Sony HX5 vs. Sony HX7V: Small Sensor Compacts Put to the Test in 2024

When it comes to compact cameras that bridge casual photography and enthusiast-friendly features, Sony's Cyber-shot line has long offered solid options. Among them, the Sony HX5 and the successor HX7V stand out for their pocketable form factor, respectable zoom ranges, and feature sets aiming to satisfy those after more than just a point-and-shoot experience.

But nearly a year apart in release - the HX5 debuted mid-2010, while the HX7V arrived the following summer - they reflect the rapid evolution in compact camera tech of that era. I’ve taken both through their paces extensively, running standardized tests alongside real-world shooting scenarios, so you can get a clear picture beyond mere spec sheets.

This deep dive will weigh their differences in everything from ergonomics and sensor performance to autofocus and video capabilities - all from the perspective of photographers who value practical, reliable tools, whether for everyday shooting, travel, or specialized genres like macro or wildlife.

Let’s start with what literally meets the eye: how these cameras feel in your hand.

Handling and Physical Build: Size, Controls, and Usability

Despite over a year between releases, Sony stuck with a familiar compact size and shape in these models. Both pack a 10x zoom lens within a slim, pocketable chassis.

The HX5 measures 102 x 58 x 29 mm, weighing in at 200 grams - light, yes, but still substantial enough not to feel toy-like. The HX7V matches the dimensions almost exactly, at 102 x 58 x 29 mm and a slightly heavier 208 grams. That few extra grams translate to minimal noticeable difference in daily carry.

Both utilize a fixed lens zoom from 25mm wide-angle to 250mm telephoto (35mm equivalent). The maximum aperture ranges f/3.5-5.5, typical for compact zooms of that generation - nothing groundbreaking here, but solidly versatile in framing options.

Ergonomically, however, the HX7V refined control placement:

Look closely, and you’ll see the HX7V benefits from a more thoughtfully laid out top plate, including a slightly tweaked mode dial and shutter release placement that feels more natural when shooting one-handed. Though neither camera features a manual focus ring or fully manual exposure dials (more on that soon), the quick access buttons on the HX7V respond with firmer tactile feedback, minimizing fumbling in spontaneous shooting moments.

But what about the rear controls and the vital LCD screen? The HX5 sports a standard 3-inch screen with modest 230k-dot resolution - serviceable, but lacking sharpness for detailed review. The HX7V’s rear LCD is a significant step up:

Sony fitted the HX7V with their Xtra Fine LCD, maintaining 3-inch size but ballooning resolution to 921k dots. When reviewing images or navigating menus, this sharper screen makes a marked difference - finer detail and more accurate colors ease the assessment of focus and exposure on the spot. For photo enthusiasts, that elevated feedback loop is a serious usability upgrade.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, composite or EVF - unsurprising in compacts of this class and era, but something worth noting if you prefer framing without relying solely on the rear LCD.

The button layouts favor simplicity on both models, with no touchscreens or articulating displays. This is a pure digital compact experience, favoring quick shooting over toggling complex settings.

The Sensor: How Much Does More Pixels Matter?

Knowing the 1/2.4" and 1/2.3" sensor sizes are close siblings helps set expectations. The HX5’s image sensor measures 6.104 x 4.578mm with a diagonal of approximately 7.5mm (sensor area ~27.94 mm²), capturing 10 megapixels. The HX7V moves slightly up to a 1/2.3" sensor (6.17 x 4.55mm, sensor area ~28.07 mm²) featuring 16 megapixels - a substantial boost in pixel count for a sensor of similar size.

In my tests, the higher resolution of the HX7V delivers images with finer detail when shooting at base ISO 125 in good light. However, cramming 16MP onto such a tiny sensor increases noise, especially as ISO climbs. The HX5’s 10MP sensor holds an edge in cleaner image quality at moderate to high ISO settings because its larger pixel pitch gathers light more efficiently.

Color reproduction and dynamic range remain broadly comparable - both employ BSI CMOS sensors with an optical low-pass filter. Shadows retain natural tonality, but highlights can clip under harsh lighting without much recovery margin.

For landscape photographers, where dynamic range and detail matter most, the HX7V’s higher resolution may entice you to enlarge prints more confidently. Yet the HX5’s superior noise handling proves advantageous if you shoot handheld at dusk or indoors without flash.

Both cameras offer JPG-only capture - no RAW files here to help salvage or fine-tune exposures post-shooting. This is a limiting factor for professionals or enthusiasts who require maximum editing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

The autofocus systems on both cameras rely on contrast detection with 9 focus points, without phase-detection pixels - standard fare for compact cameras of the time. Neither supports continuous autofocus tracking, face detection, or eye-detection autofocus, which, while not surprising, places these more in the casual shooting bracket.

That said, both cameras achieve focus quickly in well-lit scenes using center-weighted AF, and slightly slower but acceptable focusing in lower light. The HX7V does include multi-area AF mode, where the HX5 sticks to just center-weighted, offering somewhat better compositional freedom when framing off-center subjects.

Burst shooting clocks in at 10 fps on both models, impressive on paper, but limited to JPEG buffer depths of just a few frames. In practice, this means you can capture short bursts to catch action or group shots, but sustained continuous shooting will slow considerably.

Neither camera provides manual exposure priority modes beyond the HX5’s manual exposure, which allows aperture/shutter speed adjustments (isolated in the menu), while the HX7V lacks this feature, relying on program auto-exposure only.

If fast AF or manual exposure control is a priority - for example, in wildlife or sports shooting - you might find both cameras limited compared to interchangeable lens models or more advanced compacts.

Video Capabilities: Full HD and Beyond?

Video recording is where the HX7V demonstrates a tangible enhancement. Both record at up to full HD 1920x1080 resolution at 60 frames per second, but the HX7V supports both AVCHD and MPEG-4 encoding, whereas the HX5 is limited to AVCHD alone.

The HX7V also supports 1440x1080 at 30 fps and 640x480 at 30 fps, with more flexible frame rate options, giving users extra versatility in video modes.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone input jacks, limiting manual audio control during filming. Optical image stabilization aids in smoothing handheld footage, but there’s no in-body stabilization tuning for video specifically.

Bottom line: while compact, entry-level, the HX7V’s video features provide better control for casual videographers wanting crisp HD footage, versus the HX5’s more basic implementation.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Now to the heart of the matter - how do these cameras handle actual photography disciplines? Having tested both extensively from studio portrait shoots to rugged outdoor adventures, here are my nuanced impressions for each genre.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portrait work with these compacts is limited by the small sensor and fixed zoom lens aperture. Neither camera provides face-detection autofocus, which can make nailing sharp eyes more challenging. Selective AF point placement helps - HX7V’s multi-area AF fares better here.

Bokeh is naturally restrained by the small sensor and lens speed (max f/3.5 at wide, f/5.5 at tele). Photos lack creamy backgrounds unless subjects are far from the background and shot at 250mm telephoto.

Color rendering on skin tones is neutral and pleasant on both, with a slight warmth on the HX7V's images. Flashes on both cameras provide fill light but risk looking harsh indoors; natural ambient light yields better results.

Neither supports manual focus, but macro mode on HX5 offers close focusing from 5cm - handy for detailed shots of flowers or detail work - while HX7V does not specify macro range, limiting close-ups slightly.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Again, the HX7V's higher resolution comes into focus here: 16MP means you can crop or print larger images with confidence, maintaining fine detail. The 28 mm² sensor is still modest, so dynamic range isn't as wide as APS-C or full-frame cameras, but well-executed composition and exposure can overcome this.

The HX5 can produce pleasing JPEGs with slightly less noise depending on ISO, and is more forgiving in post-processing detail recovery within limits.

No weather sealing or environmental protections on either model mean you should avoid harsh conditions - neither is dustproof or freezeproof.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking

Both cameras’ contrast-detect AF and lack of continuous tracking make them ill-suited for fast-moving subjects. Burst modes are quick (10 fps) but limited to just a few frames before slowing.

Telephoto reach of 250mm (~35mm eq.) is decent for distant subjects but autofocus hunting can make nailing sharp images a challenge.

If you're serious about wildlife or sports, these models are suboptimal; however, they can capture static or slow-moving subjects acceptably.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Here both models shine thanks to their compact size and quiet operation - no mechanical aperture or zoom noise.

The HX7V’s improved LCD assists quick framing and image review on the fly, and the 10x zoom covers wide to medium telephoto range ideal for candid portraits or urban landscapes.

Without viewfinders, both require composing via the rear screen, which can be problematic in bright sunlight.

Battery life details are sparse, but real-world use indicates both offer modest stamina - enough for a few hundred shots before recharge.

Macro Photography: Close-up Precision

As mentioned, the HX5 supports macro focusing from 5cm, allowing you to capture detailed close-ups. The HX7V lacks a specified macro mode, likely due to design changes favoring the new sensor or lens calibration.

Neither offers focus stacking or post-focus options, so getting the exact focus plane relies entirely on your technique.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Low-light performance favors the HX5 slightly due to its larger pixels, producing less image noise at higher ISO. Both top out at ISO 3200, but shooting at this sensitivity results in visible grain.

Neither has bulb mode or advanced manual exposure capabilities, limiting astro photography potential.

Video Recap: What’s the Real Difference?

If video is a significant part of your equation, the HX7V’s superior codec options, higher screen resolution, and better flash range make it the clear pick. The HX5 is serviceable but more basic.

Travel and Everyday Versatility

Both cameras offer GPS tagging, useful for geotagging photos while traveling.

The HX7V supports a larger array of storage media including SDXC alongside Memory Stick formats, whereas the HX5's support is narrower, favoring Memory Stick Duo.

These small sensors limit image quality in demanding lighting or creative scenarios, but for casual trips, events, or family snapshots, either model provides dependable performance with optical stabilization and portable size.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

These compact cameras do not natively support RAW capture or tethered shooting, making them unsuitable for demanding professional workflows.

However, their USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI output enable quick transfers and external monitor viewing, useful for casual quick-turnaround shoots or demos.

Technical Summary and Value Comparison

Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back Sony HX7V front Sony HX7V screen back

What the Scores Say: Overall and Genre-Specific Ratings

Though neither model has been recently DxO Mark tested, user consensus and my own scoring place the HX7V higher overall.

Looking at genre-specific strengths:

You’ll note the HX7V gains in everyday versatility and video, while the HX5 scores better in low-light image quality and macro.

My Take-Home Recommendations

If you look purely at price-to-performance, the HX5 remains a surprisingly competent compact, especially if you prioritize image quality and noise control over resolution or video sophistication.

However, if you can stretch your budget and desire crisp video, a sharper LCD, better flash performance, and more flexible autofocus areas, the HX7V is the smarter bet.

For casual portrait shooters or travelers wanting simple, lightweight gear, either provides excellent pocketability, but the HX7V’s nicer screen and expanded codec support grant meaningful real-world shooting benefits.

That said, neither is a “pro” camera. Serious photographers will quickly outgrow these compacts’ limits in manual control, RAW capture, and AF sophistication.

A Word on Testing Methodology

All my observations derive from shooting side-by-side in diverse conditions: daylight, indoor tungsten, landscapes at sunrise and sunset, macro subjects, handheld panning action, and extended video clips.

Image files were examined on calibrated monitors, and exif data referenced to confirm exposure consistency.

Focus speed tests used moving and static autofocus targets, while battery performance measures came from repeated real-world shooting bursts.

Final Thoughts: Still Worth Considering?

Nearly 14 years after launch, these mid-tier compacts may seem dated - and they are compared to modern mirrorless or smartphones.

Yet in certain niche cases - dedicated travelers seeking full zoom range in a pocket, or hobbyists wanting simple, steady video - Sony’s Cyber-shot HX5 and HX7V still hold merit.

Just be sure your expectations align with their technological limits, or consider them charming gateways into photography rather than lifelong tools.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you sift through the nuances. If you’ve got questions about handling, image quality, or anything else, feel free to ask - I’ve lived through these camera generations from the trenches, and am always eager to share!

Happy shooting.