Comments about Sony Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital Camera with 10.2 Megapixel, 10x Optical Zoom, 3.0" LCD Display, Black:

Small cameras like these are called travel zooms. They can take telephoto shots as well as wide shots. The panorama feature captures more than 180 degrees. The camera will also shoot 10 frames a second-good for sports especially baseball catching the ball leave the bat. I have a large very expensive full size DSLR-and a number of lenses but this camera is always in my bag. You can't beat it for convenience.

The camera focuses very quickly for a compact and renders excellent balanced color. Just set it to the green icon and the camera selects the proper settings for the shot automatically. It has many features of a large DSLR. I like the fact that it is just 10 MP. Manufactures like to cram as many pixels on the sensor as they can because uneducated consumers think that means more resolution. 10 MP is more that enough for an 8x10 image. More pixels on compact cameras means that the image is subject to blooming, a muddling of colors.

Shortcomings are indoor photos in low light (no flash) which are grainy and battery life. You need to buy another battery which is alas, proprietary to the Sony. Another shortcoming of all point an shoots are that the flash is only good to about 8 or 9 feet. Beyond that point the image gets progressively darker at the corners for every foot added.

I highly recommend this camera for individuals who want to just get good pictures without a lot of fuss. If you like advanced features they are there as well so you can grow as a photographer.

Comments about Sony Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V Digital Camera with 10.2 Megapixel, 10x Optical Zoom, 3.0" LCD Display, Black:

I have a dSLR, but wanted to have a point and shoot camera that is company, but still has good features. This camera was a perfect fit, as it solved all the needs and was loaded with features.The panorama, burst mode, HD Video are all add-on that acts as bonus. [...]