Because nature is always unpredictable, it’s a photographer’s rule to have the right camera equipment and be ready to know how your camera works. Selecting the best settings will allow you to snap quickly when that nature’s wonder catches your eyes.
These adventures drive you to consider choosing a camera, being rugged and lightweight, two critical factors that will help you chase the wild. You don’t want to be dragging a load of equipment around or groping to change lenses while a subject is running away. More often than not, your off-road vehicle is bouncing around as you search for animals, so having a compact and versatile kit is ideal.
Brand loyalties aside, you would need a camera that you’re comfortable using and know that it will withstand dust, movements, and bumps while running after cagy objects, and that can produce high-quality images of your captured memories.
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Sony DSC-HX350 Review
Getting ready for incredible journeys? Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX350 is a bridge camera that will allow you to capture the best experience in the wild. It features a Zeiss 50x optical zoom lens, a1/2.3-inch sensor, and 20.4 megapixels.
After the HX300, it follows with simple upgrades likened to the older version released back in 2013. Joined by an electronic viewfinder is a tilting rear screen. There’s a range of shooting modes to portray best how you would like your memory to be captured.
Sony DSC-HX350 Specifications:
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 21.2 x 15.6 x 15.2 cm |
| Package Weight | 998 Grams |
| Item Dimension | 11.5 x 13 x 9.3 cm |
| Item Weight | 653 Grams |
| Brand Name | Sony |
| Color Name | Black |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Package Inclusion | Body, Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, AC AdaptorAC-UUD12, Micro USB cable, Shoulder Strap, Shoe Cap, Lens Cap, Instruction Manual |
| ISO Range | 80, 12800 |
| Lens Fixed Focal Length | 215 millimeters |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Lens Diameter | 35 millimeters |
| Part Number | DSCHX350B.CEH |
| Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
| Effective Still Resolution | 20.4 megapixels |
Product Overview
The Sony DSC-HX350 gives you ease in pulling the scene as close as you like with a 50x optical zoom (100x Clear Image Zoom) compact that handles and achieves like a DSLR camera. Distance is not an issue.
This can draw everything closer with a massive 50x optical zoom – for pin-sharp clarity in every shot. Optical SteadyShot image balance helps prevent camera shake even when zooming at the highest setting.
Never miss the sight of the perfect frame. You can Lock-on AF automatically corrects frame size based on your subject’s features for clear and for accurate focusing outputs.
In your choice of frame rate, you can record clear and smooth Full HD movies – even at 24p (24 fps) – for a cinema-like effect.
If you are looking forward to getting more serious with your photography work, try AVCHD progressive format for sharp, professional-looking shots.
Ease of Use
At first look, you might assume that the large size of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX350 is an entry-level DSLR. Indeed, it’s reasonable to say that the design cues have been taken very strongly from interchangeable lens cameras.
A large grip is molded to fit your middle finger while your index finger rests on top of the shutter release. The grip has a rubberized covering, which gives more comfort and quality and makes it sit firmly in your hand.
On the top of the Sony DSC-HX350 is a large ridged mode dial, allowing you to get a tight grip on it. Here you’ll find a decent range of shooting options, including Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Scene, Panoramic, and Program.
There are also semi-automatic and manual modes (PASM) to choose from for advanced users. Those who are more advanced may be dissatisfied to note that raw format shooting is not available for this camera.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 control buttons
There is a camera button for accessing the function or quick menu. You will find a range of useful options, including white balance, ISO, Picture Effect, etc., on this menu. You can customize settings from the function menu, depending on which you use most comfortable with.
Another button just next to this can be customized to control whichever function you find most useful – for example, ISO, metering, and so on. A range of different options can be found in the main menu.
Around the shutter release button is the zoom switch to zoom the extensive lens in and out.
Great zoom
When you zoom out, you will see the lens barrel has marks on it, so you can estimate the equivalent focal length you’re shooting at, for example, 24mm, 135mm, up to the maximum focal length of 600mm.
You can also find a switch on the lens side, which lets you switch to manual focusing.
A “finder/monitor” button on top of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX350 permits you to use the viewfinder as a substitute for the rear monitor and switch it back again.
There is no sensor for automatically detecting when you have lifted the camera to your eye, as it’s less of a natural way of working. Instead, you may only find the switch of the viewfinder when in bright conditions preventing you from using the screen.
The four-way navigational pad has an assigned function to it with each of its buttons, including the left button controlling the timer and the up button responsible for managing the display. The right button controls flash mode – manually push the flash button to lift it.
The central button in the four-way navigational pad can be used to set-up the autofocus point – but first, the Focus Area from Wide or Centre must be changed to Flexible Spot. After this, you can quickly press the central button and then use the directional keys to control the point to where you want it to be.
Tilting LCD Screen
The last three buttons at the back of the Sony DSC-HX350 are the menu button, playback button, and a button that has a couple of different uses, including being the delete button when viewing images in playback.
A couple of ports, the Micro USB port used to charge the camera, and the HDMI port, which is covered by the reasonably sturdy door, are on the side of the camera.
The Sony DSC-HX350’s screen can be tilted upward and downward. Making it efficient for shooting from high or low angles but is impractical with self-portraits or portrait-format images.
As mentioned already, you need to push a button to switch on the viewfinder. Although it is a small finder, the image inside it is practically bright and clear. It seems unlikely you would want to use it for every shot because of its small size, but if you prefer to compose that way, you may find it convenient.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 autofocus
The main menu, accessed by its dedicated button, is relatively well organized, with most settings where you would expect them to be. You may find it as an extensive menu, however, but you might feel more comfortable if you spend more time familiarizing yourself with it when you first get the camera out of the box.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX350 is fast to lock onto a subject in most cases, and it can also focus so close to a subject – making it useful for macro subjects in bright lights. If you are trying to focus in low light, a focusing support lamp keeps making sure the camera focuses.
It may require a couple of back and forth movements to bring it there in low light, but it is not too bad, except the light is shallow. It is also seldom for a false confirmation of focus to be displayed.
Rapid shots are practically good, but it is possible to unintentionally zoom into the preview of your image if you’re trying to zoom in quick succession after a previous shot. Be sure to wait until the screen has cleared before attempting to take your next image, and you should not have this problem. Brushing through images in playback is very receptive.
Image Quality
With sufficient light, the Sony DSC-HX350 can be trusted in taking some incredible photos. If your primary intention for buying a camera like this is to use it on your travels or vacation, where you are taking shots in sunny locations, then you should be very excited and hopeful about what it can produce.
It is always great to see colors and vibrance in every frame, upholding a reasonable degree of realism while also having a satisfying amount of punch. On most occasions, if not all, the all-purpose metering is doing a decent job of making accurate exposures, meaning it was infrequent I needed to dial in any exposure compensation.
Pictures were taken throughout the lens’s focal length display the right level of detail, especially in perfect lighting.
There are ample options for excellent filters and effects that you can use via the Creative Styles or Picture Effects setting. It is best to explore with them to see which you prefer, but always remember, since the camera does not shoot in raw format, whatsoever you shoot with, you cannot remove at a later date.
What’s In The Box?
- Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1
- AC AdaptorAC-UUD12
- Micro USB cable
- Shoulder Strap
- Shoe Cap
- Lens Cap
- Instruction Manual
Pros:
- Compact Camera/Portable
- Tiltable Screen features
- Clear Filters
- Long-Range Zoom
- Image stabilization
- Face recognition
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Limited performance in low light
Conclusion
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX350 suits those who prefer the classic styling of a DSLR but do not want the discomfort of frequently changing lenses or, most importantly, the budget to consider. There is a wide array of modes to pick from, while manual modes serve those who are a little more advanced.
Sony DSC-HX350 is given the 50x focal length lens, which is one of the longest on the market and offers you the best-needed flexibility – especially for capturing scenarios such as wild or even at the animal parks. The screen is good to work with, and being tilted gives you some opportunity to shoot from awkward angles.
The viewfinder can be impractical in some cases, particularly given it does automatically switch on. Still, Sony DSC-HX350 can provide so much comfort as it is handy when bright light stops you from using the screen.
Generally, images taken with good lighting are bright, punchy, and usually detailed. However, if you can avoid low light or stick to low ISOs or use the flash, you will be assured of your work’s impressive results.
In general, the DSC-HX350 – make it your today <-Affiliate link 🙂 is a memorable holiday and adventure buddy, which, if you can explore its functions, it is the best travel companion.
