Get your HX300 from Amazon today through the link below: www.amazon.com/... Here are some initial impressions of the Sony HX300. Enjoy! -TDD Zoom sample: • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX...
I have noticed the same image "stuttering" with zoomed on the long end too. Oddly enough the artifact also appears even when doing slow pans from left to right. The image "jolts" a few pixel rows to the left or right. I noticed that changing the image stabilization from "active" to "standard" reduces the problem by a decent amount. I believe that "standard" mode relies only on the optical balancing, while "active" employs a software crop and correction. I think the stutter is cause by software
Part 2 I agree that the sensor being removed was a surprise, and the gps was a loss (though I knew very few people who used it), the IS system is improved even in stills. It employs a dual floating optic system. One optic front loaded and the second one continues to stabilization of that light path again before the light hits the sensor. That may be the clicking or shifting that you feel, both motors moving. I have yet to see any drop in battery performance in my HX300 field tests. URGrate!
Yes, i've seen some of the tests of the Lumix FZ200 on youtube, I liked it, even though I always have the impression that everything looks a bit too greenish, this is why i'd rather have the HX300 for it's zoom capabilities. Once i've got the impression that the Lumix FZ200 makes greenish images, i'll probably never get rid of it (just like pareidolia, you can't "unsee"), too bad, seems like a nice camera.
its functional..... it acts as a zoom ring... for zooming in and zooming out manually and its also a manual focus ring..... its a great piece of equipment....very useful indeed.
He mention a shift in the picture at the highest end of the zoom feature, I would assume when Sony incorporated the new threading feature which is to the lens itself, it had to compromise by adjusting for weight of attachments that could potentially become attached to the lens end. Therefore, the lens housing and motor assembly and barrel position would have to be adjust as well. This likely left room for a slight mishap if nothing at all was attached and your zooming from 1200 mm.
I got this one but in optical zoom race now it is not first one. Panasonic FZ72 with 1200mm( for me it is 50x still...) optical zoom + teleconverter 1.7x ( x50=85) gives U 85 times optical zoom. Better than clear zoom plus... and better aperture now have new Fuji S 1 with 5.6 on 215mm... but Carl Zeiss lens from Sony gives great quality and useful ISO 1600 even.
Ok, so I ended up purchasing this camera, and for two years been pretty happy with it, nice quality pictures and video. Even though I treated it nicely, the scene selector button on top broke off. But what really bothers me is that recently the video became increasingly shaky. I read somewhere that when you zoom in close, it it somewhat normal for the image to shake a bit. But now mine is shaking all the time zoom or no zoom, can't even watch the videos, gives you a headache, tried to play with the image stabilizer, but to no avail. Fixing it is out of question, I wonder if I should get another similar model, or move on to another brand, was mine a one off issue, or can I expect other Sonys to do the same ?
Nice thorough review. I own the HX200V. I won't be upgrading due to the negatives: no GPS, tiny battery (probably related to no GPS), same IQ. Like the lens and AF speed. Will wait for HX400V. You didn't mention LCD. I assume same as HX200V in that is articulating. The Canon is fixed (a deal killer for me).
Hey! I have this hx300 sony camara, I want to make a video using the manual focus, do you now if it is possible? Cuz it appears a small icon on the right bottom that says it can´t. Do you know ir I can endeble this video manual focus?
Many gripes about raw format and those with manual features within video recording modes, are slightly nit picking. If you wish high end features perhaps you need to go with a digital SLT or SLR camera which you may find all the bonus features you won't find in the point-n-shoot market. Sony has actually captivated and held the best video performance on the market. Would like to know a little about the crop to pixel performance of this camera though. My main reason for having a Alpha.
you welcome. yep.... i am using it and i have to say, its the best point and shoot i have bought till date....but i have used the canon sx50hs in stores and thats a bit better!! so if you can shell out the extra bit of cash then go for the canon if you have not already bought the hx300.
Please tell us whether this Sony lets us use inexpensive 3rd-party batteries. My HX-100v was OK with that, but I returned a Sony HX30v (and took a $50 penalty) because it insisted on Sony batteries ONLY. The magic number of batteries when travelling is 3, and if they are Sony, you're putting out ~$120 for your 2 extra batteries. My HX100v demonstrated that batteries 1/5th that price produced as many pictures and lasted actually LONGER. So that's a significant cost difference. Please let us know.
got this camera when it came out, its a good camera but ime disappointed that it does not have a hot shoe, also it would be nice if you could use spot metering in the auto mode, witch you can on the Nikon d7100 slr and I think you get vignetting with the lens hood on at 24mm, or this one might be on the Nikon p510!!!! correct me on this one.
Great Review!!. I am first and foremost a huge Sony shooter and every camera season study all other brands of point and shoot cameras. I have not found for 3 years in a row any real quality advantage that the Canon bridge cameras have had over the Sony!!! I heard you mention time and time again that the Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto modes were not going to allow you shoot beyond the quality of the Canon SX50. What about them do you feel that take away from the overall quality of images?
SIR as I say on another of your great reviews as regards of your ?'s wether the telescopic inner barrel shunts around on the HX200V[lens closed position] when the user applys piitch& yaw to the camera body YEP it does on mine and it's common to this SONY so say those that decided to place their opinions in the forum
I just got this camera for my birthday, the 15th. I was taking a photo, and i realized the viewpoint doesnt work... do i have to do something special to make it work? please heelllpppp
yeah... but megapixels really dont matter too much... its actually the digic processor......it does a really really good job.... its just my theory at least..... i hav the sony though.... and i couldnt be more satisfied..... just the image quality of the canon is slightly btr... but you can only notice that if you compare the two side by side!! :D
How will this camera be for an amateur filmmaker? The Hx200V looked good, but I read that it was lacking some manual options in video mode. Im looking at this and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
I think real competition is the Panasonic FZ200 - yes Pani only 600mm but a F2.8 through out the zoom - but I imagine better IS on the HX300 - I don't think the Canon is a match for the HX300 - as the issue is always shake at fully zoomed in lower light - Pani lens so much faster but 1/2 the zoom -
I got mine last Friday. The lack of instructions supplied is annoying. Everything I am learning bit by bit. But for the life of me, I can not find half of the Picture Effects, Miniature mode and all the HDR effects are not on my menu. All I can see is Part red, green, blue and yellow filters, Pop, Toy and SftH key in the Picture Effects menu. Nothing to access any other special effects that other people say are on the camera. This camera needs a proper manual for first time owners. Anyone help?
Superb review!! Very clear, concise with information that alot of reviewers miss out. You sound like Ray Liotta, "For as long as I remember, I always wanted to be a Goodfella". LOL
Battery not to much of an issue in my mind as one will have to carry a bag with this size body so an extra battery cheap - I got an aftermarket charger for my RX100 as hate to charge via USB cable - battery also so small that an extra battery fits nicely in pocket.
I'd like to know your thoughts on whether you actually see this "greenish" pattern on videos of the FZ200 that I talk about. I started noticing it once my parent told me that this was a problem with the Panasonic cameras in the past, so I believe it might just be cognitive bias taking part.
I own the Sony cybershop 200 I am having a small problem which is removing OEV on my display when I am using HDMI recording to a external device can you help me with this.
Battery life is not a real issue as you can always carry an extra battery with you. Wi-fi and gps are features that nobody will really use. The only real cut is the evf sensor. However, the full HD video 50p or 60p this camera can shoot (with a plethora of settings and manual controls) will blow your socks off.
does this product have Bluetooth for remote shutter? I gotta know if this compatible for remote shutters and a website link to get a remote shutter for this product....
Until very recently i had the canon SX40 but dropped and broke it :( so i thought about getting the SX50 but was told about the HX300 and am having trouble making up my mind. I do a lot of wildlife photography and some low light level work with foxes and bats which is where the SX40 was not exceptional but acceptable. I really need a camera that has a high frame rate (for taking pictures of fast moving birds etc) and one that is going to produce high quality images. any advice?
As you mentionde HX300 has AF/MF option on the left side of camers. My question is can we shoot video with Manual focus . OR can we use rotating ring for manual focus from any subject rest blur to focus on infinity and having subject blur.
Thanks for a great review TTD, can you or someone else tell how the Coolpix p520 are compared to the Sony, I know the difference in the zoom and the GPS, except from that what are the difference
Which one is better in terms of IQ, video - sony hx50v or hx300? I am really confused between these two Note - 30x zoom is more than enough for me so optical zoom is not a factor to be considered
Does this camera have manual focus while recording video? Very important to me. Also is this the best bridge camera for shooting video in it's price range. If not which one would be?
sir I saved many penniees & purchased the 200v Only for taking Pix of the moon as I find you the best reviewer how does it compair to the 200v like for like.Sorry sir for my cheek could you snap a pix of the moon for me on same night as i am thinking of upgrading if it is obviously better.thankyou if so I will send you my email
Keep hoping for improved IQ. Sounds like the HX200 Clear Zoom at 50x equals ths optical 50x. Would like to see some comparisons. Carl Zeiss lens was an improvement from the G series on the HX1, but Canon continues to win out. So does Panny. I really don't understand why Sony's IQ is what it is - good, but less than competitors. Come on Sony, provide what the customer wants! Those nit-picking items you mention are a real nuisance. Smaller battery and eye sensor absence are two steps back.
The lens is not interchangeable but the outer rim is threaded so you can buy a fish-eye addition which is available in many different variations for different costs by different vendors right on amazon.
No Problem. I actually just purchased a uv filter for my HX300. It screwed right in beautifully and I'm even still able to use my lens cap. This camera is well-constructed and with the right understanding of some of the manual settings, the results are near if not completely comparable with DSLR photography. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Great review! Checked it before I bought the camera! It`s an extraordinary camera! You can find some videos and photos of the hx300 on my channel. Have a great day!
U can´t edit videos in a mac-computers, cus AVCHD -video files are not supported by apple from this kind camera. If consumers has to convert AVCHD, they will loose quality in films. So U need a computer that has Windows operating system for editing films. Apple, tht sucks :-(
u didn't say a single major useful thing but talked endlessly about secondary things most people don't care about, for example u said 3 times the video is better and said a single reason ? so why already? what is good about picture quality etc, what new features does it have like negative picture effects or mutli lowlight image combining like the canon or whatever other features
Please! This camera and most of the Compact Range of all the best makes cannot possibly be called Point and Shoot. Call it what it is a Compact Digital Camera. Phew - you ruin your own review.
I have noticed the same image "stuttering" with zoomed on the long end too. Oddly enough the artifact also appears even when doing slow pans from left to right. The image "jolts" a few pixel rows to the left or right.
I noticed that changing the image stabilization from "active" to "standard" reduces the problem by a decent amount. I believe that "standard" mode relies only on the optical balancing, while "active" employs a software crop and correction. I think the stutter is cause by software
Part 2
I agree that the sensor being removed was a surprise, and the gps was a loss (though I knew very few people who used it), the IS system is improved even in stills. It employs a dual floating optic system. One optic front loaded and the second one continues to stabilization of that light path again before the light hits the sensor. That may be the clicking or shifting that you feel, both motors moving. I have yet to see any drop in battery performance in my HX300 field tests. URGrate!
Got one of these at Goodwill for 14$ can't wait to play around with it
Yes, i've seen some of the tests of the Lumix FZ200 on youtube, I liked it, even though I always have the impression that everything looks a bit too greenish, this is why i'd rather have the HX300 for it's zoom capabilities.
Once i've got the impression that the Lumix FZ200 makes greenish images, i'll probably never get rid of it (just like pareidolia, you can't "unsee"), too bad, seems like a nice camera.
its functional..... it acts as a zoom ring... for zooming in and zooming out manually and its also a manual focus ring.....
its a great piece of equipment....very useful indeed.
He mention a shift in the picture at the highest end of the zoom feature, I would assume when Sony incorporated the new threading feature which is to the lens itself, it had to compromise by adjusting for weight of attachments that could potentially become attached to the lens end. Therefore, the lens housing and motor assembly and barrel position would have to be adjust as well. This likely left room for a slight mishap if nothing at all was attached and your zooming from 1200 mm.
I got this one but in optical zoom race now it is not first one. Panasonic FZ72 with 1200mm( for me it is 50x still...) optical zoom + teleconverter 1.7x ( x50=85) gives U 85 times optical zoom. Better than clear zoom plus... and better aperture now have new Fuji S 1 with 5.6 on 215mm... but Carl Zeiss lens from Sony gives great quality and useful ISO 1600 even.
A full pdf e-manual is available from sony's official site. Select the "Manuals" tab and you'll find it.
Ok, so I ended up purchasing this camera, and for two years been pretty happy with it, nice quality pictures and video. Even though I treated it nicely, the scene selector button on top broke off. But what really bothers me is that recently the video became increasingly shaky. I read somewhere that when you zoom in close, it it somewhat normal for the image to shake a bit. But now mine is shaking all the time zoom or no zoom, can't even watch the videos, gives you a headache, tried to play with the image stabilizer, but to no avail. Fixing it is out of question, I wonder if I should get another similar model, or move on to another brand, was mine a one off issue, or can I expect other Sonys to do the same ?
Nice thorough review. I own the HX200V. I won't be upgrading due to the negatives: no GPS, tiny battery (probably related to no GPS), same IQ. Like the lens and AF speed. Will wait for HX400V. You didn't mention LCD. I assume same as HX200V in that is articulating. The Canon is fixed (a deal killer for me).
Hey! I have this hx300 sony camara, I want to make a video using the manual focus, do you now if it is possible? Cuz it appears a small icon on the right bottom that says it can´t. Do you know ir I can endeble this video manual focus?
Please elaborate on the filters for this camera. nice review! Would also like to hear you talk about the manual video controls.
Many gripes about raw format and those with manual features within video recording modes, are slightly nit picking. If you wish high end features perhaps you need to go with a digital SLT or SLR camera which you may find all the bonus features you won't find in the point-n-shoot market. Sony has actually captivated and held the best video performance on the market. Would like to know a little about the crop to pixel performance of this camera though. My main reason for having a Alpha.
you welcome. yep.... i am using it and i have to say, its the best point and shoot i have bought till date....but i have used the canon sx50hs in stores and thats a bit better!! so if you can shell out the extra bit of cash then go for the canon if you have not already bought the hx300.
sensor was a pain too, often it would turn off the screen when I got close to use the screen.
Please tell us whether this Sony lets us use inexpensive 3rd-party batteries. My HX-100v was OK with that, but I returned a Sony HX30v (and took a $50 penalty) because it insisted on Sony batteries ONLY. The magic number of batteries when travelling is 3, and if they are Sony, you're putting out ~$120 for your 2 extra batteries. My HX100v demonstrated that batteries 1/5th that price produced as many pictures and lasted actually LONGER. So that's a significant cost difference. Please let us know.
got this camera when it came out, its a good camera but ime disappointed that it does not have a hot shoe, also it would be nice if you could use spot metering in the auto mode, witch you can on the Nikon d7100 slr and I think you get vignetting with the lens hood on at 24mm, or this one might be on the Nikon p510!!!! correct me on this one.
arthur cowgill corrected my self it was the Nikon p510 due to having no thread got a push on gadget with thread to fit filters and lens hood.
i love this camera. the quality is super fine.
My HX300 came bundled with a Sony separate charger and extra genuine battery.
Was $520 aus from Harvey Norman after some haggling
Great! Not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm going to wait until you have said all you wish to say. Thanks.
Very nice first look, cant wait for the full review!
Great Review!!. I am first and foremost a huge Sony shooter and every camera season study all other brands of point and shoot cameras. I have not found for 3 years in a row any real quality advantage that the Canon bridge cameras have had over the Sony!!! I heard you mention time and time again that the Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto modes were not going to allow you shoot beyond the quality of the Canon SX50. What about them do you feel that take away from the overall quality of images?
SIR as I say on another of your great reviews as regards of your ?'s wether the telescopic inner barrel shunts around on the HX200V[lens closed position] when the user applys piitch& yaw to the camera body YEP it does on mine and it's common to this SONY so say those that decided to place their opinions in the forum
I just got this camera for my birthday, the 15th.
I was taking a photo, and i realized the viewpoint doesnt work...
do i have to do something special to make it work?
please heelllpppp
yeah... but megapixels really dont matter too much... its actually the digic processor......it does a really really good job.... its just my theory at least..... i hav the sony though.... and i couldnt be more satisfied..... just the image quality of the canon is slightly btr... but you can only notice that if you compare the two side by side!! :D
How will this camera be for an amateur filmmaker?
The Hx200V looked good, but I read that it was lacking some manual options in video mode.
Im looking at this and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
I think real competition is the Panasonic FZ200 - yes Pani only 600mm but a F2.8 through out the zoom - but I imagine better IS on the HX300 - I don't think the Canon is a match for the HX300 - as the issue is always shake at fully zoomed in lower light - Pani lens so much faster but 1/2 the zoom -
where is the "full review" i wanna see it. menu's and all the settings
I am trying to figure out how to avoid yellow lighting inside. What should I set my aperture to?
Can u do a video of how to use all the buttons and stuff?..
Thank you, I guess it is confirmed now ^^
I'll stick with HX200, it's cheaper and good enough for my needs.
yes it does, i too have a panasonic and it bumps up green
I got mine last Friday. The lack of instructions supplied is annoying. Everything I am learning bit by bit. But for the life of me, I can not find half of the Picture Effects, Miniature mode and all the HDR effects are not on my menu. All I can see is Part red, green, blue and yellow filters, Pop, Toy and SftH key in the Picture Effects menu. Nothing to access any other special effects that other people say are on the camera. This camera needs a proper manual for first time owners. Anyone help?
Wondershare video converter works rather good for converting AVCHD to imovie in your mac.
Is it any better at keeping the horizon straight at wide angles? The DHC-H50 bowed the horizon like crazy.
I bought one but I am less than happy with its focusing which seems hit or miss especially in low light.
Superb review!! Very clear, concise with information that alot of reviewers miss out.
You sound like Ray Liotta, "For as long as I remember, I always wanted to be a Goodfella". LOL
Battery not to much of an issue in my mind as one will have to carry a bag with this size body so an extra battery cheap - I got an aftermarket charger for my RX100 as hate to charge via USB cable - battery also so small that an extra battery fits nicely in pocket.
were can you find soft ware that works
I'd like to know your thoughts on whether you actually see this "greenish" pattern on videos of the FZ200 that I talk about.
I started noticing it once my parent told me that this was a problem with the Panasonic cameras in the past, so I believe it might just be cognitive bias taking part.
I own the Sony cybershop 200 I am having a small problem which is removing OEV on my display when I am using HDMI recording to a external device can you help me with this.
Battery life is not a real issue as you can always carry an extra battery with you. Wi-fi and gps are features that nobody will really use. The only real cut is the evf sensor. However, the full HD video 50p or 60p this camera can shoot (with a plethora of settings and manual controls) will blow your socks off.
does this product have Bluetooth for remote shutter? I gotta know if this compatible for remote shutters and a website link to get a remote shutter for this product....
Would this be a good camera to stream with?
oh god the fixed the filter ring, shit I want the new one
Of getting this camera, did you say it doesn't come with a wall charger I'm confused
Could you elaborate on the electronic view finder?
Can you make a unboxing and review of the canon vixia hf r52?
Please let me know the size of the filter that could attached to this camera ?
How is the video aspects superior to compatible canno models?
HOLA !
i earned a mode llately , and i wanna know if its suitable for another lens objective like a zoom lens, thanks
Hi, Can I ask if you had a choice of using one bridge camera for the rest of your life. What one would you choose? Thank You.
never settle....learn and improve
Can this camera do blur water shots please....
Until very recently i had the canon SX40 but dropped and broke it :( so i thought about getting the SX50 but was told about the HX300 and am having trouble making up my mind. I do a lot of wildlife photography and some low light level work with foxes and bats which is where the SX40 was not exceptional but acceptable. I really need a camera that has a high frame rate (for taking pictures of fast moving birds etc) and one that is going to produce high quality images. any advice?
Does anyone know how to remove the timestamp on video and or export to mp4?
As you mentionde HX300 has AF/MF option on the left side of camers. My question is can we shoot video with Manual focus . OR can we use rotating ring for manual focus from any subject rest blur to focus on infinity and having subject blur.
In short, yes. to both. Fort me, it works best under FX setting.
I didn't realize you could attach filters to this model. Where can you but them?
amazon....all 55mm filters will fit
Thanks for a great review TTD, can you or someone else tell how the Coolpix p520 are compared to the Sony, I know the difference in the zoom and the GPS, except from that what are the difference
VVV I try putting my eye up to it, and the hx200v has a detector, what is this one.
Which one is better in terms of IQ, video - sony hx50v or hx300? I am really confused between these two
Note - 30x zoom is more than enough for me so optical zoom is not a factor to be considered
HX50v is smaller than hx300 .I think HX50v is better chose.
Does this camera have manual focus while recording video? Very important to me. Also is this the best bridge camera for shooting video in it's price range. If not which one would be?
What do you mean by it losing the electronic viewfinder sensor? How is it different from the DSC-H50?
P.S. Nice video- thanks for sharing this with the camera crowd.
how to connect it to pc for live streaming?
went to the channel no part 2?
is it a good camera for filming supercars?
How does this compare to the Sony Cybershot DSC -HX1?
sir I saved many penniees & purchased the 200v Only for taking Pix of the moon as I find you the best reviewer how does it compair to the 200v like for like.Sorry sir for my cheek could you snap a pix of the moon for me on same night as i am thinking of upgrading if it is obviously better.thankyou if so I will send you my email
I'm glad they got rid of the sensor for the view finder. It was really annoying. In every camera, It is annoying.
Keep hoping for improved IQ. Sounds like the HX200 Clear Zoom at 50x equals ths optical 50x. Would like to see some comparisons. Carl Zeiss lens was an improvement from the G series on the HX1, but Canon continues to win out. So does Panny. I really don't understand why Sony's IQ is what it is - good, but less than competitors. Come on Sony, provide what the customer wants!
Those nit-picking items you mention are a real nuisance. Smaller battery and eye sensor absence are two steps back.
so can you change the lens on this camera or not? the only type of lens i would like to put on is the fisheye. is that possible or not?
The lens is not interchangeable but the outer rim is threaded so you can buy a fish-eye addition which is available in many different variations for different costs by different vendors right on amazon.
thank you!
No Problem. I actually just purchased a uv filter for my HX300. It screwed right in beautifully and I'm even still able to use my lens cap. This camera is well-constructed and with the right understanding of some of the manual settings, the results are near if not completely comparable with DSLR photography. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
no, you cant change the lens but you can add using a filter. but keep in mind.
"the more filters u add, you will start to lose quality in video.
anyone knows if thats better then hx50v??
Great review! Checked it before I bought the camera! It`s an extraordinary camera! You can find some videos and photos of the hx300 on my channel. Have a great day!
Is this good for taking photos ??
is the lens changeable?
Can you add an external mic to it?
+Ben Wallace Yes you can :)
+DUPLICITY and where have the connector??
+Ben Wallace I think I just watched a review that said external mike could be used for DSC-HX400 but not the 300.
This or Lumix fz 72. Which one is better?
this
period
Handbrake can convert the video to .mp4.
Can you shoot slow motion video on this camera ?
no
you cant film in slow motion but since it films at 60i. in the editing faze, u can slow it down a good amount and not lose quality.
Can I use or attach a flash diffuser?
LmFao2DAfullest no there isn't a hot shoe
HX300 VS HX400V
whats the difference guys?
thx bro! I think in nikon 3300 oO
U can´t edit videos in a mac-computers, cus AVCHD -video files are not supported by apple from this kind camera. If consumers has to convert AVCHD, they will loose quality in films. So U need a computer that has Windows operating system for editing films. Apple, tht sucks :-(
u didn't say a single major useful thing but talked endlessly about secondary things most people don't care about, for example u said 3 times the video is better and said a single reason ? so why already? what is good about picture quality etc, what new features does it have like negative picture effects or mutli lowlight image combining like the canon or whatever other features
I'm thinking sf
No pauce and Vdeo flash
Mine takes AA batteries.
batteries are cheap $5.00 amazon not a deal breaker!
Pointless to have a RAW file on a non-professional camera.
Better get the Sony RX10
Then the HX300 is your only choice.
no
gps sucked anyway never could get to work...
Please! This camera and most of the Compact Range of all the best makes cannot possibly be called Point and Shoot. Call it what it is a Compact Digital Camera. Phew - you ruin your own review.
Can ya hook me up with one? Somebody lol