Our strategy of seeking out older camera models continues to pay off, and the discounts can be impressive. The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS (with less than 200 euros on its label) surprised everyone, but we knew it wouldn't be hard to find rivals. One of them is the Sony DSC-HX60. With 20.4 megapixels, a 720mm equivalent lens, decent 1080p video, and the natural flexibility of its format, it sits a step above the inevitable comparison with smartphones.
Yes, smartphone photography is more than enough for a significant number of users. There's no point denying it, and nothing will change in the short term. That said, the ability to access fuller lenses, a powerful zoom, hot-shoe flashes and other accessories makes dedicated cameras a superior option. That includes the ultracompacts that aim to push phones into the background, even when their sensors are similar.
Design and Specifications
Originally announced in February 2014, the Sony DSC-HX60 features a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor paired with the BIONZ X image processor. ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 3,200 with a boost up to 12,800, and shutter speeds go from 1/1600 to 30 seconds. The screen is a standard 3-inch panel with 921,600 dots, but it offers no touch support and isn't tilting. You won't find a viewfinder here either; technically you could add one, but the final cost would be prohibitive.
The focusing system on the Sony DSC-HX60 is split into three modes: Single AF (AF-S), Semi-manual (SMF) and Manual, plus three focus areas: Wide, Center and Flexible Spot. We definitely welcome the manual mode, as it helps compensate for any quirks of the camera during automatic operation. It's not ideal, but we're dealing with the essential pains of a low-cost ultracompact. Sony reports that the burst rate reaches 10 FPS with a buffer of 10 images, though we'd consider that anecdotal since this isn't a camera designed for high-speed situations. In other words, Sony wants you to shoot outdoors with abundant light, prioritizing ISO values between 100 and 400. Yes, the noise reduction is there, but everything becomes a bit too smooth if you push it. It's a shame the manufacturer decided to omit RAW support, otherwise the correction possibilities would be wider.
The interface of the Sony DSC-HX60 is a bit denser than expected. On the back, all controls appear on the right side, which allows comfortable thumb use. As for customization, we find a single Fn button that's quite easy to reassign. The top configuration reveals a dial for exposure compensation and a classic mode dial with ten entries: Intelligent Auto, Intelligent Auto Plus, Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M), Memory Recall (MR), Movie, Panorama, and Scene Selection (SCN). The manual is a breeze, less than 180 pages that you can absorb in minutes.
Sample Photos
Video and Connectivity
The superzoom element of this ultracompact becomes more relevant when we switch to video mode. The European version of the Sony DSC-HX60 can record 1080p50 at 28 Mbps, or 1080p25 at 12 Mbps. No, the quality isn't dazzling or meant to rewrite rules, but for less than 200 euros it's something we can gladly accept, and I've definitely seen more expensive smartphones with worse results. The main connectivity is via WiFi, with NFC for quick pairing with compatible phones. The PlayMemories app has been replaced by Imaging Edge Mobile, and its minimum supported Android build is 6.0.
Accessories
At the time of writing, the price of the Sony DSC-HX60 is 191 euros. The V variant with GPS requires more than 30 euros extra, but I don't think it's justified (not forgetting that geolocation can be a security risk later on). At the same time, accessories follow the same economical line as the camera. For 130 euros you can add a battery, portable charger, case, tripod, memory card, and even a cleaning kit.
Batteries and Power
A full charge of the official battery in the Sony DSC-HX60 lasts about 380 shots, a reasonable number, though not entirely optimal for a travel camera. The good news is that for less than 18 euros you can double its performance with the compatible Gloxy NP-BX1 battery. The second part of the plan is to recover power on the move, and that's where the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car comes in. At 22 euros, the energy deficit is eliminated. The SKU "0712565913,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-3967" covers the recommended combination.
Tripods and Supports
Weighing nearly 300 grams including battery and memory card, the Sony DSC-HX60 isn't a monster, but it's not a feather in its category either. Still, that weight falls well below the limit for the excellent Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod. Compact, lightweight, with a maximum height of 13.5 centimeters and a very convenient selfie-stick mode, the Manfrotto Pixi is a solid companion for this ultracompact.
Cases and Pouches
Although nothing stops you from carrying the Sony DSC-HX60 in an inner pocket, the lack of weather sealing and other potential risks highlight the need for a good case or a proper pouch. Our minimum recommendation is the Manfrotto Piccolo 5 case, which is cheap (9 euros) but doesn't sacrifice quality. Prefer something more complete? The answer is the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 pouch. Some enthusiasts use it to carry secondary lenses, but it has plenty of room for an ultracompact with its accessories.
Memory Card
Sony will forgive us, but Memory Stick support these days is bordering on irrelevant. The price-to-performance ratio of SD cards is unbeatable, and that extends to Sony's own. The Sony SF-64UY3 64GB card will cover any storage demand on the Sony DSC-HX60 from the start, and with a virtually frozen price of 29 euros, it's hard to go wrong.
Cleaning and Special Kits
As on previous occasions, our last section of miscellaneous items is dedicated to a cleaning kit and an accessory that will help you achieve very interesting effects. On one hand, the Gloxy 6-in-1 cleaning kit is a great ally in keeping your Sony DSC-HX60 in good condition, and on the other, the PhotoBall K9 will give you access to unique shots, especially outdoors.
No, it's not the best. And some enthusiasts won't hesitate to pay more for superior configurations (or with other limitations) within the same category. But at 200 euros (or less)? Let's say the Sony DSC-HX60 is hard to ignore if your budget is very tight. Explore, study, compare, buy. Good luck!
