Sony HX10V vs Sony TX200V

Sony HX10V vs Sony TX200V: A Real-World Look at Two Compact Contenders

When exploring cameras that blend portability with practical photographic prowess, Sony’s Cyber-shot line offers intriguing options. Two members of this family, the Sony HX10V and the Sony TX200V, both unveiled in early 2012, represent distinct philosophies in compact camera design and usability. Sitting side-by-side, they offer different balances between zoom reach, sensor technology, body size, and user interface.

Having put both through their paces extensively, I’ve gathered detailed insights across a range of photography disciplines and shooting scenarios to help you decide which might be your perfect pocket companion. Whether you prioritize telephoto reach, ultimate image quality, or simple user-friendly design, this head-to-head breakdown unpacks what you need to know.

Getting Physical: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and how a camera feels in your hand often influences how much you shoot with it. The HX10V opts for a traditional compact superzoom build with a relatively substantial grip and control layout, while the TX200V takes the ultra-sleek, slimline approach designed for ease of carry and everyday spontaneity.

At 105x60x34mm and 234g, the HX10V feels solid and reassuring without becoming cumbersome. Its raised grip area ensures a confident hold - even for longer telephoto framing. By contrast, the TX200V measures 96x58x16mm and weighs just 129g, making it ultra-pocketable. However, that slim body means a delicate grip, which might be less comfortable for sustained shooting or with larger hands.

Aside from feel, control layout distinctly favors the HX10V regarding tactile feedback. The dedicated zoom rocker, shutter button, and function key placement mean quicker access to settings without fumbling on-screen menus. TX200V leans heavily on touchscreen interaction, which is responsive and crisp, but less convenient in direct daylight or for those who prefer physical dials.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, which means you rely on their LCD screens for composing your shots - a critical consideration outdoors and in bright conditions. More on their displays shortly.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras share the same sensor size: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensors with an area of approximately 28 mm², featuring 18-megapixel resolution - enough to produce printable, detailed images around 16x20 inches.

But despite this similarity, subtle differences in sensor handling and processing noticeably affect results. The HX10V uses Sony’s reliable BIONZ processor, tuned for preserving details at telephoto ends, whereas the TX200V’s BIONZ unit leans towards optimizing overall color and low-light responsiveness, with enhanced noise reduction algorithms.

In my side-by-side testing, both performed admirably under good light conditions, delivering sharp results with natural colors and balanced dynamic range. However, the HX10V's longer zoom often introduces slightly more noise at maximal focal lengths, a tradeoff from stretching sensor pixels across a wide focal plane.

In low light, the TX200V’s sensor and processor combo had a mild edge - capturing cleaner images at ISO 800 and 1600 with less aggressive noise reduction. Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing latitude especially for advanced users, but this is fairly standard in their class and price range.

Display and User Interface: Touch vs Traditional

The larger, high-res screens on modern cameras can make framing and reviewing images a joy - or a frustration if poorly designed. Sony took different routes here.

The TX200V offers a 3.3-inch, 1,230k-dot XtraFine TruBlack OLED touchscreen, the sharpest and most responsive among the two. Navigating menus, AF point selection, and playback gestures feel intuitive and fast, a real boon for casual or travel shooters who value quick adjustments.

The HX10V, in contrast, features a fixed 3-inch, 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD with no touch capability. While slightly smaller and less advanced technically, this screen is bright with good color reproduction, and coupled with physical control buttons, suits users who prefer subtle manual input without finger smudges.

It’s really a preference call - if you enjoy tapping and sliding on screen interfaces, the TX200V shines. If you want a traditional button-based system that you can operate without looking or in gloves, the HX10V provides better tactile assurance.

Zoom and Versatility: Who Wins the Reach Race?

When it comes to zoom capability, the HX10V’s 24–400mm (16.7x) lens is a clear winner, dwarfing the TX200V’s 28–140mm (5x) range. This makes the HX10V infinitely more useful for telephoto pursuits - wildlife, sports, or distant street scenes.

Both lenses start around F3.3–3.5 wide-open aperture, but the maximum aperture narrows on the zoomed end, reaching F5.9 on the HX10V and F4.8 on the TX200V.

Long-range zooms on small-sensor compacts often compromise sharpness and introduce chromatic aberration; the HX10V lens, though not perfect, balances these pretty well thanks to Sony’s optical stabilization system.

Autofocus Performance: Tracking and Speed in Practice

For many, autofocus defines usable speed and precision - especially in dynamic situations. Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus with nine AF points and face-detection features, but implementation nuances create distinct user experiences.

In my tests, single AF locks were reliable and quick on both cameras under good lighting, but the HX10V occasionally struggled to keep up with fast-moving subjects at extreme telephoto lengths due to hunting issues. The TX200V’s brighter lens at shorter focal lengths compensates with faster lock times.

Neither camera supports phase-detection autofocus or continuous AF during video recording, limiting performance in high-speed sports or action photography.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rates

Both the HX10V and TX200V are capable of up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting, a very respectable figure in this compact category. However, buffer depth and AF recalibration speed impact real-world usability.

The HX10V sustains the 10 fps burst for slightly longer, offering more frames per sequence before slowdown. The TX200V matches in speed but with smaller buffer limits, meaning you might encounter pauses during extended bursts.

For wildlife or sports photographers on a tight budget, the modest advantage in burst length on HX10V might be a deciding factor.

Video Features: Full HD with Limitations

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats - solid specs for casual videographers. Optical image stabilization helps smooth hand-held recordings.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone ports, which restricts professional audio monitoring and recording flexibility.

The TX200V’s touchscreen enables quick focus point changes during video, a usability highlight. Frame rate options extend down to 30 fps and lower resolutions also are available for lower storage demands.

If video is a priority, neither model stands out dramatically, so your decision might rest on other photographic strengths.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The HX10V uses the NP-BG1 battery rated for approximately 320 shots per charge, whereas the TX200V utilizes the smaller NP-BN rated for 220 shots.

In practical use, I experienced similar daily shooting ranges, though the HX10V’s larger battery gave a comfortable margin in extended excursions. Note that battery life can vary significantly with zoom use and LCD brightness settings.

Both cameras use typical SD and Sony Memory Stick formats for storage, with single slots. The HX10V supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, offering compatibility with newer higher capacity cards, while TX200V is a bit more limited to Memory Stick Duo and its variants.

Weather Sealing and Durability

A key differentiator here is environmental sealing: the TX200V is weather-resistant, an uncommon trait for an ultracompact camera. This means better protection against dust and moisture - great news for outdoor and travel photographers who might encounter challenging conditions.

The HX10V lacks any weather sealing, so you’ll need more care and caution in humid or dusty environments.

Optical Image Stabilization: A Common Strength

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, crucial to minimizing camera shake in handheld shots, especially at telephoto lengths.

Sony’s stabilization algorithm in both units proved effective in my testing, allowing one to shoot at shutter speeds roughly two to three stops slower than normally possible without blur, a real benefit for travel and street shooters.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch prices (around $615 for the HX10V and $500 for the TX200V), both cameras target slightly different user priorities - The HX10V aims at enthusiasts wanting reach and control, while the TX200V goes for stylish portability and touchscreen usability.

Given today’s drops in pricing and availability of newer models, they can still represent solid budget options for specific needs if sourced used or discounted.

Practical Performance: Images and Sample Gallery

Seeing is believing, so I compiled side-by-side sample shots from both cameras across different conditions: daylight landscapes, portraiture with shallow depth of field (such as it is on small sensors), indoor low light, and outdoor telephoto frames.

Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

Check the fine detail, noise patterns at ISO 800, and color rendering. The HX10V’s longer zoom adds creative framing options, though ISO noise steps up noticeably at high zoom. The TX200V delivers cleaner images in low light with a slightly more pleasant bokeh effect due to wider aperture at short focal lengths.

How They Stack Up Overall: Performance Ratings

Using a weighted scoring system that factors sensor output, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and value, the cameras earn modestly different scores reflecting their intended audience.

The HX10V nudges ahead on zoom versatility, burst performance, and battery life, while the TX200V scores points for display quality, low light performance, and environmental sealing.

Tailored Scores for Different Photography Genres

Considering genre-specific demands helps clarify which camera suits which shooter best:

• Portrait: TX200V leads slightly with better color handling and macro focusing.
• Landscape: Both equal on resolution; TX200V’s weather sealing tips the balance outdoors.
• Wildlife: HX10V, no contest, thanks to longer telephoto zoom and better burst depth.
• Sports: HX10V favored for faster sustained bursts and slightly sharper lens.
• Street: TX200V shines in compactness and touchscreen simplicity.
• Macro: TX200V edges out with closer minimum focus of 3cm.
• Night/Astro: Both limited by sensor size but TX200V’s cleaner noise helps.
• Video: Tie; touchscreen on TX200V versus better optical zoom on HX10V offset each other.
• Travel: TX200V wins for portability and protected shooting.
• Professional Work: Neither perfect; lack RAW and external audio limit their appeal.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Compact Fits Your Shoot?

If you crave reach and more “serious” shooting options - especially telephoto zoom, longer battery, and physical controls - the Sony HX10V remains a compelling choice. It’s the better tool for wildlife, sports, and anyone shooting long-range or needing good battery endurance.

If ultra-portability, touchscreen ease, and better low-light results are paramount, or you’re shooting casual travel or street, the Sony TX200V impresses with its sleek design, more reactive screen, and weather sealing for peace of mind outdoors.

Neither camera is perfect - lack of RAW capture restricts post-processing, and no viewfinder limits compositional flexibility in bright sunlight. But given their age, they deliver solid performance at an affordable price point.

If forced to pick just one for versatility, I lean towards the HX10V, appreciating the physical controls and zoom flexibility. For everyday carry and casual walkaround ease, the TX200V feels like a mini powerhouse.

Choosing between these models boils down to your shooting style and which trade-offs you’re willing to accept. Hopefully, this detailed breakdown, grounded in extensive hands-on testing and real-world usage, illuminates the strengths and limitations so you can confidently invest in the compact that will inspire you most. Happy shooting!

For a closer look at real-world handling and image samples, see my video review overlaying these cameras in action (search "Sony HX10V vs TX200V hands-on comparison").

Technical Summary Chart

In sum, the Sony HX10V and TX200V each have a distinct character - one geared for zoom-hungry enthusiasts, the other for streamlined, stylish ease-of-use. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize reach and handling or portability and interface sophistication. Both remain capable compacts worthy of consideration to this day.