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Sony HX350 Comparison Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in December 2016 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 19.9 megapixel.

camera

Is the Sony HX350 a good camera? The HX350 has a Camera Elo of 1693. This rating puts the HX350 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the HX350 ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Sony HX350
Fixed lens compact camera
24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3
19.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/60p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 12 800)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second
300 shots per battery charge
130 x 93 x 103 mm, 652 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Sony HX350 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Sony HX350 vs credit card front
HX350 versus credit card top view
HX350 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony HX350 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX350 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 652 g 300 n Dec 2016 US$ 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 206 g 235 n Jan 2017 US$ 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Kodak AZ901 139 mm 104 mm 119 mm 777 g 400 n Jan 2016 US$ 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon B700 125 mm 85 mm 107 mm 565 g 350 n Feb 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ82 130 mm 94 mm 119 mm 616 g 330 n Jan 2017 US$ 399 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony HX350 was launched in the US market at a price of $449. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Sony HX350 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Sony HX350 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Sony HX350 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony HX350 1/2.3 19.9 5152 38641080/60p20.511.989649
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.912.552265
3.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
4.
 
Kodak AZ901 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.311.780648
5.
 
Nikon B700 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.411.881848
6.
 
Panasonic FZ82 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.511.990049
7.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
8.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
9.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
10.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
11.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The HX350 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the HX350 can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Sony HX350 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony HX350202 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 8.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Kodak AZ901202 n3.0 / 920 swivel n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Nikon B700921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic FZ821166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the HX350

One convenient feature of the HX350 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony HX350-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Kodak AZ901-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon B700-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Panasonic FZ82Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

The HX350 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-215mm f/2.8-6.3), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 1200mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the HX350 can be found in the free online Sony HX350 Manual or on the Sony support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the HX350 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX350..........4/5 Dec 2016 US$ 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G9 X Mark II4/5..4/575/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 529ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Kodak AZ901........3.5/53/5 Jan 2016 US$ 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon B700..+....4/54/5 Feb 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ82..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 399 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 449ebay.com
10.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Sony HX350 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the HX350.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Sony HX350 based on?

The camera features a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Sony HX350 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Sony equipped the HX350 with the BIONZ X image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sony HX350?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Does the Sony HX350 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Sony HX350 use?

The camera gets its power from the Sony NP-BX1 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Sony HX350
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-1200mm f/2.8-6.3
    Launch Date December 2016
    Launch Price USD 449
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 19.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 152 x 3 864 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.19 μm
    Pixel Density 70.91 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen
    V-logging Friendliness No front-flip
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Sony NP-BX1 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 93 x 103 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 4.1 in)
    Camera Weight 652 g (23.0 oz)

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