Sony HX30V vs Sony HX90V

Choosing between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V and HX90V: A Technical and Practical Comparison

In the realm of compact superzoom cameras, Sony has established a solid reputation for packing a versatile shooting experience into pocketable bodies. Among their lineup, the Sony HX30V and HX90V models stand out as popular choices for enthusiasts looking for zoom flexibility while maintaining convenience and respectable image quality. Though these two cameras share a family resemblance and sensor size, their three-year gap and feature refinement make their comparison particularly worthwhile for anyone contemplating a small sensor superzoom investment.

This comprehensive comparison leverages extensive hands-on testing experience, a deep technical breakdown, and real-world usability assessments across photography disciplines to help photographers - from hobbyists to professionals - discern which camera better meets their demands. Where pertinent, the discussion will illustrate physical and operational differences with images to enhance clarity.

Design, Size, and Ergonomics: Comfort Vs. Compactness

Both cameras embody the compact superzoom ethos but differ in physical proportions and handling ergonomics.

The Sony HX30V features dimensions of 107x62x35 mm with a weight of 254 grams, while the HX90V is fractionally more compact at 102x58x36 mm and lighter at 245 grams. In direct physical comparison, the slim profile of the HX90V facilitates easier pocket carry, albeit with a slight sacrifice in grip space compared to the HX30V's somewhat chunkier but more tactile body.

Ergonomically, the HX30V’s design leans towards comfort for extended shooting sessions, with slightly larger buttons and a more pronounced grip ridge. Conversely, the HX90V prioritizes minimalism to appeal to travel photographers and street shooters valuing discretion. Both cameras lack weather sealing, limiting their robustness in adverse conditions.

From top down, the control layouts offer insight into user interaction philosophy:

The HX30V presents a straightforward top-panel with mode dial featuring manual modes absent on the earlier model, whereas the HX90V introduces more refined manual controls including shutter and aperture priority modes, augmenting creative control while maintaining compactness. The HX90V also includes a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a notable advantage for bright-light compositing - absent in the HX30V.

For photographers who prioritize tactile feedback and larger body ergonomics, the HX30V provides a more comfortable hold. The HX90V’s compact footprint and integrated EVF cater to shooters valuing discrete, travel-friendly design without foregoing compositional accuracy.

Sensor and Image Quality: Identical Format, Differing Processing

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm with a 28.07mm² active area and output an 18MP resolution at 4896x3672 pixels. The sensor technology is consistent, with anti-aliasing filters in place, maintaining smoothness at the expense of slight potential sharpness.

With sensor size and resolution parity, image quality differences primarily stem from image processor generations and lens optics. The HX30V operates on Sony’s older BIONZ processor, whereas the HX90V benefits from the more advanced BIONZ X processor, offering improved noise reduction algorithms and JPEG processing efficiency.

In practical testing, low ISO base performance (ISO 80/100) yields sharp, detailed images with faithful color reproduction on both models. However, the HX90V exhibits marginally improved dynamic range and better noise control at elevated ISOs (above ISO 800), translating into cleaner shadows and reduced chroma noise in low-light scenarios. The HX90V’s maximum shutter speed extends to 1/2000s, offering slight advantage in bright conditions when paired with wider apertures.

RAW format capture is unavailable on both cameras, restricting post-processing flexibility to JPEG optimization - a limitation for professional workflows demanding maximal latitude.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Dose of Reach and Optics

Lens specifications represent a core differentiator:

• Sony HX30V: 25-500mm equivalent focal length (20x optical zoom), aperture range F3.2-5.8
• Sony HX90V: 24-720mm equivalent focal length (30x optical zoom), aperture range F3.5-6.4

The HX90V’s 30x zoom extends reach in telephoto territory by a significant margin, making it better suited for wildlife and sports applications demanding tighter framing from a distance. The wider-angle end (24mm versus 25mm) also offers approximately a 4% wider field of view, beneficial for landscape and architecture.

Optical stabilization is present in both models, critical for mitigating handshake-induced blur particularly at long zoom ranges where focal length magnification amplifies movement. Sony’s Optical SteadyShot technology performs well in both; however, the HX90V’s stabilization effectiveness slightly improves owing to refinements in processing.

Macro focusing capabilities differ notably. The HX30V can focus as close as 1 cm, enabling extreme close-ups and detailed macro shots. The HX90V’s minimum focus distance is 5 cm in macro mode, sufficient for general close-up work but less suited for capturing minute textures or insect photography.

Autofocus Systems: Responsiveness and Tracking

Autofocus is foundational to photographic success, affecting speed and accuracy across subject types.

• The HX30V employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and face detection, offering single AF and basic tracking.
• The HX90V advances with enhanced contrast-detection AF, live view AF with continuous modes, face detection, and an unspecified number of AF points but featuring AF area selection and improved tracking capabilities.

Testing AF responsiveness under varied conditions reveals:

• The HX90V acquires focus more rapidly and maintains lock better during continuous shooting, thanks to processor improvements and better AF algorithms.
• It also offers AF continuous (C-AF) mode, absent in HX30V, facilitating better tracking of moving subjects - a decisive advantage for sports and wildlife shooters.
• Both cameras support AF for center, multi-area, and selective modes, with face detection active for superior portrait focus accuracy.

Neither camera features phase detection autofocus or advanced eye/animal eye detection modernly prevalent in mirrorless systems, limiting their absolute AF performance ceiling but sufficient given their compact sensor class.

Display and Viewfinder Systems: Composition and Review

The HX30V features a fixed 3-inch 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD, while the HX90V upgrades to a 3-inch tilting screen with approximately 921k-dot resolution.

The tilting capability on the HX90V introduces compositional flexibility including low and high angle shooting, enhancing comfort for macro and street photography. The HX30V’s fixed LCD restricts such flexibility.

Additionally, the HX90V’s inclusion of a built-in electronic viewfinder (638k-dot OLED) with 100% coverage and 0.5x magnification significantly improves compositional precision under bright outdoor conditions where LCD glare hampers visibility. The HX30V lacks any viewfinder option, requiring sole reliance on LCD framing - a notable usability penalty in challenging light.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing Action

Both cameras offer a 10 fps continuous shooting rate - respectable in the compact superzoom tier. However, buffer depths and sustained shooting durations differ subtly:

• The HX90V, backed by the BIONZ X processor, handles longer bursts with less risk of buffer overruns.
• Continuous AF is supported during bursts on the HX90V, enhancing capture of moving subjects.
• The HX30V’s buffering is more limited, with continuous AF unavailable, potentially resulting in missed focus opportunities during rapid sequences.

This distinction notably impacts sports and wildlife photography where fast, reliable AF and burst potential are essential.

Video Performance: Capabilities Examined

Both cameras offer Full HD (1920x1080) video recording.

• The HX30V provides 1080p at 60 fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.
• The HX90V records 1080p at 60p, 60i, 30p, and 24p in AVCHD and the higher bitrate XAVC S format, facilitating better motion rendering and compression efficiency.

Neither camera supports 4K video or microphone/headphone jacks, limiting their professional video utility. Optical stabilization benefits video smoothness, though Sony's HX90V demonstrates marginally better image stabilization, critical at longer zooms.

Lack of touchscreen and limited manual video controls restrict usability for video-centric users, orienting these cameras primarily towards still photography with occasional video capture.

Connectivity and Storage: Workflow Integration

Both cameras include integrated GPS modules, enhancing geotagging during travels. Wireless features differ slightly:

• Both support built-in Wi-Fi enabling remote control and image transfer.
• The HX90V adds NFC capability for simplified pairing with compatible devices, a user-friendly improvement.
• Neither model offers Bluetooth connectivity.

Storage-wise, each accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony Memory Stick formats, with single card slots. USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI out are common to both, though USB transfer speeds are relatively modest by modern standards.

Battery Performance and Longevity

Battery endurance is a practical concern for extended shooting:

• The HX30V uses an NP-BG1 battery rated for approximately 320 shots per charge.
• The HX90V employs the smaller NP-BX1 battery yet manages longer life at around 360 shots per charge due to more efficient electronics.

In field testing, actual battery life aligns with these figures under mixed use. Both cameras rely on proprietary batteries, without external power options or USB charging, which can be inconvenient during travel shoots requiring quick power replenishment.

Application Across Photography Genres

To contextualize these features for various photography disciplines, a detailed scoring matrix synthesizes overall and genre-specific performance ratings.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras are competent for casual portraiture with effective face detection autofocus. However, the HX90V’s continuous AF and live view enhancements deliver more reliable focus on dynamic subjects, complemented by the electronic viewfinder for precise framing.

The HX30V’s better macro close-focus aids fine detail on skin or small portrait elements. Bokeh quality is limited by small sensor size in both; neither provides creative depth-of-field control typical in larger sensor cameras.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution parity place both cameras on even footing. The HX90V’s wider zoom range and tilting screen facilitate versatile landscape composition. Neither offer weather sealing, so caution is warranted outdoors.

The HX90V’s enhanced low ISO (ISO 80) and better noise control improve shadow retention in landscape scenes with high contrast.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Extended zoom reach to 720mm in the HX90V is a substantial advantage for distant wildlife. Fast AF continuous modes and better burst buffering equip it more suitably for moving subjects. The HX30V’s shorter zoom limits framing flexibility; slower AF phases hinder tracking performance.

Street and Travel Photography

Compactness, discretion, and battery life are paramount here. The HX90V’s lighter, smaller body with tilting screen and EVF fulfill these criteria well, complemented by GPS and NFC for travel convenience. The HX30V is bulkier and lacks EVF, detracting from street shooting stealth.

Both cameras lack weather resistance, suggesting careful handling.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

The HX30V’s ability to focus within 1 cm lends it a clear edge for macro enthusiasts, enabling crystallized detail capture in tight shots. The HX90V’s 5cm minimum focus distance restricts extreme macro work but is adequate for general close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensor limitations constrain both in high ISO performance. The HX90V improves upon noise control slightly due to newer processing but neither model is ideal for advanced astro work. Lack of long exposure capabilities and RAW output further limit nighttime experimentation.

Video Usage

Better video codec and mode flexibility confer an advantage to the HX90V, though both provide only entry-level video capabilities without external audio or 4K.

Strengths and Limitations Summary

Real-World Use Cases and Recommendations

For Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts: The HX90V is the superior device with longer zoom, continuous autofocus, burst shooting capabilities, and an EVF crucial in bright conditions. Its faster processor expedites focusing and enhances image output at higher ISOs.

For Macro and Close-up Passionates: The HX30V remains competitive for extreme close-focusing capability. If macro detail is prioritized over remote telephoto reach, this model offers more precise control.

For Travel and Street Photographers: The HX90V’s leaner dimensions, tilting display, and discreet EVF improve compositional ease and portability. NFC simplifies immediate image sharing, enhancing travel workflow.

For Casual Portrait Shooters: Both cameras perform adequately with skin tone rendition and face detection AF. The HX90V provides more consistent autofocus tracking, ideal for candid portraiture involving movement.

For Video Hobbyists: The HX90V’s advanced codec support and frame rate options permit more creative options, though neither is a substitute for dedicated video cameras.

Conclusion: Weighing Value and Performance

Both Sony HX30V and HX90V represent capable small sensor superzoom cameras that deliver convenience and respectable image quality. The HX90V clearly supersedes the HX30V in most technical aspects, including zoom range, autofocus sophistication, video capabilities, and handling. It is the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts desiring a compact powerhouse with wide applicability across genres.

The HX30V holds niche appeal for users valuing enhanced macro capabilities and slightly larger ergonomics, albeit with compromises in video and speed.

Ultimately, selecting between these cameras depends on the photographer’s primary priorities - reach and AF responsiveness favor HX90V, while close-up macro ability and slightly beefier grip favor HX30V.

Sample Image Comparison from Both Cameras

The images below demonstrate varied scenarios including telephoto landscape, street candid, and macro detail produced by both cameras under similar conditions, illustrating their respective output quality and optical characteristics.

Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

This detailed analysis reflects extensive hands-on testing and draws upon a broad knowledge base of camera technologies to equip photographers with the evidence required for confident camera selection.