Sony HX5 vs Sony TX100V: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Digital Cameras for Discerning Photographers

In the realm of compact digital cameras, Sony’s Cyber-shot series consistently delivers well-engineered options that blend portability with respectable imaging capabilities. The Sony HX5 (announced mid-2010) and the Sony TX100V (early 2011) are two models from adjacent generations that appeal to enthusiasts seeking a versatile shooter without the bulk of interchangeable-lens systems. Despite their similarities as compact point-and-shoots with fixed lenses, nuanced differences prominently affect their suitability for various photographic disciplines.

This in-depth comparison examines these models across critical technical aspects, shooting scenarios, and practical usability considerations derived from hands-on testing and detailed specification analysis. Readers can expect an authoritative assessment focused on delivering thoughtful guidance for purchasing decisions.

Understanding the Physicality: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

At first glance, both cameras are designed to fit comfortably in pockets or small camera bags, but key differences in size and shape influence handling quality and portability:

• Sony HX5 measures 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighs 200 g. Its more substantial thickness and conventional rectangular compact form provide a firmer grip, appealing to users who prioritize steadiness during extended handheld use.
• Sony TX100V is more svelte at 97 x 59 x 18 mm and weighs only 147 g, emphasizing ultracompact portability. This model appeals to travel photographers and street shooters valuing minimal footprint.

The trade-off lies in comfort versus stealth. The HX5’s bulkier design offers better tactile assurance and control placement, particularly beneficial for users with larger hands or those shooting in dynamic environments needing rapid adjustments.

Control Layout and Top-Panel Design: Efficient Operation Under Pressure

Through extensive use, button and dial placement significantly impacts usability. The HX5 features basic control surfaces with manual exposure mode availability - a major advantage for photographers wanting direct aperture or shutter speed influence. However, it lacks touchscreen functionality.

Conversely, the TX100V adopts a touchscreen interface (XtraFine OLED display with TruBlack technology), enhancing versatility in menu navigation and focusing precision via touch. Its control – largely relegated to fewer physical buttons – favors users familiar with touch interfaces but may impede quick manual adjustments during fast-paced sessions due to absence of dedicated exposure dials.

The HX5’s simpler interface is arguably more intuitive in scenarios demanding rapid setting changes but feels outdated compared to the responsive TX100V touchscreen system.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size, Resolution, and Processing

Camera sensors are critical - their dimensions and technology shape image fidelity, dynamic range, and noise performance:

• Sony HX5 utilizes a 1/2.4-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 10 megapixels and effective area ~27.94 mm².
• Sony TX100V employs a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, marginally larger at 28.07 mm², with a notable resolution bump to 16 megapixels.

Both rely on Sony’s Bionz image processor line (HX5’s earlier variant), handling noise reduction and JPEG output. While the TX100V’s sensor delivers higher resolution, it introduces typical trade-offs of smaller pixel pitch: slightly lower signal-to-noise ratio and limited ISO performance under adverse lighting.

Real-world testing shows the HX5’s lower pixel density subjects it to less noise at higher ISO (up to native 3200) and exhibits moderately better low-light performance with cleaner images. Meanwhile, the TX100V excels in daylight and good lighting with crisper details and richer color gradations due to increased resolution and superior OLED screen rendering.

Photographers prioritizing resolution and vibrant output in well-lit conditions might prefer the TX100V, whereas users demanding consistent, noiseless high-ISO results for dim environments venerate the HX5.

Rear Display and Interface: Visual Feedback and Ease of Use

LCD screen size and quality affect framing accuracy, focus confirmation, and menu navigation:

• HX5 sports a fixed 3-inch LCD at 230k-dot resolution, typical for its era but comparatively basic today.
• TX100V enhances that experience with a fixed 3.5-inch 1229k-dot XtraFine OLED touchscreen featuring TruBlack technology, a major leap enhancing contrast, viewing angles, and usability in bright outdoor conditions.

The touchscreen interface allows for intuitive autofocus point selection and quicker access to setting adjustments, a boon for casual or street photographers. However, the HX5’s lack of touchscreen is offset by tactile buttons, providing feedback important during fast action shooting where touch sensitivity might lag.

Ergonomically, the TX100V’s larger, sharper display is superior for reviewing images and precise composition but may impact battery life.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Both cameras integrate fixed zoom lenses with optical image stabilization:

The HX5’s broader 10x zoom (equivalent to 25-250 mm) offers greater reach, suiting users who occasionally pursue wildlife or distant subjects without interchangeable lenses. Its aperture range is slightly slower at telephoto but adequate for everyday scenarios.

Alternatively, the TX100V trades extended zoom for increased lens speed (f/4.6 max telephoto aperture versus f/5.5 on HX5), better suited for low-light environments or portrait bokeh effects in the moderate telephoto range (up to 100 mm).

Considering optical quality, earlier generation HX5 lenses present decent sharpness at wide-angle but mildly suffer chromatic aberrations and softness at full zoom. The TX100V's shorter zoom maintains consistent sharpness, benefitting from improved coatings and lens design refinements.

For photographers desiring reach over speed, the HX5 is preferable; those favoring image quality and portability in everyday shooting lean toward the TX100V.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus for compact cameras can vary widely; both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus with similar point counts:

• Sony HX5: 9 focus points, center-weighted AF, no continuous autofocus, no face detection.
• Sony TX100V: 9 focus points, multi-area AF, touch AF via screen, no face detection, no continuous AF.

Hands-on AF performance reveals both units struggle to achieve phase-detection speeds; however, the HX5’s center-weighted AF delivers marginally faster lock-on in well-lit conditions. The TX100V’s touch AF adds compositional flexibility, facilitating select-focus after framing via touchscreen.

Neither excels in continuous subject tracking, making them less ideal for fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sports under dynamic conditions.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range

Both cameras offer a maximum burst rate of 10 frames per second - a respectable speed for compacts. However, absence of continuous autofocus during burst shooting limits action capture effectiveness.

Regarding exposure time, HX5’s longer minimum shutter of 30 seconds benefits long exposures useful in astrophotography and night scenes more than the TX100V’s 2-second minimum. The latter does offer exposure compensation and custom white balance bracketing enhancements not present on the HX5, improving creative control in tricky lighting.

Video Capabilities: Formats, Resolution, and Usefulness

Both cameras support Full HD video recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels, but differ in codec and additional features:

• Sony HX5: AVCHD video format with 60 fps at Full HD, slower frame rates for lower resolutions; lacks microphone input.
• Sony TX100V: Supports MPEG-4 and AVCHD, with 60 fps at 1080p but limited to 30 fps at 1440 x 1080 and 720p; no microphone input.

Video quality on both is adequate for casual use, but neither camera provides advanced videographic controls such as manual focus or external audio. The TX100V’s touchscreen aids focus adjustments during recording, but the absence of headphone monitoring is a limitation for serious videographers.

In low-light scenarios, neither model excels due to small sensors and limited ISO latitude, though HX5’s OIS helps in stabilizing handheld footage.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity Features

Power management differences are marginal though the HX5 uses the older NP-BG1 battery offering roughly 300 shots per charge in practical use, while the TX100V’s NP-BN1 is slightly less capable with around 270 shots.

Storage options favor the TX100V due to its broader compatibility - particularly with SDXC cards for expanded capacity, a beneficial distinction for high-resolution shooting and video. The HX5’s internal memory is a convenience but limited.

Wireless connectivity is a standout feature of the TX100V via Eye-Fi support, enabling easy image transfer without cables - a boon for travel or event photographers requiring efficient workflow.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras lack specialized environmental sealing, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof certifications, which restricts use in harsh weather conditions without protective accessories. Construction quality is typical of plastic-bodied compacts:

• The HX5 feels robust and has a textured grip adding to confidence during handheld shooting.
• The TX100V's slender design sacrifices some structural firmness but maintains adequate build integrity for everyday use.

Neither camera is targeted at professionals who demand rugged gear, but casual outdoor photographers can rely on careful handling.

Practical Use in Common Photography Genres

To help situate each model’s strengths and weaknesses, the following genre-specific evaluation consolidates key findings.

Portrait Photography

• HX5: Lacks advanced face and eye detection autofocus. Moderate lens speed limits shallow depth of field attainment. Optical stabilization aids handheld sharpness. Portrait modes functional but not sophisticated.
• TX100V: Touchscreen AF enhances point selection to emphasize eyes or faces manually. Slightly brighter aperture at telephoto improves bokeh quality. White balance bracketing facilitates accurate skin tones.

Takeaway: TX100V edges out for casual portraiture with touch controls and color fidelity, but neither excels for professional portrait workflows.

Landscape Photography

• HX5: Broad 10x zoom aids composition flexibility. Lower resolution sensor limits cropping potential but reduces noise in shadow details.
• TX100V: 16 MP resolution supports large prints and cropping. Superior screen aids framing. OLED display exceptional for outdoor previewing.

Takeaway: TX100V preferred for detail-rich landscapes; HX5 viable where zoom reach complements varied scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• HX5: Longer 250 mm tele zoom offers reach. Slower AF and absence of tracking reduce capture probability.
• TX100V: Limited to 100 mm zoom; AF slower and less versatile.

Takeaway: HX5 is preferable for wildlife due to extended zoom despite modest AF speed.

Sports Photography

Both cameras’ lack of continuous AF and fast burst autofocus makes them inadequate for fast action. The 10 fps burst is appealing but functionally limited by focusing constraints.

Street Photography

• HX5: Bulkier form impedes discretion.
• TX100V: Small, quiet, and touchscreen usability promotes candid shooting.

Takeaway: TX100V a more natural choice for street photographers.

Macro Photography

HX5 permits close focusing at 5 cm, better suited for macro attempts than TX100V (macro range not specified). Optical stabilization aids detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography

HX5’s longer shutter speed capability (30 s) surpasses TX100V’s 2 s minimum, crucial for night sky shots. Both cameras’ small sensors limit star detail capture.

Video Usage

Both are limited to basic Full HD video with no external mic/headphone support. The TX100V touchscreen eases focus control; HX5’s OIS helps reduce blur.

Travel Photography

TX100V's lightweight, slim profile and Wi-Fi compatibility suit travelers needing quick sharing and discretion. HX5’s zoom range and sturdy grip cater to those prioritizing versatility over minimalism.

Professional Workflows

Neither supports RAW files, limiting post-processing potential. Both provide JPEG outputs optimized by the Bionz processor but fall short for professional imaging requirements. Lack of full manual control (especially on TX100V) and limited connectivity curtails integration ease.

Final Performance and Value Assessment

Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back Sony TX100V screen back

Real-world image output confirms nominal sensor and lens advantages. The TX100V renders sharper images in good light, with superior display aiding composition. The HX5 offers more flexible zoom and better sustained low-light performance due to bigger pixels.

Absolute scorecard comparison favors TX100V for everyday shooting convenience and image quality; HX5 scores better in zoom flexibility and reach.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Summary: How These Two Compacts Fit Into Your Photography Arsenal

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 and DSC-TX100V offer distinct advantages derived from their design philosophies - the HX5 stands as a versatile zoom powerhouse with benefit in controlled environments and distant subjects, while the TX100V shines with its modern touchscreen UI, superior screen, and compactness favored in travel and street photography.

Neither model replaces the need for higher-tier mirrorless or DSLR systems when advanced features, RAW support, or high-speed autofocus are mandatory. Yet, for photographers who value a balance of image quality, portability, and ease of use in a compact form, choosing between these two hinges on prioritizing zoom reach versus advanced display and touchscreen integration.

This detailed exploration empowers readers to discern the practical implications of sensor specs, ergonomic choices, and shooting modes, ensuring an informed purchase aligned with photographic requirements.

For further insights into comparative camera technologies and performance metrics based on controlled lab measurements and field testing, consult our broader camera reviews and expert guides.