Compact cameras are becoming a rare breed. The reason is obvious — a smartphone in every hand just means that the camera you are most likely to use is the one most easily within reach. Still, there are enough photography buffs out there who want cameras more capable than a phone’s and who don’t have the know-how or finances to go all out for a top-end DSLR. The Sony Cybershot HX350 is a bridge camera that could really fit that bill — for ₹28,990. It’s for those who may one day want to graduate to more serious photography but for now, are enthusiastic about testing the waters with something they can afford.
The first impression one has when lifting the HX350 out of its box is that of a really comfortable piece of kit. Its textured body and the design makes the camera so easy to grip. Unlike heavier DSLRs, this is light and easy to hold for hours, should you be waiting for some perfect moment to take your shot. It’s primarily plastic, but nevertheless very good looking and good to hold.
What’s special about this camera is its 50x optical zoom — try that with a phone! The software also magnifies further to another 50x making some zoom-ins look quite astounding. Sony positions this 24MP for everything from family portraits to wildlife to expansive landscapes. Its Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens makes for good close up photography. You can use the smooth zoom ring to quickly lock in on a subject. There are programmable settings too, as is usually the case with a Sony camera.
If you’ve used a Sony camera before, the many controls and settings are entirely familiar. The device charges via regular micro USB and the battery and memory card slip into their easily findable and secure slots. It’s an excellent camera for starters because no one will need to explain it very much with there being photography tips thrown in as well. There’s an electronic viewfinder as well as a large LCD screen that articulates to allow more interesting photography and easier interaction with the camera. The buttons are all intuitively placed and comfortable and very easily discovered. One of those buttons leads you to the Full HD video recording capability on this camera.
Images are high quality and have good colour. It supports HDR and has many photo scenes and modes. It shoots fast. Low light photography is adequate, not stellar.
Price: ₹28,990
Pros: Capable zoom, comfortable to grip and use, good value for money
Cons: A little slow from one shot to the next as the buffer clears, no WiFi
(The article first appeared in The Hindu BusinessLine.)