Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5

Excellent image quality ; Versatile ; Manual controls ; 1080i video with stereo sound ; Inbuilt GPS ; 10x zoom lens (25-250mm)

Prone to wind noise in video ; Sow flash recharge ; Heavy-handed noise reduction at high ISO

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 once again demonstrates that when it comes to technical excellence Sony should never be underestimated. The camera is well made, handles and performs extremely well, and is capable of producing very good results under a wide...

Longer focal length lens affords a wider range of creative framing possibilities, lots of innovative features on board that you don't normally find in this price bracket, smooth to use (and review) Sweep Panorama function is a bonus

Sweep Panorama function produces lower resolution stills than supplied by (admittedly more expensive) NEX models - and it isn't 3D - plus the camera requires a period of familiarisation if the user wishes to move beyond pointing and shooting

The Sony Cyber-shot HX5 is a competently constructed and thoughtfully featured compact at a keenly competitive price. For the amateur photographer wanting both portability and versatility in the one device - without actually trading up further and...

The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5 is fairly unique in its kind. Not due to the powerful 10x optical range, as the competition tops that. And also not due to the effective image stabilizer, as that is also known from other manufacturers. The Sony HX5 is unique...

Sony may be new to the travel-zoom game, but they've certainly made a bold entrance with the CyberShot DSC-HX5, which offers virtually all of the key features that several of its rivals collectively offer, wrapped-up in an easy-to-use package with an...

Picture quality - handling - GPS - General Features

Nothing springs to mind

The Sony Cybershot DSC HX5 is up there with the best in this category. It has a good range of features, takes high quality photos and is available at about the right price.

Panorama, low-light, backlight correction modes; GPS receiver and compass for geotagging; excellent color accuracy and low-light performance

No aperture-priority or shutter-priority modes; geotagging requires software on a Windows PC; images aren't always sharp

An excellent feature-packed compact, though the retail price is rather expensive. If you don't want the GPS then opt for a similar, cheaper Sony compact

Back-illuminated sensor; Built-in GPS and compass; Good build quality; Great colours; Excellent noise for a small sensor

Has some white-balance issues

Heaps of really clever functions

Overly bright low-res LCD screen