Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 Digital Camera Review

Motion

We're not sure what to make of the TX20's motion test. Although recorded videos are silky-smooth when played back on the rear LCD, the same content is subject to judder when played back on any other device. Otherwise, the videos are great. Trailing is absent, artifacting is nonexistent, and frequency interference is only noticeable in certain scenes. More on how CamcorderInfo tests motion.

Video Sharpness

The sensor is capable of good sharpness during video recording. While using a tripod in non-panning scenes, we discerned 600 lw/ph of detail horizontally and 500 vertically. That's about equal to the Sony TX66. More on how CamcorderInfo tests video sharpness.

Dim ambient light tends to worsen video sharpness, however this was barely the case for the TX20. This time was observed 550 lw/ph horizontally and 500 vertically. Another excellent score.

Low Light Sensitivity

The sensor is not sufficiently sensitive for low light videography. In order to gather 50 IRE of image data, the TX20 required a full 40 lux of ambient illumination. True this is better than many compact cameras, but still not enough for us to award a very high score.