Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 review – Our verdict
Designed as a travel camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50 has one really standout feature – its 24-720mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens. Packing this 30x zoom lens into such a small compact is an impressive feat.
However, given that the HX50 has a 20.4-million-pixel sensor, we would have expected the camera to resolve slightly more detail than it does. There are also signs of luminance noise even at ISO 80, although it does not become an issue until ISO 800. Colour noise is very well controlled and is kept to an absolute minimum even at high sensitivities.
With most camera manufacturers producing models with similar features, Sony has some stiff competition. However, the large zoom lens should really help the HX50 stand out from the crowd. Combined with excellent image stabilisation, the lens is very versatile and capable of taking a huge range of images. For those who want a small travel compact camera for summer holidays the HX50 is tough to be beat, although it isn’t without its flaws.
