Sony HX80 Review

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HX80 Overview
Specifications
Prices

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80
Resolution:	18.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	30.00x zoom (24-720mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
Native ISO:	80 - 3200
Extended ISO:	80 - 12,800
Shutter:	1/2000 - 30 sec
Max Aperture:	3.5
Dimensions:	4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in. (102 x 58 x 36 mm)
Weight:	8.6 oz (245 g) includes batteries
Availability:	05/2016
Manufacturer:	Sony
Full specs:	Sony HX80 specifications

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Sony HX80

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18.20 Megapixels	30.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Sony HX80 Preview -- First Impressions

by Jeremy Gray
Preview posted: 03/08/2016
Updated: 05/31/2017

If you've been interested in the Sony HX90V but would like something more affordable, then you should take a look at the newly-announced Sony HX80 compact high-zoom camera. The Sony HX80 is basically an HX90V without GPS capabilities and a control ring around the lens.

Along with the Sony HX90V, the HX80 is the only compact high-zoom camera (with 30x optical zoom or greater) with a retractable built-in electronic viewfinder. Further, Sony is reporting that the HX80 is the world's smallest 30x optical zoom camera with a built-in EVF. The Sony HX80 is definitely compact with dimensions of 4.02 x 2.29 x 1.40 inches (102 x 58 x 36 mm) and a weight of 8.6 oz. (245g) with battery and Memory Stick DUO included.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX80 looks very similar to the HX90V, which itself shares a similar style with the premium RX100-series, so many photographers should be pleased and familiar with the HX80's appearance. The only notable difference in the camera body between the HX80 and HX90V, as mentioned earlier, is that the former does not have a control ring around the lens.

Providing the 30x optical zoom is a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* branded lens with eleven elements in ten groups, including five aspherical elements. The 4.1-123mm lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-720mm and a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-6.4. The HX80's generous focal length multiplier comes from its 18.2-megapixel 1/2.3"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. The HX80 also has 5-axis optical SteadyShot image stabilization to help minimize the effects of camera shake for both stills and video.

Inside the camera is a BIONZ X image processor that drives both still and video capture. The HX80's native ISO range is 80-3200 and is expandable to 6400 and 12,800 for stills. Like the HX90V, the Sony HX80 cannot capture RAW images. Images can be captured at up to 10 frames per second (fps) for 10 frames. Full HD (1920 x 1080) video can be recorded at up to 60fps including in XAVC S format at 50 Mbps.

Along with the HX90V, Sony states that the HX80 is the only high-zoom compact camera with a retractable electronic viewfinder. Like the HX90V, the Sony HX80's built-in EVF utilizes a 0.2" 638,400-dot OLED display. The EVF provides 100% frame coverage, 0.5x magnification (35mm eq.), and offers adjustable brightness control. If you would prefer to use the monitor, the HX80 has a 3" 921,600-dot TFT LCD that tilts up to 180 degrees.

In addition to the built-in EVF, there is also a retractable built-in flash. The flash is able to sync with the camera's shutter speed throughout its full 30s to 1/2000s range and has a maximum range of 0.3 to 5.4 meters (W) and 2.5 to 3.0 meters (T) at ISO Auto.

Autofocus is provided via contrast-detection but unfortunately the Sony HX80 does not provide users the option to manually focus like the HX90V does. Autofocus sensitivity is rated from 2 EV to 16 EV at an ISO 100 equivalent. The Cyber-shot HX80 also has face detection and an auto macro focusing mode. Focus area options include wide, center, flexible spot (small, medium, or large), and expanded flexible spot.

Exposure metering modes include multi pattern, center-weighted, and spot and there is up to 3 EV of exposure compensation available. The Sony HX80 offers users a wide array of exposure modes: Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual, three Memory Recall exposure modes, and Movie Mode (which itself offers Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, and Manual modes). In addition to these exposure modes, there are also creative modes including panorama and scene selection shooting modes. There are also creative Picture Effects available for both stills and movies.

To utilize Sony's PlayMemories mobile applications, the HX80 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. The camera is powered by an NP-BX1 battery and records images to MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. Memory Stick Micro and microSD cards can also be used with the appropriate adapters. Battery life is rated at 390 still images when using the monitor and 360 when using the pop-up EVF, identical to the HX90V. The Sony HX80 has Multi Micro USB 2.0 and Micro (Type-D) HDMI terminals, with the former also used to charge the battery in-camera.

The compact Sony HX80 will be available from April 2016 and will retail for approximately US$350, pricing it between $50 and $80 under the HX90V depending on the retailer.