Looking for a small compact to replace HX9V

Alastair

Alastair

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A moment if carelessness and I've lost my Sony HX9V compact camera, I've become very used to having a pocketable small camera to carry around every day when I don't specifically need the advantages or bulk of a DSLR. So I'm now looking for a replacament. When I bought it I had been considering the X10 or a S95, but the Sony was obtainable using some vouchers I had that were about to expire (so whilst it didn't cost me a lot to buy, it's going to cost me a lot more to replace).

Thing I liked:
  • Small size
  • Ease of use (logical buttons and dials, custom function button for EV compensation)
  • Long zoom range (this is an everyday do anything grab camera role)
  • Video quality (1080p 60fps)
  • Image stabilisation
  • In-built multishot HDR mode (I liked the artistic effect it had)
Things I was less keen on:
  • Aggressive inbuilt noise reduction with no user settings
  • Lack of raw mode (minor niggle)

What I'll be using it for:
  • Holiday/garden/travel snapshots
  • Video
  • Printing to 6x4" (unlikely to be larger) and web display (primarily web display)
  • Work (illustrative photos of factories, offices, plant and machinery, etc for use in pdf and printed reports - generally 3x2" at 72/144 dpi)

The HX9V is still available and mey be discounted further when stocks of the HX10V and HX20V build-up in stores. Equally both of these models are candidates - I'm leaning towards the HX20V if I can get a refurbished deal under £230.

The X10, S100, G12, etc seem to be excluded by the zoom requirement I have and the lower video quality (as well as all being significantly more expensive). But have I missed any other obvious candidates to consider?


(and does anyone want to give me an AmaAssoc link for the 20V?)
 
If you can wait a bit there will be more compacts with a 1" sensor like the new Sony RX100. The Oly XZ-2 and Panny LX6 will be along soon both hosting 1" sensors (we hope!!)
 
AndyWest said:
If you can wait a bit there will be more compacts with a 1" sensor like the new Sony RX100. The Oly XZ-2 and Panny LX6 will be along soon both hosting 1" sensors (we hope!!)
Click to expand...

I know.. but for the price they're going to hit the streets at (almost £600) I could trade-in my 40D against a 7D or switch completely to m4/3 (both of which I have considered but neither of which are perfect solutions).

The RX100 looks nice, but I'd value a longer zoom over the faster lens and larger sensor for my needs.
 
Alastair said:
A moment if carelessness and I've lost my Sony HX9V compact camera, I've become very used to having a pocketable small camera to carry around every day when I don't specifically need the advantages or bulk of a DSLR. So I'm now looking for a replacament. When I bought it I had been considering the X10 or a S95, but the Sony was obtainable using some vouchers I had that were about to expire (so whilst it didn't cost me a lot to buy, it's going to cost me a lot more to replace).

Thing I liked:
  • Small size
  • Ease of use (logical buttons and dials, custom function button for EV compensation)
  • Long zoom range (this is an everyday do anything grab camera role)
  • Video quality (1080p 60fps)
  • Image stabilisation
  • In-built multishot HDR mode (I liked the artistic effect it had)
Things I was less keen on:
  • Aggressive inbuilt noise reduction with no user settings
  • Lack of raw mode (minor niggle)

What I'll be using it for:
  • Holiday/garden/travel snapshots
  • Video
  • Printing to 6x4" (unlikely to be larger) and web display (primarily web display)
  • Work (illustrative photos of factories, offices, plant and machinery, etc for use in pdf and printed reports - generally 3x2" at 72/144 dpi)

The HX9V is still available and mey be discounted further when stocks of the HX10V and HX20V build-up in stores. Equally both of these models are candidates - I'm leaning towards the HX20V if I can get a refurbished deal under £230.

The X10, S100, G12, etc seem to be excluded by the zoom requirement I have and the lower video quality (as well as all being significantly more expensive). But have I missed any other obvious candidates to consider?


(and does anyone want to give me an AmaAssoc link for the 20V?)
Click to expand...

I was given a HX9V for my last birthday (would't have been my first choice normally), and actually I've been really impressed, in fact I would say your appraisal of +/-'s are exactly what I would have put!

I do rationalise the lack of RAW and JPEG performance with the fact it's a P&S and so I don't really tend to use it for anything more then that, awesome thing to take out in your pocket on any day out and get some decent shots..

And I have to say, I can't think of anything to replace it either.. I'd ideally like an S100 with longer zoom and decent video (plus HDR/Panorama etc)..
 
phil-t said:
I was given a HX9V for my last birthday (would't have been my first choice normally), and actually I've been really impressed, in fact I would say your appraisal of +/-'s are exactly what I would have put!
Click to expand...

That's the funny thing about the HX9V (and I assume the HX10V and HX20V), it's not a model that features as a contender until you try it. I've read very similar thoughts to yours and mine on several forums/reviews. Very difficult to pick out another model that does the same thing.
 
THe HX20V arrived this morning and is sat charging. In the end I came to the conclusion that there really isn't any other model quite like the HX-series from Sony. They seem to be the only models combining the zoom range with 1080 50p video.
 
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