Manage updates with the Download App
-
"A smarter and more compact brother of my Hx5v + 3D"
on by ez2pilotPros 1) f2.4 aperture+backlit CMOS (field of depth+low light)
2) 24-120 mm Sony G lens in a small package
3) Defocus mode + focus tracking function
4) 1 sweep Panorama, 3D! (tricky to master but fun)
6) 1080i HD video, 10fps burst
7) SD Card compatibleCons 1) Small buttons
2) No software for 3D viewing on PC yet
3) No manual controls (Aperture or shutter speed)
4) Tricky to master 3D and Panorama shots
5) Pictures comparatively soft/mushy on edges when the camera tries to run noise reduction algorithmSummary I have owned a Sony Travelzoom Hx5v since May 10 and I am getting this one for my folks to replace their 3 years old Canon SD870. They were impressed with the pictures and videos i took and they would like to have the 1 sweep panorama feature in their next compact camera.
For features, pictures and video quality the WX5 is fairly compatible with my Hx5v. While the Wx5 lacks the 10x zoom, GPS and Manual controls it uses a faster 24-120mm lens with f2.4 aperture, adding a Defocus mode with focus tracking function, some 3D tricks and a smaller body (smaller than canon SD4000/4500 and S95)
For picture quality, I found that the imaging-resource site's comparometer is pretty representable. Images with enough lighting are great but whenever the camera finds a need to apply its noise reduction algorithm, the object edges could appear to be softer/mushier (loss in details) when you amplified/zoomed into the image. Personally, I like the vibrant/richness images of the Hx5v and WX5 over the SD870/800 that I used to have which looks a bit over exposed to me.
I am pretty sure there are better image quality camera out there but for my family the Sony images print excellent 8x10 and both images and video view great on the HDTV. the camera satisfy 99% of what I think my folks would need it for to quickly capture memorable moments (wx5 is a bit faster than the Canons).
Function-wise the "iAuto+" is almost the same as the twighlight, Backlight and HDR mode of my other Sony which takes multiple pictures in the same shot and combine to get one "best" picture. this works best when the subject is standing in front of a light source or if there's not enough light at the surrounding. But if your subject is moving I found that the regular iAuto will pick a more appropriate setting to avoid blurry pictures. Unlike my Hx5v, there's no Manual mode (very very disappointed, especially when it has a great f2.4 aperture) and P (program) mode has very limited control.
The 1sweep Panorama is great and since I have practiced it with my other Sony and I know how fast I need to move to get the right picture. I am pretty impressed by the Defocus mode with "Focus Tracking" function which give me more confident in capture nice pictures that shows a certain field of depth. (It has been a hit or miss for me to do that with my Hx5v)
The 3D features (3D stereographic that can be viewed via camera and 3D Panorama) could be a "wow" factor but until I have other means to view it I guess I have no way to say they are good or not (I don't have software to view it on PC nor do I have a 3D TV) but playing with it within the camera could be fun at times.
Other nice things I found that has been an improvement from my Hx5v is that they have moved the microphone location closer to the center of the camera top so it's less easy to be obstructed. Sony has also moved the "Burst" mode button away from the on-off button so it is more distinguishable without having to look at the top of the camera.
All in all my family has been happy and excited for this new toy and I am hoping it will serve my folks well for the years to come. -
"My favorite camera yet!"
on by ScarletxsmilesPros -Panorama shots
-Great Auto mode, and IAuto
-Great low light pictures
-LOVE the scene function
-Background Defocus
-Lots of FPS when it comes to taking multiple images at onceCons -I rarely use flash, but when I do use it, it tends to be TOO bright, but you can adjust that.
-The LCD screen got scratched within a day, WHILE IT WAS INSIDE MY CAMERA BAG, so I got a seperate smaller case, to put it in, inside the larger camera bag to pSummary I looked at a lot of camera's because I wanted a lightweight, easy to travel with, high resolution, camera, that's small, but packs a punch when it comes to pictures. The clarity of images is AMAZING. I love the detecting smile feature, too. I don't know why the reviews are so low. The buttons are small, sure, but for most people that's not an issue. Most camera's have smaller buttons now a days, so that's no reason to give this camera anything less than 4 stars!! I'm very impressed with my camera, and I intend on using it years from now. I've had it for 8 months now, and haven't had an issue!
*Edit! I want to say that as a con, as a previous user said, YOU NEED AN EXTRA BATTERY. I can usually take 400 pictures/video (combination of the two), along with panorama's, as well as reviewing them all, before the battery dies. So if you're like me, and you snap lots of pictures, then go through and delete the bad ones later, then buy an extra battery. But I read reviews before buying the camera, and saw that, and because I loved everything else about it, went ahead and bought an extra battery and an extra charger, so that way I would be prepared. Haven't had to burn through two batteries at once yet, two batteries has lasted me a day and a half of constant picture/video taking, for hours at a time. :)
Updated on Jul 7, 2011 -
"If you want this.. buy many extra batteries."
on by TheHitman2009Pros Great photo quality. Great HD video. Amazing sound. Loads of features.
Cons HORRIBLE BATTERY LIFE.
Summary This camera has very nice photo quality. Amazing HD video with stereo sound. And tons of features. But I was unable to enjoy them all because of the horrible battery life. I got maybe 30 minutes of play time before the battery was nearly dead. I know what you are thinking, maybe it was a defective battery. And it very well could have been. But after reading reviews on many sites, even Sony's. A lot of the "Cons" where horrible battery life. From what I read most users experienced only 2 hours of shooting time before the battery had to be charged again.
My experience was. I took about 14 pictures (with the flash of course), and two videos with combined was about 5 minutes. And the battery dropped 50%. This is horrible. And you'd think a company like Sony would not have issues like this. I had no choice but to return it back to the story and ended up buying another brand.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 user reviews (Silver)
See all models
Quick Specifications
- Digital camera type Ultracompact
- Resolution 12.2 megapixels
- Optical zoom 5 x
- Optical sensor size 1/2.3"
- Optical sensor type Exmor R CMOS
- Image stabilizer Optical (Steady Shot)
%20-%20Digital%20cameras%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc/4852-6501_7-34150529.html&x_breadcrumb=6451:6501&x_arw_bkts=DNA_PAGEMODE:normal,DNA_ADVERTISER:,DNA_ADVERTISER_MFG_ID:,DNA_SPINNER_ID:,MAD:first_impression){kind=small}