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Question

Suggestions for a new camera $150-$250

Aug 9, 2011 1:27PM PDT

I'm looking for a new camera between 150 and 250. I have one camera that i am really considering, and it's the sony cyber-shot dsc wx9. it has 1080/60i video, 16.2mp, and background defocus. If anyone has any suggestions for me in this price range that i might like better than this, please tell me your suggestions!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Sony WX9
Aug 9, 2011 11:57PM PDT

That camera has lots of interesting features but is pretty much middle of the road when it comes to picture sharpness.

16 MP small cameras produce excessive noise and the camera maker applies aggressive noise reduction via the firmware. This results in a picture that lacks detail
Look at the photos full size and you see a soft image.
Grass and tree leaves look more like a smudge rather than blades and leaves.

If you are not going to print pictures larger than 4 x 6 inches, it will serve you well.

Here is a CNET quick review.
It says it all.

Look for a camera with no more than about 12 megalpixels (or less) if you want detail.

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Fewer Megapixels
Aug 10, 2011 12:29AM PDT

On that note, check out the Sony HX5V. It is a recently discontinued model, available for under $200. 10 megapixels, 10x zoom lens of a supposedly higher standard (Sony brands their best lenses 'G'), 1080i video, and GPS Geotagging. It has most of the same features as the WX9, but not the background defocus.

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NIkon l120
Aug 10, 2011 1:37AM PDT

My friend suggested the nikon l120. it is not compact, but that doesnt matter. IN terms of image quality, is there anything that can beat this in the price range?

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IQ
Aug 10, 2011 2:08AM PDT

The aforementioned HX5V beats both the L120 and WX9 in image quality. But you should know that you will only notice the difference if you view the photos at full size. If you only print 4 x 6, or view sized to fit a typical monitor (15"-17'), the difference is non-existent to negligible. Also, the higher the ISO used, the more image quality suffers...the HX5V is still better in that regard. What the L120 gives you in exchange is a very long 21x zoom lens.