The 2014 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 was an update to the HX50 with the new BOINZ X GPU, which improved both image quality and camera performance. The HX60 inherited a 30x optical zoom lens, built-in flash, and sync. Also available with GPS option (HX60V).
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60: description, specifications
The camera is equipped with a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and a 30x zoom lens, the focal length range of which is equivalent to 24–720 mm. Using the Clear Image Zoom function, this figure can be doubled to 60x. The BIONZ X processor is 3 times faster than its predecessor, and also supports powerful technology for reproducing details and suppressing noise in certain parts of the frame. Optical SteadyShot has been updated to include a 5-axis intelligent active mode to improve still images and stabilize video. The camera allows you to output 4K images via the HDMI port to a compatible TV. An NFC function has been added to simplify the configuration of Wi-Fi connections, and the PlayMemories Camera Apps section has appeared in the camera’s menu where you can increase the camera’s functionality by downloading applications from the network wirelessly.
Sync contact allows you to set the flash, electronic viewfinder, or external microphone. Shooting modes include advanced and intelligent auto, which independently adjust the parameters of the detected scene. At the same time, the first of them is ideal for moving objects. A number of scene modes and full manual control are offered. Intelligent panning and artistic effects are also available.
The main technical specifications of Sony Cyber-shot-DSC-HX60 are as follows:
- 20.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with backlight;
- 30x optical zoom;
- 24-720 mm lens;
- optical stabilization;
- 3 ”display with a resolution of 921,600 dots;
- manual control;
- exposure compensation adjustment dial;
- NFC and Wi-Fi;
- full high definition video recording with stereo sound;
- burst shooting at a speed of 8 fps;
- pan;
- built-in GPS-receiver in the model HX60V.
Design
The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX60 is a rather heavy compact camera, but this is due to the large 30x zoom. The camera can be carried in your pocket, but a small bag will suit him better. The case has a good rubber grip on the front and a rubber pad for the thumb on the back.
On the top panel there is a mode dial, exposure compensation control, zoom lever, shutter button and switch. At the back are the keys for recording video, playing, deleting, calling up the menu and on-screen set of functions. Also on the rear panel is a rotating disk for cyclic navigation through the menu and changing the aperture / shutter speed. Just above the screen is a pop-up flash activation button.
The menu system is well organized and easy to navigate. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 3-inch LCD screen has a fairly good resolution of 921,600 pixels and can be viewed in all lighting conditions, although it is better to increase the screen brightness in the sun. The display is bright and colorful, it is great for viewing photos.
To use Wi-Fi, you need to install the free PlayMemories app on your smartphone or tablet. Pairing devices and using the program is easy. With its help, you can both copy images and videos, and shoot them. In addition, the application allows you to control the zoom and set the self-timer.
Battery life
The duration of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60, according to the CIPA test results, is 380 shots. This is good for a compact camera, although the use of wireless (and the HX60V geolocation system) will reduce this number.
Performance
According to reviews, the characteristics of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 affecting the speed of the camera are as follows:
- the responsiveness of the camera, i.e., the time from the moment it was turned on to the first photograph, is 1.9 s;
- the delay between shooting 2 frames is 1.3 s, and with a flash - 2.2 s;
- burst shooting at a speed of 8 fps for 10 photos;
- shutter response time does not exceed 0.05 s;
- the same with wide-angle shooting - 0.15 s and full zoom - 0.6 s.
The response of the focusing system and the shutter is very fast, although the focusing speed slows at the maximum focal length. The on-time is reasonable, as is the delay between successive shots.
Lens operation
The HX60 has a clear advantage when shooting distant subjects thanks to its huge 30x zoom, and its focus is sharp enough across the entire zoom range. Nevertheless, the noise reduction system of the camera is struggling to comprehend areas outside the focus of the frame. Therefore, although the main subject in the telephoto lens looks pretty good, the background looks overly crafted. Portraits illuminated by the flash exhibit well, but under artificial lighting, photographs become yellow and full of noise. Multi-frame shooting captures and combines 4 exposures, minimizing noise in low light, but if this function itself is activated in automatic mode, then in program access to it is not so fast.
Images are well detailed at all focal lengths, especially in the center of the frame, but there are signs of purple fringing and chromatic aberration. The minimum distance to the subject is 5 cm, which allows you to get detailed macro shots. Areas with lots of detail, such as grass, sometimes look a little blurry. Distortion is controlled very well by the camera, because barrel and pincushion distortions are invisible even when photographing straight lines.
ISO noise
According to user reviews, for the minimum number of interference and maximum detail it is better to use the values of ISO 80-200. In situations with lower lighting, ISO 400-800 will still provide good results, although the noise will increase and detail. At ISO 1600–3200, graininess becomes strong. Users are advised to avoid such installations if possible, although the results can be improved by reducing the size and are suitable for the Internet. ISO 6400 and above is best avoided as noise is extremely high and detail is very low.
White balance
Automatic white balance (AWB) works well, giving a slightly warm shade when lit by incandescent lamps, and the corresponding preset gives a very similar result. AWB also copes with the light of fluorescent lamps, but the preset for this type of light source gives a magenta color. For the most accurate results, it is recommended that you use a custom white balance.
Pan
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 is equipped with an automatic panoramic mode in which you can press the shutter button and shoot by turning the camera from one side of the scene to the other. The result is excellent and the photo is well-stitched, although the HX50 high-resolution panoramic function is no longer available.
Dynamic Range Optimization
In DRO mode, the image is adjusted to achieve greater detail in the shadow areas. In HDR 3, photographs with different exposures are automatically combined to create an image with an extended dynamic range. DRO can be set to level 1–5 or auto depending on how strongly the effect should be expressed. HDR can also be adjusted to a level of 1 to 6 or automatic, which gives you more control.
Digital filters
A number of effects are offered that allow you to be more creative with the pictures taken: HDR picture, high-contrast mono, illustration, miniature, partial color, pop art, posterization, retro, soft focus, toy camera, watercolor, etc.
Video
The clips are recorded in 1080p format. According to user reviews, their quality is not impressive - there are not enough small details and vibrant colors when shooting outdoors. The video taken in low light is very clear, but this is achieved by reducing the shutter speed to 1 / 12.5 s, which gives the movement a stroboscopic effect. The camera records stereo sound. Optical zoom is available during movie shooting. Optical stabilization does its job well, providing a stable image.
Price
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 owners reviews are praised for a reasonably reasonable price ($ 400) to quality ratio, especially when compared to the following competitors' products:
- Canon Powershot SX700 HS, 30x, Wi-Fi - $ 355.
- Nikon Coolpix S9700, 30x, Wi-Fi, GPS - $ 300.
- Panasonic Lumix TZ60, 30x, Wi-Fi, GPS, EVF - $ 447.
In addition, you need to purchase a memory card and a case or bag to protect the device.
Conclusion
A review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX60 specs suggests that the camera is an update to the HX50 with the same zoom lens. Despite the fact that it is compact, it is a bit bulky and rather heavy. Features that make it the perfect travel camera are built-in NFC and Wi-Fi, and good battery life. You can take pictures in full resolution at a speed of 8 fps. Raw format is not supported, although there is full manual control, as well as flash sync and auxiliary port. In general, the image quality is good, with excellent color reproduction, although noise significantly reduces the quality of images with a sensitivity above ISO 3200.