A little more expensive than the Panasonic TZ70 but a better camera overall.
Sony has given its budget W-series of snapshooters a big upgrade with this model. It packs a huge 30x zoom range into a compact body and boasts more features than its rivals.
This is the first W-series camera to use Sony's new Bionz image processor, and it delivers. Images are sharp and detailed, and colours are bright and punchy. There's some noticeable grain visible if you pixel peep at low sensor sensitivities, and some slight noise reduction artifacts in landscape photos, but overall the HX90V is a very capable performer.
Lens distortion is surprisingly well controlled, and the Zeiss Vario-Sonar, T-star coated optic is excellent for such a wide angle of view. The HX90V also handles high-contrast scenes very well, with a good balance between shadow and highlight detail.
In Superior Auto mode the camera automatically takes a series of multiple shots and then composites them into one image, supposedly reducing noise and improving dynamic range. This mode is a boon for low-light shots or backlit subjects, but it doesn't work so well with moving subjects.
The camera comes with a raft of useful functions including RAW file support, focus peaking and a tiltable LCD screen. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you share your photos with a smartphone, tablet or PC. The HX90V is a tempting alternative to the Panasonic TZ70, and with the extra features on offer it's likely to prove popular.
