Sony DSC-HX9V 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot digital camera

Perfect pictures made easy

We don't want to give the impression that photography is simple. Knowing the exact moment to capture, and being in the right place at the right time are all skills that professionals have spent years mastering. What should be simple is taking a picture. Settings, focus, and the million other little bits, bobs, and dials can get in the way of taking great pictures. Thankfully, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V digital camera takes care of those million little settings for you with its Superior Auto mode that quickly analyzes your scene, chooses from one of 33 scene modes, and then takes six layered shots to produce an image with incredible clarity and range. A 16x optical zoom gives you plenty of options for framing your shots, from wide panoramas to extreme closeups — all without losing clarity. Technology like Face Detection and Hi-speed Linear Focus further help you to keep your favorite subjects in focus, even if they're moving quickly, while Optical SteadyShot image stabilization keeps your shots steady (even if you aren't). The DSCHX9V makes sure that your camera gets out of your way when you're trying to take pictures, leaving you to focus on what's important.

Beyond utility

Of course, just because the DSC-HX9V is focused on keeping your shots simple, doesn't mean it doesn't have a few other tricks you can take advantage of. You can take advantage of the Soft Skin mode when taking portraits to ensure even skin tones for your most important subjects (that is, people of course). An Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode lets you take a high resolution pan of an amazing landscape, and links each frame together so that you can keep small details in focus even when you're looking at the bigger picture. The DSCHX9V is even capable of taking 3D images (including a 3D panorama), giving you a whole new way to look at your favorite pictures. Add in HD movie capture, and you've got a digital camera that's ready for nearly any situation — a little like you.

Included with purchase

DSCHX9V digital camera, battery (model NP-BG1), battery charger (model BC-CSGD), multi-connector cable, wrist strap, CD-ROM

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Sony HX9V - simply amazing ! (September 05, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Christian - Oneida, NY

I just returned from a 3 week family vacation to Germany. With me traveled my brand new DSC-HX9V. My previous main camera was also a Sony but i used a few other models and makes over the years depending on the situation - including a Canon EOS50D DSLR.

The Sony performed flawlessly. Battery time is very good, the different scene modes work very well and the auto mode rarely ever messes up a shot. I am especially pleased with the color accuracy and overall image quality even in low light situations.

The HD Video 1080p60fps is something you have to see to believe. Image stabilisation works great - i took videos out the window during landing and takeoff and the results are amazing.

The few things Id consider negatives were well described in professional reviews of the HX9V. It could be snappier when switching modes starting and stopping video recordings or playback.
The images are highly processed which becomes apparent when zooming into a shot with certain patterns i.e. the Philly skyline shots taken out of the airplane. And it is slightly pricier than its competitors.

Overall i couldnt be happier with my purchase and would recommend this camera to anyone looking for a Superzoom in this segment.

I took roughly 1400 shots and 100 Videos during our vacation and so many of the pictures are good - at least 80 percent - that we are going to have a hard time selecting the usual 50-100 for our vacation album.

Sony DSC-HX9V Review (August 12, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Les B. - San Diego, California

I am very happy with the Sony camera. Its start up time is relatively fast, its shutter lag is nearly nonexistent, and it takes great pictures that easily rival any of the other cameras I have used. I had read that it occasionally takes a bad picture, which has happened to me once or twice out of the 200 pictures I took. I think in those cases the camera just needed a little more time to adjust to the lighting conditions. I took pictures with all of the resolution settings and saw only very subtle differences when blown up many times. Personally I would like more options than just resolution, like being able to select more than one compression level like my Canon ELPH 870. File sizes on the Sony are 3.5-4.5 megabytes with maximum resolution. I would choose maximum resolution with medium compression to give me 1.5 megabyte files.

I have found the color rendition to be excellent with most all lighting conditions. The focus takes a few milliseconds longer than my Canon, but this actually forces me to compose the picture better. The focus is fast enough to take action shots, although the second shot is probably going to be the keeper. Of course the burst mode is great for action shots.

The zoom and stabilization are top-notch, as is the quality of the video and the ability to zoom and take stills during the video creation. I really like the automatic macro or the ability to take really close-up pictures without selecting the mode, as I have to do with other cameras.

I havent needed to use any but the fully automatic modes, but it is nice to know I can have so much control over the photo settings. This is a feature-rich camera that I can see taking months to explore every feature. One feature that may be missing is the ability to create non-write-protected files.

Pros Zoom, rich feature set, quality of video, small size

Cons Onoff button could be easier to locate and push, would prefer external battery charger

The extras are what make the camera. (July 21, 2011)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(2/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Matt - Beacon, NY

Ive been using a D90 for the past year and i find myself comparing the picture quality and thats a mistake. Youll have to remember even with all the extra features the camera is still a P&S. That being said, the picture quality is ok as stated in almost every other review. What makes the camera is the panorama mode and the Full 1080p video quality. Im not sure how well the 3D works. The 16x zoom doesnt hurt either. Ill be using this as a outdoor travel camera and for that it should be fine. My hope is to have another compact like the successor to the s95 to round out the line up.

DSC-HX9V (June 27, 2011)

Ease of Use		(4/5.0)
Value		(3/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Michael C. - Arlington, TX

I got this camera to take on an 11 day backpacking trip with my son and his scout troop. It performed well. I had the GPS off the entire time. Battery life seemed good. One thing that didn't work were the aftermarket Dolica batteries that I got for it. The camera said, Incompatible battery. Maybe Sony will change that in firmware update...

Most versatile pocket travel camera! (June 16, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(4/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jim D. - Navarre, Florida

Sony’s DSC-HX9V, to me, is beyond question the most versatile pocket travel camera on the market today. The only drawback is its weight, 8.7oz with battery and a bit thick at 1.4 inches thick. I am used to Sony’s DSC-HX5V which was only 6.7oz and slimmer, but you can tell the 2oz difference in your pocket. Just don’t let this be a stopper as the added features far outweigh the slight increase in weight and size. Getting 16X zoom is really a feat for a camera this size. Pros Getting one of the best HD Video on the market with decent sound with wind cancelation in a point and shoot. Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode with additional HD still Panorama. Very good low level light shots. Very nice color shots with true color and can be made more vivid if needed. Very quick focus in almost all light conditions. 16x telephoto G lens moves smooth in and out. 2 inch micro shots. Background Defocus shot for great outside people shots. A 3 inch display second to none in the point and shoot market. Will do 3D Stills and 3D Sweep Panorama shots which I have not used, but it is there if you have a 3D TV. GPS for geotaging your travel shots. Cons Somewhat on the heavy side and thick due to the lens. Auto popup flash can be blocked if not held proper when taking shots. Somewhat strong flash which causes some washout of close objects. Will take some time to understand and use the many functions properly maybe too many choices at times. For the true photo buffs there is no way to take RAW shots. Keep in mind that this is a “Point and Shoot” camera, but will give you some of the results of a DSLR camera. Many years ago I was a SLR guy and enjoyed changing lens, playing with depth of field and changing the F stop, but now I just want great photos without all of the setup for the shot. Just put the camera in Super Auto Mode and shoot away. If you are looking for a do it all, point and shoot, don’t pass this by even though it may be a bit pricey, I don’t think you will regret it.

Comparison Specifications

16.2 effective megapixels
Memory: Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
Zoom: 16x optical zoom
Shooting modes: High Sensitivity, Soft Snap, Landscape, Twilight Portrait, Twilight, Gourmet, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Pet, Soft Skin, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur
Flash modes: Auto, On, Slow Syncro, Off
Video mode: 1920 x 1080 at 60fps interlace 24Mbps or 17Mbps, 1440 x 1080 at 60fps interlace, 1440 x 1080 at 30fps, 1280 x 720 at 30fps, 640 x 480 at 30fps
Viewscreen: 3.0" XtraFine TFT LCD with 5-step brightness control and TruBlack technology
Digital connections: 1 HDMI (type C) output / 1 USB 2.0 port / SD output / Transfer Jet send and receive

Additional Specifications

3D still image and panorama capabilities
Optical image stabilization
HD video recording (AVCHD 1080/60i)
Self-timer: Off, 10sec., 2sec., portrait1, portrait2
Burst mode: Approx. 10fps at 16.2MP (max 10 shots)
Anti Motion Blur
Embedded GPS
Face detection: 8 faces (auto, off, child priority, adult priority, key selected face memory)
Smile Shutter technology and blink detection
In-camera editing: trimming, red eye correction, unsharp masking