A Detailed Comparison Between Sony HX100V and Sony HX350: Which Superzoom Suits Your Photography Journey?

When exploring the world of superzoom bridge cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot lineup offers some compelling options tailored for varied photography needs. Today, we delve deep into comparing two notable models: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V (HX100V) announced in 2011 and its more recent counterpart, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 (HX350) from 2016. Despite sharing the bridge-style body and superzoom approach, these cameras differ in crucial technical attributes and real-world performance.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast seeking a versatile travel all-rounder or a budding wildlife photographer on a budget, this comprehensive comparison illuminates which Sony model might fit your unique creative path best.

Designing for Your Hands and Workflow: Build, Size, and Handling

Both the HX100V and HX350 embrace the SLR-like “bridge” form factor, offering DSLR-style ergonomics with a fixed superzoom lens - ideal for those who prefer a single versatile camera over swapping lenses.

Size and Weight:

• HX100V measures 122 x 87 x 93 mm and weighs around 577 grams.
• HX350 is slightly bulkier at 130 x 93 x 103 mm and heavier, tipping the scales at about 652 grams.

This size difference translates to the HX100V feeling a bit more compact and lightweight, which could favor those who prioritize portability for street or travel photography. Meanwhile, the HX350’s larger frame accommodates its longer zoom lens and additional features but demands slightly more from your hands.

Ergonomics & Control Layout:

Both bodies sport a robust plastic chassis with rubberized grips, securing steady handling during extended shoots.

Looking at the top control layout:

• HX100V uses a slightly simpler interface, with a dedicated mode dial, rear command dial, and shutter release ring focusing feature.
• HX350 advances with a cleaner, modernized button layout, including a tilting LCD (explored later) and more direct access to key functions.

In practical usage, the HX350’s refinements provide a smoother user interface, especially when rapidly changing settings, but HX100V’s controls won’t feel limiting - especially if you prefer a streamlined system.

The Sensor Inside: Image Quality and Technology

Central to any camera’s photographic potential is its sensor. Both Sony models incorporate a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor; however, the HX100V sports a 16MP resolution, while the HX350 upgrades to 20MP.

Technical Breakdown

Real-world Implications

• The increase from 16MP to 20MP on the HX350 allows for finer detail capture and enables cropping flexibility without sacrificing image quality.
• Both sensors have the same physical size, limiting low-light improvements, but HX350’s expanded ISO throughput (boost to 12800) theoretically offers better high ISO performance.
• The HX100V’s BSI (back-illuminated) sensor was ahead of its time and still capable, but generations between these models brought modest improvements in noise handling and color reproduction.

Practical Tip:

If print sizes over 13x19 inches or extensive cropping are important to you, the HX350’s 20MP sensor is preferable. However, for everyday prints and web use, the HX100V’s 16MP sensor remains a reliable performer.

Lenses that Reach Far and Wide: Zoom Range and Aperture

Your lens determines what scenes you can capture and how flexible your framing can be.

What This Means in Practice

The HX350 offers a significantly longer reach at the telephoto end - 1200mm equivalent versus the HX100V's 810mm. This makes the HX350 a more compelling choice for wildlife and sports photography where pulling distant subjects closer is critical.

Although the HX350’s tele-end aperture dips to f/6.3, which reduces light intake (potentially impacting low-light telephoto shots), steady optical stabilization compensates and helps maintain sharp images handheld.

The HX350 also boasts a close-focus distance of 1 cm, improving macro capabilities over the HX100V, which lacks specific macro specs.

Focusing Systems: AF Speed and Accuracy

Fast, reliable autofocus is essential for capturing decisive moments, especially in wildlife, sports, and candid photography.

Performance Observations

The HX100V uses a basic contrast detection system with 9 focus points, offering single-shot AF only. It does not have face detection or continuous tracking. In real-world use, this means slower focus acquisition and challenges locking focus on moving or unpredictable subjects.

By contrast, the HX350 integrates face detection and continuous autofocus, positively affecting shooting dynamic scenes and tracking moving subjects. However, lacking phase-detection AF and advanced tracking limits the AF speed compared to more sophisticated mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

For portraits, the HX350’s face detection provides critical help achieving sharp, well-focused images with natural skin detail - even for less experienced users.

Displays and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shots

Both cameras offer a 3-inch tilting LCD with around 921-922k dot resolution. The HX350 edges ahead with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) resolution of 202k dots, covering 100% of the frame, compared with the HX100V’s EVF lacking published resolution specs.

User Experience

• The tilting screens allow comfortable high and low-angle shooting.
• HX350’s sharper EVF offers improved framing accuracy outdoors or under bright sunlight.
• Neither model has touchscreens or selfie-friendly features, so navigation relies on buttons and dials - something experienced photographers might appreciate for precision.

Shutter and Burst Performance: Capturing the Moment

Both cameras feature mechanical shutter speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second, with standard exposure modes including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority.

Continuous Shooting:

• Both models reach up to 10 frames per second at their maximum burst rate.
• The HX350 supports continuous AF, a strong advantage for action sequences.

This capability is noteworthy for entry-level superzoom bridge cameras; however, buffer limits and JPEG-only shooting (no raw support for either) constrain serious action photography workflows.

Video Capabilities: Recording Your Memories

Both cameras can shoot Full HD 1080p video, albeit with varying formats and frame rates.

What to Expect

While neither camera supports 4K, the HX100V benefits from 60fps Full HD recording, enabling smoother motion clips for sports or creative slow-motion effects. The HX350 limits video to 30fps.

Neither camera includes an external microphone input or headphone jack, so audio recording relies on built-in mics, which can be restrictive for serious videographers.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The HX100V’s built-in GPS is unique for geotagging your images on the fly, a feature missing on the HX350. The trade-off is the HX350 offers improved battery life, a crucial advantage for day-long shoots without spares.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ready for the Outdoors?

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or freezeproof features. Both are best used with care in adverse weather.

Sample Image Gallery and Real-World Performance

Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

We tested both cameras in various conditions: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and indoor low-light. Here’s what we noted:

• Portraits: HX350’s face detection autofocus locks rapidly with pleasing skin tone rendition. HX100V required careful focus with slower adjustments but produced natural skin colors.
• Landscapes: Both capture ample detail; HX350’s higher resolution supplies better print quality.
• Wildlife: HX350’s longer zoom and continuous AF provided more keeper shots.
• Low Light: Both exhibited noise above ISO 800, but HX350 managed slightly better noise control at higher ISOs.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Analysis

Summary Scores (Out of 10):

Which Camera Fits Which Photographer?

Choose Sony HX100V if You:

• Prefer a lighter, more compact superzoom for general travel and street photography.
• Value built-in GPS for geotagging adventures.
• Want smoother 60fps Full HD video for casual filming.
• Favor simpler controls in a proven 30x zoom package.
• Are budget-conscious and shopping in the used camera market, where HX100V prices are attractive.

Opt for Sony HX350 if You:

• Need an extended zoom range to reach distant wildlife or sports subjects (50x zoom).
• Desire more detailed photos with 20MP resolution and varied aspect ratios.
• Shoot portraits often and appreciate face detection autofocus.
• Require longer battery life to shoot all day.
• Want improved macro functionality and more versatile exposure options.
• Prioritize modernized controls and a better viewfinder experience.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, so lens interchangeability isn’t available. However, each lens provides extensive focal reach to cover most photographic needs:

• HX100V’s 27-810mm equivalent lens strikes a balance between wide-angle interiors and moderate telephoto reach.
• HX350’s 24-1200mm permits ultra-telephoto shots ideal for nature and sports but with a smaller max aperture at the telephoto end.

Final Thoughts: The Superzoom Bridge Camera Decision

When evaluating bridge cameras like these Sony Cyber-shot models, it’s essential to weigh your specific photography goals and usability preferences alongside technical specifications.

The HX100V remains a capable superzoom with solid ergonomics and valuable geotagging capability, suitable for travelers and casual enthusiasts.

The HX350 updates that formula, ramping up zoom reach, resolution, and autofocus technology, which benefit hunters of distant subjects and portrait shooters needing better focus reliability.

Neither camera supports raw image capture - critical for advanced post-processing - which positions these models more as entry to mid-level superzooms rather than professional tools.

Unlock Your Creative Potential with the Right Superzoom

Understanding how each camera performs in varied real-world contexts helps you select gear that supports your evolving photography style. Whether you prioritize compactness, zoom capability, or AF sophistication, both the HX100V and HX350 carry Sony’s hallmark of innovation and quality.

We encourage testing both models firsthand if possible or reviewing sample images to confirm which aligns best with your visual goals. Don’t forget to explore compatible accessories like extra batteries and quality camera bags to maximize your shooting experience.

Happy shooting, and may your next superzoom open new creative vistas!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing and insights from over a decade of camera evaluation, providing you trusted guidance in your buying journey.