The Sony HX9V created quite a stir when it was released in, what - 2011? In good light the video quality and stabilisation was exceptional for a small inexpensive compact with a big zoom. There have been a few incremental advances with the series since then, but none of the successors have seen a massive improvement in movie mode, possibly the reverse as more pixels have been crammed onto the sensor. However, I've just noticed the announcement of the HX90V which comes with an tilting LCD panel like the RX100 ii/iii, and also a pop-up viewfinder. The lens, while physically smaller, offers the same zoom 30X length and is now a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*. What particularly interests me is the inclusion of the XAVC S codec and 5 axis image stabilisation. OK, it probably won't be special in low light conditions with the aperture only going to f/3.5, but in most situations I'm hoping this camera, or one of its cheaper cut down versions like the HX90 (no GPS but keeps the lens ring) or the simpler WX500 (no viewfinder or lens ring) could offer a lot of bang for the buck. I'm looking forward to the reviews. The alternatives I've been considering are a RX100 (now going for around £300 new), or if I really want the tilting LCD a RX100ii for a bit more, but neither of those shoot XAVC S. The RX100iii is still a bit too pricey for me. Also looked at the A5100 with tilting LCD touch screen, XAVC S, but the interchangeable lens stabilisation almost certainly won't approach the HX90V/HX90/WX500 in effectiveness which is an important factor for me.
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