Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 early review: Camera with a sense of direction

You'll never be lost with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5, a compact camera with GPS and a compass

Richard Trenholm

Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.

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Richard Trenholm

March 9, 2010 7:15 a.m. PT

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You always know where you are with Sony -- at least you will with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. It's a 10.1-megapixel compact camera that packs GPS and a compass, as well as shooting high-definition video.

GPS is totally becoming a thing in the photography world: other GPS snappers include the Samsung ST1000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10.

The HX5 packs a 25mm wide-angle lens, equivalent to a 35mm camera. It also includes image stabilisation and an automatic self-portrait mode. Meanwhile, Sony continues to embrace the SD card, with the HX5 supporting Sony's own Memory Stick and SD cards.

We gave the HX5 a run round the block at camera show Focus on Imaging this week. Click 'Continue' to see GPS, compass and panorama mode in perfect harmony. We'll even tell you the price.

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The HX5 shoots 1080i high-definition video, recorded in AVCHD format with stereo sound.

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The HX5 sports a 76mm (3-inch) screen.

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The HX5 includes GPS and a compass, to geotag your pictures. And tell you which way you're pointing, should you happen to be orienteering.

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GPS adds an extra dimension to Sony's sweep panorama feature, which allows you to press the shutter and move the camera, capturing an extra-wide photo in one movement. You can then use GPS to attach the panoramic picture to a location on maps such as Google Maps or Flickr.