The latest Cyber-shot camera from Sony, the HX99, is “the world’s smallest travel camera” with the highest zoom offered for this type of travel camera.
The camera measures in at just 4×2.3×1.4 inches so it’s definitely small — positioning it to be a great travel camera. However, just because it’s small doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack some punch. This travel camera packs a 28x zoom and shoots 4K video with full pixel readout.
Let’s take a look inside
Inside the HX99 lies an 18.2-megapixel backside-illuminated 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor. The megapixel count here seems to be fairly typical of a camera in Sony’s Cyber-shot HX series.
Additionally, the sensor offers an ISO range of 80-12800.
Video shooting
The HX99 shoots video up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. This is on par with many more expensive cameras, including Canon’s new $2,300 EOS R.
Also, you can choose lower the resolution down to HD and shoot up to 120 fps. That’s if you’re looking to shoot some slow-motion shots.
How’s the zoom on the Cyber-shot HX99?
The HX99 uses a 24-720 (35mm equiv.) zoom lens with 28x optical zoom. Also, Clear Image Zoom boosts the digital zoom up to 1440 mm. This is pared with Fast Intelligent Auto focus and Eye Auto Focus.
You can see the camera’s zooming capabilities in the picture below. At 1440 mm, the HX99 looks to do a good job at retaining some of the details on the subject.
Other features
Image stabilization is offered on the HX99. The camera features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization along with Zoom Assist — a temporary zoom-out display that shows a wider area when shooting distant subjects, RAW photos, Tough Focus, Touch Shutter, Touch Pad, a customizable Control Ring, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pricing and availability
The Sony Cyber-shot HX99 will be released early this November for $450. You can learn more about the HX99 at Sony.com.
