Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V 16.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Digital Still Camera with 16x Optical Zoom G Lens, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1080/60p Video

I have been looking for a good, pocket-able to travel to zoom the camera in a few months and have looked at a number of different models, including Fujifilm 550exr. I settled on Sony's specifications, and the reputation that Sony has to make state-of-the-art cameras. I must say that I was not disappointed. I am most interested in out-of-the-box image quality, because I know that most times my attitude is to take a series of images without too much trouble and let the camera do most of the work for me. This is certainly the case when I travel, because I usually try to get the most out of the experience I have rather than focusing too much on to fiddle with camera controls.

So I compared the images from HX9V to a Sony NEX5 and an older Panasonic. I spent IA settings on all three cameras. I must say I was very pleased with the results. The HX9 gave consistently good images from its Intelligent Auto Superior Auto modes, in some cases was close shot from NEX5. If it could not compete (and it makes perfect sense because there are different sizes on the image sensor) was in low light. Not that HX9 not had very good low light capability, but it could not draw the shadow detail of color clarity NEX5. What was it always interesting for me to compare the pictures that was how sharp and clear images were from HX9. Further pixel level, it was obvious that this was at the expense of the overall smoothness of the image, especially in the shadows and on the edges where the images parts came together. But in many cases, took the overall visual detail and contrast in shadow areas of pictures taken in daylight and surprisingly good NEX5 for clarity. When things got a little ugly was in the shadow areas of pictures taken in low light. But overall I was very impressed by the flexibility of the camera and the images were generally balanced.

So here's my checklist of advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:
- Beautiful screen with beautiful colors and resolution
- Very crisp images with vivid colors
- Good zoom, good sharpness at all levels of zoom
- Nice menu system easy to use. Large display makes menus appear even better
- Good control (except for on / off switch, which is a bit too flat / small)
- Lots of fun and useful picture and recording options
- Convenient and easy image scrolling during playback
- Nice feel in your body, very well built, scroll wheel and buttons have a quality feel
- Nice option for multiple / Burst images of the image to improve image reproduction / clarity

Cons
- A bit chunky for a true pocket / travel camera
- Do not like it in-camera charging method. Why use it?
- Minor delays in the zoom / review of the camera images
- Extra sharpness of the images comes at no cost to the smoothness