Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Review: Sony’s Cybershot DSC-HX9V

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Sony's DSC HX9v

Within 20 mins of using this camera I knew I wanted one. (This is a review camera on loan from Sony).

I took around 20-30 photos of my kids and in that time frame not one of them was a bad shot. A week or so later I still have not read the manual but finding it easy to navigate through all the options and scene selections etc. My favorite setting on this camera is the background defocus which allows you to blur out the background and I found this one especially good for close ups of the kids.

What I also liked was the super zoom. It is a pocket camera, yet, it has one of the highest zooms available in the market. 16 times optical zoom! Made for great photographs where the kids were not aware that we were taking their photos (so they could not do silly poses).

Sony Camera example image

There is one big negative though. The charger port is underneath the camera which means I have to either lay it down on it’s lens side or the LCD screen side to charge. You would need to make sure you have a soft clean space for charging this camera. Consider that a valuable lesson that was learnt the hard way (Screen is now scratched, Sorry Sony!).

In a nutshell:

This is a super zoom Sony Camera with a 16.2 megapixels resolution and 16 times optical zoom. It has GPS functionality so you can easily tag and remember where you took your photographs. There are some other cool features like (Backlight correction, 3D images, full HD recording), but if even if you just want an easy to use pocket camera with photographs that look like they were taken with high end SLR model then go for it!

Comments

  1. I agree this is currently the best in class, I can’t put mine down. I bought a wall charger on amazon for $10 and now I don’t have to deal with the in camera charging anymore!

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.