Sony HX50V vs Sony HX90V

Sony HX50V vs Sony HX90V: An Expert’s Hands-On Guide to Two Compact Superzooms

The world of compact superzoom cameras is a special niche - devices that try to pack a potent zoom range, respectable image quality, and simplicity into a pocketable form factor. Among this field, Sony’s Cyber-shot HX series has garnered a loyal following for years, thanks to its solid performance and value. Today, I’m putting two popular models head-to-head: the Sony HX50V and the Sony HX90V.

They hail from different eras - the HX50V from 2013 and the HX90V from 2015 - so the comparison also serves as a fascinating look at how Sony evolved its small-sensor superzoom offerings. Having put thousands of cameras through their paces myself, including countless compacts, I’ll dissect these two from sensor to ergonomics, bust some myths, and share real-world impressions to help you decide which one deserves a place in your bag.

Let’s dive in!

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability Meets Practical Grip

Sony’s HX series always aimed to balance zoom reach with compactness. When you slap the HX50V and HX90V side by side, their dimensions tell part of the story.

The HX50V measures 108 x 64 x 38 mm and weighs about 272 grams, while the HX90V is a tad smaller and lighter at 102 x 58 x 36 mm and 245 grams. That’s not a massive difference on paper, but it translates to a slightly more pocket-friendly HX90V. The slimmer body and lighter weight make it more agile for street shooting or travel when every gram counts.

The ergonomics, however, tell a more nuanced story. The HX50V's slightly chunkier grip feels steadier, especially during long zoom telephoto use, where camera shake becomes your nemesis. The HX90V, while more compact, sacrifices a bit of hand comfort and stability with a narrower grip. If you’re someone who values a confident hold over slight gains in portability, the HX50V’s body may win you over.

Control layouts also differ - though subtly. Let’s check out the top views:

The HX50V keeps to classic physical dials and buttons, offering direct access to exposure modes like shutter and aperture priority, plus a dedicated exposure compensation dial. The HX90V pares down slightly with fewer external controls but compensates with a more streamlined interface. The buttons feel a tad more flush on the HX90V - better for discreet shooting, but potentially frustrating with gloves or quick adjustments.

The takeaway here: if you prefer tactile, immediate control and a more comfortable grip during extended zoom use, the HX50V edges ahead. For those prioritizing compactness and stealth, the HX90V’s trim profile is compelling.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Flavors

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm, a fairly standard size in this class. The HX50V offers a 20MP resolution (5184 x 2920 max), while the HX90V dips slightly to 18MP (4896 x 3672). Raw image support is absent in both, which is typical for compacts but a limiting factor for heavy post-processing enthusiasts.

Sensor area and physical dimensions are identical, so differences in image quality largely come down to processing engine advances and lens optics rather than sensor technology itself. The HX90V’s Bionz X processor - absent in the HX50V - brings improved noise reduction algorithms and faster image rendering, which you’ll notice especially in tricky lighting.

In practical tests, both cameras deliver sharp images with good detail at base ISO 100-200. However, the HX90V handles higher ISOs more gracefully, extending usable ISO up to 3200-6400 with less chroma noise intrusion. The HX50V maxes out at ISO 3200 with more visible grain and noise artifacts creeping in around ISO 1600.

Dynamic range is tight on both, which again is expected given sensor size. You lose some highlight detail blowing out bright skies or reflections, so exposure discipline is key.

Color reproduction leans slightly warmer on the HX90V, which imparts pleasing skin tones for portraits straight out of camera; the HX50V feels a tad cooler and more clinical.

Viewing and Interface: Tilting Screen and Electronic Viewfinder Advantages

One big leap from HX50V to HX90V is in the viewing experience.

The HX50V features a fixed 3-inch 921k-dot XtraFine LCD – respectable sharpness but frustrating when shooting at awkward angles, especially low or overhead. Additionally, there’s no built-in viewfinder, although an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) is available separately - a rare inconvenience in a compact.

Contrast that with the HX90V’s innovative 3-inch tilting screen of the same resolution combined with a built-in 638k-dot EVF with 100% coverage. The tilting screen’s flexibility greatly enhances creativity for low-angle macros or selfies (which the HX90V supports with a front tiltable screen - the HX50V does not). The EVF dramatically improves usability in bright sunlight and offers a more “traditional” shooting experience, reducing eye fatigue when composing shots over long periods.

From a practical standpoint, I found the HX90V’s combination of EVF and tilting LCD gives a versatile, intuitive user interface that increases shooting confidence, especially outdoors or in bright conditions where LCD glare is an issue.

Lens, Zoom, and Stabilization: 30x Reach with Some Nuances

Both cameras feature identical 24-720mm equivalent zooms - a massive 30x reach ideal for travel, wildlife glimpses, and everyday versatility. Maximum apertures are nearly matching: F3.5-6.3 on the HX50V and F3.5-6.4 on the HX90V.

Both lenses deliver good sharpness in the wide to mid-range focal lengths, though performance softens somewhat at the telephoto end, as is expected in ultra zoom compacts. Chromatic aberrations and distortion are kept in check via software corrections. Close focusing distance is a handy 5 cm macro on both, opening creative possibilities for flower and insect shots.

Image stabilization is optical in both, and effective in curbing camera shake - crucial at those extreme focal lengths. Neither camera offers sensor-shift stabilization, so the burden is on the lens element. When handholding at 720mm, you’ll find stabilization indispensable, though a tripod is recommended for precision.

Autofocus System: Tracking and Responsiveness Upgrades

Autofocus might seem a minor note for compacts, but it greatly impacts usability, especially for dynamic subjects.

The HX50V uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and some multi-area AF. But continuous AF and advanced tracking are missing; autofocus can occasionally struggle in lower contrast scenes or moving subjects.

The HX90V makes a marked improvement, featuring contrast detection with continuous AF, selective AF areas, and face detection. It even supports multi-area AF and center AF, giving more flexibility. The continuous AF and tracking enhancements translate to noticeably faster focusing and better subject retention when shooting people or moving objects.

Both support manual focusing, but autofocus speed and accuracy are decidedly better on the HX90V, which is important for candid street or wildlife moments.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance: Fast Enough for Casual Action

Both cameras offer a 10 FPS continuous shooting speed, which is fast on paper for compacts. However, buffer depth and processing efficiency affect how many images you can capture in a burst.

The HX50V can maintain 10 FPS bursts for about 10 frames before slowing, limited by processing speed and buffer size. The HX90V has somewhat improved buffer handling thanks to the Bionz X processor, allowing slightly longer bursts and faster clearing times.

Neither is truly sports or wildlife specialist grade; for serious action shooters, dedicated cameras with phase-detection AF and larger sensors are mandatory. But for casual action moments - a running child or a jumping dog - both do a fine job.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording with Some Modern Twists

While superzoom compacts never match dedicated camcorders or hybrids, both the HX50V and HX90V shoot Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 60fps.

The HX50V outputs AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, providing decent quality but little in the way of modern codecs or frame rate options. The HX90V ups the ante with AVCHD and Sony’s newer XAVC S codec, enabling more efficient compression and better quality at similar bitrates.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features like microphone inputs or headphone jacks, so video enthusiasts might find these limiting.

Good optical image stabilization helps reduce shake during handheld recording on both. Audio is recorded via built-in mics with no external input options, making these cameras better suited for casual video than professional use.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage: Pragmatic Modernization

Wireless connectivity is standard on both. The HX50V lacks NFC but does have Wi-Fi and built-in GPS - handy for geotagging travel shots. The HX90V adds NFC to the mix, making pairing with smartphones effortless.

Battery life favors the HX50V with an official CIPA rating of 400 shots per charge versus 360 shots for the HX90V. Neither are Olympic in endurance, but both are acceptable for day trips; carrying a spare battery is recommended.

Both use the Sony NP-BX1 rechargeable battery pack and support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though note some Memory Stick formats are supported on the HX50V but not listed for the HX90V. Storage compatibility is typical for compacts but not a differentiator here.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Lightweight but No Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing - no surprises given the compact, affordable nature of the HX series. Their plastic-magnesium alloy bodies feel reasonably solid but expect to baby them in harsh conditions.

Neither is freezeproof or crushproof, so treat these compacts like a delicate instrument, not a rugged explorer.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let's put these cameras through the wringer across key photography genres, synthesizing specs with my hands-on impressions.

Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Portraits: Skin Tone and Eye Detection

HX90V’s advanced face detection and improved color bias yield more natural skin tones and better eye focus accuracy. The tilting screen and EVF help with creative angles.

While neither has eye autofocus, the HX90V’s faster AF tracking captures fleeting expressions more reliably. Both deliver decent background blur at telephoto zoom but expect bokeh to be modest due to lens aperture limits.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both are limited in dynamic range compared to larger-sensor cameras, meaning highlight and shadow rolling under contrasty lighting.

The HX50V’s 20MP delivers slightly more resolution than the HX90V’s 18MP but the latter’s better noise control at base ISO makes for cleaner images at landscape apertures (around f/5.6-8).

No weather sealing means caution shooting in wet or harsh environments.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, Burst

The shared 30x zoom is attractive for casual wildlife. However, HX90V’s improved continuous AF and tracking let you nail focus on moving critters more reliably.

Neither are fast action machines, but 10FPS bursts and quick AF on the HX90V give it a slight edge.

Sports: Tracking and Low Light Burst

Neither cam targets sports pros. But for informal sports, the HX90V’s continuous AF and better ISO handling allow improved focus and less noise in dim gymnasiums or twilight.

HX50V is more “single shot” oriented here.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

HX90V’s slimmer profile, tilting screen, and built-in EVF make it a street photographer’s friend. Stealthy and fast to operate, it's less obtrusive.

HX50V is a bit bulkier and heavier but offers more tactile controls if you like getting hands-on.

Macro: Magnification and Focus Precision

Both reach 5cm close focus - respectable for casual macro. Manual focus aids precision, and the HX90V’s continuous AF helps lock quickly on detailed subjects.

No focus stacking or bracketing features, though.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Modes

At high ISOs, HX90V produces cleaner shots with less noise thanks to Bionz X processor.

Minimum shutter speed capabilities are similar (long 30s exposures), but neither camera supports raw so post-processing latitude is limited.

Both lack specific astro modes but you can manually set exposure for basic night sky shots.

Video for Vlogging and Casual Capture

HX90V is clearly superior with XAVC S codec, tilting screen suitable for selfies/vlogging, and improved image stabilization.

HX50V feels a bit “old school” video-wise, but still capable of solid HD footage.

Travel: Versatility and Battery Life

HX90V is my top pick for travel thanks to smaller size, longer zoom, tilting screen, EVF, and NFC connectivity.

HX50V’s longer battery life and ergonomic grip make it well suited for long shooting days.

Technical Summary with Performance Scores

Here’s a snapshot of how both cameras perform across key evaluation criteria:

How They Score Across Photography Genres

Breaking down by genre:

• Portrait: HX90V leads with better color/natural tones and AF tracking
• Landscape: Slight edge HX50V for resolution, HX90V for noise control
• Wildlife: HX90V’s AF and tracking more dependable
• Sports: Marginal HX90V advantage due to continuous AF
• Street: HX90V wins for discretion and EVF
• Macro: Tied, minor preference for HX90V’s autofocus
• Night/Astro: HX90V’s higher ISO range makes it preferable
• Video: HX90V clearly superior for videography
• Travel: HX90V winning on size, features
• Professional Use: Neither ideal, but HX90V offers more modern workflow options

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Both Sony HX50V and HX90V represent excellent engineering marvels in the realm of compact superzooms, providing versatile zoom reach and respectable image quality in a truly pocketable footprint. But their differences reveal clear winners depending on your priorities.

Choose the Sony HX50V if:

• You favor a slightly chunkier body with better grip for stable telephoto shooting
• Prioritize exposure dial controls and a straightforward button layout
• Need longer battery life for extended shooting days
• Are comfortable working within a basic AF system and prefer single shot precision
• Your budget is strictly limited, especially if buying used or discounted

Choose the Sony HX90V if:

• You want a more compact and lighter camera for travel or street photography
• Appreciate the convenience of a tilting LCD screen and built-in EVF
• Need faster, continuous autofocus with tracking for casual action and portraiture
• Value improved high ISO performance and more modern image processing
• Desire better video codecs and NFC for easy sharing

A Reviewer’s Parting Thoughts and What’s Next

Having worked extensively with many compacts and mirrorless alternatives, it’s clear the HX90V is a refined evolution with a few compromises in ergonomics but solid gains in usability and image quality. Yet, don’t underestimate the HX50V for its solid build and reassuring grip feel.

As smartphone cameras continue improving, dedicated superzooms must cater to enthusiasts craving manual control, extended zoom, and distinct creative possibilities. Both these Sonys fit mid-tier traveler niches well, but if you’re willing to spend more, today’s mirrorless models with larger APS-C or micro four-thirds sensors deliver leaps in every metric.

For anyone locked into these two models or shopping the compact superzoom market, my advice is to handle both, consider how much zoom and control you need, and pick the one whose physical feel and feature set excite you most. After all, a camera is a tool, but only if you enjoy using it.

Hope this deep dive has sparked your interest and helped clarify these two remarkable Sony compact superzooms. Grab whichever feels right, and prepare to explore the world through a seriously long zoom in an impressively small shell.

Happy shooting!