Blog Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V Camera Review: Stunning Images and Amazing Features

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is a powerful camera that offers stunning image quality and a range of amazing features. This camera is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to capture sharp, detailed images and take advantage of a host of advanced features.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 20 2012

Announced

18 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight254g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

If you are looking for a camera that packs a punch when it comes to image quality and features, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is a great choice. With a 18.2-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus system, and 20x optical zoom, this camera is capable of capturing stunning images and delivering impressive performance. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is sure to impress. In this review, we'll take a closer look at some of the key features of this camera and what makes it stand out from the competition.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution: 18.2 megapixels
20x Optical zoom
Full HD video recording
GPS Tagging
Image stabilization
3 inch LCD screen
Manual control options
Good low light performance
Fast autofocus
Built-in Wi-Fi

Cons

No manual focus ring
Mediocre battery life
Limited aperture range
No hot shoe for external flash
No RAW image capture
Image noise at high ISO levels
Limited zoom control during video recording
No touch screen
No external microphone jack
Slow start-up time

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V

Weather sealed
Dimensions107 x 62 x 35mm
Weight254g
Thickness35mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution922k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 922k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V has a 18MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 18 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jul 20 2012

Announced

100 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4896 x 3672 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life320 shots
Battery ModelNP-BG1
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V uses the NP-BG1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 320 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V weather sealed?

No the Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V announced?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V was announced on Jul 20 2012

Does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V?

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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