Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V Features 16x Zoom, GPS with Compass

The compact ultrazoom HX9 will offer users a 16x optic with GPS functionality. It comes in a sleek package with all of the premium features we've come to expect from Sony's flagship Cyber-shots.

 
The f/3.3-8.0 Sony G 16x optical zoom lens covers a range equivalent to 24-384mm with 10 elements in 7 groups. Holding a space at the top of Sony's current Cyber-shot offerings, the HX9V will have 1080 HD video recording at 60p and GPS functionality to automatically record a shooter's location.
In context with Sony's latest Cyber-shot models, the HX9V will offer a step-up from the HX7V from a 10x to 16x zoom, a slightly faster f/3.3 lens compared to an f/3.5 and a barely wider angle of view at 24mm compared to the HX7's 25mm.

They share the same 16.2 megapixel backside-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor. The HX9V won't offer an electronic viewfinder, but it will be equipped with a high resolution 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD. Optical Steadyshot is available to reduce blur in images. The HX9V includes Active Mode stabilization, a feature borrowed from Handycam camcorders for extra help when shooting handheld video.

 

The camera's Exmor R sensor/BIONZ processor combo allows for the capture of full-resolution images at up to 10 fps for a total of ten frames. The HX9V, like the just-announced HX100V, will offer 3D Sweep Panorama mode. This feature will create a 3D image from one sweeping shot that is viewable to a 3D effect on compatible 3D HDTVs. New to these cameras is a function called Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR (High Resolution). This mode stitches together an image comprised of 42.9 megapixels for a 10480 x 4096 resolution.