• 1/2.4 inch 27.1mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-HX5V advantages over Nikon S8100

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S8100 advantages over Sony DSC-HX5V

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $349 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 250 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.30 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Sony DSC-HX5V
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Nikon S8100
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Compared to Nikon S8000

Sony DSC-HX5V
Nikon S8000
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Nikon S8000

Nikon S8100
Nikon S8000
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Less shutter lag
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Nikon S8000

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Sony DSC-HX5V
Sony DSC-H55
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Sony DSC-H55

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-H55
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Sony DSC-H55

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Sony DSC-HX5V
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Canon SD4500 IS

Nikon S8100
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Canon SD4500 IS

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Sony DSC-HX5V
Ricoh CX5
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Wider angle lens
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Ricoh CX5

Nikon S8100
Ricoh CX5
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Ricoh CX5

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