I posted rumors about both compact cameras the past months and I am glad to hear my rumors were spot on! Finally they have been announced: The HX90V and WX500! You can preorder them at BHphoto:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V for $428 (Click here).
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 Digital Camera for $328 (Click here).
Here is the full press release from Sony:
SAN DIEGO, Apr. 13, 2015 – Sony today has introduced a pair of the world’s smallest 30x optical zoom cameras, the new HX90V and WX500 models.1
The new compact cameras boast a variety of impressive imaging credentials including high-resolution 18.2 MP2 Exmor R CMOS Sensors, 30x optical zoom ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lenses, powerful BIONZ X processors and Optical SteadyShot® stabilization, making them the ultimate companion for any travel photographer or casual weekend shooter.
The new HX90V model features the same type of high-quality retractable OLED Tru-Finder found on the acclaimed RX100 III model, making it the first truly ‘pocketable’ compact high-zoom camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder. It also includes a variety of adjustable dials and functions including a customizable control ring, and has GPS functionality for automatically tagging photos and videos3.
Each of the new cameras also features high-resolution, 921k dot LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees for comfortable arms-length portraits or “selfies” and is Wi-Fi / NFC compatible.
“These two new models serve as great examples of how Sony is driving innovation throughout all aspects of the imaging business,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the still imaging business at Sony. “With these new cameras, we’ve taken some of the most unique, advanced imaging technologies from our RX and α cameras and leveraged our unique ‘miniaturization’ ability to deliver a high-zoom shooting experience unlike anything else in the compact camera market today.”
A complete outline of key features for two new cameras is included below:
Compact Hi-Zoom HX90V Camera w/ Built-in Retractable EVF
Available in June for about $430
- – Premium 30x ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom lens with 60x “Clear Image” digital zoom capability
- – Built-in pop-up OLED Tru-Finder EVF w/ high contrast and vivid colors
- – 18,2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor ensure the finest capture details for still images and Full HD videos in all lighting conditions
- – Optical SteadyShot with 5-axis image stabilization minimizes effects of camera shake
- – 921k dot, 3.0 type LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees
- – Full HD movie shooting capabilities including high-speed XAVC S format at 50 mbps
- – Built-in ‘pop up’ flash for low-light shooting support
- – Compatible with Wi-Fi / NFC for seamless wireless transfer of content and with select Sony PlayMemories™ Camera apps
Ultra-Compact WX500 Camera w/ 30x Optical Zoom
Available in June for about $330
- – Premium 30x ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom lens with 60x “Clear Image” digital zoom capability
- – 18,2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor ensure the finest capture details for still images and Full HD videos in all lighting conditions
- – Optical SteadyShot with 5-axis image stabilization minimizes effects of camera shake
- – 921k dot, 3.0 type LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees
- – Full HD movie shooting capabilities including high-speed XAVC S format at 50 mbps
- – Built-in ‘pop up’ flash for low-light shooting support
- – Compatible with Wi-Fi / NFC for seamless wireless transfer of content and with select Sony PlayMemories™ Camera apps
New Cyber-shot®Accessories
Sony has also introduced new accessories for its Cyber-shot line including the LCJ-HWA body case and the ECM-CG60 shotgun microphone .
The new body case, compatible with both of the new HX90V and WX500 cameras, features a high-quality quality black leather-style finish for protection while offering a sure, stable grip. The new CG60 mic attaches to the multi-interface shoe on Sony’s RX camera line to enable crystal clear audio recording during movie shooting.
The new HX90V and WX500 compact high zoom cameras and all relevant Cyber-shot® accessories will be sold at all authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.
–
Thanks Manoy for sharing the press release!
63 Responses
Aww…they should add call capabilities and let it run Android to save their smartphone business, it could sell well at twice the price!
The last years we had a screen next to the head while calling, why not having a camera? Sounds smart. And I have a cheap excuse to have my camera allways ready: “well, I’ll have to be reachable for business.”
They should simply have all cameras run Android so that one can basically do whatever one want with all cameras and not be limited to Sonys software.
Call function or not.
It’s a joke…Sony’s Z series hasn’t changed for 4 generations, it’s not gonna sale if they don’t add something special…While this camera is a joke of a camera, it has nothing over smartphones except for a long zoom range, that’s why I’m saying they’d better make it into a phone.
I remember Samsung trying that and didn’t sell too well…I definitely liked the idea though.
Huh? 2MP?
1080p is 2mp.
“2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor “…
see above “including high-resolution 18.2 MP2 Exmor R CMOS Sensors”
Cut & paste error. Should be 18.2 MP.
Why do only the “cheap” cameras get GPS?
THIS!!!!!!
I don’t get it. I really REALLY hope RX100 IV/G7X II will have it. I don’t think it will happen though :'(
So the RX2 ‘could’ get a pop up EVF, 5 axis ibis and tilt-able LCD :)?
If the RX2 has a fixed 35mm lens why would it need the 5 axis IBIS?
When will they make a small sensor compact with 5x Zoom and F/1.4 lens throughout the entire zoom range? Or maybe F/1.4 – F/2. A 25mm-125mm equivalens with such arpeture would be a nice pocketable camera, even with a 1/2.3″ sensor, that has a noise ceiling at around 160 ISO.
Long ago, the Canon G6 had a 35-140mm f/2.0-3.0 lens, which although not 1.4, was very nice.
+1 to what you said.
Am surprised there is zero rumour leak about a major Amount announcement next week. Makes me doubt….not even a teaser….. Not going to be 50mp that’s for sure…
Only Sony Japan so far knows about the new cams. But I am confident that a few days before the announcement I will get some info…
nice way from sony to know if the market really want EVF?
release same camera one with EVF the other without it
who would know EVF cost around $100?
pd
“I posted rumors about both compact cameras the past months and I am glad to hear my rumors were spot on!” damn, i never see that rumors, and i tought i read sar to much…lol
It’s not only evf, but the ring around the lens and better grip also.
Both cameras are only 2MP ???????????
Smallest this, smallest that, what’s the point?
What’s the point of a compact camera being small? You’re joking, right?
What’s the point in making heavy compromises so the body can be a bit smaller? I guess it won’t have better IQ, than a smartphone. Why not buy an RX100 instead? About the same price range.
You forgot about the 30x zoom. Does the RX100 have it? Does any smartphone have it? Please tell.
well well i don’t recall smartphone got 30x zoom, that’s the last wall between compact and smartphone : superzoom.
There are still two walls: superzoom and large sensor (>= 1 inch)
My Ricoh GR can not be replaced by a smartphone in the near future. Same is true for cameras like the HX90V.
What smartphone has a 24-720mm zoom?
>Why not buy an RX100 instead?
Because there’s a big difference between 100mm vs 720mm?
come on, you can push a little harder and answer that question by yourself. I’ll give you a lil hint: 30x
Why would you need 30x zoom in a camera with terrible focusing, no raw and the IQ of a smartphone? A tourist can do a lot more with an RX100 and no one else would buy a superzoom.
No he’s not. But thats exactly what is the funny part. LOL
No Raw = No Deal.
Indeed. I hoped for RAW support too.
the last one of those small toys that made good pictures was the one with 12 mpix, at 16 it started getting crappy and at 18 it was just trash. The 16 R backlit sensor was still good, the simple one was a desaster, and at 18 mpix both where just to forget.
Funny the : “I posted rumors about both compact cameras the past months and I am glad to hear my rumors were spot on!”
I have a rumor, i hope i’ll be right !!
Sony will make a successor to the RX1, A7 and more !!!! and then, i’ll write:
“I posted rumors about cameras the past months and I am glad to hear my rumors were spot on!”
Beware, i have a very big rumor: Sony, Canon and the others will keep making new camera
Hot news
Doesn’t worth the pain, mate. I guess we all know this website. We come just for fun. I think that nobody takes really seriously what this woman publish. Most of it is just wishes or simply bullshit.
@ Cinq1: Maybe you could make a linguistic investigation concerning the difference between “rumor” and “information”……
Ermmm… Once again it seems I’m not smart enough for this. What’s the point of this post? I have no idea. 🙁
Do I need to buy the EVF version for them to decide whether to add it to the RX2? 🙂
Yes Sir! And if not, it was at least good for the economy.
Cheers!
Am 120% with you on this.
I guess the answer is quite simple – if you give people exactly what they want then they’ll stop buying the more expensive but also crippled things you have on offer.
It’s quite amazing that you can now get phone cameras whose lenses are sharper than most kit lenses for DSLRs/MILCs. Pentax long ago had compacts whose lenses put the DSLR junk to shame.
Only of late have the manufacturers begun to put higher quality[yet not necessarily more expensive] glass into their basic kit lenses – the competition from mobiles was decimating their income so they had to deliver more of what users in that price class needed. Far, far too late.
Is it just me or does the new HX90 look nearly identical to the RX100M3?
EVF, 180deg Screen…
But I like the look oft the new grip on the side
Makes me wonder what they have in store for the RX100M4…
If they would include GPS and a bitmore Zoom, and yes the grip please Sony!
Yes, 18,2 MP means you get 18 cameras with 2 MP each. I know, 2 MP is not so much nowadays, but you will never run out of cameras. 😉
The post originally said they were both 2MP cameras but it has since been edited. Condor is a very clever guy. Clap! Clap! Clap!
Dammit, isn’t $430 enough to expext RAW support?
you would really buy it or is it complaining for the sake of complaining?
Should be, but most of the buyers of this camera won’t miss it or even know what RAW is.
I’ve been thinking since the previous model came out, that this would actually be great for enthusiasts that are looking for a compact solution to get reach and to bring with you everywhere. BUT…there is no RAW capture 🙁 I think it’s a missed opportunity.
I agree – RAW is more important then the pop up EVF which adds at least $50-100 to price – I certainly am not against the nice EVF but for this type of a camera most users will be using the LCD and if it can flip down it can help in a very sunny day if there was not EVF – but RAW is a must – I have the HX60v and it is nice but no Tilt LCD and no RAW – sometimes the JPG files get over processed so RAW would be very nice –
I also would like to see Touch Shutter –
Ironic, I hear the RX100m4 will not have a EVF but a hot shoe so users can buy a pop on EVF – and that is fine with me – as most use LCD and those who really want an EVF can get it as an extra –
I do think though that a small EVF like on the Panasonic L1 is fine for such a small camera – enough to compose in those super sunny days where LCD does not cut it –
That would keep the price down –
I know several RX100m3 users and I never see them use the EVF – now for a range finder style like the LX100 or the Fuji X100s/t yes folks will use the EVF – but for such a small camera with a small EVF not that important – but I do like it as an option like on new RX100m4
“…I hear the RX100m4 will not have a EVF…”
really? Never heard that before. Would be quite a strange twist. Almost everyone in the interwebs raved about the popup EVF. Even if you are right and nobody uses the EVF, how could Sony know? Or does that mean the RX100iii did not sell well???
The original press release contained 2 MP. Even on dpreview. Good to know.
You know the answer, we all do 🙂
I do like how they’ve sort of unified the HX90 and RX100 design. They look very similar and so in effect you have a choice of sensor size/zoom, etc. Problem is they’re too drastically different – 3x zoom or 30x! That’s pretty ridiculous so they need one in between. 10-15x zoom is enough for most uses and then fit in as large a sensor as possible.
It already exists. It’s called the RX10.
I’m talking about the class of cameras that I mentioned.
Sadly, I’m not that clever. But seriously, I never thought you could have misunderstood 18,2 MP. Of course there was obviously a typing error. But, did you really think there was a chance, even if it were infinitesimal, that this was anything but a typing error? I think not. Thats why I made a joke. I tried to be funny. Possibly it wasn’t funny. But I definitely did not try to appear smart.
Cheers!
I’m not sure, because besides the missing RAW, I do not like the form factor. The HX60 was better in this regard.
I’m wondering if there is a possibility, that you are just complaining about my “complaining for the sake of complaining”, only for the sake of complaining???
you are right – however there are few of us that would like to see RAW 🙂
my same argument is with the new EVF – I do not see many use it –
I would think most people interested in Zeiss glass and EVF would be interested in RAW as well.
Slow shutter speed shots without tripod. Particularly for creative street photography, but also night time architecture etc
Only jpeg?!?!?!?!?!? Again???!? They should think to do cameras with android or linux instead of creating caneras limited by software, this could produce huge success not this shitty maketing!
Second that! Where is access to the RAW files? I need ability to recover highlights,
and argument that the quality is not good enough in pocket camera to
care is lame. I preorder one today if it will be released with firmware
implementing RAW file access.