Which Cyber-Shot?

[majid23]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum...Just wanted to say hi and ask the experts a question.

I'm between these two cameras:

Sony Cyber-Shot WX9: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921666290663

Sony Cyber-Shot HX1: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665789079


I like all of the features of the WX9, but the 20x zoom on the HX1 is amazing. I can get the HX1 for $80 more ($299 as opposed to $219 on the WX9). I have a $200 gift card at the SonyStyle store, so I'm looking to get a Cyber-Shot.

Any recommendations? Or is there another Cyber-Shot in this price range that I should consider over these? Thanks!

[Photo-John]

Welcome to the site! And an interesting dilemma - but I think I have the answer. Split the difference and get a pocket superzoom! Pocket superzooms are currently my favorite compact cameras because they give you most of the power of a camera like the HX1 but they're a lot easier to keep around. Here's an article I wrote about pocket superzoom cameras:

Pocket Superzoom Camera Guide >>

I also want to point out that the HX1 is a couple of years old now. I'm not going to guarantee it, but chances are you can get comparable image quality from a current pocket superzoom like the Sony HX55 or HX5B - both of which use the same sensor technology as the WX9.

Hope that helps. Personally, I'd choose a pocket superzoom over the HX1. If I'm gonna carry a camera as big as the HX1 I'd rather step up to a DSLR or a compact system camera like the Sony NEX 5.

Please let us know if you have more questions!

[majid23]

Thanks Photo-John;

I'll probably go with this one when it comes out:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ll_Camera.html

[Photo-John]

Thanks Photo-John;

I'll probably go with this one when it comes out:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ll_Camera.html

Cool - I guess I was able to help, then

If I can offer one more piece of possible advice - the latest and greatest is not always the best. I've looked over the HX9V specs and I'm not convinced it's a real improvement over the HX5V. More resolution is actually concern. On the tiny point-and-shoot camera sensors it can actually reduce image quality. I reviewed the waterproof Sony TX5 last year, which uses the same sensor as the HX5V, and I think the image quality is pretty good. I don't see any reason to increase the number of pixels and I worry that the image quality won't be as good. This is a case of - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." And if you can get a deal on the HX5V because of the new model, I'd save a few bucks for what very well might be a better camera.

[majid23]

Thanks again for the reply Photo-John...I'll keep that in mind. The only thing I like better is that the 9v has 16x zoom, as opposed the the 10x zoom on the 5v. Thanks so much for the advice.

[Photo-John]

Thanks again for the reply Photo-John...I'll keep that in mind. The only thing I like better is that the 9v has 16x zoom, as opposed the the 10x zoom on the 5v. Thanks so much for the advice.

Yeah, I 16x vs 10x zoom is a good reason to buy the new camera. I should have caught that

Whatever you get I hope it works out for you. Please come back and write a review here! User reviews are the foundation of this site and we need your review.