The photography market already lets us step into the world of DSLR cameras for under 300 euros, and that is exactly what many enthusiasts want. However, those who prefer simpler solutions without having to carry gear or lose too many features might feel at home with a bridge like the Sony DSC-HX350. Image quality is more than decent for the price, and its 1,200mm reach helps us capture scenes that under normal circumstances would be out of reach.
For some, photography is purely urban contact. Streets, architecture, small shops, graffiti and bars. And for others, it has a definitely wilder side. Forests, mountains, rivers, flora and fauna in general. If you lean toward the first case, remember we've seen solid examples like the Ricoh GR III or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX9, but if your idea centres more on documenting nature, then a superzoom camera would be a great ally. The good news is that there are models with very reasonable prices, and that brings us to the Sony DSC-HX350.
Sony DSC-HX350: Closer to Everything
Announced originally in December 2016, the Sony DSC-HX350 features a 20.4 effective megapixel CMOS sensor, backed by the Bionz X image processor. ISO sensitivity spans from 80 to 3,200 with a top boost of 12,800, while shutter speed ranges from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. Its main screen is 3 inches with 921,600 dots of resolution, it tilts up 90 degrees and down 60, but it lacks touch support. The electronic viewfinder is relatively small with just 201,600 dots of definition, yet coverage is 100 percent, and it doesn't sacrifice too much clarity.
Obviously, on the Sony DSC-HX350 everything revolves around its focal length, which reaches a maximum of 1,200mm (equiv.). If you combine that with any of the 13 available effects, the results can be extraordinary (personally, I really like the Miniature effect). The loss of detail is not as severe as expected at extreme values, although we have no doubt that this superzoom's sensor likes to work with abundant light. That doesn't mean night photography is impossible, but from ISO 800 onwards, noise becomes a bit noticeable.
In terms of burst, the Sony DSC-HX350 offers nothing extraordinary. Its 10 fps with a 10-shot buffer should be enough to capture a particularly restless animal, but it's not what you'd call an action camera. The manufacturer doesn't promote it that way, and for its current market value, we can't expect a machine gun either. That said, the lack of RAW support is a small stone in the shoe. Nothing that would break our final experience with the superzoom... but.
At the interface level, an untrained eye could mistake the Sony DSC-HX350 for a DSLR, but once that first impression is set aside, we find it very easy to use. The Finder/Monitor button simply toggles between the screen and the viewfinder. The camera lacks sensors to detect your intention to use the viewfinder. It's not the most elegant thing in the world, but I guess some users will appreciate this manual approach.
The options on the mode dial hold no surprises, a detail that helps in any transition process. The available values are Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus, Program Auto "P", Aperture Priority "A", Shutter Priority "S", Manual "M", Movie Mode, Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection "SCN", and two custom slots (1 and 2) to save your favourite settings, plus an Fn button on top. Secondary instructions are split between the basic manual with 36 pages and the general guide with 150 pages.
As expected, the Sony DSC-HX350 is not a camera that prioritises its video features. Of course, nothing stops you from getting acceptable 1080p60 at 28 megabits per second with its sensor, and SteadyShot comes to the rescue for stabilisation, but the lack of 4K support confirms that video takes a back seat. At the same time, don't expect any wireless connectivity features. Both WiFi and Bluetooth are conspicuously absent, although that saves us the torture of mobile apps.
Accessories for the Sony DSC-HX350
The most effective way a camera can compensate for its natural limitations is through its price, and at 288 euros on the tag, the Sony DSC-HX350 is much more competitive than it was at launch. Another advantage is the relatively low cost of its accessories. For a more than reasonable sum you can add supports, weather protection, extra batteries, and more.
Batteries and Power
The official specs for the Sony DSC-HX350 talk about about 300 shots per battery charge, or 380 if you limit your sessions to the viewfinder and switch off the monitor. The number could be better, but that would require replacing the NP-BX1 module with a more exotic format. For that reason, our recommendation is to pick up a compatible Gloxy NP-BX1 battery for under 20 euros, and the hybrid Gloxy charger for home and car, which ensures recharging even when you're on the move. The battery kit SKU is "0712565913,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-3967".
Tripods and Supports
It weighs 652 grams with battery and memory card. This superzoom may be one of the most compact in its category, but it definitely isn't the lightest. That means you'll need a tripod for the Sony DSC-HX350, and today there's no better solution than the Gloxy GX-T6662A. It supports up to 10 kilograms, has an aluminium alloy build, non-slip legs, is easy to carry, and offers an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. Prefer a smaller option? Then the original Clampod Takeway T1 is on sale. It easily holds the Sony DSC-HX350, and it's a good investment for the future.
Cases and Bags
The Sony DSC-HX350 doesn't come with any weather sealing, so you'll need to pay a bit of extra attention to its storage and transport. Luckily, this isn't a problem that demands a lot of money. The Delta 400a Fancier bag will do an excellent job for under 35 euros, with ample space, a modifiable interior, and extra comfort thanks to its sling style. Want to step up a notch? Then look for a Vanguard Discover 22. It holds a body with two lenses, is rain-resistant, and includes a spot for your mobile devices. The bag kit SKU is "Fancier400a,0714199153".
Memory Cards
The Sony DSC-HX350 doesn't make too many demands in terms of bitrate and storage. The specs indicate it can take Memory Stick, but the most economical and convenient route is SD cards. For example, the Transcend SDHC Class 10 32GB costs just 17 euros and has plenty of room for a large number of shots. Now, if your strategy is to take capacity out of the equation, the Sony SF-64UY3 64GB with 70 MB/s write speed will serve you well.
Special Kits
Cleaning and added value for our final section on miscellaneous items. As I mentioned earlier, the Sony DSC-HX350 doesn't have factory sealing against dust, so your cleaning plans should stay active. For that I suggest the Gloxy 6-in-1 cleaning kit, which includes everything from a blower to a brush, cloth, and special liquid. On the other side we have the Portable Photo Studio kit of 40 x 40 x 40 centimetres, ideal for product photography. Place your Sony DSC-HX350 at 100mm, and shoot!
In summary, if you take the Sony DSC-HX350 out of its comfort zone you might notice a few stumbles, but what interests us is its performance as a superzoom aimed at landscapes and nature, and there it doesn't disappoint. Moreover, public reviews are very favourable, and if it manages to stay below 300 euros, its appeal will be even greater. Good luck!
