Sony HX99 fits 28x zoom on a camera as light as a smartphone

Sony's HX90 series zooms combine small bodies and large zooms – and now, more power. On Monday, October 15, Sony introduced the Sony Cyber-Shot HX99, a compact zoom lens with an updated processor that allows for 4K burst and longer shooting. The $ 450 camera will be heading to the United States and Canada after the launch of summer 2018 in Europe.

The $ 450 Sony HX99 combines a 1 / 2.3-inch 18.2-megapixel sensor with a 28x optical zoom, which equates to a zoom of around 24-730mm. Like the Sony HX90V, Sony claims that the camera has one of the smallest zoom-travel category enclosures, measuring less than an inch and a half deep and less than 3 inches tall. The camera is 7.7 ounces (body only).

But if the sensor and size recall the previous HX90, the speed and video distinguish the new HX99. The camera uses an upgraded BIONZ X processor, which improves video quality up to 4K at 30 ips. The 4K is captured with full pixel reading and no sorting of pixels, says Sony. The 1080p slow motion video can be captured at 120 fps.

The updated processor also sports new photo features: the burst speed of 10 fps is no longer limited to 10 shots, and can capture up to 155 consecutive JPEGs at this maximum burst speed. The Sony HX99 also combines optical image stabilization for sharper shots with this long zoom lens. The automatic focus of the eye that automatically searches for the subject's eyes, popular on Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras, is also included in the HX99's contrast-sensitive autofocus system.

Although camera prices ($ 450) and the 1 / 2.3-inch sensor are more consumer-friendly, the HX99 is still suitable for RAW photos for more editing control, as well as for exposure modes. manual and manual focus.

The compact housing of the Sony HX99 still manages to fit in a control ring around the lens. A touch-sensitive, 180-degree, tilt-up touch screen sits at the back of the camera, while an electronic viewfinder also appears from the top of the camera . The HX99 also uses a touch pad to adjust the focus when using the viewfinder. Bluetooth is integrated and can also be used to geotag photos.

The Sony HX99 will be available from early November at retail price of about $ 450.