Skip to main content

Sony fits a 720mm lens inside tiny 4K-enabled Cyber-Shot HX99 and HX95

IFA 2024
This story is part of our coverage of IFA Berlin 2024

Sony

Sony has managed to squeeze a 720mm lens inside a camera that’s less than 1.5 inches wide. During IFA Berlin on Thursday, August 30, Sony launched the smallest compact zoom cameras yet with the HX99 and HX95, two travel cameras with 24-720mm equivalent lenses. Both cameras are slated for an October release in Europe, but there’s no word yet if the compact cameras will ship to the U.S.

Recommended Videos

Both cameras use the 1/2.3 sensor that’s common in compact cameras without a big price tag. Stills cover 18.2 megapixels, while video capture hits 4K with full pixel readout at 30 fps. But the camera’s biggest punch is that it packs a 28x optical zoom lens inside a compact body. The lens uses a maximum f/3.5 at the widest point and f/6.4 on the telephoto end.

The HX99 and HX95 both integrate optical image stabilization. A BIONZ X processor is behind the cameras’ 10 fps burst capture mode. Sony says the autofocus is quick, and both cameras include Eye AF for sharper images of people. While the cameras use a consumer-sized sensor, the new HX cameras still manage to pack in manual settings and RAW shooting.

While the image quality and performance specs from the two cameras appear to be similar, the two different options start to show their differences in the design. The HX99 uses a touchscreen and includes a control ring around the lens for easy access to more advanced settings, such as manual exposure settings. The HX95 lacks both options.

Both cameras are small enough to meet Sony’s claim of the smallest camera yet with a lens over 700mm, as they each weigh 8.6 ounces and are under an inch and a half wide. The HX95 still includes the same pop-up electronic viewfinder of the HX99 and previous generation HX cameras.

The connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

The cameras are the first in the HX series to include 4K video, though don’t quite have the 30x zoom of the older HX90 and HX80 cameras. The sensor and processor specifications remain unchanged from the older models.

The HX99 and HX95, however, are Europe-only announcements for now, and the cameras will be available in that region beginning in October. Sony hasn’t shared prices yet for the Europe launch.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
New Canon EOS R50 V could be the vlogger camera of the year
Canon EOS R50 V

Canon has just unveiled its new EOS R50 V as what could be the ultimate vlogging camera for creators.

Following the Canon EOS R50, this upgrade uses a V as it's all about the video extras. While you still get that premium mirrorless camera setup, now this also pulls in some of the great video features from the PowerShot V1.

Read more
Earth takes on ‘eyeball’ vibes from space
Our planet as viewed through the space station's seven-window Cupola module.

The blue marble and the blue planet are both well-known descriptions of the rock that is our home. But “Earthly eyeball”? That’s a new one.

But when viewed through the International Space Station’s Cupola module, that’s exactly how it looks -- according to NASA astronaut Don Pettit.

Read more
Fujifilm’s new Instax mini 41 offers more instant-print fun
Fujifilm's Instax mini 41 instant-print camera.

Fujifilm has just dropped the latest addition to the Instax instant-print family of cameras. 

The Instax mini 41 is an update on the four-year-old Instax mini 40, bringing with it a sleeker look and new features to ensure you don’t waste a single sheet of the photographic paper that you pop in the back. 

Read more