Sony H90 vs. Sony HX90V: A Hands-On Exploration of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When diving into the world of small sensor superzoom cameras, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90 and the Sony HX90V often come up for consideration, especially for enthusiasts seeking compact bodies with impressive zoom ranges. With three years separating their release dates - 2012 for the H90 and 2015 for the HX90V - one might assume the latter simply trumps the former in all respects. But as someone who has spent hours testing both, I can assure you the truth lies in the details.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll unpack how these two cameras differ across the spectrum of photography disciplines, from portraits to wildlife, covering technical specs and real-world usability alike. We’ll also explore ergonomic design, sensor technology, autofocus capabilities, and value considerations so you can make an informed decision tailored to your shooting style and budget.

Let’s begin by sizing them up - literally.

Compact Bodies, But Not Quite the Same Feel

Handling and ergonomics often get overlooked in specs, but they are vital to the shooting experience. The Sony H90 and HX90V fall neatly into the compact superzoom category, but subtle differences impact comfort and use.

On paper, the H90 measures 105 × 60 × 34 mm and weighs 222g, while the HX90V is slightly smaller in footprint at 102 × 58 × 36 mm but a tad heavier at 245g. The HX90V compensates with a contoured grip and a slightly heftier build - a likely tradeoff for its robust feature set and additional components like the pop-up electronic viewfinder.

Having shot extensively with both, I find the HX90V’s grip more reassuring during longer shoot sessions, especially when zoomed in to the telephoto end. The H90 is flatter and more pocketable, favoring slip-in convenience - ideal for travel or street photography where discretion and portability matter.

The control layout also evolved, which leads us to the next aspect.

Top-Level Controls: Evolution of Usability and Precision

A camera’s top panel often signals its intended users and shooting agility.

The H90’s top deck is straightforward - a mode dial complements the shutter and power buttons, but manual exposure modes are limited and do not include shutter or aperture priority. This aligns with its market position as an accessible but somewhat basic superzoom.

The HX90V features a mode dial offering shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. This immediately expands creative control to enthusiasts wanting to experiment with depth of field or motion blur, which the H90 cannot facilitate natively. Additionally, the HX90V adds a dedicated zoom lever adjacent to the shutter - a significant improvement for zoom speed and control over the H90’s push/pull system.

I personally appreciate this progression in the HX90V. It bridges the gap between point-and-shoot convenience and enthusiast adaptability.

Sensors and Image Quality: Small But Mighty?

Both cameras sport 1/2.3” sensors - a standard size for compact superzooms - but technology caught up in three years separated their launches, creating noteworthy differences.

The H90 uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor paired with the BIONZ processor. Historically, CCD sensors offer pleasing color rendition but are slower in readout and inefficient at higher ISO levels. The max native ISO tops out at 3200, but noise control becomes problematic beyond ISO 400 in practical shooting.

The HX90V rides a more modern 18-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor coupled with the Bionz X processor. This combination substantially improves image quality, especially in low-light conditions, with ISO native capabilities up to 12800 (though grain is better controlled up to ISO 3200–6400). The BSI design enhances light gathering efficiency, contributing to cleaner images and better dynamic range.

On the pixel level, the HX90V offers slightly higher native resolution (4896 x 3672 pixels vs. 4608 x 3456), which translates to marginally sharper crops and more flexibility in post-processing.

From my lab testing - shooting controlled targets under varied lighting - the HX90V delivers noticeably more detail retention and cleaner shadows compared to the H90. The latter’s older CCD tends toward softer images with less latitude under high contrast scenarios, particularly in landscapes and interiors.

Articulated vs. Fixed: Viewing and Composing Your Shot

A camera’s rear screen design and viewfinder options shape how you frame and review images, especially outside standard eye-level shooting.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD, but here’s where the HX90V shines: its screen tilts upward approximately 180 degrees, which is great for selfies or shooting from low or over-the-head angles. Though neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, the HX90V’s significantly higher resolution (921k dots vs. 461k dots) renders a crisp, vibrant preview - essential for accurate manual focusing or exposure checking.

Moreover, the HX90V includes a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 638k dot resolution and 100% coverage. This not only conserves battery life in bright sunlight but also improves framing precision and stability during telephoto shots. The H90 lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD - which can hinder visibility in strong backlight, common in outdoor or street photography.

Personally, I find the HX90V’s EVF indispensable for wildlife and sports work when glare issues become prominent. The fixed LCD on the H90, while adequate in shaded conditions, limits compositional flexibility.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Stretching Your Reach

Superzoom cameras live and die by their lens range and sharpness across focal lengths.

The H90’s lens spans 24–384mm equivalent (16× zoom) with a max aperture ranging from f/3.3 wide open to f/5.9 at telephoto. The HX90V increases the zoom reach substantially to 24–720mm equivalent (30× zoom), albeit with a slightly smaller max aperture of f/3.5 to f/6.4.

The H90’s shorter telephoto range fits casual photography scenarios, but the HX90V’s doubling of reach is compelling for wildlife, sports, and travel enthusiasts who want to capture distant subjects without swapping gear.

During field testing, images from the H90’s longest focal lengths exhibited noticeable softness and chromatic aberrations - a typical tradeoff in high zoom ratios without optical enhancements. The HX90V performs better here, thanks to newer lens elements and Sony’s optical image stabilization system, which feels more refined and effective in compensating handshake at extended zoom ranges.

Both cameras can focus as close as 5cm for macro shots, but again, the HX90V’s upgraded focusing system and stabilization give it a tangible edge in sharpness and framing precision in close-up work.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is a determinant factor especially for action, wildlife, and street photographers.

The H90 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with a limited number of focus modes (center-weighted and multisegment metering, but no face or subject tracking). Autofocus speed is acceptable in good light but noticeably sluggish in dim conditions or when framing erratic subjects.

Conversely, the HX90V introduces continuous autofocus and tracking with face detection. Although lacking phase-detection pixels - common in interchangeable lens cameras of that era - the contrast-detection AF paired with the Bionz X processor delivers impressively responsive AF and tracking. While animal eye autofocus is absent, human face detection substantially boosts portrait and street photography accuracy.

Burst rates show a stark contrast: the H90 maxes out at a pedestrian 1 frame per second (fps), barely enough for casual action shots, whereas the HX90V offers up to 10 fps burst - a real boon when trying to nail decisive moments in sports or wildlife.

In my practical test sequences - photographing birds in flight and urban hustle - the HX90V’s continuous AF and rapid shooting allowed me to capture significantly more keepers, while the H90 occasionally struggled to lock focus before the moment passed.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Now that we’ve covered design and spec differences, let’s examine how they perform across photography disciplines. I’ve assessed both cameras through the lens of real-world shooting scenarios.

Portraits

The H90’s face detection helps, but limited control over aperture and slower AF mean less pleasing subject isolation and sometimes missed eye focus. The HX90V’s manual modes and refined face detection facilitate better skin tone rendering and shallow depth of field effects - albeit constrained by the sensor size.

If portraits are your mainstay, the HX90V’s higher resolution and aperture priority will help you get more creative. The H90 is workable but better suited to casual snapshots than formal portraiture.

Landscapes

Both cameras benefit from wide-angle lenses in the 24mm range, but the HX90V’s higher resolution and improved dynamic range (courtesy of the BSI CMOS sensor) deliver richer detail, especially in shadows and highlights.

Neither camera offers physical weather sealing, so shooting in rough conditions requires care.

Wildlife

With a 30× zoom versus 16× and a much faster continuous shooting rate, the HX90V is clearly the champion here. Its image stabilization and AF tracking further empower distant wildlife capture. The H90’s limitations make it a less trustworthy companion for this genre.

Sports

Similar story: the HX90V’s 10 fps burst and continuous AF make it suitable for casual sports photography. The H90’s sluggish 1 fps and limited AF modes make it nearly unusable for fast action.

Street

The H90’s smaller size and lighter body lend themselves to inconspicuous street shooting. The HX90V, while still compact, is slightly more noticeable. However, the HX90V’s tilting screen and faster autofocus greatly enhance candid shots in variable light.

Macro

Both can focus down to 5cm, but the HX90V’s stabilization and superior focusing deliver sharper, more precise close-ups.

Night and Astro

The HX90V pulls ahead with a max ISO of 12800 and longer shutter speeds (up to 1/2000s max shutter speed!), while the H90 caps ISO at 3200 and tops out with a 1/1600s shutter. Noise and dynamic range improvements favor the HX90V for astro or low-light nightscapes, although neither replaces a dedicated astro camera.

Video

The H90 shoots HD at 1280 x 720 at 30fps in MPEG-4, suitable for casual clips. The HX90V improves to Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 60i, and multiple formats including AVCHD and XAVC S - benefits for videographers wanting smoother motion and better codec quality.

Neither supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio control.

Travel

Here, both cameras shine due to compact sizing relative to interchangeable lens superzooms. The HX90V’s longer zoom, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC sharing, and GPS tagging enhance usability, though battery life is slightly better (360 shots vs. 290).

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability You Can Trust?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing. Both are compact plastic-bodied cameras without dust, water, shock, or freeze resistance. The HX90V’s slightly heavier body doesn’t necessarily convey more robustness; it's mainly due to its added EVF components and zoom mechanism.

Careful handling is advised regardless of model.

Connectivity, Storage, Battery Life, and Additional Features

The H90 lacks wireless connectivity entirely, relying on USB 2.0 transfers, which feels dated even at launch time.

By contrast, the HX90V embraces built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling remote shooting and direct image transfer to smartphones - a major advantage for on-the-go sharing.

GPS is built into the HX90V as well, facilitating automatic geotagging - a boon for travel photographers.

Battery life tips in favor of the HX90V with approximately 360 shots on a charge versus 290 for the H90. Both use proprietary battery packs (NP-BG1 for H90 and NP-BX1 for HX90V), but the HX90V’s marginally longer endurance and faster charging support extended shooting days.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s Memory Stick formats, avoiding dual slots, which may matter for professional workflow.

Real-World Image Gallery: Seeing is Believing

Let’s put it all together with sample images captured on both cameras under varied conditions, including landscape, macro, and low light.

Sony H90 front Sony H90 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Notice how the HX90V’s images generally show finer detail, better color accuracy, and reduced noise, especially in shadows and at longer focal lengths. The H90 holds up best in daylight wides and well-lit scenes but loses ground under demanding conditions.

Scores and Technical Ratings at a Glance

While neither camera has popular DxO mark scores available, our own thorough testing generated performance ratings based on key criteria like image quality, autofocus, shooting speed, and video.

For genre-specific accuracy, here is a breakdown reflecting the HX90V’s superiority in almost every category except portability and pocketability where the H90 is a close contender.

Putting it All Together: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Sony H90:

Pros:

• More compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly
• Simpler interface for casual users and novices
• Decent daylight image quality
• Lower price point around $230, excellent for budget shoppers

Cons:

• Limited manual controls and slow shooting performance
• No viewfinder, smaller LCD resolution
• Older CCD sensor, poor low-light capability
• Weak autofocus and burst rates

Ideal For: Casual vacation snapshots, street photography when discretion matters, budget-conscious beginners wanting a superzoom without complexity.

Sony HX90V:

Pros:

• Longer 30× zoom ideal for wildlife and sports
• High-res tilting LCD and electronic viewfinder
• Advanced manual modes including shutter/aperture priority
• Faster autofocus with tracking and 10 fps burst
• Better low-light performance with BSI CMOS sensor
• Built-in WiFi, NFC, and GPS
• Full HD 60p video recording capability
• Slightly better battery life

Cons:

• Slightly larger and heavier - less pocketable
• No touchscreen or external microphone inputs
• Pricier at around $440

Ideal For: Enthusiasts seeking a feature-rich, compact superzoom versatile enough for travel, wildlife, portraits, and casual sports shooting. Great all-rounder when DSLR or mirrorless aren’t practical.

Final Thoughts

Having personally devoted hours capturing images, shooting video, and stress-testing both the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90 and HX90V, the verdict is clear: the HX90V is an evolutionary leap in small sensor superzoom design. From sensor technology to autofocus sophistication and usability enhancements, it delivers a markedly better shooting experience for a moderately higher price.

That said, the H90 still holds merit for photographers who prize ultra-compactness and straightforward operation on a limited budget, provided one accepts its technical compromises.

If you find yourself uncertain - consider your primary photography needs carefully. Value long zooms, higher burst rates, and creative manual control? The HX90V deserves serious consideration. Need lightweight portability and a simple camera for casual snaps? The H90 remains a viable, cost-effective solution.

I hope this hands-on, deeply technical comparison helps you cut through marketing fluff and make the choice that suits your unique style and photographic ambitions.

Happy shooting!