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Today we are going to be talking about this camera, while comparing it to this camera.
Dave Knop from youtube.com/Knoptop suggested I do a video talking about this camera, the
Sony HX9V. It has been my primary camera for the longest time and has a lot of interesting
features that most compact point and shoots don’t have. However recently it was replaced
by my new primary camera, the Canon t3i. But I’m not getting rid of it because this camera
has a couple of features that even this new camera doesn’t have. Which is why I thought
I’d compare the two. One of the biggest advantages this camera
has is slow motion. Unlike most dslrs, it doesn’t drop to 720p when its recording
60 frames per second. It keeps its 1080p resolution which means we can still capture full hd video
while achieving buttery smooth slow motion. It’s small size also allows you to put it
in many situations that you couldn’t, a DSLR. For one project, I needed an extreme
High angle up in a tree. Using my DIY Boom Pole I was able to fasten it to the boom pole
and get it up nice and high for some nice easy aerial shots.
And while most small lightweight cameras introduce tons of camera shake, this one doesn’t.
It has one of the best optical image stabilizers that I have seen in any camera, which allows
you to get nice smooth video even when you’re running, or at a jog.
However, the manual features on the T3i are much better than the fully automatic HX9V’s.
While you can play with focus using continuous/selective autofocus on this camera, it just doesn’t
compare to the control you have with a good dslr lenses. But when you need to throw a
camera into the hands of someone who isn’t as experienced with manual focus for b roll
or behind the scenes, this camera’s autofocus will hold up just fine.
This camera also lacks a mic jack, however if you need to record external audio, you
can always run a two system sound setup using a zoom h1 or other field recorder
Sure, this camera isn’t a durable as a GoPro or other sports camera, but its small size
allows you to put it in many more places than you could a dslr. Its easy to use for those
who aren’t seasoned photographers/videographers, but can still produce an interesting image
when in the right hands. Which is why I will continue to use it as a secondary camera,
along with the T3i, which I use when I need to get some manual features and some nice
shallow depth of field. And while the HX9V is discontinued, it has
a couple updates to the line, including the HX10V, 20V and 30V, which are still available
for a decent price. So if you need a compact point and shoot which
takes some impressive video, I really recommend this lineup.