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Sony HX80 Comparison Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in March 2016 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 18 megapixel.

camera

Is the Sony HX80 a good camera? The HX80 has a Camera Elo of 2071. This rating puts the HX80 among the top 40 percent of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the HX80 ranks among the top 30 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Sony HX80
Fixed lens compact camera
24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
18 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/60p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 12 800)
Electronic viewfinder (638k dots)
3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second
390 shots per battery charge
102 x 58 x 36 mm, 245 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

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Sony HX80 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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 HX80 vs credit card front
HX80 versus credit card top view
HX80 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Sony HX80 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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX80 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 390 n Mar 2016 349ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 379ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 349ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 389 amazon.com
7.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 399ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Sony HX80 was launched in the US market at a price of $349. 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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Check HX80 offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Sony HX80 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 HX80 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Sony HX80 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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 HX80 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.411.882248
2.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
3.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
4.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
5.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
6.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
7.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
8.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
9.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
10.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
11.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The HX80 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the HX80 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 HX80 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 HX80638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 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 HX80

One convenient feature of the HX80 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-HX80 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 HX80-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
8.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
9.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the HX80 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The HX80 has a zoom lens built in (4.1-123mm f/3.5-6.4), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 720mm. 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 HX80 can be found in the free online Sony HX80 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the HX80. 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 expert reviews 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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX80............ Mar 2016 349ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 389 amazon.com
7.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
8.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
9.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 399ebay.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
11.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Sony HX80 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the HX80.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Sony HX80 based on?

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

Which image processing chip is used in the Sony HX80 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Sony equipped the HX80 with the BIONZ X image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Sony HX80?

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

Does the Sony HX80 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the HX80 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Does the Sony HX80 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.

Does the Sony HX80 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Sony HX80 use?

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

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Sony HX80
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date March 2016
    Launch Price USD 349
    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 18 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 896 x 3 672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.25 μm
    Pixel Density 64.04 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 638k 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 Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    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 UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type NP-BX1 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)390 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 102 x 58 x 36 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 245 g (8.6 oz)

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