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Sony HX300 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Sony HX300

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 12800
    • 24-1200 mm F2.8-6.3 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Tilting Screen
    • Electronic viewfinder
    • 10 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 623g. 130 x 103 x 93 mm mm
    • Replaced Sony HX200V
    • Replaced by Sony HX400V
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Sony HX300 Overview

    First introduced in February 2013 , Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 is a 20.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.16 x 4.62 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Tilting screen and 24-1200 mm F2.8-6.3 lens. Sony replaced the older Sony HX200V with this model and later HX300 was replaced with Sony HX400V. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 vs Sony HX200V
    Compare Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 vs Sony HX400V

    Sony HX300 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Sony HX300 has an Overall Score of 41/100 and ranked #87 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #705 out of 1226 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Sony HX300 Physical Specs
    Sony HX300 weighs 623 g and has external dimensions of 130 x 93 x 103 mm (5.1 x 3.67 x 4.06″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 103mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Sony HX300
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Sony HX300
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Sony HX300 with the dimensions:

    Sony HX300 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Sony HX300 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Sony HX300, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Sony HX300 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Sony HX300 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Sony HX300 size with the camera that it replaced: Sony HX200V. Sony HX200V is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 8mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 10mm thinner than Sony HX300.


    Sony HX300 vs Sony HX200V Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Sony HX300 and Sony HX200V Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Sony HX300 with its main competitors:

    Sony HX300 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs HX300 Thickness vs HX300
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX400V
    Compare
    660g 37g heavier 103mm equal thickness
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    590g 33g lighter 122mm 19mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX200V
    Compare
    583g 40g lighter 93mm 10mm thinner
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX350
    Compare
    652g 29g heavier 103mm equal thickness
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony H400
    Compare
    628g 5g heavier 122mm 19mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    595g 28g lighter 106mm 3mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 7g lighter 119mm 16mm thicker
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    650g 27g heavier 114mm 11mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Sony HX300 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Sony HX300 Sensor and Photography Features

    Sony HX300 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.16 x 4.62 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5184 x 3888 pixels. HX300 has a native ISO range of 80 - 12800 but unfortunately, Sony HX300 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider Fujifilm FinePix S1 or Olympus Stylus 1 in the same price range.

    Sony HX300 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Sony HX300 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Sony HX300's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Sony HX300 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Sony HX300 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Sony HX300 Lens

    Sony HX300 features a 24-1200 mm F2.8-6.3 50x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 1200mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    HX300
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    HX300
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but max aperture of f6.30 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    HX300
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    HX300
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    HX300 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Sony HX300's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Sony HX300 LCD and Viewfinder

    Sony HX300 has a Tilting 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Sony HX300 back view and LCD

    HX300 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Sony HX300 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect HX300 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Sony HX300 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX400V
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots Yes No Yes
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    1280 x 720 350shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX200V
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 450shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony HX350
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Sony H400
    Compare
    1280 X 720 300shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 315shots No No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes

    Sony HX300 Video Features

    With Sony HX300, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60,50 fps and save in and formats. Full HD resolution of Sony HX300 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    HX300 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Sony HX300 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 or Canon PowerShot SX60 HS in a similar price range.

    Sony HX300 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Sony HX300 can shoot continuously at max speed of 10 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately HX300 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Sony HX300 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Sony HX300 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Sony HX300 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Full HD Video
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    12.800 Max ISO
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    1200mm Good Tele Lens
    50.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    3D Shooting Capability
    Panorama Shooting
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Sony HX300 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Heavy Body: 623
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.30
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Sony HX300 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Sony HX300 in 5 different photography areas.

    Sony HX300 for Portrait Photography

    Sony HX300 has a score of 37 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theHX300.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3″ (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Sony HX300 for Portrait Photography

    Sony HX300 for Street Photography

    Sony HX300 has a score of 61 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3″ (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Sony HX300 for Street Photography

    Sony HX300 for Sports Photography

    Sony HX300 has a score of 48 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    1200 mm Tele Lens
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.30
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Sony HX300 for Sports Photography

    Sony HX300 for Daily Photography

    Sony HX300 has a score of 52 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    50.0X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    623g
    Body Thickness 103mm
    Small 1/2.3″ (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Sony HX300 for Daily Photography

    Sony HX300 for Landscape Photography

    Sony HX300 has a score of 32 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theHX300.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3″ (6.16 x 4.62 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Sony HX300 for Landscape Photography
    Sony HX300 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Sony HX300 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Sony HX300 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Sony HX300

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Sony HX300 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony HX400V
    Sony HX400V
    Compare
    Sony H300
    Sony H300
    Compare
    Sony HX200V
    Sony HX200V
    Compare
    Sony HX350
    Sony HX350
    Compare
    Sony H400
    Sony H400
    Compare
    Canon SX50 HS
    Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Canon SX60 HS
    Canon SX60 HS
    Compare

    Sony HX300 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Sony HX300 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Sony HX300's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Sony HX300
    Does the Sony HX300 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Sony HX300 have RAW support?
    Does the Sony HX300 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Sony HX300 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Sony HX300?
    What is the Sensor Size of Sony HX300?
    is the Sony HX300 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Sony HX300 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Sony HX300 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Sony HX300?
    What is the Weight of Sony HX300?
    What are the Dimensions of Sony HX300?
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Sony
    Model Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300
    Announced 2013-02-20
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-1200 mm (50x)
    Max Aperture F2.8-6.3
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution n/a
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.16 x 4.62 mm
    Sensor Area 28.46mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3888
    Max Native ISO 12,800
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 623g
    Physical Dimensions 130 x 103 x 93 mmmm
    Other Features
    Self Timer n/a
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Slots 1


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