconds between shots, but the Panasonic FZ48 and FZ150
are faster. Full-flash photographs were 12 seconds apart; while most
other cameras were between six and eight seconds. Continuous
mode was at either 10fps or 12fps, both limited
to 10 images.
Video recording is highlighted, with sharp
details and smooth motion, thanks to the 50fps frame rate.
Autofocus and zooming is smooth, fast and quiet.
However, HX100V does not allow manual
exposure control for videos. Clicking the
record button will skip the white balance setting, though it still
produces attractive colors and significantly low
noise in artificial lighting.
The picture quality is good, but
not without some errors. Its 16-megapixel sensor and sharp
lens captured memorable photos and excelled at telephoto photography.
However, the digital sharpening and noise reduction sometimes
destroy fine details, even after we supervise these
settings. Low-lighting photographs were better than we expected, but it
did not suit the standards of Canon SX40 HS.
Fujifilm HS20 EXR has excellent controls; Panasonic FZ150 has
better video mode and faster performance. Both are comparable
to HX100V on image quality, and
Canon SX40 HS beats it.
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Summary
Verdict.
HX100V is a fully impressive camera; however, it did not stand out in any
specific area.
Ultra-zoom digital camera.
15.9 megapixels (4.608x3.456), 30x optical zoom (27-810mm), 3-inch LCD
(921.600 pixel), SDXC slot and Memory Stick Pro Duo (19MB internal), Li-ion
battery, 87x121x99mm, 577g, one-year RTB warranty.
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Canon Ixus 1100 HS
3 stars
$521 including VAT
www..co.uk
IXUS 1100 HS’s 12x zoom seems not so notable compared
with today's standards. However, with a thickness of 22mm, it is the slimmest
camera in this category. Unfortunately, not only the body was withdrawn
accordingly but Small battery also lasts for just 170 shot.
There are a few button, with all taking shot settings was
placed on 3.2 inch touch screen. Typing on the preview image will move the
focus point, start tracking or focus and take pictures, depending on the menu
option. However, we found the cumbersome and slow navigation scrolling list.
3fps continuous mode is slower than 10fps mode provided
by the other cameras, but it can keep continuing until the memory card is full.
A different mode running at 0.9fps with updates autofocus between each photo.
This is good news for alternative drive mode, where the capture took place 2.3
seconds apart.
With the same 12MP CMOS illuminated sensor used in the
SX40 HS and SX230 HS, it’s not surprising that this camera to create beautiful
images. Bright scenes were taken with smooth, vivid colors. the remote location
zoom or dim light requires faster ISO speeds, impressively low noise levels.
The lens does not have similar standards, for example,
images show the pale focusing and the phenomenon of chromatic aberration at the
edges. The center seems better but admittedly, not as sharp as the Canon SX230
HS image. These are sophisticated problems, however, it’s reasonable to expect
more from such an expensive camera.
The video quality is generally excellent, with sharp
1080p pictures and dominating stability of optical. However, 16 minutes limited
videos disappoint. Stereo soundtrack is in-details and clear, but the micro
phone has been able to record the engine zooming sound and focus quieter
environment.
HS 1100 is only available for in advanced orders, and
there’s hope that price will drop when the product is widely available.
However, simplifying is necessary for it to be competitive with PowerShot SX230
HS, which has a sharper lens and comprehensive controls. If super-compact size
is important, consider the IXUS 230 HS
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Summary
Identify.
The visuals are impressive, but the touch screen controls is cumbersome and
overpriced.
Super zoom digital camera.
12MP (4.000x3.000), 12x optical zoom (28-336mm) LCD touch screen 3.2 inch,
SDXC slot (not supplied), Li-ion battery, 60x99x22mm, 206g, 1 year RTB
warranty .
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