There are very few reasons for someone to buy a compact camera these days. That the device is compact is certainly not one of them, for you have the smartphone in your hand to fit that bill. So camera makers have been focusing on the so-called bridge category, that offers some features that were so far restricted to DSLRs but without making the camera too large. This is where the latest from Sony, the HX350 comes in. Among other features, this camera offers a 50x optical zoom. Sony Cybershot DSC HX350 The Sony HX350 looks like any other bridge camera we have seen in recent times, and there have been a few of those too. However, despite the 50x optical zoom, this camera seems to push the lens out lesser than other cameras of this type. Plus, there is an adjustable LCD panel which makes it really easy to shoot with when you are using the 50x optical zoom or pushing the digital capabilities to 100x zoom. For those who are impressed by smaller detail, the camera sports Carl Zeiss lens. Specs: 20.4MP 1/2.3 type (7.82mm) Exmor R CMOS sensor with BIONZ X engine | Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 50x optical zoom lens | ISO 80-3200 | F2.8 (W) – 6.3 (T) | Optical SteadyShot | 7.5 cm LCD display | 0.5 cm electronic viewfinder. What is good? As I mentioned before, this is one compact camera. I have used a few compact cameras with extra large zoom and this is right up there among the smallest and lightest in the category. It is also very handy to use, offering a good grip. This is important for a 50x, or even 100x, zoom you need very steady hands. Even a small shake can throw you off the subject.
