Sony CyberShot DSC-HX300 offers the killer feature of a steady 50x zoom
If you are looking for a compact camera with telephoto-like zoom then your search should end at the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX300.
Sony CyberShot DSC-HX300
Price: Rs 25,990
Specs: 21MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens 1200mm, 50x optical + 50x digital zoom, F2.8-F8.0, 1/4000, ISO 12800, FullHD1080p, SD card. 3-inch adjustable LCD
If you are looking for a compact camera with telephoto-like zoom then your search should end at the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX300. There are many cameras that offer 20x or 30x zoom, though very shaky at full zoom. This new camera from Sony has a 50x optical zoom - and 50x more on digital - but is undoubtedly the steadiest we have tested so for. This is a camera with a 1200mm equivalent zoom that you can use without the tripod. And that is a killer feature.
While most other cameras take ages to lock on the subject in the full zoom, the HX300 has a very fast auto-focus. In fact, as you zoom from 0 to 50x it feels as if the camera is continuously locking focusing on the way. This is true even when you are using the zoom in video mode. Yes, there is no doubt that zoom is the best feature of this camera. We tried to capture a mynah sitting on a tree in the adjacent apartment complex and the results were stunning. Of course, there is some blurring as we were not using a tripod, but detail on the bird was still impressive thanks to the new Optical SteadyShot. Then this is a very smooth zoom, like hot knife on butter to use a cliche. If you have tried zooming while recording video you know why that is good news too.
The camera is very easy to use with a fluid mode dial on top and a zoom toggle hugging on to the trigger. The three-inch LCD can be adjusted to suit various shooting angles. You can also switch to the viewfinder, which is a steadier option while using the zoom. All manual modes are also available on this camera and Sony has used a clickable ring, that lets you select a value as well as adjust it, to help with the settings. There is a 3D mode too, in case you have a 3D television at home. At 650 grams, the HX300 does not feel heavy in anyway. If you are novice, you can just leave it to the Superior Auto and rest assured that you will have a decent photo in the end.
This is a fast camera, and we don't say that just because of the AF. The continuous shooting of 10 fps is fast and does not entail any lag while writing to the card, at least now when using a Class 10 SanDisk Extreme card. The low-light performance if good, though with considerable amount of noise in the higher ISOs.
Overall, this is an ideal camera for those who want a compact for all occasions. From forest treks to wild weddings, this camera can handle it all.
Rating: 5/5
Bag it or junk it: Steady 50x zoom is a killer feature
Price: Rs 25,990
Specs: 21MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens 1200mm, 50x optical + 50x digital zoom, F2.8-F8.0, 1/4000, ISO 12800, FullHD1080p, SD card. 3-inch adjustable LCD
If you are looking for a compact camera with telephoto-like zoom then your search should end at the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX300. There are many cameras that offer 20x or 30x zoom, though very shaky at full zoom. This new camera from Sony has a 50x optical zoom - and 50x more on digital - but is undoubtedly the steadiest we have tested so for. This is a camera with a 1200mm equivalent zoom that you can use without the tripod. And that is a killer feature.
While most other cameras take ages to lock on the subject in the full zoom, the HX300 has a very fast auto-focus. In fact, as you zoom from 0 to 50x it feels as if the camera is continuously locking focusing on the way. This is true even when you are using the zoom in video mode. Yes, there is no doubt that zoom is the best feature of this camera. We tried to capture a mynah sitting on a tree in the adjacent apartment complex and the results were stunning. Of course, there is some blurring as we were not using a tripod, but detail on the bird was still impressive thanks to the new Optical SteadyShot. Then this is a very smooth zoom, like hot knife on butter to use a cliche. If you have tried zooming while recording video you know why that is good news too.
The camera is very easy to use with a fluid mode dial on top and a zoom toggle hugging on to the trigger. The three-inch LCD can be adjusted to suit various shooting angles. You can also switch to the viewfinder, which is a steadier option while using the zoom. All manual modes are also available on this camera and Sony has used a clickable ring, that lets you select a value as well as adjust it, to help with the settings. There is a 3D mode too, in case you have a 3D television at home. At 650 grams, the HX300 does not feel heavy in anyway. If you are novice, you can just leave it to the Superior Auto and rest assured that you will have a decent photo in the end.
This is a fast camera, and we don't say that just because of the AF. The continuous shooting of 10 fps is fast and does not entail any lag while writing to the card, at least now when using a Class 10 SanDisk Extreme card. The low-light performance if good, though with considerable amount of noise in the higher ISOs.
Overall, this is an ideal camera for those who want a compact for all occasions. From forest treks to wild weddings, this camera can handle it all.
Rating: 5/5
Bag it or junk it: Steady 50x zoom is a killer feature
