The quality of smartphone camera may equal or even surpass
the quality of compact camera. But at least there is one area where a compact
camera is still superior to smartphone camera: optical zoom.
As we know, the majority of smartphones can do zooming only
digitally. This is due to the lack of space for smartphones’ optical components
to move freely.
Then there's a question, what is the difference between
digital zoom and optical zoom? In many cases, images that are captured with
digital zoom will look a bit broken. Not so with optical zoom. Furthermore, if
the digital zoom is usually only able to provide a magnification of about 5x,
the optical zoom can reach 30x, just like what's offered by Sony through their
two latest compact cameras: HX90 and WX500.
Both cameras are designed as your travel companion. Behind
the concise body which weighs less than 250 grams, there are Exmor R image
sensor size of 1 inch and BIONZ X processor. The two components are similar to
those embedded in Sony premium pocket camera, Cyber-shot RX100 III, but here
the resolution is only 18.2 megapixels.
The sensitivity level of the two cameras ranges in the ISO
80-12800. The video can be recorded in 1080p resolution 60 fps, and both
cameras have supported XAVC S video recording format in order to obtain an
appropriate balance between image qualities and file size.
Accompanying the image sensor, there is Vario Sonnar T* lens
from Carl Zeiss. This lens is one of the main advantages of these new duo compact
cameras with 30x optical zoom (25-750 mm) and an aperture of f/3.5-6.4. To
reduce the risk of image blur when shooting at the farthest zoom position, Sony
has equipped the HX90 and WX500 with 5-axis image stabilization system.
On the back, you will find a 3-inch LCD screen with 921,600
dot resolution; the screen could be tilted 180º for selfie activity.
Special for HX90, Sony has equipped it with an electronic
viewfinder (EVF) that's using innovative OLED technology. The EVF is hidden at
the top of the camera, and will appear just by pushing a button - again, this
technology is borrowed from Sony RX100 III.
Both Sony HX90 and WX500 have packed Wifi and NFC connectivity.
Users can download a variety of PlayMemories Camera Apps to add a number of
features on the camera. Sony HX90 is claimed can last up to 390 shots, while
Sony WX500 will last up to 400 shots.
Both cameras are reportedly going to be marketed from the
end of June. There is still no information about the sale price of Sony HX90,
but Sony offers another variant of HX90, namely HX90V that's equipped with GPS
for geotagging feature at a price of $ 430. Meanwhile the Sony WX500 will be
offered at $ 330.