Want camera around $200, is Sony HX5V a good choice? Hi! I'm looking for a camera with a decent zoom and good photo quality. I've seen poor picture quality reviews for the HX5V, but what kind of camera are they comparing this to? In this price range I would assume most cameras are not spectacular, but I'm not a photographer either. I don't blow up too many pics, just here and there. In this price range is there anything better? Thanks so much. Want camera around $200, is Sony HX5V a good choice? Hi! I'm looking for a camera with a decent zoom and good photo quality. I've seen poor picture quality reviews for the HX5V, but what... » Read More Want camera around $200, is Sony HX5V a good choice? Hi! I'm looking for a camera with a decent zoom and good photo quality. I've seen poor picture quality reviews for the HX5V, but what kind of camera are they comparing this to? In this price range I would assume most cameras are not spectacular, but I'm not a photographer either. I don't blow up too many pics, just here and there. In this price range is there anything better? Thanks so much. « Show Less
252019
I've read a lot about the sometimes soft, not crisp pictures. Where can you post the pics? Thanks.
252020
I hope its not to late, post was May 13th, and its the end of June. When the HX5V first came out it was $350, I pre-order mine through sonystyle, I got a discount though. I've never had any problems with my camera and I've had it since March 2010. I don't blow any pictures up, I just take them and put them on my computer, then a back up hard drive, I've never had any poor quality pictures. I can't upload photo's here, but if you want to see, I can send a few.
252021
I just uploaded them on Flickr, from Yahoo. http://www.flickr.com/photos/64585937@N03/
252022
I never had had bad quality photos with it. Besides, if the phots do happen to come out blurry or bad just use the PMB software to fix it.
1721988
check out this website, they hv compared both cameras. good luck! http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/superzooms_and_premium_compacts/best_high_end_compact_camera.shtml
136447
Consider the new FZ1000, especially if you have used or own Sony RX10 (sensor size superzoom). I cannot comment on that because I don't own that model, but the GH4 is in a different league because it is interchangeable lens M4/3 lens system. The thing these two have in common is 4K video, although I have read mixed reviews on this technology that you probably admire in the movie theater. Value wise, the FZ1000 looks brilliant. Other than the 4K advantage for video-recording, its closest competitor at the time of this post is the RX10, and I read about this on another site.
905828
Its a huge step up. Its a great camera, but if all you want is to point and shoot with better images, I would suggest you save a few bucks and buy the Sony RX100. If you want to get into using different types of lenses, this is a great camera with a growing range of E-mount lenses.
903011
As of today, it actually costs a dollar less than $600 ;-) The bad reviews should maybe be reviewed too: Choppy videos are a consequence of HD shooting, not of the HF200, the software is poor but maybe that's because there is no need for any of it, hard disk or tape-based camcorders are totally obsolete nowadays, and too noisy anyway. The smaller sensor size compared to the much more expensive HF100 may or may not impact low light shooting (an objective comparison would be welcome), but there are also negative reviews about the HF100 low light quality. It might be a trade-off for the better optical and digital zoom. As for the review about non true progressive format, unless I misunderstand (I am no expert), this 60i format is just the internal format of the recording, and does not affect the capture or playback, which is 30p or 24p, depending on your set up. AVCHD seems to be supported throughout the whole editing/playback channel now, so the support issues encountered by the early AVCHD adopters are hopefully obsolete. We should look at the good points too, such as the movie mode (24p fps and movie color tone) which is rarely seen on consumer products at that price.
784658
HVR Z1U is the Sony model that came out before this camera. Once I had the problem with the non-warranty issue, ( paused by the dealer selling a model not covered by a USA warranty) I deceded to look for a good used HVR Z1U camera. I found one with only 300 hours for only $900. I highly recommend you go this route. You can pick up seven of these used cameras for less than 2 of the new ones would cost you. Sony products tend to have a have a long life, and even if you eventually need repairs ( typically to the tape unit) you are thousands of dollars ahead.
1700502
I have a good copy of the Canon 330 and wrote a good review of it - and I still like it. - BUT - I bought it on sale on Amazon. Gradually the price has crepted up to almost double what I paid. At the current price point, I might try the Canon 340, the Casio ZR700, or the Panasonic ZS25 or ZS20. I think this camera is now on premium pricing. I would not pay more than $200 or, preferably $175 for it - especially with its continuing battery issues. You can do better.
1373624
If you are willing to fork out $500 - $550, I highly recommend the SAL 18250 (This is the best range I have found so far for the A350). This lens is SOLID, no drift, extremely quick focusing. If you don't want to schlep around those low quality "kit lens's", just buy the sony body and invest in this GREAT lens. Pic quality turns out great!! I have had this now for almost 4 months. Took it on a trip to Alaska and found it extremely versatile, going from wide to telephoto. The convenience factor alone (of not having to swap lens's) means a reduction in camera inside gunk that can spot up your pics, and easy shooting under any situation. If you are willing to fork out $500 - $550, I highly recommend the SAL 18250 (This is the best range I have found so far for the A350). This lens is SOLID, no drift, extremely quick focusing. If you don't want to schlep around those low quality "kit lens's", just buy the sony body and invest in this GREAT lens. Pic quality turns out great!! I have had this now for almost 4 months. Took it on a trip to Alaska and found it extremely versatile, going from wide to telephoto. The convenience factor alone (of not having to swap lens's) means a reduction in camera inside gunk that can... » Read More If you are willing to fork out $500 - $550, I highly recommend the SAL 18250 (This is the best range I have found so far for the A350). This lens is SOLID, no drift, extremely quick focusing. If you don't want to schlep around those low quality "kit lens's", just buy the sony body and invest in this GREAT lens. Pic quality turns out great!! I have had this now for almost 4 months. Took it on a trip to Alaska and found it extremely versatile, going from wide to telephoto. The convenience factor alone (of not having to swap lens's) means a reduction in camera inside gunk that can spot up your pics, and easy shooting under any situation. « Show Less
1393900
I got confused reading the reviews in the search engine over this, and I almost bought the wrong model. This camera (HX400V) is NOT the same as the H400, and reviews about this camera compared with the Sony website is a bit confusing. One reviewer said they are both the same except for GPS, which is incorrect. The basic model has a 63x zoom, and no GPS or WiFI, and some other features are missing, but the HX 400B/V is the high end model with the Carl Zeiss 50x lens, (better glass, lower f/stop) the Wifi, GPS and the upgraded capabilities.
576349
What is the best camera that fits my needs (mainly outdoor and landscape photos)? I'm looking for DSLR that provide one of the best image quality for a lower cost.
768118
I'm kind of in the same situation Hamlet. They both look great, and I can't decide which one to pull the trigger on. I have a Canon XTi DSLR that I use and love but I want something smaller for travel and one of these seems to fit the bill. Did you make a choice yet? If you have what one did you pick up? I'm also looking at the Sony HX5V.
257404
The major drawback of the LX-7 is that it has a very limited zoom. The lens is so fast that it doesn't need a flash, it takes crisp, clear pictures, has a good video ability (which includes being able to take stills while the video is running) and makes great panoramic pictures. For taking close up pictures it is fantastic, BUT, the zoom is very limited. the Canon SX-110 has a better zoom, but is more likely to have shaky pictures because the lens is slower.The higher numbers (120-130) have a longer zoom, but the lens is not as fast. On the front of the lens are nUmbers which follow a 1 and a semicolon (ie: 1:3.5-5.6) . The higher the numbers, the "slower" (poorer the quality) of the lense. There are two types of zoom, optical and digital. What you want is to know the optical zoom. You can do the digital zoom on your computer. I have a Pentaz K-5 camera with a 28-135 zoom lense that I use for my long distance photos. Something which would help me is to know you budget. If you want, you can look at site called digital camera review, which enables you to compare cameras and prices. In general you get what you pay for. Apart from the limited zoom, the Panasonic LX-7, and the Olympus XZ-1 are excellent cameras. Other Pasonic and Olympus compact camer have longer zooms in a compact body with good lenses. If this doesn't help, write.e me back and tell me your budget. Sincerely, John Eisenberg
1426063
Yes, it's a great camera but don't overpay (no more than $400). You could also look into the canon rebels.
2184216
I am looking for a camera of this range. My short list is like this Panasonic FZ 100, FZ40, Fuji Film HS10, Kodak Easyshare Z 981 and Olympus SP 800 UZ. Basically I am looking for a camera useful for birdwatching - distant shots, high optical zoom, faster speed etc. can you pl help me in selection. e mail haridas53@gmail.com
1518250
I'd prefer the 330 HS -- because I don't trust touchscreens.However, I don't own either at the moment. I'm shopping for a replacement for a damaged 300 HS, and the 330 HS appears to be a similar camera with some nice upgrades.The differences in megapixels and zoom range are really minor. It's doubtful that you'd notice any significant diffs.
438669
FYI: My SX10 failed for lens error after 2 years and a few months. I had also noticed in the past few months lesser picture quality for no specific reason. I did use it as a field camera so it took some minor abuse. I'm going for the SX20 as I like the functionality and the price is right for a camera for use in rough country.
271851
Both cameras use a 1/2.3 inch sensor to achieve high zoom ratio. The Lumix FZ200 is a highly rated camera and is very popular. It is about two years old. It's main draw is the constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout its 25-600 mm zoom range. The Sony HX400 (same as HX400V) is brand new. It has a 50X zoom that runs from 24-1200 mm and features Wi-Fi, NFC, 4K still pictures on 4K TV.