Sony Cyber-shot HX50V designed for enthusiasts (pictures)

The follow-up to the popular and generally excellent HX30V, the HX50V gets a new 30x, f3.5-6.3, 24-720mm lens in a body that's basically the same dimensions and weight as its predecessor: 4.4 inches wide by 2.6 inches high by 1.2 inches deep and approximately 9.6 ounces.

Behind the lens is a new 20-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor.

On back is a 3-inch LCD with a 921K-dot resolution. Controls are similar to the HX30V, but the custom function button has been relocated from the top to the back and there's a new dial on top.

Joining the mode dial on top is one for quickly adjusting exposure compensation. Also, while past models only had full manual and program auto modes, the HX50V has shutter speed priority and aperture priority modes.

The HX50V's flash can be angled back to be used as a bounce flash.

New to the line is a Multi Interface Shoe that can be used with an add-on flash unit.

Or you can pop on a mic for your movie shoots (the camera can record in 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD or in MP4 format at 1,440x1,080-dot resolution at 30fps)...

...Or even an electronic viewfinder. And, as you can see on the side of the body, the camera has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi.