Sony Cyber-shot HX200V Digital Camera Review

Usability

Sony always offers a great mix of automatic and manual shooting options, and the HX200V sticks with the trend. The auto modes (particularly iAuto+) are much smarter than most hands-off modes, applying clever multi-shot processing tricks to improve photo quality when it's appropriate. You'll never have to think about it. A standard range of manual exposure modes are available, too, as well as a degree of control over processing options like contrast, sharpness, brightness, and noise reduction. The interface still feels caught in an awkward limbo, though, somewhere between a system that caters to casual photographers and enthusiast shooters. It lacks an effective hot key system or quick menu, feels a bit short on buttons, and offers no RAW processing, so hands-on photographers won't get the control they typically desire. But for novices, the extra modes and options could be distracting.