Sony Cyber-shot HX99 Review
We've aggregated 3 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Sony Cyber-shot HX99
The Sony Cyber-shot HX99 is a travel zoom compact that squeezes a 30x optical reach (24-720mm equivalent) into a genuinely pocket-sized body weighing just 242 grams. It pairs that range with a pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder, 4K video at 30p, and a tilting touchscreen, making it one of the more feature-rich options in the travel zoom category. Reviewers consistently praise the camera's compact form factor and impressive zoom versatility, with some calling it one of the best travel zooms on the market for still and video quality. The autofocus system, including Eye AF and Lock-on AF, and 10 fps burst shooting add to its appeal for capturing fast-moving subjects on the go.
However, the HX99 has notable weaknesses. Its 1/2.3-inch sensor struggles in low light, and reviewers report ugly lens flare in bright conditions, particularly at longer focal lengths. The variable aperture, which narrows to f/6.4 at the telephoto end, further limits performance in dim environments. These issues are common to small-sensor travel zooms, but they're pronounced enough here to affect real-world shooting. For travelers who prioritize portability and zoom range over low-light capability, the HX99 delivers. Just know its limits when the sun goes down or when shooting into harsh light.
- Extremely compact and lightweight for a 30x zoom (242g, fits in a pocket)
- Pop-up OLED EVF and tilting touchscreen add versatility
- 4K video at 30p and 120p HD slow motion
- Fast 10 fps burst shooting with Eye AF and Lock-on AF
- Good still and video image quality in good light
- Struggles significantly in low light due to small 1/2.3-inch sensor
- Pronounced lens flare in bright conditions
- Variable aperture narrows to f/6.4 at telephoto, limiting light
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
Best reviews
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Editorial reviews
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 puts a long zoom into a pocket-friendly body, but shows ugly flare and struggles in dim light.
The Sony Cyber-shot HX99 is a solid option if you're in the market for a easy to use travel zoom compact camera. Offering a huge 30x optical zoom range.
The Sony Cyber-shot HX99 is one of the best travel-zoom cameras on the market, offering a compelling mix of great still and video image quality ...
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About this product
30x travel zoom with EVF.
Specs
- Usb
- Micro-USB (USB 2.0)
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
- Card Slot
- microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC, Memory Stick Micro
- Battery
- NP-BX1, 3.6V, 1240 mAh
- Battery Life
- 370 shots (LCD), 300 shots (EVF), 95 min video continuous
- Weight Grams
- 242 g (with battery and card), 216 g (body only)
- Dimensions Mm
- 102.0 x 58.1 x 35.5 mm
- Optical Zoom
- 28x
- Aperture Range
- f/3.5 (W) to f/6.4 (T)
- Focal Length Equiv
- 24-720 mm
- Min Focus Distance
- 5 cm (W), 250 cm (T)
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- 30p
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 120p
- Max Video Bitrate
- 100 Mbps
- Max Video Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Af Type
- Contrast detection AF
- Af Modes
- Fast Intelligent AF, Eye AF, Lock-on AF
- Lens Type
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T*
- Flash Type
- Built-in, manual pop-up
- Viewfinder
- 0.2" OLED EVF, 638,400 dots, pop-up design
- Color Space
- sRGB, Adobe RGB
- Hdmi Output
- Micro-HDMI
- Video Audio
- LPCM 2ch (XAVC S), Dolby Digital 2ch (AVCHD)
- Iso Extended
- 80-12800
- Usb Charging
- Yes
- Lens Elements
- 11 elements in 10 groups (5 aspherical)
- Operating Temp
- 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)
- Image Processor
- BIONZ X
- Recording Formats
- XAVC S, AVCHD, JPEG, RAW (Sony ARW 2.3)
- Continuous Shooting
- 10 fps
- Shutter Speed Range
- 30s to 1/2000s
- Viewfinder Coverage
- 100%
- Exposure Compensation
- +/- 3.0 EV (1/3 EV steps)
- Viewfinder Magnification
- 0.5x (35mm equiv.)
- Sensor Size
- 1/2.3" (7.82 mm)
- Sensor Type
- 1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS
- Effective Megapixels
- 18.2 MP
- Rear Screen
- 3.0" LCD, 921,600 dots, 180° tilting touchscreen
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Launch Price Usd
- $474.99
- Stabilization
- Optical SteadyShot (Intelligent Active Mode for video)
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- B&H Photonew● In stockBest price$473Buy
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