Photographer's Guide to the Sony DSC-HX80 and HX90V

Book excerpt: This book is a complete guide to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 and HX90V cameras, two highly versatile, and pocketable, superzoom models, which offer a 30x optical zoom range from 24mm to 720mm. With this book, author Alexander White provides users of these two very similar models with a manual covering all aspects of the cameras’ operation. Using a tutorial-like approach, the book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to take still images and record video with the HX80 and HX90V, and explains when and why to use the cameras’ many features. The book provides details about the cameras’ automatic and advanced shooting modes as well as their menu options for shooting, playback, setup, and using Wi-Fi connections with in-camera apps. The book has more than 400 color photographs that illustrate the cameras’ controls, display screens, and menus. The images also provide examples of photographs taken using the cameras’ Scene mode, with settings optimized for subjects such as landscapes, sunsets, portraits, and action shots; and the Creative Style and Picture Effect menu options, with settings that alter the appearance of images. The book also provides introductions to topics such as street photography, macro photography, and getting the most benefit from the superzoom lens. The book includes a full discussion of the video features of the HX80 and HX90V, which can shoot HD movies, and which offer manual control of exposure during movie recording. In three appendices, the book discusses accessories for both models, including cases, power sources, and remote controls, and includes a list of websites and other resources for further information. The book includes an appendix with “quick tips” on how to take advantage of the cameras’ features in the most efficient ways possible.