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Sony HX100V

 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 27-810mm (F2.8-5.6) lens
  • 577g - 122 x 87 x 93mm
  • Announced October 2011
  • Updated by Sony HX200V
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
66
Imaging
39
Features
50
Overall
43

Sony HX100V summary

Sony HX100V is Sony's Small Sensor Superzoom camera originally announced on October of 2011. The camera uses a 16MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Sony launched the fresher Sony HX200V (Read Full Comparison) in order to replace this camera.

The HX100V ranks at #94 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over-all #599 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. Please test our Smart camera search to find camera listings based on your custom criteria.

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The following is a diagram of various factors used in the rating system.

Sony HX100V family

The Sony HX100V is part of a family of cameras. You can read the full list below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX350 front thumbnailSony HX350
HX100V vs HX350
24-1200mm
F2.8-6.3
20MP1/2.3"2016
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX80 front thumbnailSony HX80
HX100V vs HX80
24-720mm
F3.5-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX90V front thumbnailSony HX90V
HX100V vs HX90V
24-720mm
F3.5-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2015
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H400 front thumbnailSony H400
HX100V vs H400
25-1550mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2014
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H300 front thumbnailSony H300
HX100V vs H300
25-875mm
F3-5.9
20MP1/2.3"2014
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX400V front thumbnailSony HX400V
HX100V vs HX400V
24-1200mm
F2.8-6.3
20MP1/2.3"2014
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX50V front thumbnailSony HX50V
HX100V vs HX50V
24-720mm
F3.5 - 6.3
20MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX300 front thumbnailSony HX300
HX100V vs HX300
24-1200mm
F2.8-6.3
20MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H200 front thumbnailSony H200
HX100V vs H200
24-633mm
F3.1-5.9
20MP1/2.3"2013
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX20V front thumbnailSony HX20V
HX100V vs HX20V
25-500mm
F3.2-5.8
18MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX200V front thumbnailSony HX200V
HX100V vs HX200V
27-810mm
F2.8-5.6
18MP1/2.3"2012
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Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H90 front thumbnailSony H90
HX100V vs H90
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX30V front thumbnailSony HX30V
HX100V vs HX30V
25-500mm
F3.2-5.8
18MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX10V front thumbnailSony HX10V
HX100V vs HX10V
24-400mm
F3.3-5.9
18MP1/2.3"2012
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX100V front thumbnailSony HX100V27-810mm
F2.8-5.6
16MP1/2.3"2011
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX9V front thumbnailSony HX9V
HX100V vs HX9V
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-H50 front thumbnailSony H50
HX100V vs H50
31-465mm
F2.7-4.5
9MP1/2.3"2009

Sony HX100V Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of pros and cons of the Sony HX100V based on factors that are normally regarded as essential in a camera.

comes with HDMI port
fairly wide (27mm)
good resolution (16 megapixels)
good resolution screen (921 k dot)
great zoom range (27-810mm 30.0 x zoom)
has a tilting screen
has built in flash
image stabilization (Optical)
nice screen size (3 inches)
very good minimum ISO (100)
very long reach (810mm)
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
you can focus manually
can't swap lens (fixed lens mount)
can't use external flash
display is not selfie friendly
heavier than average in class (577 grams)
lack of external mic port
lack of headphone port
lack of Time Lapse function
lacks phase detect auto focus
lacks RAW format
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
sluggish at full zoom (f5.6)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
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Sony HX100V Sensor features

The Sony HX100V features the BIONZ processor. The specification of the sensor in the Sony HX100V is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter can easily cause cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16 megapixels and supports a native ISO range of 100 - 3200. Unfortunately, RAW files are not supported which means that you have less margin for error.

The image below shows the HX100V's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The HX100V sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is outlined in green.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V sensor size Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Sony HX100V dimensions

Sony HX100V weighs around 1.27 lb (577 grams or 20.35 oz) and the physical size of the camera is 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Sony HX100V is more heavy as compared with other rivals.

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The following is a photo of the Sony HX100V alongside a softdrink so you're able to have a feel for its size.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V dimensions scale

The top view directly below will show you the button design on the HX100V.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V topview buttons dials

Sony HX100V Lens features

The HX100V features a built in lens having a focal range of 27-810mm making it a 30.0 x zoom which is exceptional and will make it easier to zoom right in.

At it's widest 27mm, the lens will have an aperture of f2.8 which will be rather sluggish and not great in low light situations and you will likely find it difficult to capture a shallow depth of field. You will likely also need to up your ISO which causes noisy pictures. For the long end, 810mm is outstanding zoom and comes at f5.6 making it really sluggish and you may have to use slow shutter speeds.

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Sony HX100V Connectivity

The HX100V has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Digital cameras which have NFC and / or Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You can copy photos and sometimes alter camera settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Certain apps also stream a Liveview and release the shutter whenever you are not close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it could be attached to an external screen. Many cameras will allow you to charge the battery pack through the USB socket.

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Sony HX100V Video features

The highest possible video quality in the Sony HX100V is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in MPEG-4 and AVCHD format. 1080p quality gives a great balance for quality versus file size but 1080p won't leave you with much room to crop. The body does not offer a mic and / or headphone port which means you have absolutely no control over your sound. It is probably best to take a look at an alternative camera should you want good sound in your video clips.

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Sony HX100V Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing in the Sony HX100V so you have to be careful in rainy or dusty conditions.

Sony HX100V Display and Viewfinder

The Sony HX100V houses a 3" tilting display having a resolution of 921k dots.

Unfortunately the display is not a touch screen.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V screen and viewfinder Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

The ViewFinder specs regarding Sony HX100V are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic

Viewfinders are pretty useful for bright outdoor conditions which can make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.

Sony HX100V Shutter features

Sony HX100V has the capability to shoot continuously at 10.0 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

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Sony HX100V Flash and Hot shoe features

Sony HX100V boasts just built-in flash without external flash support.

Sony HX100V Autofocusing features

Sony HX100V boasts only Contrast Based Autofocus and lacks Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and precise as compared with Contrast Based autofocusing.

The Sensor boasts 9 focus points to select from. Sony HX100V can use manual focusing in case it is required for low light situations or you need to have more precise focusing control.

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Sony HX100V Battery life

The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the best (600) battery life for this group of cameras.

Here is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the strongest battery life:

Sony HX100V for various kinds of photography

The following illustration shows a summary of the Sony HX100V for various kinds of photography. To view more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Sony HX100V Portrait photography factors

The Sony HX100V gets a points tally of 39 which is terrible, and means the camera is not really very good for portrait images. Taking portrait images favors greatly towards sensor specs, RAW support along with the ability to utilize off-camera flash.

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focusing manually
decent megapixels (16 megapixels)
external flash not possible
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files

Sony HX100V as a Street photography camera

With a modest rating of 50, the Sony HX100V is somewhat suited for street photography. A decent street photography camera has a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

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tilting screen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
more heavy than others (577g)

Sports photography with Sony HX100V

A reasonable sports photography score of 49 suggests the Sony HX100V is somewhat appropriate for shooting sports. A camera should have excellent tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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incredible zoom range (27-810mm 30.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (16MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no phase detect AF

Sony HX100V Travel photography information

Size is very important in choosing a camera for travel. On the whole, the Sony HX100V gets a moderate 54 for a travel camera which makes it somewhat appropriate to take on your vacations.

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good MP (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
quite wide (27mm)
long zoom (810mm)
no Time Lapse mode
heavier than competition in class (577 grams)
display isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)

Sony HX100V Landscape photography highlights

If you find yourself looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most vital factor is going to be image quality. The Sony HX100V and it's modest grade of 47 for a landscape camera is reasonably acceptable among it's competition.

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has manual focus
really wide (27mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
lack of Time Lapse recording

Sony HX100V as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera should really come with a moving screen, microphone port and if possible IBIS. Taking all things into account, the Sony HX100V is not really very good as a vlog camera as it comes to a terrible rating of 25.

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rather wide (27mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is not selfie friendly
does not have microphone jack
more heavy than competitors (577g)

Sony HX100V Alternatives

If you are trying to find replacements to the HX100V, here is a range of the highest placed cameras that fall under the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line graph below provides you an overview of the HX100V compared to it's top scored rivals mentioned previously.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may see as alternate options. To check out a full comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Sony
Model type
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced
2011-10-21
Body design
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Chip
BIONZ
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW data
Max native ISO
3200
Minimum native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
27-810mm (30.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/2.8-5.6
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of display
Tilting
Display size
3 inches
Display resolution
921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display technology
XtraFine LCD display with TruBlack technology
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
30 secs
Fastest shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shutter speed
10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
12.70 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
577 gr (1.27 lb)
Physical dimensions
122 x 87 x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7")
Other
Battery ID
NP-FH50
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots
1
Price at release
$429