The best camera for travel: Sony Cyber-Shot 18.2 Megapixel Black Compact Digital Camera – DSC-HX99

Sony Cyber-Shot 18.2 Megapixel Black Compact Digital Camera – DSC-HX99

The world’s smallest compact camera with 24–720 mm zoom, the HX99 is easy to carry. It features 4K video recording, Fast Intelligent AF, Eye AF and Optical SteadyShotTM as well as a high-contrast OLED Tru-FinderTM, a handy control ring, and a 180° tiltable touch screen for usability.

Features:

• The world’s smallest camera with wide zoom range
  Covering the range from wide-angle 24 mm to telephoto 720 mm, the HX99 is the perfect camera for everything from memorable travel photos to everyday snapshots. The ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens delivers superb image quality all across the zoom range, and the Clear Image Zoom feature allows further magnification of the subject (up to 1440 mm) while preserving high resolution. [1] 24 mm [2] 720 mm [3] 1440 mm
• Exmor R™ and BIONZ X™ deliver superb image quality
  The HX99’s image sensor — an 18.2 megapixel (effective) back-illuminated CMOS sensor — works with the advanced BIONZ X image-processing system to deliver superb image quality, even for fine textures and details. With a range of ISO80-6400 (expanded), even dimly lit scenes can be beautifully shot, while color-reproduction improvements produce natural-looking skin tones
• 4K movies recorded with full pixel readout
  The HX99 is the first in the HX-series to record 4K video (QFHD, 3840 x 2160 pixels). High-quality 4K video is achieved with a full sensor pixel readout, and no pixel binning – collecting approximately 1.6x as much information as is required. This oversampling effect results in images of outstanding resolution with reduced moiré and jaggies
• Continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second
  It’s possible to perform high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second for up to 155 shots. Even when image brightness changes during continuous shooting, the camera automatically adjusts to provide optimal exposure. Continuous-shot images can also be displayed, deleted, and protected in groups
• Fast Intelligent AF to capture decisive moments
  The camera adopts Fast Intelligent AF using highly accurate contrast-detection autofocus with 0.09-second response. It achieves focus by minimizing wasted lens motion, predicting AF range and accelerating the lens drive, improving response so you can capture even more fleeting moments
• Eye AF feature for perfect portrait shots
  The camera’s sophisticated Eye AF feature can be activated to automatically detect and focus on the eyes of the main subjects in your shots. It rapidly and accurately detects eyes even under difficult conditions, such as when the subject is looking downward or when faces are backlit or dimly lit
• Control ring for advanced photography
  The convenient lens-mounted control ring allows you to operate pro-style manual controls such as selecting shutter speed, aperture, and more for added creative control — so there’s no need to compromise your vision because of the camera’s compact size
• Image stabilization with Optical SteadyShot™
  Designed for handheld shooting and when shooting at telephoto zoom settings, even with high magnification, the camera’s Optical SteadyShot feature stabilizes the image and effectively reduces camera shake by relying on a high-performance gyro-sensor and a specialized algorithm. Because this is an optical function, image stabilization is performed without lowering resolution. [1] SteadyShot OFF [2] SteadyShot ON
• Clear, easy-to-operate OLED Tru-Finder™
  The high-contrast OLED Tru-Finder is far brighter than conventional electronic viewfinders. It displays real-time preview and shooting information, so what you see on screen is exactly what you get in your shot. The viewfinder is easily retractable, for portability, safety, and convenience
• Touch Pad AF
  When using the viewfinder, use Touch Pad AF to shift focus smoothly and easily, simply by sliding your finger across the LCD screen
• 180° tiltable LCD screen for flexible composition
  The high-resolution 3-inch type screen with tilt capability is perfect for taking selfies and framing low-angle shots. You can use it in various shooting positions for greater flexibility in capturing creative compositions
• Touch Focus and Shutter
  With Touch Focus you can simply touch the LCD at the point of the image you want to focus on, for both still and video capture, so you can intuitively focus on subjects even at the edge of the frame without reframing. The shutter can also be operated by touching the LCD screen
• Zoom Assist
  If you lose track of a moving subject while framing with zoom, the Zoom Assist function makes it easy to find it again. Program it to the C (custom) button, then simply push and hold it to automatically zoom out, find and frame your subject again, then release the button. The camera quickly zooms back to the original focal length, so you can resume shooting the subject
• High-frame rate HD video recording of fast-moving subjects
  When you’re shooting movies, you can capture fast-moving subjects with high-frame rate HD recording at up to 120p (NTSC) or 100p (PAL). This allows you to produce impressive slow-motion sequences during editing. The high bitrate, up to 100 Mbps, also ensures detailed images
• RAW format recording
  In order to give users far greater control over the final appearance of their photos, the HX99 provides RAW-format image recording as an option. With this format all the data from the sensor is preserved, so exposure, brightness, white balance, and other aspects of the image can be easily adjusted using image-editing software
• A firmer grip for steadier shots
  The camera’s grip is designed to better fit your hand, making it easier to hold in order to provide stability, despite the camera’s compact size. It provides more stable framing of handheld shots and reduced camera shake, for steady shots even when held in one hand
• Lock-on AF for enhanced photo opportunities
  Lock-on AF captures and continues tracking moving subjects. It automatically adjusts the AF target frame size to match the subject size, improves tracking performance, and helps you take full advantage of every photo opportunity
• Proxy data recording for easier, faster editing and sharing
  While recording full-resolution 4K video, the camera can also capture a low-bitrate proxy file that’s lighter and easier to handle. This makes it easy to upload and share the images soon after shooting them, enabling easier online collaboration
• Convenient on-location rating and sorting
  Rate and protect your images in the field, with a convenient custom button assignment. Ratings, from 1 to 5 stars, can be reviewed when images are imported to your PC using PlayMemories Home™ or the new Sony Imaging Edge software, for fast sorting of even large image libraries
• My Menu your way
  With My Menu, you can register menu items for instant recall, and create custom menus. The menu screen has been redesigned, and you can make function assignments for up to 30 items to retool the camera interface according to your shooting preferences
• Internal pop-up flash
  The camera’s built-in, manual pop-up flash feature enables various modes of flash photography. Slow Sync is useful for shooting atmospheric night portraits, Rear Sync lets you creatively express motion, and the Autoflash setting automatically determines whether the flash is necessary
• New LCD power-saving mode
  With the camera body power switched ON, the LCD screen can be automatically switched OFF (either 2, 5, or 10 seconds after its last operation) to save power
• One-touch remote and sharing
  With one-touch remote, a smartphone or tablet can function as a monitor and remote control. One-touch sharing allows easy transfers of photos or videos to an NFC™-enabled Android™ device for easy uploading and sharing. Just install the PlayMemories Mobile™ app from your device’s app store, then touch the device to the camera to connect them. QR code compatibility allows connection with non-NFC devices
• Imaging Edge software suite from Sony
  The Imaging Edge software suite can maximize image quality, improve production efficiency, and help you finely adjust RAW-based images. Use its “Remote” to remotely control shooting while monitoring scenes via live-view PC screen; “Edit” to develop RAW data into high-quality photos; and “Viewer” to view, rate, and select photos from a list of shots
• Geo-tag your images via Bluetooth®
  With the Bluetooth® Location Information Link you can easily geo-tag your images – perfect when travelling. Simply pair your camera to a compatible smartphone with the PlayMemories Mobile app and your location data can be recorded together with each photo. The PlayMemories Home app can also be used on your PC to organize imported still images on a map

Specifications:

Sensor

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3 inch (7.82 mm) Exmor R® CMOS sensor
• Number of Pixels (Effective): Approx. 18.2 Megapixels

Lens

• Lens Type: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* Lens, 11 elements in 10 groups (5 aspheric elements)
• F-number (Maximum Aperture): F3.5 (W) – 6.4 (T)
• Focal length (f=): f=4.25-118 mm
• Angle Of View (35mm Format Equivalent) (Still Image): 84 deg.-3 deg. 30 min.(24–720 mm)
• Focus Range (From the Front of the Lens): Auto: AF (W: Approx. 0.16 ft. (5 cm) to Infinity, T: Approx. 8.20 ft. (250 cm) to Infinity) / Program Auto: AF (W: Approx. 0.16 ft. (5 cm) to Infinity, T: Approx. 8.20 ft. (250 cm) to Infinity
• Optical Zoom: 28x
• Clear Image Zoom (Still Image): 18M Approx. 60x / 10M Approx. 80x / 5.0M Approx. 113x / VGA Approx. 459x / 13M(16:9) Approx. 60x / 2.1M(16:9) Approx. 153x
• Clear Image Zoom (Movie): 4K: Approx. 45x, HD: Approx. 60x
• Digital Zoom (Still Image): 18M Approx. 120x / 10M Approx. 161x / 5.0M Approx. 226x / VGA Approx. 459x / 13M(16:9) Approx. 120x / 2.1M(16:9) Approx. 306x
• Digital Zoom (Movie): Approx. 120x

Screen

• Screen Type: 2.95 in (3.0type) (4:3) / 921,600 dots / Xtra Fine / TFT LCD
• Adjustable Angle: Up by approx. 180 degrees
• Display Selector (Finder/Lcd): Auto/EVF
• MS Assist Magnification: 7.7x, 15.3x
• Touch Panel: Yes

Viewfinder

• Screen Type/Number of Dots: 0.2-type electronic viewfinder(OLED), 638,400 dots
• Field Coverage: 100%, 4K Movie: Approx. 97%
• Magnification: Approx. 0.5x with 50 mm lens at infinity, -1m-1(diopter) (35 mm equiv.)
• Eye Point: Approx. 20 mm from the eyepiece, 19.2 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1m-1(diopter) (CIPA standard)
• Diopter Adjustment: -4.0 to +3.0 m-1
• Brightness Control: Auto, Manual (5 steps)

Camera

• Image Processing Engine: Yes (BIONZ X)
• Steadyshot: Optical
• Steadyshot (For Movie): Yes (Intelligent Active Mode, Optical type with electronic compensation, Anti Rolling type)
• Focus Type: Contrast detection AF
• Focus Mode: Single-shot AF, Continuous AF(Movie Only), DMF, Manual Focus
• Focus Area: Wide, Center, Flexible Spot (S/M/L), Expanded Flexible Spot
• Lock On AF: Yes
• Light Metering Mode: Multi Pattern, Center Weighted, Spot, Entire Screen Avg, Highlight
• Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
• ISO Sensitivity (Still Image)(Recommended Exposure Index): Auto (ISO80-3200, selectable with upper / lower limit), 80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200 (Extendable to ISO6400), Multi-Frame NR: Auto (ISO80-3200 same as selected range in Auto), 100/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800
• ISO Sensitivity (Movie): Auto (ISO80-3200, selectable with upper/lower limit),80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200 (Extendable to ISO6400)
• Minimum Illumination (Movie): Auto: 9lux (Shutter Speed 1/30)
• White Balance Modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluor.: Warm White, Fluor.: Cool White, Fluor.: Day White, Fluor.: Daylight, Flash, C.Temp./Filter, Custom1, Custom2, Custom3, Custom Setup
• WB Micro Adjustment: G7-M7 (57 steps) , A7-B7 (29 steps)
• Shutter Speed: iAuto (4″ – 1/2000) / Program Auto (1″ – 1/2000) / Aperture Priority (8″ – 1/2000) / Shutter Priority (30″ – 1/2000) / Manual (30″ – 1/2000)
• Aperture: iAuto(F3.5-F6.3(W)) / Program Auto(F3.5-F6.3(W) ) / Manual(F3.5-F8.0(W)) / Aperture Priority(F3.5-F8.0(W)) / Shutter Priority(F3.5-F6.3(W))
• Image Control: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, Creative Style, Color Space, Quality (RAW / RAW&JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard) / JPEG (Extra fine, Fine, Standard)
• Noise Reductionhigh: ISO NR:Normal/Low, Multi Frame NR:Auto, ISO100-12800
• Dynamic Range Functions: Off, Dynamic Range Optimizer (Auto/Level 1-5), Auto High Dynamic Range: Off, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference level (1.0–6.0 EV, 1.0 EV step)
• Shooting Mode: Auto (Intelligent Auto/Superior Auto), Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual Exposure, MR(Memory Recall) 1, 2, Movie Mode (Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual Exposure), Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection
• Scene Selection: Portrait, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Anti Motion Blur, Pet, Gourmet, Fireworks, High Sensitivity
• Continuous Shooting Speed (maximum) (with max. recording pixels): Spd Priority Cont. Approx. 10 fps, Cont. Shooting Approx. 3 fps
• Self-Timer: Off / 10sec. / 5sec. / 2sec. / 3 consecutive shots with 10sec. 5sec. or 2sec. / 5 consecutive shots with 10sec. 5sec. or 2sec.
• Drive Modes: Single, Continuous shooting, Spd Priority Cont, Self-timer, Self-timer(cont.), Cont.-bracketing, Single-bracketing, White balance bracketing, DRO bracketing
• Panorama (Shooting): Sweep Panorama
• Picture Effect: [Still Image]:Toy camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color, High Contrast Mono., Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, Illustration; [Movie]:Toy camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color, High Contrast Mono
• Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Black & White, Sepia
• Number of Recognized Scenes: [Still Image]:Superior Auto: 44 / iAuto: 33; [Movie]:44

Flash

• Flash Modes: Flash Off / Autoflash / Fill Flash / Slow Sync. / Rear Sync.
• Flash Type: Built-in, manual pop-up
• AF Illuminator: Auto / Off
• Bracketing: Yes
• Flash Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 11-13/16″ to 17 feet 8-19/32″ (0.3 m to 5.4 m)(W) / Approx. 8 feet 2-27/64″ to 9 feet 10-7/64″ (2.5 m to 3.0 m)(T)

Recording

• Compatible Recording Media: Memory Stick Micro, Memory Stick Micro (Mark2), microSD Memory Card, microSDHC Memory Card, microSDXC Memory Card
• Recording Format: [Still Image]:JPEG (DCF Ver.2.0,Exif Ver.2.31,MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 2.3 format), [Movie]:XAVC S, AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compatible
• Recording Format (Movie Audio): XAVC S:LPCM 2ch, AVCHD: Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch (Dolby Digital Stereo Creator)
• Color Space (Still): sRGB, Adobe RGB
• DCF/DPOF: DCF/DPOF/EXIF/MPF
• Still Image Number of recorded pixels (Image Size): 3:2 Mode: 16M (4,896×3,264)/8.9M (3,648×2,432)/4.5M (2,592×1,728),4:3 mode: 18M (4,896×3,672)/10M (3,648×2,736)/5M (2,592×1,944)/VGA (640×480),16:9 mode: 13M (4,896×2,752)/7.5M (3,648×2,056)/2.1M (1,920×1,080), 1:1 mode: 13M (3,664×3,664)/7.5M (2,736×2,736)/3.7M (1,920×1,920), Sweep Panorama: Wide (12,416×1,856/5,536×2,160), Standard (8,192×1,856/3,872×2,160)
• Movie Recording Mode (NTSC): PAL/NTSC Selector: [NTSC] AVCHD: 24M FX (1,920×1,080/60i)/ 17M FH (1,920×1,080/60i), XAVC S 4K: 30p 100M (3,840×2,160/30p)/ 30p 60M (3,840×2,160/30p)/ 24p 100M (3,840×2,160/24p)/ 24p 60M (3,840×2,160/24p), XAVC S HD: 60p 50M (1,920×1,080/60p)/ 60p 25M (1,920×1,080/60p)/ 30p 50M (1,920×1,080/30p)/ 30p 16M (1,920×1,080/30p)/ 24p 50M (1,920×1,080/24p)/ 120p 100M (1,920×1,080/120p)/120p 60M (1,920×1,080/120p)
• Movie Recording Mode (PAL): PAL/NTSC Selector:[PAL] AVCHD: 24M FX(1,920×1,080/50i)/ 17M FH(1,920×1,080/50i), XAVC S 4K: 25p 100M (3,840×2,160/25p)/ 25p 60M (3,840×2,160/25p)/ XAVC S HD: 50p 50M(1,920×1,080/50p)/ 50p 25M(1,920×1,080/50p)/ 25p 50M(1,920×1,080/25p)/ 25p 16M(1,920×1,080/25p)/ 100p 100M(1,920×1,080/100p)/ 100p 60M(1,920×1,080/100p)
• Proxy Recording: Yes

Interface

• Input and Output Terminals: Multi/Micro USB Terminal, High-Speed USB (USB2.0), Micro HDMI
• NFC: NFC forum Type 3 Tag compatible, One-touch remote, One-touch sharing
• WI-FI: Yes(IEEE802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz band))
• Bluetooth: Yes (Ver.4.1)

Power

• Power Source: DC3.6V (supplied battery)/ DC5.0V(supplied AC adapter)
• Battery System: NP-BX1
• Power Consumption (Camera Mode): Approx. 1.5 W with LCD monitor and approx. 1.8 W with viewfinder (CIPA standard)
• USB Charge/USB Power Supply: Yes (with supplied AC adapter and battery)
• Battery Life (Still Images)(CIPA): Monitor:Approx. 370 / Approx. 185 min., Monitor (When Auto Monitor off is set to 2 sec):Approx. 460 / Approx. 230 min., ViewFinder:Approx. 300 / Approx. 150 min.
• Battery Life (Movies Actual Shooting)(CIPA): Monitor:Approx. 55 min., ViewFinder:Approx. 55 min.
• Battery Life (Movies Continuous Shooting)(CIPA): Monitor:Approx. 95 min., ViewFinder:Approx. 100 min.

Others

• Shooting Functions: Eye AF, Face Detection, Face Registration, Smile Shutter, Grid Line, Step Zoom/Quick Zoom, Digital Level Gauge, WB Bracketing, DRO Bracketing, MF Assist, Peaking, Zebra, Marker Display, Micref Level, Zoom Assist, My Menu Setting, Self-portrait timer
• Playback Functions: BRAVIA Sync(Control for HDMI), 9/25-frame index view, Auto Orientation, Slide Show, Forward/Rewind (Movie), Delete, Protect, Motion Shot Video, Automatic Image Rotation, Cont. Shoot Grouping
• TRILUMINOS Color: Yes
• 4K image output: Yes
• Operating Temperature: 0 degrees C. – +40 degrees C. / 32 degrees F. – 104 degrees F

Print

• Print: Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching (PIM3)

In The Box:

• Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1
• AC Adaptor
• Micro USB cable
• Wrist Strap
• Instruction Manual
  

Approximate Dimensions:

• Height: 2-3/8″
• Width: 4-1/8″
• Depth: 1-7/16″

Approximate Weight:

• Without Battery: 7.7 oz
• With Battery: 8.6 oz
• Shipping: 1 lbs

Warranty Information:

• Manufacturer Warranty (authorized online retailer): One Year Parts and Labor
  

Footnotes:

1. Reseller price may vary
2. Value displayed on the camera and recorded in the Exif
3. At maximum pixel readout
4. Optical zoom from the wide side (except RX1 series and RX0)
5. Achieved by using “By Pixel Super Resolution” technology and overlay burst shooting
6. REI = recommended exposure index
7. When ISO sensitivity is higher than IS0 3200, the slowest shutter speed limit is 1/4 sec. Manual setting of ISO sensitivity to lower than ISO 3200 is necessary to set shutter speed slower than 1/4. (except DSC-RX0, DSC-RX1, DSC-RX10, DSC-RX100 series models)
8. Speed slows after taking some shots
9. You may not be able to shoot images in Burst mode depending on the Shooting mode
10. Continuous shooting speed will be reduced when used together with built-in or external flash
11. For movies, Memory Stick Micro (Mark2), or microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card of Class 4 or faster is necessary
12. Supports Micro USB compatible device
13. The LCD screen is turned on, shooting once every 30 seconds, the zoom is switched alternately between the W and T ends, the flash strobes once every two times, the power turns on and off once every 10 times
14. Based on non-stop recording until the limit (29 minutes or 4 GB) has been reached, and then continued recording again. Shooting functions such as zoom will not be available
15. Continuous shooting is possible for approximately 29 minutes (limited by product specifications, default setting. except DSC-RX0)
16. Indication recording time, which is defined by repeating the cycle: Power on, start recording, zoom (except DSC-RX1, DSC-RX0 series models), standby, power off
17. Models capable of extended-gamut recording and HDMI transmission function for both still images and movies
18. Among fixed-lens digital cameras with a built-in viewfinder and telephoto end 700 mm or above (angle of view, 35-mm format equivalent). As of August 2018, based on Sony research
19. Angle of view (35 mm format equivalent)
20. 3840 x 2160 pixels. Continuous recording time is approx. 5 minutes, and may vary with recording environment
21. A Class 10 or higher micro SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record videos in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) is also required for recording at 100 Mbps
22. CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=4.25 mm (wide-end), EV8.5, Program Auto, AF area: Wide, NTSC mode
23. With “Continuous shooting mode: Speed Priority Continuous Shooting” and “Image quality: Fine.” Speed will decrease after some shots have been taken
24. With “Continuous shooting mode: Speed Priority Continuous Shooting” and “Image quality: Fine. Under Sony test conditions
25. Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of August 2018): – Android smartphones: Android 5.0 or later and compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or later, iPhone/iPad: iPhone 4S or later/iPad 3rd generation or later
26. Refer to the download page for details: http://www.sony.net/disoft/d/
27. Does not support full functional compatibility with some of the camera models. See Sony support site for details
28. The images are for illustration purposes only
29. Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice