Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V Product Review

I purchased my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V last year, because I was looking for a camera that incorporated GPS coordinates with the photos it took. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V fit the bill and the price was right ($479) so I bought it. I take a lot of pictures about the Upper Peninsula so I’m outdoors all the time. That said, I thought that this camera would have been destroyed long before now, but it is still working like new.

First let me tell you what I’ve done to this camera. I’ve dropped down the flight of stairs leading to my basement twice. I’ve knocked off counters or work benches on to the concrete three times. I’ve left it out in the rain. I’ve tumble down hills with it around my neck. All that and this camera still works like new. This is one tough camera!

As you can see from the pictures and video, I’ve used my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V to photograph wildlife, scenery, products for my website, I’ve used it to take HD videos, it pretty much does it all.

The details on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V are to many to list so I'll just give you a rundown of the advanced features.

• Anti Motion Blur:Yes
• Sweep Panorama:Intelligent Sweep Panorama / 3D Sweep Panorama
• Face Detection:8 Faces (Auto / Off / Child Priority / Adult Priority / Key Selected Face Memory)
• Smile Shutter™ technology:Yes
• Image Stabilization:Optical SteadyShot™ with 3-way Active Mode Image Stabilization
• In-Camera Editing:Trimming / Red Eye Correction / Unsharp Masking
• Intelligent Auto:Yes
• Shooting Tips:Yes
• Background Defocus:Yes
• Tracking Focus:Off / Auto
• Blink Detection:Yes
• Photo Creativity:Yes
• Picture Effects:HDR Painting / Richtone Monochrome / Miniature / Toy camera / Pop Color / Partial Color / Soft High-key / Watercolor / Illustration

I use the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V for all of my product photography. I’ve matched it up with the “Photography Studio in a Box Tent Light Cube PB05” to take some really detailed small product photos. The pictures I’ve upload may appear a bit fuzzy as they’ve been resized for display, but trust me when I say that they are crystal clear. The light settings offered on the DSC-HX200v give you a lot of control for the money.

Besides products and wildlife I do take a lot of scenic pictures of lakes and waterfalls and I can say that the DSC-HX200V does a great job. I typically use the superior auto mode and I leave the settings alone. The camera does a great job all on its own. It detects what type of picture is being taken and adjusts the settings accordingly. This camera is far smarter than I am!

I have used the intelligent sweep panorama mode a few times and really liked the outcome. Those pictures along with a few thousand other sit on a crashed hard drive or I'd put them up.

In summary this is one tough camera that takes great pictures and video. Would I recommend it to a friend? You bet. In fact, this may be my daughter’s next camera. For the money I’ve never owned a camera that was easier to use or that took better pictures. Is it for the professional? Probably not, but if you are looking for a point and shoot camera with a ton of great features the SONY DSC-HX200V would be a great choice.