Trying to decide between two Sony digital cameras, which one (2 Options)?

definitely number 1, takes great pics.

Sony's WX9 is a solid dependable point and shoot camera, but the HX9 is a class leading compact with a better lens and far more flexibility. The problem with cameras such as the HX9 is that they sort of fall between the cracks a bit. At the end of the day it is still just an advanced point and shoot camera. *The HX9 does have a tripod mount screw. **If we were looking at Full blown bridge cameras then the Fuji SX-1 beats the Nikon's (Sony based) P500 hands down, and then some!

The more expensive one lacks a tripod receptacle. I'd think twice before choosing either. If you want to get serious about photography, check for cameras within your budget that allow manual control - anything else is gravy, but you want the longest optical zoom possible.

Both of your camera choices have far too many MP...16MP, so neither will produce great image quality. If you think more MP, means better image quality, then you're VERY mistaken. On cameras with a very small image sensor, such as these...less MP means better image quality...not more. The WX9...produces terrible image quality. If you offered me one for free, I would accept it, then promptly give it to someone else. The HX9V...while far from being a great camera, is better than the WX9 and at least it has 14x optical zoom in it's favour. But you can do a lot better, especially in regards to image quality. If you want better image quality, I recommend Canon instead...10-12MP

Go for Sony HX9v - Wide angle lens and optical zoom (16x) are great: 24mm to 384mm in 35mm film equivalent - Excellent clear display (3", 921k) - Great panoramic mode - you sweep the camera around in one motion and it makes a single photo. You can sweep up and down too if the focal length doesn't change too much. - Generally good photo quality for a pocket megazoom camera. - Can easily fit in a jacket pocket or squeeze in a trouser one (camera is 4.2 x 1.4 x 2.4 inches ; 8.6 ounces) - Video stabilizer is exceptionally good and quality is decent too - GPS records your location - Reasonably quick start-up for photo shooting - about 1 second