Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5: The Perfect Compact Camera for Capturing Every Moment

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 is a compact digital camera that offers powerful features perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos. Its 10x optical zoom, 10.2 megapixel sensor, and advanced auto-focus features make it a popular choice among both amateur and professional photographers. In this blog, we'll discuss the key features of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 and explore why it's an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality compact camera. Keywords: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5, compact camera, 10x optical zoom, 10.2 megapixels, auto-focus features, high-quality photos, high-quality videos, amateur photographers, professional photographers

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 16 2010

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor Type1/2.4-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight200g
MSRP$350USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5

Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur shutterbug, capturing high-quality photos and videos is crucial. With the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5, you have a compact camera that packs a punch when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. This popular camera offers a host of features, including a 10x optical zoom, 10.2 megapixel sensor, and advanced auto-focus capabilities, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture stunning images and videos on-the-go. In this blog, we'll dive into the key features of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 and explore why it's a top choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 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

Great image quality
Optical zoom
Low-light performance
Easy to use
Fast autofocus
Sweep Panorama mode
Image stabilization
GPS and geotagging
HD video recording
Compact size

Cons

Limited manual settings
Slow start-up time
No manual focus
Small sensor size
Flimsy battery door
Limited battery life
No hot shoe for external flash
No RAW image format
Pricey compared to other compact cameras
Average build quality

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5

Weather sealed
Dimensions102 x 58 x 29mm
Weight200g
Thickness29mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 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 Resolution230k 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 230k dots. This makes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 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-HX5 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 has a 10MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 has a native ISO range of 125 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jun 16 2010

Announced

125 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.4-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3456 x 2592 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-HX5 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-HX5 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: 1/2.4-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageMemory Stick Duo / Pro Duo/ PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelNP-BG1
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 supports Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo/ PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC, Internal 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-HX5 uses the NP-BG1 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined 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-HX5 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-HX5 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-HX5 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-HX5?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 weather sealed?

No the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 announced?

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 was announced on Jun 16 2010

Does the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 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-HX5?

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 has a native ISO range of 125-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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