• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Photography Concentrate

Learn Photography Faster!

  • Blog
  • Learn
    • Camera Skills
    • Light Skills
    • Composition Skills
    • Photo Editing Skills – Lighroom
    • Creativity Field Guide
    • Shoot Awesome Video
    • Pro – Build Your Business
      • Photography Income Formula
      • Simple Wedding Photography
      • Awesome Album Design Skills
      • Really Easy Retouching
  • About
  • Free Resources
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Cameras / Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90 Digital Compact Cameras | Which One Is the Best for Beginners & Professionals?

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90 Digital Compact Cameras | Which One Is the Best for Beginners & Professionals?

Updated on March 19, 2020 by Photography Concentrate Team

sony hx80 vs. sony hx90

Some cameras are just hard to operate and end up frustrating you no end. Blurry images aren’t fun, especially when you’re trying to capture the precious moments in life.

However, cameras have evolved over time. From the massive, black and white, manual, and often blurry cameras of the 20th century, we now have sleek, lightweight, and affordable digital cameras fit for the digital age.

Sony has been a market leader for many years producing high-end, affordable electronics and imaging products. We set out on a quest to find two sophisticated cameras from this brand that were relatively affordable and featured high-end specs.

Although the primary purpose of a camera is to take photos and film videos, the Sony HX digital camera series have something extra. When comparing the Sony HX80 vs Sony HX90, you’ll find that they both have 30× optical zoom and Pop-up EVF, and both weigh less than 8lbs. The perfect modern accessory!

After carrying out in-depth research, we have broken down the features to look for in digital cameras, followed by a comprehensive comparison between Sony HX80 vs Sony HX90 cameras to help you zero in on the best one for you.

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90 Digital Cameras Reviewed

Sony DSCHX80/B High Zoom Point & Shoot Camera 

sony hx80 vs. sony hx90 sony dschx80b

Key Specifications

  • Zoom lens: 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4, 30× optical zoom
  • The 3-inch tilting LCD screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • Sensor Resolution: 18.2MP
  • Sensor size: 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in wireless and smartphone device connectivity
  • 1920×1080 video resolution
  • 0fps continuous shooting
  • 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization
  • Weight: 1.05 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 6.25 x 5 x 2.75 inches

The Sony HX80 compact high-zoom camera is the only one with a retractable, built-in electronic viewfinder. The HX80 is very similar to the Sony HX90 in appearance. However, Sony HX80 lacks the control ring around the lens.

A unique feature with the Sony HX80 is a large number of exposure modes. These include Super Auto, Program Auto, Intelligent Auto, Shutter Speed Priority, Memory Recall, and Aperture Priority. Other additional styles include the panorama and scene selection shooting modes.

This digital camera uses an NP-BX1 battery. You can charge it using the Multi Micro USB 2.0 cable. In still images, the camera is rated at 390, while on pop-up EVF it goes to 360. The camera supports MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, SDXC, SD, and SDHC memory cards. It also has inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC.

Pros

  • Expandable ISO performance range
  • The rear LCD monitor can be tilted to 180 degrees, making it selfie-friendly
  • The LCD screen allows previewing of images and navigating of the menu system
  • The in-built Wi-Fi makes the camera easy to integrate with smart devices

Cons

  • The 10fps means that you must first write onto the memory card before taking extra shots
  • It does not have GPS for location tracking

Our Rating – 4.5/5

Verdict

The HX80 is an excellent camera for travel photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in photography on a budget. It has an expandable ISO, selfie-friendly LCD, decent battery life, and is very affordable. The lack of manual controls and GPS location tracking are the only significant disadvantages.

Check the Price of the Sony HX80 on Amazon

Sony DSCHX90V/B Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD

sony hx80 vs. sony hx90 sony dschx90vb

Key Specifications

  • Zoom lens: 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4, 30× optical zoom
  • A 3-inch tilting LCD screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • Sensor Resolution: 18.2MP
  • Sensor size: 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in wireless and smartphone device connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • 1920×1080 video resolution
  • 0fps continuous shooting
  • 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization
  • Weight: 0.54 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 4.02 x 1.42 x 2.28 inches

The Sony HX90 is a compact digital camera with a 30× zoom. It uses a tilting screen and electronic viewfinder to allow you to take photos even in bright light. This camera also a control ring around the lens and secondary manual dial on the rear to help in adjusting the focus.

Sony HX90V has a decent 18.0MP BSI-CMOS sensor and also features a Bionz X processor. With it, you can shoot at a maximum resolution of 4896 x 3672 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9. 

HX90V has a native ISO range of 80 – 12800, but unfortunately, it does not support images in the RAW image format.

Sony HX90V is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera, but it is one of the best. It has high connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and remote smart devices compatibility. The GPS feature helps you track your location.

Pros

  • You can zoom on an object from a distance without distorting the quality
  • The electronic viewfinder protects you from reflections
  • You can use the tiltable screen to find the ideal angle for taking photos and videos
  • The in-built Wi-Fi supports mobile phones and tablets
  • Built-in GPS is ideal for tracking your location

Cons

  • It does not come with a memory card
  • It does not have an expandable ISO

Our Rating – 4.8/5

Verdict

The HX90 is the perfect camera for nomad photographers. The manual control, built-in Wi-Fi, and electronic viewfinder features make photography much more exciting. The only downside feature of the camera is that it does not come with a memory card.

Check the Price of the Sony HX90 on Amazon

Key Features to Look for in a Digital Camera

Price

Always look for a camera that does not cost a fortune. The ones that do can be very expensive to repair if they break down. However, you should also avoid that ridiculously cheap camera that will end up costing more to repair and replace than the initial purchase price. Photography and electronic experts recommend a comparison of several cameras based on price before purchasing them.

Manual Controls

Photography without a few manual controls is boring and could be counterproductive for students, who would like to up their skills. They’ll need to twist to learn zoom, how to control shutter speeds or exposure. Manual controls also enable you to get the best angle before clicking the shutter button. Always settle for a camera that has some manual controls for a better experience.

Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are the heartbeat of a camera, without which the camera would virtually be dead. A 30× zoom lens gives the camera an extraordinary feel, and this means the camera can take clear photos even when objects are in motion.

Battery Life

The battery life of a camera is vital to its usability and functionality. As a photographer, you might need to spend a lot of time in the field. Always opt for a camera that can take as many shots as possible on a single charge.

Portability

Outdoor photography requires portability. No one wants to lug about an expensive and large camera that could get damaged or stolen in an instant. Always consider weight and portability when looking for your camera.

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90V – Similarities

There are several similarities between the HX80 and HX90. These include:

  • 30× optical zoom
  • In-built Wi-Fi and smartphone device connectivity
  • Tilting LCD screen
  • They both cannot capture RAW images
  • They both do not have environmental sealing
  • They both do not have external flash shoes for flash photography

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90 – Differences

Although the two models are very similar, we cannot fail to highlight the differences between the Sony HX80 vs Sony HX90. The modifications include:

  • Sony HX80 comes with a memory card while Sony HX90 does not
  • Sony HX80 does not have manual controls, while Sony HX90 has primary and secondary manual controls
  • Sony HX80 loses clarity for faraway objects while the Sony HX90 retains its clarity

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90V – Comparison Tables

At A Glance – Key Features

Features Sony HX80 Sony HX90
Zoom Lens 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4, 30x optical zoom lens 24-720 mm F3.5-6.4 , 30x optical zoom lens
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
LCD screen resolution 921k dots 921k dots
Continuous Shooting for Fast Shooting Speeds 10.0 fps 10.0 fps
Sensors for Image Quality 18MP – 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor 18MP – 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
RAW Format Images for Better Image Quality No No
ISO Performance and Built-in Flash for Low-light Photography 80 – 3200 (extends to 12800) 80 – 12800
Optical Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Battery Life (CIPA) for more shots per charge 390 shots 360 shots
Electronic Viewfinder for Better Framing and Control Yes Yes
Tilting Screen for Flexible Shooting Yes Yes
Touchscreen for Ease of Use No No
Manual Focusing No Yes
Selfie-friendly LCD screen Yes Yes
Built-in Wireless and Remote Smartphone control for Better Connectivity Yes Yes
Built-in GPS No Yes
External Flash Shoe for Flash Photography No No
Environmental Sealing for Protection in Harsh Environments No No
Dimensions 102 x 58 x 36 mm 102 x 58 x 36 mm
Weight 245g 218g
Launch Date March 2016 April 2015

At A Glance – Where the Sony HX80 triumps the Sony HX90V

Advantages Sony HX80 Sony HX90
Battery Life is longer 390 shots 360 shots
Expandable ISO Yes No
Affordability $300 range $400 range

 

Check the Price of the Sony HX80 on Amazon

At A Glance – Where the Sony HX90V triumps the Sony HX80

Advantages Sony HX90 Sony HX80
In-built GPS to track your location 50 mm 50 mm
ISO performance is  300% higher 12.800 3.200
Manual focusing Yes No
Control Ring Has primary and secondary control rings Absent
Slightly lighter 245g 218g

 

Check the Price of the Sony HX90 on Amazon

Brand Products Review – Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90V

Sony – Brand History

Founded in 1946, Sony has proven its worth as a manufacturer of top-drawer cameras. All their cameras are durable and of excellent quality and features. Their inventory varies widely in terms of product variety and price. Every few years they launch new innovative products that incorporate the latest technologies.

But this long history has not been without trouble. Sony once recalled 700,000 video cameras because of a flaw that enabled cameras to see through people’s clothes. The cameras were designed for night use, and for that reason, were equipped with infra-red technology. However, if used during the day, the camera’s infra-red lens could see through clothes, leading to a major controversy.

Check Out Our Other Camera Guides & Recommendations

Recommended Photography Equipment and Gear

Ultimate Camera Buying Guide – How to Choose a New Camera

Recommended Video Equipment and Gear

The 6 Best 35mm Film Cameras

The Best Nikon Coolpix Cameras & Buyer’s Guide

The 8 Best Cameras for Street Photography

Sony A6300 vs. A6500

Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II vs. Sony RX100V – High-End Compact Cameras

Canon 80D vs. 70D Comparison and Buying Guide

The 5 Best Budget Cameras for Video

Nikon D3300 vs. D3400 – Battle of the Full Frame DSLRs

Sony HX80 vs. Sony HX90 (Digital Compact Cameras)

The 5 Best Film Camera for Beginners

Canon 80D vs. Nikon D7200 DSLR Camera Comparison

Nikon D3400 vs. Nikon D5300

Canon PowerShot SX530 vs. Nikon Coolpix B500 Comparison & Recommendation

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II vs. Sony RX100 IV

Fuji X100F

Quick Review of the Canon 70D

Review & Field Test of the Sony RX100 III

Sony A7 Review

Final Thoughts

The similarities between the Sony HX80 vs Sony HX90 make it hard to pick a clear winner, but from our careful comparison we made the following observations.

Sony HX80 comes with a memory card and expandable ISO. However, a good camera should be able to zoom in on an object from a long distance, and the HX90 can do this better than the HX80.

The HX90 also uses manual control, which the HX80 completely lacks. This feature means that the photographer has control over the angles when taking photos or videos.

Both cameras have high-quality lenses and have a $100 difference between them. In our opinion, we have gone with the Sony HX90 for its added GPS features, lighter weight, and superior optical zoom capabilities, despite the slightly higher price. 

Let us about any of your own experiences with either of these cameras, should you decide to give it a go!

Check the Price of the Sony HX90 on Amazon

Filed Under: Cameras

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi there!


We're The Photography Concentrate Team: Daniel, Kaitlyn and Kristal. Think of us as your photo friends – we’re here to help you take great photos, and have a ton of fun together while we’re at it!

Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Browse the Archives

Footer

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Learn
  • About

Connect

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Newsletter

Important Stuff

  • Comment Policy
  • Material Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Earnings Disclaimer

Disclaimer

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additionally, we participate in other affiliate programs and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Return to top of page
Copyright © 2020 Photography Concentrate

newsletterpopupheader

Get FREE photography training today!

Subscribe to our newsletter and learn how to take awesome photos, and get tons of free stuff to make it faster, and easier!
Join today and get instant access!

Join our +48,000 photographer pals, and get our very best content and freebies delivered straight to your inbox!
Register To This Secret Photography Training (FREE but seats are limited!)
How To Start & Grow
A Professional Photography Business
And Get Paid For Your Photos In The Next 30 Days
This method works even if you don’t have expensive gear and don’t want to chase clients!

We like to keep it a small group so we can engage together.
Our webinars are always filled to the last seat.
ONLY reserved seats will gain access to the room!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkView our Privacy Policy