For once I'll start with the bad points of this unit.
- No GPS chip: it's amazing, especially as the previous version (HX200) had one, but it does not matter I used to use the "GPS 4 Cam Pro" application for my Photographic walks,
- Lightness: a camera for me to be heavy, I need stability and above all a bit heavy objective is one with little perspective ... so weakly effective. Finally lightness is quite nice ride ...
- Zoom ring: it is an excellent solution, very natural with this ring that falls under the fingers ... but why not doing a rotation in line with the ring? Once you turn the ring and it is only a moment later (approximately 1/2 second) reacts as zooming. Precision is impossible ... therefore unusable. Too bad!
- Software bug can disable digital zoom, which I always do because it has no use except as a marketing argument. Except that even when turned off in the menus, digital zoom is still active ... expect an update of the firmware (firmware) if the SONY never goes out.
- Lack of RAW: me who does THAT pictures in RAW, then allowing me in post-production to change some of my choices during shooting (white balance, for example) I was very disappointed by this choice. Even if the advantage is that with a 64GB card and the JPEG format can I do 10000 photos ...
- Bokeh (background blur fully open) very low, despite the size and openness of the objective it is impossible to do this kind of picture. The depth of field is too large even fully open.
- Control of noise in low light: the promise to mount ISO 12800 is a marketing argument. From ISO 800 noise appears unpleasant. But computing is here to save the device: see the positives below.
- The device has a tendency to overexpose a little, at least the model in my possession, we must adjust accordingly.
- Why maintain a viewfinder? it is totally unusable, despite a numerical system that was promising but alas the viewfinder is too small.
- Rear screens too messy: you must have permanently a wipe to clean the LCD screen without it the screen becomes unreadable in bright sunlight.
- MAC refrain: SONY seems to think that the world consists only of PC owners, besides supporting them confirmed it, and very little software available on the Mac ... damaging.
Now the good points:
- Objective: because the photo is above all light! Here the lens size reassuring at first glance. I hate bridges or compact with a small goal ... As against an opening of only 2.8 is disappointing. A 2.0 or 1.8 he would have won a star or two in my judgment. Alas the bokeh is still too weak, yet I hoped a lot with this goal.
- 50x: 50x yes, it's absolutely stunning! The picture still remaining good quality 50x even with an opening that unfortunately rises to 6.3. It is a pleasure to be able to have in one device such magnitude: the wide-angle 24mm to 1200mm
- Amateur and professional fashion: everything is there, from simple point for the beginner to click any manual: M mode Alas modes "standard" A / P / S / M do not seem very effective. Results are means and we must constantly check the results on the LCD screen. For the automatic modes come against the secoure of the device. For example, the "night mode shooting freehand" is bluffing. The results are amazing quality. Ok accuracy leaves something to be desired but it allows to take pictures that would be impossible otherwise take. As against these modes are very slow: taking several pictures in long sequences and above calculations to produce the final result. Processor lagging? Shame not to calculate the photo in the background to allow taking a new photo faster.
- Effective and quick SONY support: Product support forum is efficient and fast. While these responses are questionable (no MAC software because only 5% of the market). The answers are there in less than 4 hours.
In the end this device is not for a photographer (say pro or experienced) as the standard functions are too risky and questionable results. As against the automatic modes allow the results of great qualities.
While considering myself an amateur photographer I'll still keep this camera in my camera bag, in addition to my DSLR ... by cons I put my 300mm zoom, too heavy and much less powerful. This unit will serve me for its 50x zoom. But for short walks I remain my Canon G1X much better in terms of results.
