Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was able to buy this camera in Japan recently and have been using it for a few weeks. The Sony DSC-HX90V is designed to mimic the appearance and funcitonality of Sony's RX100 line of cameras, with one difference: the image sensor size is 1/2.3 inch, instead of RX100's 1 inch. A 1 inch sensor has a surface area more than 4 times greater than a 1/2.3 inch sensor. A larger sensor translates to better image quality, but the trade-off is zoom lens magnification range. If you need a compact travel zoom camera, the HX90V is more suitable, as it has a 30X zoom (24 - 720 mm), compared to RX100 III's 2.9X (24 - 70 mm)! The two cameras are nearly identical in physical dimensions. The HX90V is lighter than RX 100 III (245 g vs. 287 g), and costs less than half the RX100 III's price. If you do not need the pop-up electronic viewfinder and the GPS function of the HX90V, you can save yourself $100 by selecting the Sony WX500 instead (A reviewer on the WX500 has pointed out additional features of the HX90V: "Quick Navi" view on the LCD screen, Lens Control Ring, Control Ring Zoom function including Step Zoom, Electronic Level on screen, Manual Focus, Bracketing Drive Mode, DRO and HDR, Creative Style, High ISO Noise Reduction, Flash Compensation). The HX90V has a small hand grip while the WX500 does not, but, IMO, both cameras are easy to hold. The 30X zoom lens in the HX90V/WX500 is now a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* design which is optically superior to Sony's G design on previous 20X and 30X zoom lenses. It is also more compact, allowing the camera body to be much smaller and lighter than its immediate predecessor (HX60V), as well as earlier models. I prefer the HX90V/WX500 powered zoom lens that can be smoothly operated using the zoom lever around the shutter button over manual zooms that must be operated by twisting the lens barrel. These manual zoom lenses are usually associated with larger mirrorless and DSLR cameras, which are not only bulky and expensive, they have very limited zoom range and their zoom action tend to be jerky (not desirable when shooting video). The HX90V and WX500 cameras have single-hinged LCD screens so that they can be flipped up 180 degrees for selfies. The RX100 III has double-hinged screen, so it can tilt up for selfies AND also tilt down to enable composition while shooting in an above crowd situation. For video, in addition to AVCHD and MP4 formats, Sony also includes the high quality XAVC S option which runs at full HD (1920X1080), 60p@50 Mbps. There is also support for 4K still image output. I like to carry the HX90V in its $40 LCJ-HWA jacket (ever-ready) case because the camera can be transported and protected with the least amount of bulk. The HX90V starts up and is ready to shoot almost instantly, plus the fact that the camera can be taken out of the case (actually uncovering the top half of the case and leaving it hanging, still attached to the bottom half) in literally seconds, it is not only convenient, you will not miss many photo opportunities. The case probably won't shield the camera from damage in the event of a drop to the ground, but it will serve its purpose in everyday bump and scrape situations. The case also helps you to hold the camera more securely; both hand strap and neck strap are provided. I prefer the HX90V over the RX100 III because it offers me far greater reach in its zoom lens in the nearly same compact body. When I had the RX100 III with me as a daily camera, there were plenty of occasions that I wished I had more zoom power than 2.9X. I seldom need to print pictures larger than 8X10, so the differerence in image quality is of a lessor priority than camera lens versatility. Having a 30X compact zoom camera in such a small (but not too small) package spells the ultimate in portability and convenience. As a consequence, my much larger HX400V 50X superzoom camera spends more time sitting on the shelf. The HX90V is now the camera that I carry with me all of the time. It is very responsive and takes excellent pictures and videos. Comparing the Sony HX90V to the film cameras of the late 70's when most lenses were fixed focal length and zoom lenses typically had less than 3X capability (80-200, 28-50, 35-70, etc.), it is just amazing how far we have advanced to get this 30X compact camera wonder that fits in the palm of your hand. And there is no lens cap to take off, put on, and misplace! update 7-1-15 For users annoyed by the HX90V powering off when the electronic viewfinder is pushed down into the body, there is an option in the Menu (rightmost Menu tab, #3 page, #1 item) to disable it. The 30X power zoom lens can be controlled using the zoom lever around the shutter release button. The zoom speed is set at normal by default, and you can change speed to fast if you need it (#2 Menu tab from left, #3 page, #1 item). You can set in the Menu (#2 Menu tab from left, #3 page, #3 item) that when the electronic viewfinder is poped up, the LCD will turn off, and the active view will be the EVF. This is preferrable when shooting outdoors for an extended amount of time. It not only saves battery power, you do not need to align your viewing eye each time you look into the EVF, just so that the auto view switch will work, as it quickly becomes a hassle after a few shots. For taking selfies, you can set in the Menu for a 2-second delayed shutter release, so that you and other parties can better pose for the shot. Additionally, you can quickly re-position your left index finger to hold the camera more securely after the shutter button is pressed to begin the count down. (#2 Menu tab from left, #3 page, #5 item)